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.