Tsukiji Outer Market

Located in central Tokyo, Tsukiji Market is a large wholesale market for fish, fruits and vegetables . It is known as one of the world's largest fish markets and also famous for its tuna auction.

Tsukiji Market consists two areas - an inner market where most of the wholesale business and the famous tuna auctions are being held, and an outer market where one can find retail shops and restaurants. The inner market is a bit restricted as public may interfere with the businesses being conducted. There are set rules of follow should visitors visit the auction area. Only 120 people are allowed to enter the area in 2 batches. One must wake up early to line up and if successfully included in the list he can view the auction.

Should one is unable to go to the inner market, the outer market is worth visiting. It is just adjacent to the inner market and you can see the busy turret trucks transporting goods in and out of the market. Walk carefully and be mindful of the rush.

Different stuff, goods and seafood eateries can be found at the Outer market.  All sorts of food related goods, knives and fresh seafood and produce are for retail sale.



fresh vegetables

One should not miss sampling fresh sushi or sashimi breakfast or lunch at one of the local restaurants. There are restaurants both in the inner and outer market area, which are  open from 5:00 in the morning to around noon or early afternoon. Please get there early to sample the freshest seafood and avoid long queue.

Prices range from Yen 1,300 to 3,000.

Tsukiji Market can be reached via Toei Oedo subway line Tsukijishijo station.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Jingu Shrine is a Shinto shrine which can be reached via JR  Harajuku Station.

To reach the main shrine complex one has to take a long walk passing by a huge torii.

 There are lots of tall trees on both sides and it feels you're like inside a forest. There is also an inner garden , a treasure museum and café .

The brochure mentioned that the shrine is dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken. After their demise, people wanted to commemorate their virtues and donated 100,000 trees from all over Japan to create this forest like atmosphere of the shrine.

There are display of barrels of sake wrapped in straw .

One can be lucky to witness a traditional wedding march during a visit.

There is a tree surrounded by wooden votives where you can buy one at Y500 and write your wishes.



main  building of the shrine

The place is so relaxing and calming. Autumn leaves are nice to see especially in November. Entrance is free.

 

After visiting the shrine, one can pass by Harajuku which is popular for shopping and dining amongst the Japanese youth.

Hotel Mystays Hamamatsucho, Tokyo, Japan

Located within walking distance to Tokyo Tower, Hotel Mystays Hamamasutcho is a nice , clean hotel with all the amenities a traveller is looking for.

 It is already given that space in Tokyo is expensive and small. The room in this hotel maybe a bit small but it is comfortable and clean. There is free wifi, there's a small refrigerator, coffee maker, ironing equipment, hair dryer, TV, humidifier , safety deposit box, hangers and a comfortable bed.

 

The staff at the reception is very nice , friendly and helpful especially in giving directions and calling the cab.

Several 24 hour convenience stores are within walking distance - Family Mart, Lawson, 711 and some popular fastfood brands like McDonalds, Subway, Yoshinoya. You will never go hungry. Also within the vicinity are Japanese restaurants and ramen-ya.

Tokyo tower 

There are two train stations nearby. Daimon Station is 2 minute walk and Hamamatsucho on the JR line is 8 minute leisurely walk.

Overall, this hotel is very good for budget traveller at the average rate of  USD115.00/ night. You can reserve via online and cancellation is free 7 days prior to arrival.

Their website-http://www.mystays.com

Batlag Falls- A hidden gem in Tanay, Rizal

Located in Barangay Sampaloc Tanay, Rizal are two waterfalls - Daranak and Batlag.
Daranak is quite crowded and one can opt to hike to Batlag Falls which is within distance from Daranak Falls.

Batlag falls is inside the Daranak falls compound so that you pay two entrance fees, P50 for Daranak and P100 for Batlag. After paying the fee, a very steep heart pumping uphill walk will take you to a clearing and tiny wooden plank to reach the falls. You can hire a picnic table for P200 and rubber tubing for P20.

Batlag has changed over the  years . It is now brighter and no longer gloomy with old bamboo tables. The trees are pruned  to let  sunlight in. Whereas before, it looked like a jungle with lots of mosquitoes.  Batlag has two catch basin- one is 4 ft deep and the other 15ft. You will really enjoy the shallower basin.  You can go underneath the cascading waters and will enjoy hydro massage on head and back.

 

Below has the 15 ft deep catch basin.

With the gaining popularity of waterproof cameras, you can now take picture while water is pouring on your self. Rubber tubes can be rented at P20 each. There are several smaller flowing waters and this can be interesting to photography buffs.

You can opt not to rent a table as you can place your things in a clear spot. Just make sure someone will watch over them.

There is no shower room at Batlag but you can wash at the Daranak Falls compound. You have a choice of shower that is free or with minimal payment.

How to get there

From EDSA Starmall: There are vans (GT-express) that are lined up in front of the mall. Look for Tanay bound vans. The fare is  70 pesos. Tanay Market would be the last stop but you can alight at Jollibee. Depending on the traffic, travelling time should be less than 2 hours.

After alighting at Jollibee or the market, you need to ride (open) tricycle to get you to Daranak.  Fare is P200 but if you're a group of 4 you can split it at P50 each. You will reach Daranak Falls entrance in less than 20 minutes

Essentials to bring
- sunblock / sunglasses
- plastic bag / mat
-water / Food
-aqua shoes

Please don't litter; take your trash with you when you leave. Help conserve the environment. Nature is kind to those who are kind to nature.

Calinawan Cave - Tanay, Rizal

Calinawan cave is one of Tanay, Rizal's popular destinations. You can detour to the cave before proceeding to Daranak Falls. It is about 2.5 hour ride by UV Express Van from Starmall Edsa/Shaw Blvd to Tanay market. It can be reached by tricycle from Tanay MarketThe road to the cave is rough, unpaved and bumpy. It is about 30 minute travel and will cause some head bumps so be extra careful and hold tight.

Upon reaching the cave entrance, you need to register and pay P200 for the guide and P20 entrance fee. Our male guide is very knowledgeable of the nooks and crannies of the cave as he has been living in the area since he was 10 years old and he used to play inside the cave.

cave entrance

There are fascinating rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave. With a bit of imagination and visual angle one can create images out of the rock formations.

 Watch out for low stalactites where your head can bump into. The guide will tell you when to duck, bend and twist your body to be able to pass through. Some rocks are not to be touched because they can die. Human hands are acidic and the acidity will somehow affect the growth of the rocks.

 If you are claustrophobic, caving is not for you. It is advisable to wear closed footwear to protect your toes and also it can get slippery due to the mud. There are 5 levels inside the cave. You will only be brought to 2 levels as level 3 to 5 are only for the experienced and geologist. The guide can also be your photographer. He will point out to you the better angle to take the shot.

Cave exit

Our guide in yellow tshirt with ID

This is my fourth  cave experience. The first one was Hinagdanan in Bohol and second was Hoyop Hoyopan in Albay and third Enchanted cave in Bolinao. Caving is a wonderful experience especially for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Please be mindful of the surroundings and don't leave trash so that our caves will be preserved.

How to get there:
1-take a UV express van from Starmall bound for Tanay. Fare is P70. get off at Jollibee or Tanay market
2- hire a tricycle P200 one way to Calinawan cave and another P200 to Daranak Falls. Tell the driver to fetch you. Fare back to Jollibee or market is P200

Sol y Viento - Sun and Wind

It was a rainy weekend and we're already at Tagaytay road headed to Canyon Cove in Nasugbu. It was a last minute change of venue because of the overcast clouds and intermittent rains. We googled for the nearest resort and found Sol y Viento . We contacted them and we're fortunate that there was a rainy day off peak promo 50% on room rate. We got a cabana at Php3500 complete with indoor jacuzzi, queen size bed, TV, A/C, ref, microwave oven, coffee maker and a tiny kitchen.

Sol y Viento is located atop a hill in Pansol, Laguna. It is easy to find and the road is paved. There's ample parking. The reception area is nice and you can see Laguna de bay. The front desk staff was friendly and quickly assisted us with our reservation. Check in was smooth. A male staff drove us to our cabana via 4 passenger golf cart.  He was very courteous and friendly as well.

The room was spacious and clean. Bed was soft but firm and comfortable. Love the four pillows.

Aircon working fine. TV has cable channels. It has free wifi connection. Toilet and bath was clean and smell good. There is bidet which I like in a toilet. 

The jacuzzi area has a glass wall over looking the lush green hill. It has a nice curtain which you can adjust to your desired length.

Jacuzzi

Water bubbling

The water coming out of the faucet was hot and we waited for the jacuzzi to be filled for about 2 hours. The water was very hot and we had to ask the reception on how to cool it down a bit. We were surprised that after 20 minutes, a male staff brought us 2 sacks of tube ice. We were so happy and thankful that ice made the water a little colder and we're able to enjoy the jacuzzi. However, we found out there was no cold shower only hot. This was a let down because we were not able to shower off completely.

Outdoor, there were 3 swimming pools overlooking the bay and the mountains. The bay and the mountain views were refreshing.

 They also have this man made waterfalls but the water was a bit cold. 2 of the pools with hot spring while the big pool was really cold.

There was a mini team building area which has signs of not being used for a while.

There are other areas at the resort you can check out.

Restaurant is run by Barrio Fiesta. Food was a bit pricey though. Menu is your usual Filipino dishes and nothing fancy.

I commend all the staff who were friendly, cheerful and customer oriented. I love the Manong who brought us tube ice to cool down the jacuzzi.. I do hope they fix the hot & cold shower because it's all hot and no cold. Overall, it was a great weekend get away.

Mahogany Market - Tagaytay

There are many places you can go to when you're in Tagaytay . Along the ridge are rows of restaurant, boutique hotels, fruit stands and viewing areas to see Taal lake and volcano. There is one  place where people stop by to get local produce, fruits, plants, homegrown beef and to eat famous bulalo or beef bone marrow soup.

Mahogany market has two sections . One section has stalls selling wide variety of fruits and vegetables. There are also herbs in pots and flowering plants. Fruits in season abound and reasonably priced. Go around the stalls and ask for prices to get an idea which stall offers the best price.  Haggle nicely and you can get some discount. { Fruit prices indicated herein are during the peak season.}

dragon fruit @Php100 per kg

Avocado @Php60 per kg

Mangosteen @ Php90/kg

The other section or building has the meat stalls and the restaurants. Meat from home grown cows abound and one can choose any beef cuts. Price per kilogram varies depending on the meat part.

Located on the second floor of the meat section are food outlets offering local dishes including the famous Bulalo.  Beef bone marrows &, ligaments are boiled until tender to get a clear yummy soup. The bone and marrow are also being served with the soup. Tell the food attendant that you want bulalo with meat. Otherwise, they will serve you portion with little meat.

One can also order variety of dishes like fried tawilis, adobo, menudo, daing na bangus. The place can get crowded and hot especially during weekend. Note that bulalo is cholesterol laden dish and one has to take it easy when eating bulalo. It can raise your cholesterol level.

Fried Tawilis

Beef Bulalo @Php300 per bowl

There are also several stalls nearby selling dried fish, squid, smoked fish, peanuts. Grab some smoked fish which can be cooked and served at breakfast.

Parking may become a problem near lunch time so better come early. Also, wear light clothes as it tends to get hot in the market.

How to get there:
By private car
From Tagaytay Rotonda, drive straight to the road going to Batangas. Upon reaching a Y road with Petron Gas station, turn right and drive about 4km. You can see directional sign and Mahogany market is on the right.

Fortune Island -Nasugbu, Batangas

Located about 14 km from the coast of Nasugbu, Batangas, Fortune Island was once a luxurious resort but due some circumstances , it was abandoned and no more developments were made on the island. However,  the pillar inspired by the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, has lured many tourists, locals and foreigners alike, to this island.

One way of getting  into the island is by arranged day tour but with meeting time of 230am leaving Manila at 3am. The travel time is about 2 hours. You want to arrive in Nasugbu as early as 6am to catch the sunrise and the first boat. The boat ride to the island is about 1hour. Better visit this island on a good weather as the waters can be treacherous on a rainy day.  For a day tour, it is ideal to leave the island before 3pm to avoid the rough waves.

Upon reaching the island, you will immediately be drawn to the greek inspired columns as they stand at the edge of the cliff, tragic but beautiful remnants. 

 

It is sad to see the dilapidated cabanas and main building.

Trash like empty water bottles and alcohol litter the place.
 

However, the turquoise colored waters , the semi fine white sand and the beach will compensate for these ruins. 

Please take note:

• There’s no potable water in the island ; you need to bring bottled water ( included in the day tour package is 5 gallons of water)
• Bring your own food both for day and overnight trip; please bring trash bag and take with you your trash when you leave the island
• No bathroom  - (you can take a shower back at the jump off point resort)
• No working toilets for visitors - though the caretaker has his own little toilet but there is no flash ; he can offer it to those with emergencies only but you need to fetch water from the sea
• The heat becomes so intense around 10am onwards so bring extra protection (umbrella, lotion, sunscreen, shades, wear rashguard.)
• Do not be deceived by nice photos of the island; there are also not so nice part like the garbage scattered around the island and at the beach left by irresponsible visitors
• After 4-5 hours at the island, nothing much can be done and the stay may become boring. 

Things to do in the Island

• Swimming, snorkeling, cliff diving, photo shoot, hiking

Going back to Manila, you can opt to take the route  via Ternate, Naic and other municipalities of Cavite all the way to the newly opened Cavite Expressway (Cavitex). You will see  green rice fields, sea view and pass through Kaybiang tunnel where you can stop and take souvenir photos. 

There are food stalls near the tunnel and you can try siomai, banana cue and arroz caldo.
 

Travel time to Manila via Cavitex is around 3.5 hours because of the heavy traffic both in Cavite and in Macapagal Boulevard.

Expenses:
Tour  Php1,800 inclusive of van, breakfast, landing permit, boat rental
packed lunch at Jollibee Php 100
bottle water 1 liter Php 25.00
miscellaneous/pocket money Php 300 

Inquire from tour operator at 09156238961 or visit FB page Yob Red