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MY 4-DAY TEHRAN ITINERARY

DAY 1:

1st Stop: Azadi Tower

Starting off the day with one of the most iconic landmarks of Iran is this tower in Tehran. This is the Azadi Tower and is easily accessible by the subway at Azadi Square station.

Azadi Tower from my Tehran itinerary — Azadi Tower | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours
Nearest train station: Azadi Square station.

2nd Stop: Tabiat Bridge

Tabiat Bridge is the largest pedestrian overpass in Tehran. The 270-meter (890 ft) bridge connects two public parks — Taleghani Park and Abo-Atash Park — by spanning Modarres Expressway. From Shahid Haqqani station, I took a 10-minute hike along the Taleghani Park to reach the bridge.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Shahid Haqqani station

3rd Stop: Milad Tower

Standing at 435 meters, Milad Tower is the tallest man-made structure in Iran. I took this photo while crossing the footbridge near Medan-e Sana’t station.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Medan-e Sana’t station

DAY 2:

4th Stop: Theater Building

After the heavy breakfast c/o Tehran Heritage Hostel (my hostel), I headed to the City Theater subway station to see this famous Theater Buiding in Tehran.

Tehran's Theater Buiding — Tehran’s Theater Buiding | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest train station: City Theater station

5th Stop: Laleh Park

Did you know that I walked 2 km to get here? Though the weather was hot, that long-distance doesn’t seem noticeable when you’re having fun walking and wandering the city of Tehran. With the help of my pre-downloaded Google Maps, I’ve reached this beautiful green area (from the City Theatre Building) which is, by the way, one of the biggest parks in Tehran.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours
Nearest train station: Meydan-e Enghelab-e Islami station

6th Stop: Saint Sarkis Cathedral

Iran is obviously an Islamic country, but believe it or not, there are few Christian Churches here as well. I went to the Saint Sarkis Catherdral to see it for myself. As soon as I enter the gate of the church, an old man called me while signaling his hand for me to come inside the church. It was beautiful inside. Calm and serene. I sit there for a while and prayed. (I was born Catholic by the way in case you’re wondering.)

To get there: I again took the subway and get off at Meydan-e Vale Asr. Then I just walked 10-15 minutes to reach this church.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
Nearest train station: Meydan-e Vale Asr station

7th Stop: Honarmandan Park or Artists Park

Another recreational area with lushed green trees is the Honarmandan Park or Artists Park in Tehran. It is considered as a very important cultural and artistic location in Tehran. It is about 11-15 min by foot from Saint Sarkis Cathedral.

Honarmandan Park or Artists Park | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Meydan-e Vale Asr station

8th Stop: Negarestan Museum and Garden

Negarestan Art Gallery Museum and its garden! My newfound friend Mojtaba (from my Instagram post) took me here. He even paid for my museum ticket which cost 200,000 rials (1.8 USD). This museum is close to my hostel in Baharestan.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Baharestan station

DAY 3:

9th Stop: TAJRISH BAZAAR

I started the morning going up north of Tehran at Tajrish and its Bazaar. Tajrish Bazaar is a great place to see how traditional markets look like in Tehran, from fresh fruits and vegetables to piles of Safran, traditional sweets, all kinds of herbs, olives, home-made sauces, and bizarre stuff.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Tajrish station

10th Stop: Jamshidiyeh Park

From Tarjish, I went further up north to Jamshidiyeh Park. Also known as Stone Garden, Jamshidiyeh Park climbs steeply up the lower reaches of the Alborz Mountains. What a beautiful park!

How to get up there: I went by taxi from Tarjish. Taxi is the only transportation option to get you there. COST of taxi (one way): 200,000 rials (1.8 USD). How to get down: I was in the mode of walking so I went for a stroll down the street of Omidvar till I reach the bigger street of Bahonar. From Bahonar, I took the bus going to Tajrish which saved me some cash instead of going by taxi. COST of bus (w/ hike; one way): 15,000 rials (0.13 USD).

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours
Nearest train station: Tajrish station (need a taxi to get there)

11th Stop: Darband

Another great place to see near Tarjish is Darband. Aside from its cooler weather, Darband offers expensive-looking restaurants and a nice trekking route complete with rivers and waterfalls. For me, this place feels too touristy and the food is pricey, too. So I’d rather eat my “chicken with rice” again down the avenue near Laleh Park haha! How to get there: I took a taxi from Tarjish. If you have strong legs for a 3-km hike, go for it and hike up! COST of taxi: 150,000 rials (1.4 USD).

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours
Nearest train station: Tajrish station

DAY 4:

12th Stop: Tehran’s National Garden (Bagh Melli)

The National Garden is a historical and governmental compound in Tehran, Iran. Formerly referred to as the Parade Square, it used to be a military shooting range during the Qajar period. It was then turned into a public park for a short period, and eventually important governmental offices and museums were built around it.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
Nearest train station: Emam Khomeini station

13th Stop: Golestan Palace

Visiting Tehran will not be complete without seeing the Golestan Palace as it is one of the oldest historic monuments in the city of Tehran. The complex of Golestan Palace consists of 17 structures, including palaces, museums, and halls. The palace is just a short walk from the National Garden.

The admission ticket costs 150,000 rials and there are several add-ons to see as well such as Main Palace (310,000 rials), Howz Khaneh (80,000 rials), Edifice of the Sun (80,000 rials), Wind Tower (80,000 rials), Ethnology Museum (80,000 rials), Halls of Diamonds (80,000 rials), Marble Throne (80,000 rials). As for me, I only purchased the admission ticket just for the sake of telling myself I’ve seen it before leaving Tehran.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 3-4 hours
Nearest train station: Emam Khomeini or Kayyam station

14th Stop: Tehran Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar is considered the heart of the business of Tehran. So many shops here at Tehran Grand Bazaar! This is something not to be missed in Tehran.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1-2 hours
Nearest train station: Kayyam station

15th Stop: BAM-E, TEHRAN

Bam-e Tehran (also known as The Roof of Tehran) is a place located in the north of Tehran where you can go to have a fair view of the city. You can walk through the walking path – it has a mild slope or gets on the available inexpensive bus to get there. There are kiosks and food stalls along the way and at the end of the path.

My friend Mohsen and his wife took me here by car before I leave Iran the next day for Georgia.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2-3 hours
Nearest train station: Tajrish station (need a taxi to get there)

What do you think of this 4-day TEHRAN itinerary?

I hope that you find this 4-DAY TEHRAN ITINERARY useful!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- HostelWorld. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com but looks like Tehran’s hostels/hotels are not available in Booking.com neither in Agoda, so I used HostelWorld. Just like Booking.com, they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.
Flights
- KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are all from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

How To Get An Iran Visa On Arrival (Best Visa Guide Updated)

By Dan Forteza

I visited Iran in September 2019 and managed to get my Iran visa on arrival with no issues at Imam Khomeini International Airport (in Tehran). The beautiful and hospitable Middle Eastern country has been growing in popularity for tourists, and the government is making it simpler for people to visit. Here is my guide on how to get a visa on arrival for Iran.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN IRAN VISA ON ARRIVAL?

Holders of normal passports traveling as tourists can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days (extendable) at major international airports. Note: As of 2026, eligibility is subject to the latest MFA regulations, and most nationalities (including the Philippines) remain eligible for VOA.

Bandar Abbas International Airport
Isfahan International Airport
Kish International Airport
Mashhad International Airport
Qeshm International Airport
Shiraz International Airport
Tabriz International Airport
Imam Khomeini International Airport (Tehran)
Mehrabad International Airport (Tehran)

Visa Policy Map | Wikipedia.org — Visa Policy Map in Iran | Wikipedia.org

IMPORTANT RESTRICTIONS

Visa on arrival is NOT applicable to nationals of the following countries, who must obtain a visa in advance:

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, Somalia, UK, and USA.

Escort Requirement: UK, Canadian, and US citizens are required to be escorted by a government-approved guide at all times. Independent travel for these citizens is not permitted.

Israel: Citizens of Israel are banned from entry. Passports containing Israeli stamps (issued within the last year) will result in denied entry.

WHAT YOU NEED FOR AN IRAN VOA (TEHRAN)

Have these items printed rather than just on your phone:

Onward Transport: A confirmed flight ticket out of Iran. Airlines at your departure point (like Oman Air) often check this before boarding.
Accommodation: A confirmed booking for at least your first night. I recommend HostelWorld for Iran, as Booking.com and Agoda often don’t list Iranian properties.
Travel Insurance: Must explicitly mention coverage for “Iran.” If yours doesn’t, you can buy it at the airport for approximately 15-20 EUR.

No Stamping Policy: To ease concerns about US sanctions, Iran no longer stamps passports or affixes physical stickers. Your visa is handled digitally/electronically.

GET YOUR IRAN VISA IN 5 EASY STEPS

STEP 1: GO TO THE VISA SECTION

After landing, head to the “Visa Section” before immigration. Tip: Women must wear a headscarf upon exiting the plane, and long pants are preferred for all genders.

STEP 2: PURCHASE INSURANCE

If you don’t have a printed insurance policy that mentions Iran, buy one at the counter. As of 2026, the fee is roughly 18-20 Euro.

STEP 3: FILL OUT THE FORM

Complete the basic info (Address in Iran, occupation, etc.). Pro-tip: If you are a blogger, consider listing your formal profession (like Engineer) to avoid unnecessary questions.

STEP 4: PAY THE FEE

Pay the fee in Cash (Euros or USD). For Philippine passport holders, the fee is approximately 65 USD (inclusive of bank commission). Remember: Foreign debit/credit cards do not work in Iran.

STEP 5: WAIT FOR YOUR NAME

Wait 20-30 minutes for processing. Once called, you will receive your passport back. Since there is no stamp, you can proceed directly to immigration.

SUMMARY:

Visa Type: Tourist Visa
Validity: 30 Days
Visa Fee: ~65.00 USD (for Philippines)
Insurance Fee: ~18.00 Euro

2-Day Colombo Itinerary (Sri Lanka) And Travel Guide On A Budget

By Dan Forteza

Deciding what to do and what to see in Colombo, Sri Lanka depends on how much time you have (and your budget as well.) If you only have 2 days in Colombo (like me…) but surely don’t want to miss those must-see places in this beautiful city, this is for you. In this blog, I’ve put together the perfect 2-day Colombo itinerary, specifically for budget travelers, which includes Colombo’s top attractions.

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

DO YOU NEED A VISA?

Depending on your nationality, you might or might not need a visa. Check out my Sri Lankan visa guide to check if you’re eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival or no visa at all.

WHERE IS COLOMBO?

Colombo is a city located on the western coast of the island country of Sri Lanka. It is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka. It is a 3 ½-hour flight away from either Bangkok or Delhi, about 4 hours away from Singapore and, 4 ½ hours away from Dubai.

Language: Sinhala, Tamil
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Airport: Bandaranaike International (CMB)
Preferred mode of transportation: Tuktuk or Uber Tuktuk, Bus
Time Zone: GMT +4 ½

HOW I GOT THERE:

Finding a cheap flight ticket to Colombo, Sri Lanka from Southeast and South Asia is relatively easy (and cheap, too!) I booked mine coming from Bangkok, Thailand.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW TO GET AROUND?

Tuktuk – Also known as a tri-shaw, Tuktuk is a three-wheeled vehicle which I think is the best way to get around Colombo. But as I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog – “walk as much as you can!“.

Many three-wheelers have meters and some can be booked through Uber App. Some drivers, however, will try to not use the meter or won’t have one. Avoid meter-free three-wheelers or agree to a firm price before setting out. I even got victimized by just agreeing with meter-free Tuktuk (haha!) and I paid 3 to 4 times its normal price.

Uber Tuktuk – Ensure you have an Uber mobile app to book your ride.
Private Tuktuk – There are so many Tuktuk drivers in the city who will ask you for a private tuk-tuk tour. I think it’s okay, I got mine for only 200 LKR (1.10 USD) and the driver took me to 3-4 different famous places in Colombo.
City Buses – The best way to find out which bus to take is just to ask people at the nearest stop. They are way cheaper than Tuktuk.

HOW I GOT TO THE CITY:

I arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) at around 9:30 AM from a 3 ½-hour flight from Bangkok. The first thing I looked for at the airport was the ATM to withdraw some Rupees. Then you can also purchase a sim card with mobile internet data to help you navigate the city.

First, a little heads up, when stepping out of the arrival hall at the airport, you will probably be “attacked” by drivers looking for new customers. They can be quite pushy, so keep calm.

Next, I looked for the bus going to downtown Colombo. I found a minibus parked on the road just a short walk from the airport’s arrival exit.

Bus fare from the airport to downtown Colombo: 300 LKR (1.65 USD)
Travel time: 1-2 hours (depending on traffic)

Minibus from Airport to Colombo City | Dantravels.org

WHERE DID I STAY?

The hostel I booked is located in the city center. From the bus terminal, I just walk about 20 minutes to reach my hostel. It is close to the Lakehouse building.

Colombo Downtown Monkey Backpacker’s Hostel: (book here)
- Room type: Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- Rate: 6 USD per night

Colombo Downtown Monkey Hostel 1 — Colombo Downtown Monkey Backpacker’s Hostel | Dantravels.org

Colombo Downtown Monkey Hostel 2 — Colombo Downtown Monkey Backpacker’s Hostel | Dantravels.org

Colombo Downtown Monkey Hostel 3 — Colombo Downtown Monkey Backpacker’s Hostel | Dantravels.org

MY 2-DAY COLOMBO ITINERARY

DAY 1:

1st Stop: Murugan Hindu Temple

Formally known as the Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil, this is the oldest and largest Hindu temple in Colombo and is dedicated to the Gods Shiva and Ganesh. A visit is a must and is included in most Colombo tours. Its monumental towers, with hundreds of colorful ornaments, will delight your eyes.

Murugan Hindu Temple in Colombo — Murugan Hindu Temple | Dantravels.org

Duration: 1 hour

2nd Stop: Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple

This temple is huge and takes about 45 minutes – 1 hour to look around. There are Buddha statues all around the temple and the various rooms. My favorite was the Tiny Buddha encased by a miniature glass dome whose face can be seen very clearly through the magnifying disc—it is supposedly the world’s smallest Buddha statue.

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple in Colombo — Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple | Dantravels.org

Duration: 1-2 hours
Cost: 300 LKR (1.65 USD) per tourist

3rd Stop: Seema Malakaya Temple

Also known as Lakeside Buddhist temple, Seema Malakaya is situated at the center of Baira lake. This is one of the most photographed landmarks in Colombo.

NOTE: The 300-LKR-ticket for Gangaramaya also covers the ticket fee for Seema Malaka Temple if you visit them on the same day.

Lakeside Buddhist Temple in Colombo — Lakeside Buddhist Temple | Dantravels.org

Duration: 1-2 hours
Cost: Included with Gangaramaya ticket

4th Stop: Independence Square

The Independence Square is where independence from the British colonization was celebrated in 1948. Now this place stands as a recreation area for the public to relax and take photos. There’s also the famous Independence Memorial Hall, so make sure you check it out.

Independence Square in my Colombo itinerary — Independence Square | Dantravels.org

Duration: 1-2 hours

DAY 2:

5th Stop: Lotus Tower

Lotus Tower is the latest iconic landmark of Sri Lanka. It includes a rotating restaurant, hotel, and broadcasting stations. If you are a visitor, don’t forget to add this iconic location to your wish list for some great selfies.

Lotus Tower in Colombo — Lotus Tower | Dantravels.org

Duration: 1 hour

6th Stop: Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is an urban park on the ocean side. Locals call it “Colombo’s front lawn,” and it comes to life in the late afternoon with kids flying kites, lovers overlooking the ocean, and stalls selling delicious seafood snacks.

Duration: 1-2 hours

7th Stop: Colombo Municipal Council Hall

Located in front of Viharamahadevi Park, this building is often called “the White House” due to its resemblance to the US building. It is the office of the Mayor and a major striking landmark in the city center.

Duration: 1 hour

8th Stop: ViharamaDevi Park & Buddha Statue

The biggest park in Colombo, situated right opposite the Municipal Council Hall. It features well-landscaped gardens, lotus ponds, fountains, and a golden image of Buddha. It’s a perfect place for leisure activities.

Duration: 1-2 hours

What do you think of this 2-day COLOMBO itinerary?

I hope that you find this guide useful! If you have more days to spend in Sri Lanka, consider these package tours:

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotels: Booking.com (I recommend this for free cancellation options).
Flights: KAYAK (Best for finding cheap fare rates).
Tours: Viator (Leading resource for travel experiences).

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with this link and you will get up to 42 USD off your first stay!

7-Day China Itinerary With Guide + Budget (Pinoy Solo Traveler)

By Dan Forteza

Although China is a massive country, I have always kind-of known where to go if ever I visit Mainland China someday. And that someday happened last November!

Because most economy flights from Manila fly to Shanghai and Beijing, it’s pretty easy to jumpstart a traveler’s China itinerary in either of these two Chinese cities. My travel itinerary, you ask? It’s Shanghai – Zhangjiajie – Beijing – and back to Shanghai!

And I made it all happened in only 7 days!

With my detailed day-to-day expenses included also in this blog, I’m sure budget travelers will find very helpful to estimate their overall travel cost when traveling to Mainland China.

Dan Travels to Great Wall of China — The Great Wall of China | Dantravels.org

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

DO YOU NEED A VISA?

First things first–do you need a visa to travel to China?

NOTE: China we know today is formally known as the People’s Republic of China. Don’t confuse it with the Republic of China which is another term for Taiwan.

If you’re also a Philippine Passport holder, you need to secure a Chinese tourist visa first.

Read my blog on how to get your Chinese tourist visa for Filipinos.

If you’re from another country, you might want to check first the visa policy of China to verify whether you need a visa or not.

CHINA 🇨🇳

Language: Chinese (Mandarin)
Capital City: Beijing
Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY, RMB)
Int’l Airports in this trip: PVG, DYG, PEK, SHA
Preferred mode of transportation: Flights, Trains, Metro
Time Zone: GMT +8

MY CHINESE MAP ITINERARY

1ST STOP: Shanghai – It is the most populous urban area in China and the second-most populous city proper in the world. Shanghai is a global center for finance, innovation and transportation and the Port of Shanghai is the world’s busiest container port.

2ND STOP: Zhangjiajie – It contains the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area which was a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. One of the park’s quartz-sandstone pillars, the 1,080-metre (3,540 ft) Southern Sky Column, was officially renamed “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain” in honor of the movie Avatar in January 2010.

3RD STOP: Beijing – It is the world’s most populous capital city, with over 21 million residents. Beijing is an important world capital and global power city, and one of the world’s leading centers for culture, diplomacy, and politics, business and economy, education, language, and science and technology.

HOW I GOT TO CHINA

Finding a cheap flight ticket to Japan from the Asia-Pacific region is easy breezy. In my case, I got “piso fare” promo round trip flight tickets from Cebu Pacific!

Here were my flight + train itineraries with costs:

Flight Roundtrip, Cebu Pacific: Manila (PHL) – Shanghai (CHN) – Manila (PHL) [$42.24]
Train: Shanghai (CHN) – Zhangjiajie (China) [$35]
Flight, Air China: Zhangjiajie (CHN) – Beijing (CHN) [$105.24]
Flight, Juneyao Airlines: Beijing (CHN) – Shanghai (CHN) [$70.21]
Subtotal: $252.69

If you’re also coming from the Philippines (or wherever in the world actually), I suggest you check Kayak as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites. Per my experience, they’re the best!

WHERE DID I STAY IN CHINA

PVG Shanghai airport waiting area — I spent my first night in China in this Airport lounge | Dantravels.org

Tujia Impression Inn in Zhangjiajie | Dantravels.org

Beijing hostel — Beijing Alley International Youth Hostel | Dantravels.org

My Room Accommodations:

Shanghai, China: (Note: I basically slept at PVG airport’s waiting area upon arrival and then went to downtown Shanghai the next morning.)
Zhangjiajie, China: Tujia Impression Inn (Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory)
Beijing, China: Beijing Alley International Youth Hostel (Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory)

You can book a room at any hotel in Japan through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

If hotel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 43 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link

MY 7-DAY CHINA ITINERARY with EXPENSES

NOTE: I created a more detailed itinerary and guide of my trips to Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, and Beijing. Each has a separate blog as listed on the link below.

DAY 1: DOWNTOWN SHANGHAI

Day 1: Somewhere in Nanjing road (via Nanjing East subway station.)

The Bund and the skyline of Shanghai — Day 1: The Bund and the impressive skyline of Shanghai.

Classical architecture near The Bund — Day 1: Some classical architecture near The Bund in Shanghai.

Crossing Huangpu River — Day 1: The moment I crossed the Huangpu River via this boat behind me.

CNY 200 – Sim card, 10GB data, see note 1
CNY 7 – Subway: Pudong Airport (PVG) station to Nanjing East station
CNY 5 – Bottled Water
CNY 2 – Ferry boat
CNY 8 – Subway: Metro Shanghai station to South Shanghai Railway station
CNY 10 – 2x Bottled Water
Subtotal: CNY 232 [$32.6]

NOTE 1: Unfortunately Google, Facebook, Instagram and other American-based social media / websites are blocked in mainland China. If you’re like me who likes to access Instagram and Facebook on-the-go, you can use a VPN app. When I was in China, I used “Betternet” which has free trial for the first 7 days. I just canceled it before my 7-day trial ended haha!

NOTE 2: My Chinese friend, Peng, toured me around on my first day in China. We later met again on my last day, the day I returned to Shanghai.

NOTE 3: I brought some snacks from the Philippines such as bread, oreos and even kiat kiat oranges that’s why you probably would notice I haven’t bought any food on my first day in China. Plus, Peng also treat me out for lunch on this day!

NOTE 4: At around 6 PM, I went to the railway station to aboard on the railway train going to Zhangjiajie which took 20+ hours!

DAY 2: EN ROUTE TO ZHANGJIAJIE

Day 2: Hard seat class train to Zhangjiajie — Day 2: This is the ‘hard seat’ class of the train where I spent most of my 2nd day in China.

Arriving at Zhangjiajie Railway station — Day 2: The moment I arrived in Zhangjiajie Railway station at around 3 PM.

CNY 156 – Hostel: 2 Night stay
CNY 4.5 – Food: Instant noodles
CNY 3 – Bottled water
Subtotal: CNY 163.5 [$23]

NOTES:

1 – This was a 20+ hour journey. But you’d be awed with the amazing and scenic views on your way to Zhangjiajie!

2 – There are also other types of train classes ( e.g., sleeper class: the one where you can lie down and sleep comfortably,) but comes with a price. Personally, I preferred to go with this one they call “hard seat” class since I’m on a budget. You can book your train ticket here.

3 – The train ticket fee is already accounted for in my flight + train ticket itinerary cost above.

DAY 3: WULINGYAN NATIONAL FOREST PARK

Floating mountains of Zhangjiajie — Day 3: The famous floating mountains of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

10-Mile Gallery peaks — Day 3: The ’10-Mile Gallery’ peaks of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Day 3: Avatar Hallelujah Mountain in Yuanjiajie.

Cable car to Tianzi Mountain — Day 3: The cable car ride to the Tianzi Mountain peak.

Day 3: The Yubi Peak in Tianzi Mountain.

Day 3: The Bailong elevator: claimed to be the highest and heaviest outdoor elevator in the world.

CNY 20 – Minibus: Zhangjiajie city terminal to Wulingyuan
CNY 245 – Fee: Park Entrance ticket price
CNY 38 – Fee: Trolley Ticket to the ’10-Mile Gallery’ peaks
CNY 72 – Fee: Cable Car to Tianzi mountain (one way)
CNY 5 – 2x Bottled water
CNY 72 – Fee: Bailong elevator (one way)
CNY 20 – Minibus: Wulingyuan to Zhangjiajie city center
CNY 4 – Food: Instant noodles
Subtotal: CNY 476 [$67]

NOTES:

1 – Ticket Price of CNY 245 is valid for 4 days. This includes bus rides inside the park as well as insurance. Apparently, there are additional fees for other attractions inside Zhajiajie National Forest Park such trolley, cable car and elevator rides.

DAY 4: TIANMEN MOUNTAIN

Tianmen mountain view — Day 4: Breathtaking view from the top of Tianmen mountain

Hanging Bridge Tianmen — Day 4: The Hanging Bridge

Day 4: Tianmen Cave & The ‘999 Steps To Heaven’

CNY 261 – Fee: Entrance ticket to Tianmen Mountain Park
CNY 5 – Fee: Luggage storage
CNY 5 – Fee: Glass walkway
CNY 15 – Food: Hotdog, corn
CNY 3 – Bottled water
CNY 10 – Food: Oranges
CNY 9 – Food: 2x Cup noodles
CNY 1 – Bus to Zhangjiajie-Hehua airport
Subtotal: CNY 309 [$43.5]

NOTES:

1 – Ticket Price of CNY 261 includes the cableway ride and bus ride. Valid for one day only.

2 – To get there: just simply find the ticketing office of the Tianmen Mountain in the Zhangjiajie downtown. Once you have your ticket, you can reach the mountain by either bus or cablecar.

3 – Later that day (around 5 PM), I went to Zhangjiajie-Hehua airport to catch my flight to Beijing, China.

DAY 5: DAY TOUR TO THE GREAT WALL

Day 5: Group Great Wall Hiking Tour from Jinshanling to Simatai West.

Day 5: The famous Peking Roast Duck at Nanluo St.

CNY 110 – Taxi: Beijing Airport (PEK) to hostel
USD 54 – Tour fee to Jinshanling Great Wall (booked in advance)
CNY 18.5 – Food: hiking snacks
CNY 30 – Peking Roast Duck at Nanluo St.
CNY 3 – Metro to Dongsi station
Subtotal: CNY 161.5 + USD 54 [$76.8]

DAY 6: DOWNTOWN BEIJING

CNY 40 – Fee: Imperial Palace Entrance
CNY 5 – Fee: Beihai Park Entrance
CNY 42 – Food: Rice, snacks, and water
CNY 15 – Metro fares throughout the day
CNY 25 – Airport Express to Beijing Airport
Subtotal: CNY 154 [$21.7]

DAY 7: BACK TO SHANGHAI, THEN RETURN TO PHL

Friend Peng in Shanghai — Day 7: My good friend Peng from Shanghai.

CNY 28 – Metro fares (Airport/Century Park/Lujiazui)
CNY 10 – Fee: Century Park entrance
CNY 24 – Food and Baggage Locker
Subtotal: CNY 62 [$8.7]

And there you have it!

Including the flight costs, here is the overall total of my expenses in China for one week:

TOTAL: $252.69 (flights + railway ticket) + $273.3 (daily costs)

TOTAL: $526.0

RECOMMENDED TOUR PACKAGES

If you have more days to spend in China, you might consider these cool package tours:

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel: Booking.com (Free cancellation options)
Flights: KAYAK (Best for cheap rates)
Trains: Travel China Guide

Sign up for AirBnB via this link to get up to 43 USD free travel credit!

2-Day Beijing Itinerary: China’s Great Wall And Beijing’s Must-See Places

By Dan Forteza

Beijing, China’s capital city, is brightened by its glorious past. Having served as the capital of the country for more than 800 years, it is home to some of the finest remnants of China’s imperial past. That’s why I didn’t skip this massive city even though I only have two days remaining in my China travel itinerary.

After visiting Shanghai and Zhangjiajie, I flew into Beijing to explore both the rich history and the ever-changing modernity of the city. And you probably guessed it right – the Great Wall of China is on the top of my Beijing itinerary must-see list!

The Great Wall of China at Jinshanling | My Beijing itinerary — The Great Wall of China at Jinshanling | Dantravels.org

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

WHERE IS BEIJING?

Beijing is located in northern China. Its name, which means “Northern Capital”, was applied to the city in 1403 during the Ming Dynasty to distinguish the city from Nanjing (the “Southern Capital”). It is roughly a 2½-hour flight away from Shanghai, almost a 4-hour flight away from Tokyo, or a little more than 4½ hours if coming from Manila.

Language: Chinese
Currency: Chinese Yuan (RMB)
Airport: PEK
Preferred mode of transportation: Subways / Walking
Time Zone: GMT +8

HOW I GOT THERE:

Finding a cheap flight ticket to Beijing, China from Southeast and East Asia is relatively easy (and cheap, too!). Coming from Zhangjiajie airport, I flew into Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) via Air China. PEK airport is the main international airport serving Beijing. It is located 32 km northeast of Beijing’s city center.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW TO GET AROUND?

Metro / Subways are the best way to get around Beijing. The Beijing subway system is modern and easy to use (all signage is in Chinese and English), but often crowded, so don’t expect a seat. Fares range from 3 RMB to 8 RMB.
Buses are cheap and they go everywhere, but difficult for non-Chinese speakers to negotiate, and often overcrowded. Fare per trip is 2 RMB; with a travel card it becomes 0.8 RMB.
Bikes have taken over the sidewalks and streets in Beijing in recent years thanks to the bike-sharing craze. Mobike and Ofo make it easy to rent bikes around the city.
Walking is a great way to build up your travel experience since it can lead you to scenic places that you wouldn’t normally find on a map. I walked a LOT while in Beijing!
Other means of transportation are taxis and rickshaws, but I don’t recommend them for budget and short-term travelers.

TIP: Your navigation would be much easier if you are using Google Maps. If you don’t have mobile internet, you can use an offline map app called Maps.me.

WHERE DID I STAY?

I arrived at PEK airport at around 1:00 AM from a 2½-hour flight from Zhangjiajie. I took a taxi to get me to my hostel since the airport train service only runs until 11:00 PM. It took about 40 minutes to reach my hostel.

TIP: When using a taxi, make sure you have the hostel address in Chinese characters since most taxi drivers do not recognize English writings.

Taxi from PEK airport to my hostel – 110 RMB (~15 USD)
Beijing Alley International Youth Hostel: 2-night stay (book here)
- Hostel room type: 1 Bed in Dormitory-type room
- Hostel rate: 473 PHP (~9.3 USD) per night

Beijing Alley International Youth Hostel | Dantravels.org

MY 2-DAY BEIJING ITINERARY

DAY 1:

1st Stop: Great Wall of China

The breathtaking view of the Great Wall of China | My Beijing Itinerary — The breathtaking view of the Great Wall of China | Dantravels.org

I was soaked into the scenery of the beautiful Great Wall at Jinshanling-Simatai during a full-day hiking tour! To get away from the crowds at Badaling or Mutianyu, I booked a group day-tour via Viator to take me to a less crowded section of the Great Wall in Jinshanling.

- Duration (getting there + visiting): Whole day! (Approximately 9 hours)
- Price: 31.99 USD per person
- Meet-up point: Beijing Downtown Travel Service Co., Ltd., No.85 Nanluogu Alley, Jiaodaokou, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Groupie with fellow travelers from the full-day hiking tour | Dantravels.org

Here are the itinerary details of the tour:

Full-day hiking tour to Great Wall of China at Jinshanling, from Beijing
Hike from Jinshanling to Simatai West with an experienced and English-speaking guide
Admire the mountain scenery while walking along a remote 3.7-mile (6-km) part of the Great Wall of China
Check out 15 guard towers along the route
Learn about the Ming Dynasty and why the Great Wall was built
Includes guide, entrance fees, and round-trip transport from Beijing

Whether you’re a solo backpacker or with friends, this full-day hiking tour is TOTALLY RECOMMENDED!

Great Wall of China view — One more look at this breathtaking view of the Great Wall of China | Dantravels.org

DAY 2:

2nd Stop: Tian’anmen Square

Tian’anmen Square is a city square in the heart of Beijing where Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. It is named after Tiananmen, which literally means “Gate of Heavenly Peace”. The area is heavily secured and often very crowded.

NOTE: Bring your passport or valid ID for security checks.

Duration: 1 hour
Nearest Subway: Tian’anmen East or West Station

3rd Stop: The Imperial Palace / Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is massive and historically significant. Expect large crowds but excellent preservation of ancient architecture. You’ll need at least 2–4 hours to explore properly.

Entrance fee: 40 RMB

TIP: A guide is highly recommended to understand the history deeply.

Duration: 2–4 hours
Nearest Subway: Tian’anmen East or West Station

4th Stop: Beihai Park

Beihai Park is a peaceful escape near the Forbidden City. It features a large lake, walking paths, and scenic views.

Entrance fee: 10 RMB

Duration: 2 hours
Nearest Subway: Tian’anmen West / Beihai North

5th Stop: Beijing Olympic Stadium

Bird's Nest Stadium — Bird’s Nest Stadium | Dantravels.org

The Olympic Park is home to the iconic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. Great for an easy stroll and photos.

Duration: 1 hour
Nearest Subway: Olympic Sport Center Station

6th Stop: Lama Temple

Lama Temple is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples in Beijing.

Duration: 1–2 hours
Nearest Subway: Yonghegong Lama Temple Station

7th Stop: Nanluoguxiang Street

Nanluoguxiang is a famous hutong-style shopping street filled with traditional alleyways, cafes, and shops.

Duration: 1 hour
Nearest Subway: Nanluoguxiang Station

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this 2-day Beijing itinerary useful. It’s fast-paced but covers many of the city’s highlights.

2-Day Zhangjiajie Itinerary: China’s Wulingyuan Park & Tianmen Mountain

By Dan Forteza

Do you want to explore the famous Avatar mountains? Well, I do and…I did! The box-office movie Avatar, released in 2010, made Zhangjiajie a world-famous travel destination for tourists seeking traces of the iconic “Hallelujah Mountains.”

Tourists visiting Zhangjiajie are often overwhelmed by the region’s peculiar sandstone forest landforms and the magnificent scenery of Wulingyuan and the surrounding areas. Even with just a 2-day Zhangjiajie itinerary, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a magical mountain fairyland.

Floating Mountains from the movie Avatar | james-camerons-avatar.wikia.com

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel — a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

Avatar Floating Mountains in Yuanjiajie | Dantravels.org

WHERE IS ZHANGJIAJIE?

Zhangjiajie, located in the northwest of Hunan Province, China, offers some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the country. It is roughly a 2-hour flight from Shanghai or about 2.5 hours from Beijing.

For international travelers, the most common flight routes usually include a stopover in major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong. Because of this, I recommend spending a few days exploring those cities first before booking a flight or train ticket to Zhangjiajie.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheaper flight rates compared to other booking sites.

Language: Chinese
Currency: Chinese Yuan (RMB)
Airport: DYG
Time Zone: GMT +8

HOW I GOT THERE

Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (DYG) is the main airport serving the Zhangjiajie region. If you’re like me and enjoy long train rides, you can also reach Zhangjiajie by train.

Coming from Shanghai Railway Station, I took an overnight train bound for Zhangjiajie Railway Station. The journey took almost a full day, and I arrived at around 2:00 PM. My Zhangjiajie itinerary officially started the following morning.

Shanghai South to Zhangjiajie ticket price — 35 USD
Ticket class — Hard Seat
Booking website: Travel China Guide

Train to Zhangjiajie — My train to Zhangjiajie | Dantravels.org

WHERE DID I STAY?

From Zhangjiajie Railway Station, I used Google Maps to navigate my way to my pre-booked hostel. I walked about 1.2 kilometers, which took around 20 minutes. I love walking and wandering around new places, so I actually enjoyed it!

Tujia Impression Inn:
- 2-night stay
- Room type: Standard Room, 1 Bed
- Hostel rate: 78 RMB (~11 USD) per night
- Book here

The hostel is located in downtown Zhangjiajie City.

NOTE: There are three main areas where you can stay in Zhangjiajie:

Zhangjiajie City downtown
Wulingyuan (just outside the park)
Inside the park itself

If you plan to spend more than one day exploring Wulingyuan Scenic Area, staying in Wulingyuan is the best option.

Tujia Impression Inn in Zhangjiajie City downtown | Dantravels.org

Tujia Impression Inn room — Tujia Impression Inn in Zhangjiajie City downtown | Dantravels.org

Tujia Impression Inn interior — Tujia Impression Inn in Zhangjiajie City downtown | Dantravels.org

You can book a room at any Zhangjiajie hotel or hostel through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my accommodations through Booking.com because many properties offer free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel options.

If hostels are not your thing, you can also try Airbnb. Staying in an Airbnb often gives you a more local and homey experience since many rentals are located inside neighborhoods and residential communities. I’ve used Airbnb on some of my other trips and really enjoyed it.

If you’re new to Airbnb, you can get up to 42 USD travel credit by signing up through this link.

MY 2-DAY ZHANGJIAJIE ITINERARY

I personally prefer traveling solo because I can customize my itinerary and travel at my own pace. However, if you prefer package tours and a more relaxed experience, I highly recommend using Viator. Click here to find the best Viator deals in Zhangjiajie.

DAY 1: WULINGYUAN – ZHANGJIAJIE NATIONAL FOREST PARK

The Wulingyuan Mountains, officially known as the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, is a 397-square-kilometer UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1992 and later recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2004.

The park includes four scenic zones:

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Tianzi Mountain
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
Suoxiyu Nature Reserve

The entire Wulingyuan area is part of Zhangjiajie. You can download the park map here.

Ticket Price: 245 RMB (valid for 4 days)
- Includes bus rides inside the park and insurance
- Does NOT include:
  - 10-Mile Gallery trolley ticket — 38 RMB
  - Tianzi Mountain cable car — 72 RMB
  - Bailong Elevator (one way) — 72 RMB
Duration: Whole day
- NOTE: Wulingyuan Park is huge! There’s so much to explore that fully seeing all four zones in one day is nearly impossible.
How to get there:
- From downtown Zhangjiajie, go to Zhangjiajie Central Bus Terminal and take a mini-bus to Wulingyuan.
- Travel time: 40 minutes to 1 hour
- Mini-bus fare (one way): 20 RMB

Main Entrance to Wulingyuan Park

Cable Car to Tianzi Peak

Yubi Peak (Tianzi Mountain)

The Ten-Mile Natural Gallery

Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (In Yuanjiajie)

BAILONG ELEVATOR

DAY 2: TIANMEN MOUNTAIN

Tianmen Mountain is the second most-recommended tourist area in Zhangjiajie after the forest park.

Just as stunning as the Wulingyuan-Zhangjiajie Park, Tianmen Mountain’s highlights include the Tianmen Mountain Cableway (the longest in the world), the famous 99 Bends Road, the Hanging Bridge, the Glass Skywalk, and Tianmen Cave — a giant natural opening often called the “Gateway to Heaven” with its iconic 999 steps.

Ticket Price: 261 RMB
- This includes the cableway ride and bus ride.
- Valid for one day only.
- This does NOT include the Glass Walkway fee (5 RMB).
Duration (getting there + visiting): Whole day
How to get there:
- In downtown Zhangjiajie, simply go to the Tianmen Mountain ticket office where the cableway line starts.
- I walked there directly from my hostel.
- Once you have your ticket, you can either go up by cable car or by bus.
- Take note that if you go up by cable car, you’ll need to go down by bus (and vice versa).

VIDEO: Cablecar

Glass Walkway

TIANMEN TEMPLE

The Hanging Bridge

VIDEO: Tunnel Escalators

Tianmen Cave & the “999 Steps to Heaven”

Tianmen Cave and the 999 Steps to Heaven

What do you think of this 2-DAY Zhangjiajie itinerary?

I know I was rushing in this do-it-yourself 2-day Zhangjiajie itinerary, but I still hope you find it informative and useful!

If you have more days to spend in Zhangjiajie, you can include these cool tours from Viator Zhangjiajie .

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

Book AGODA here Book BOOKING.com here Get AIRBNB $43 free credit

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com — I usually book my hostel accommodations through Booking.com. Room options range from budget hostels to luxury hotels, and many listings offer free cancellation or pay-at-the-property options.

Use my Booking.com link and you may get cashback rewards after your stay.

Airbnb
- Airbnb is also a great option if you prefer cozy apartments or neighborhood stays during your Zhangjiajie trip.

New to Airbnb? Sign up here to check available travel credits and discounts.

Flights
- KAYAK is one of my preferred flight search engines because it compares fares across many booking websites.

Check flight prices on KAYAK for possible cheap fare deals.

Zhangjiajie Package Tours
- Viator is a popular platform for booking guided tours and travel experiences around the world.

Browse available tours through Viator Zhangjiajie .

1-Day Shanghai Itinerary: Best Places To See In Shanghai On A Budget

By Dan Forteza

Shanghai is a renowned international metropolis drawing more and more attention from all over the world. When I visited Shanghai last November 2017, I found the perfect blend of cultures — the modern and the traditional; and the western and the oriental. Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwined and formed the city’s culture making my 1-day Shanghai itinerary even more memorable.

So without further ado, whether you’re staying for a day or two, here is my do-it-yourself Shanghai itinerary which includes the city’s top attractions.

Some classical architecture near The Bund in Shanghai | Dantravels.org

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel — a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

WHERE IS SHANGHAI?

The city of Shanghai, whose name literally means “on the sea”, is situated on the east China coast just to the south of the mouth of the Yangtze River. From its great location, it serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, and cultural center in East China. It is about a 3½-hour flight away from Manila or about a 5½-hour flight away from Singapore.

Language: Mandarin Chinese
Currency: Chinese Yuan (RMB)
Airport: PVG, SHA
Preferred mode of transportation: Metro / Walking / Bikes
Time Zone: GMT +8

HOW I GOT THERE:

Coming from Manila, I scored a really cheap (like really cheap!) flight ticket to Shanghai via Cebu Pacific Air.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW TO GET AROUND?

Metro / Subways are the best way to get around Shanghai. While the metro can get very crowded during rush hour traffic, you’ll avoid the inevitable street traffic this way. With base fare just 0.45 USD, all signs, maps, and station announcements in both Chinese and English, this is the preferred way to get around Shanghai for international travelers.
Walking is a great way to get around central neighborhoods in Puxi or in the old city area of Yuyuan. Despite the huge size of Shanghai, you’ll be amazed at how navigable the city really is! It’s worth taking a stroll along the Huangpu River, where on either side you have access to breathtaking views of the city skyline at the Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, or at Shanghai World Financial Observatory. And as I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog — “walk as much as you can!“
Even though cars are found everywhere, bikes have seen a revival in recent years. There are dedicated cycle lanes on the roads and drivers are fairly cautious around cyclists. So if you’re up for an adventure, biking is a fun and memorable way to get around the city and experience Shanghai like a local. There are a few bike-sharing apps that you can download to your smartphone to reserve bicycles for as low as 1.00 USD per half hour, such as Mobike and Ofo. Bikes can be picked up wherever you find one available on the app and dropped off conveniently at your destination.

Bikes for rent parked in the streets of Shanghai | Dantravels.org

WHERE DID I STAY?

I actually did not stay in any hostel or hotel in Shanghai. Arriving from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) at midnight, I took some rest at the airport’s arrival area and stayed there for a few hours until dawn. Before hitting the metro train to take me to downtown Shanghai, I looked for the ATM to withdraw some Yuan cash and then bought myself a sim card with internet to help me navigate the city.

Sim Card with 10GB internet data – 200 RMB (~28.00 USD)

TIP: Unfortunately Google, Facebook, Instagram and other American-based social media are blocked in mainland China. If you’re like me who likes to access Instagram and Facebook on-the-go, you can use a VPN app. When I was in China, I used Betternet which has free trial for the first 7 days. I just canceled it before my 7-day trial ended haha! Go and check it out!

From PVG airport, taking a metro train is the most convenient way to get myself to downtown Shanghai.

Pudong PVG airport to Nanjing East station – 7 RMB (~1.00 USD)

After a day in Shanghai, I took an overnight train going to Zhangjiajie in Hunan province.

But if you’re looking for a good room accommodation in Shanghai, you can book a room at any hotel through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

If Shanghai hostel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

MY 1-DAY SHANGHAI ITINERARY

1st Stop: The Bund

The Bund is undoubtedly on the top of the list of things to see in Shanghai. Thus, I made it my first stop of the day. Although this place is typically crowded, it is perfect to unwind a little to its marvelous architecture and views of the futuristic Lujiazui skyline!

The Bund and the impressive skyline of Shanghai | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest metro station: Nanjing East station

2nd Stop: Nanjing Road

Without any specific shopping in mind, I went down to Nanjing road from “The Bund”. Along the Nanjing road has the most popular shopping area of Shanghai, but be warned it is packed with people. To me, experiencing and observing the energy of the people as well as the classical architecture of Shanghai are just priceless.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest metro station: Nanjing East station; People’s Square station

3rd Stop: Yuyuan Old Street

Yuyuan’s Old Street is a great place to see what old Shanghai looked like. The fact that you can walk this street and then look up and see the new Shanghai is an incredible juxtaposition.

Old Chinese houses in Yuyuan | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest metro station: Yuyuan station

4th Stop: Yuyuan Garden

In the middle of a bustling city of Shanghai, I was surprised at how serene this garden could be, even with many tourists sharing the space.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest metro station: Yuyuan station

5th Stop: Century Park

Century Park is in the middle of Shanghai Pudong area. Great space to stroll and relax. It’s nice to have such a large space in the city to chill.

Getting my bike ready near Century Park | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest metro station: Century Park station; Yingchun Road station; Shanghai Science station

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest metro station: Yuyuan station

5th Stop: Century Park

Century Park is in the middle of Shanghai Pudong area. Great space to stroll and relax. It’s nice to have such a large space in the city to chill but entrance fee costs 10 RMB. If you opt not to get in, you can instead just rent a bike and circle around the free area like I did haha! Thanks to my Chinese friend, Peng for helping me rent a bike!

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest metro station: Century Park station; Yingchun Road station; Shanghai Science station

6th Stop: Shanghai Tower

Located at financial district of Lujiazui, Shanghai Tower is the second tallest building in the world after Burj Khalifa in Dubai and one of Shanghai’s most iconic buildings. I personally went to Lujiazui to get a closer look at this tower.

There is an elevated ring road where you can admire the view of the tower and stroll in the shadow of some of the world’s tallest buildings.

If you want to get to the observation deck of the building, you have to buy tickets. You can buy them here .

Shanghai Tower behind me | Shanghai itinerary — Shanghai Tower behind me | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest metro station: Dongchang Road station; South Pudong Road station

7th Stop: Oriental Pearl Tower

This building may look like an alien base (haha!) but it is also one of the iconic buildings in Lujiazui district together with the Shanghai Tower.

It is exceptionally beautiful when lit in glowing colors at night. You can buy a ticket here in advance to get you to the observation deck and be amazed by the beauty of the city.

But I prefer to gaze and view the magnificent light show on the Oriental Pearl Tower from the ground.

Oriental Pearl Tower behind me | Shanghai itinerary — Oriental Pearl Tower behind me | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest metro station: Dongchang Road station; South Pudong Road station

What do you think of this 1-DAY Shanghai itinerary?

My good friend Peng from Shanghai | Dantravels.org

I probably could not have made my 1-day Shanghai tour more enjoyable and memorable without the help of my Chinese friend Peng. He was very kind and accommodating throughout the day.

By the way, he was the one who translated my “I Quit My Job to Travel” blog into Chinese haha!

All in all, I hope that you find this 1-DAY SHANGHAI ITINERARY useful!

If you have more days to spend in Shanghai, you can include these cool places in your Shanghai itinerary:

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation through Booking.com. Room accommodations range from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Booking hostels through Booking.com also gives you options like free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel.
- Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms for your Shanghai itinerary! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it.

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 PHP) off your first stay. Click here to get that discount.

Flights
- KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE ) as they usually offer cheaper fare rates compared to other booking sites.

Shanghai Package Tours
- Viator. Viator is one of the world’s leading resources for researching, finding, and booking the best travel experiences worldwide.

Click here to find the best Viator deals in Shanghai!

2-Day Sapporo Itinerary: Best Places To See In Sapporo, Japan On A Budget

By Dan Forteza

While many travelers see the city of Sapporo as a transit hub to access Hokkaido’s mountains and hot springs, there are enough worthwhile attractions to keep you here for days. Summer is the season for beer and food festivals. In February, despite the harsh cold, Sapporo’s population literally doubles during the famous Festival of Snow and Ice.

But if you only have 2 days in Sapporo and surely don’t want to miss those must-see places in the city, this blog is for you. Here, I’ve put together my do-it-yourself Sapporo itinerary, specifically for budget travelers, which includes Sapporo’s top attractions.

Meet Pepper the humanoid robot. I met him at Tanukikuji Underground Mall | Sapporo itinerary — Meet Pepper the humanoid robot. I met him at Tanukikuji Underground Mall | Dantravels.org

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines.

WHERE IS SAPPORO?

Sapporo is the largest city on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. It is also the fifth-largest city of Japan by population. It is about 1-½ hour flight away from Tokyo and could take up to 8 hours if you go by bullet train from Tokyo.

If you go in winter as I did, everything is so white and pristine…a beautiful winter wonderland for people like me who grew up in a tropical country!

Language: Japanese
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Airport: CTS
Preferred mode of transportation: Trams / Subway
Time Zone: GMT +9

HOW I GOT THERE:

Coming from Tokyo, I bought a cheap flight ticket to Sapporo via Jetstar Air. It was actually much cheaper (and of course way faster) than going by a bullet train. There are a lot of economy flights going to Sapporo so it’s better if you go by plane.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW TO GET AROUND?

Subways and Trams are the best way to get around Sapporo. But as I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog – “walk as much as you can!”
- Subway – Sapporo has three subway lines that can take you to many places throughout the city. Fares are generally anywhere from 200 yen to 360 yen per ride, depending on how far you’re going. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines outside the stations.
- Trams or Streetcars – Sapporo’s tram network is one of the city’ more unique transportation methods. With only about seven minutes between each streetcar, it is one of the fastest ways for you to get around some areas of town. The fare is only 200 yen, so it’s a reasonable alternative to subways or trains.

If you already have a prepaid Suica card, you can still use it in Sapporo to pay for transport. If you haven’t, you can buy a Suica card online at GoVoyagin.com for pickup at Narita or Haneda airport.

TIP: Your navigation would be much easier if you are using Google Maps. Google Maps was my savior in Sapporo! In Japan, it is very reliable and accurate. If you’re looking for travel directions, it will give you all different options and how much it will cost for each option. You can either buy a sim card here or rent a pocket wifi here for pick-up at various airports across Japan.

WHERE DID I STAY?

I arrived at New Chitose Airport (CTS) at around 8:00 AM from a 1-½-hour flight from Tokyo. Outside CTS airport, there are buses departing every 15-20 minutes from about 5:30 am to 10:30 pm. Taking a bus is the cheapest option (costing JPY 1,030) and take about an hour to downtown Sapporo with stopovers from various stations and hotels around the city.

So I then took the airport shuttle bus to go downtown Sapporo at Minami 3 Jo Susukino stop where my hostel is about 2-3 minute walk.
- Bus ticket from CTS airport to Minami 3 Jo Susukino – 1,030 JPY (9.7 USD)
Capsule Inn Sapporo: 2-night stay (click here to book)
- Hostel room type: Capsule Type Bed
- Hostel rate: 2,500 JPY (23 USD) per night
- Important: This hostel is for MEN only

NOTE: There were no private bathrooms in the hostel, only the so-called indoor ONSEN. As a foreigner, it was a bit strange for me to strip off naked and bathe side by side with other people. But at the end of the day, it was a unique yet memorable experience I would treasure! Don’t worry, cameras are not allowed inside the onsen bathroom. Keep in mind also the Onsen etiquette in the photo below.

You can book a room at any Sapporo hotel through Agoda or Booking.com. I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

If Sapporo hostel isn’t to your liking, try AirBnb. Airbnbs are immersed in neighborhoods, condos, and townhomes. There is a feeling you get when you stay in an Airbnb that makes you feel like you belong in that city or town. Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

MY 2-DAY SAPPORO ITINERARY

DAY 1:

1st Stop: SUSUKINO

Susukino is a vibrant and busy pocket of Sapporo. This is also called the downtown of Sapporo. Around Susukino, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and shopping centers. There is a subway stop here and an underground passageway connecting you to Odori Park and other parts of the city. I spent most of my time in this area since it is closed to my hostel, Odori park, and the TV tower.

At Susukino taken from McDonalds’ | Dantravels.org

- Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
- Nearest train / tram station: Susukino station

2nd Stop: Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Located between Odori Park and Susukino, this above-ground but covered shopping street is a number of blocks long. So if you’re going to Odori Park from Susukino by foot as I did, you’ll pass Tanukikoji Shopping Street. This place is full of bars, food shops, game arcades, souvenir shop, animal cafe, drugstores, and everything! Perfect to buy some cheap souvenirs haha!

Tanukikuji Shopping Centers | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train / tram station: Tanukikoji station

3rd Stop: Odori Park

In summer, this park is beautifully decorated with flowers and fountains. In winter, it becomes spectacular because of the famous Yuki Matsuri, the Festival of Snow and Ice. However, when I visited in late February, the festival had just ended and the park was still covered in snow.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest train station: Odori Station

4th Stop: Sapporo TV Tower

You should definitely visit this TV tower as it is one of the main landmarks in Sapporo. The tower is located along Odori Park, and from its observatory deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of Sapporo City and the park below. You can buy tickets here in advance.

Overlooking Sapporo TV Tower at Odori Park | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest train / tram station: Odori station

DAY 2:

5th Stop: Sapporo Tram Ride

Riding the tram in Sapporo was an interesting experience since Tokyo does not have streetcars. Unlike the subway, the tram lets you enjoy the sights and sounds of the city while traveling. The fare was also very affordable at only 200 Yen. The tram’s circular loop brought me around Sapporo and eventually to my next destination — Fushimi Inari Shrine.

NOTE: On weekends and holidays, they offer the special Dosanko Pass, which gives unlimited rides for one day for only 360 Yen. Children can also ride free when accompanied by an adult carrying the pass.

An inside look of one of the trams in Sapporo | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour

6th Stop: Fushimi Inari Shrine

Visiting this shrine requires a short uphill hike from the nearby tram stop. The area is peaceful and scenic, especially during winter when the falling snow creates a beautiful atmosphere. The long row of torii gates at the entrance was especially memorable and provided plenty of great photo opportunities.

Duration (getting there + visiting): 2 hours
Nearest train station: Nishisen Juroku Jo station

7th Stop: Sapporo Clock Tower

A Japanese friend once told me that the Sapporo Clock Tower is Hokkaido’s most famous landmark because it is one of the oldest structures in the region. Built in 1878 during the early development of Sapporo, the tower stands just about 200 meters from Odori Park.

There is an entrance fee to go inside, but I decided to admire it from outside. Honestly, taking a good photo with the clock tower was enough for me!

Duration (getting there + visiting): 1 hour
Nearest train station: Odori station

8th Stop: Mt. Moiwa

The viewpoint at Mt. Moiwa offers one of the best panoramic views of Sapporo City and Ishikari Bay. This is definitely something you should not miss while in Sapporo.

Using Google Maps directions, you can hike for a little over an hour from Ropeway Iriguchi station through a well-marked trail lined with Buddhist statues. However, be extra careful during winter because the trail can become heavily covered in snow.

If you prefer not to hike, you can take a shuttle bus instead. From Ropeway Iriguchi tram stop, walk about 3 minutes to the free shuttle bus going to the cable car station. From there, two cable cars will bring you to the summit: one to the halfway station with a gift shop, and another to the top where you’ll find an observatory deck and café.

You can also book a Sapporo Night Tour here.

The snowy city of Sapporo taken from Mt. Moiwa’s viewpoint | Dantravels.org

Duration (getting there + visiting): 3–4 hours
Nearest tram station: Ropeway Iriguchi station

What do you think of this 2-day Sapporo itinerary?

I hope that you find this 2-DAY SAPPORO ITINERARY useful!

There are other awesome (and cheap!) Sapporo tours available at Viator Sapporo.

If you have more days to spend in Sapporo, you can also include these places in your itinerary:

Hokkaidō Shrine
Jozankei Onsen Hot Spring
Maruyama-koen Park
Shikotsu-Tōya National Park
Moerenuma Park
Sapporo Beer Museum

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comment section below.

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com — I usually book my hostel accommodations through Booking.com. Room accommodations range from budget hostels to luxury hotels, and many properties offer free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel options.
Airbnb — Try Airbnb for cozy and comfortable rooms during your Sapporo trip. I’ve used Airbnb on several of my travels and loved the experience!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up using my link and get up to 42 USD (2,200 PHP) off your first stay. Click this link to claim the discount.

Flights
- KAYAK — Most of my flight bookings are through KAYAK, one of the world’s leading travel search engines.

I suggest checking KAYAK (HERE) since they often offer cheaper fares compared to other booking websites.

Sapporo Package Tours
- Viator — One of the leading resources for finding and booking travel experiences around the world.

Click here to find the best Viator deals in Sapporo.

How To Apply For Sri Lanka e-Visa / ETA (2022’s Best Visa Guide Updated)

By Dan Forteza

If you’re planning to visit Sri Lanka and looking for a guide on how to apply for a Sri Lanka e-Visa or e-Tourist Visa, then you’re in the right place. With Sri Lanka’s tropical climate, sandy beaches and scenic train rides, I’m sure no one can say no in skipping this beautiful South Asian country on their travel bucket list!

WAYS IN OBTAINING SRI LANKA’S TOURIST VISA

Apply e-Visa / ETA online – This is the online visa application process that I’ll be discussing on this blog. Moreover, visitors are STRONGLY urged to use the online system to avoid lengthy delays at the port of entry. ~~e-Visa costs USD 35~~ (please see update below). An application can be done either as an individual or as a group.
Get Visa on Arrival/VOA – Visitors with tourism purposes may visit Sri Lanka with a Visa on Arrival for up to 30 days. There is a counter at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for people who arrive without a visa, although you’ll have to wait with the other visa-less masses which can take several hours ~~and then pay a higher fee: USD 40~~ (please see update below).
You can also obtain visas at Sri Lankan embassies abroad. This is not very convenient though.

NOTE: If you’re a citizen from these 21 countries*, unfortunately, you’re not eligible to get an e-VISA or VOA but instead are required visa in advance from one of Sri Lankan diplomatic missions.

*Afghanistan; Cameroon; Republic of the Congo; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Cote d’Ivoire; Gabon; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Kenya; Liberia; Mali; Myanmar; Nigeria; North Korea; Sierra Leone; Sudan; Syria; Uganda.

UPDATE as of July 31, 2019: Tourism Minister John Amaratunga says tourists or those visiting for business purposes could get their FREE visa on arrival or by applying online. The measure will be effective for six months, starting August 1, 2019.

WHAT IS SRI LANKAN EVISA?

e-Visa, also known as Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), is an official authorization for a Short Visit to Sri Lanka and is issued electronically. The ETA is introduced with the intention of providing an efficient, reliable and simplified service to those who visit Sri Lanka. ETA holders will be issued a 30 day Short Visit visa at the port of entry in Sri Lanka. The ETA has taken effect since January 1, 2012.

NOTE: If you’re a citizen of Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore, you do NOT need a visa to enter Sri Lanka (per basis of reciprocity). How lucky!

But don’t you worry! Getting an e-Visa is not that complicated. I received my ETA document attached via email on the same day I applied! The process is fast, simple and straightforward.

But again, just like in other visa application blogs I’ve written, no one can give you the guarantee of your Sri Lankan e-Visa’s approval – not me, not even a lawyer or a travel agent. If anyone does, is most likely a scammer.

As a travel blogger, what I can offer you here is just a guide with helpful tips to increase your chances of getting that e-Visa. =)

GET YOUR SRI LANKA E-VISA IN 4 EASY STEPS

STEP 1: GET YOUR ROOM ACCOMMODATION READY

When filling up the application form online, you need to indicate your Address in Sri Lanka under the “Contact Details” section. if you’re not visiting a family or friend, fill it in with the address of your hostel/hotel.

Contact Details section from Sri Lanka e-visa website | Dantravels.org — Contact Details section from Sri Lanka’s e-visa website | Dantravels.org

You can book a room at any Sri Lanka hotel through Agoda or Booking.com.

I usually book my room accommodations through booking.com. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Since it is someone’s home, there is a certain amount of pride you feel while staying there. I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

If you’re new to AirBnB, then you can get up to 42 USD free travel credit by signing up via this link.

STEP 2: APPLY AT SRI LANKA’S e-VISA WEBSITE

For you to be able to facilitate your application ONLINE, just follow the through the below steps:

Go to www.eta.gov.lk and select your preferred language (English for me!)
Click the “Apply” tab and under “Submission of ETA application by the applicant”, click the “Apply” link.
If you are applying as a group, there is an appropriate link for that in the next section below it.

From Sri Lanka e-visa website | Dantravels.org — From Sri Lanka’s e-visa website | Dantravels.org

Then it will lead you to the terms and conditions page, just choose “I Agree”.

Under Tourist ETA section, select the option that applies to you. Since I was applying as an individual, I clicked on “Apply for an Individual”.

Complete the requested information under sections:

Applicant Information;
Child information in parent’s passport (if applicable);
Travel Information;
Contact Details – Add here your hotel name and its address from Step 1.
Declaration

Then confirm that the information you provided are correct before click the “next” button.

4. On the next page – Review your information. Make sure your email is correct since your ETA will be sent to you via email. Then confirm to proceed with your payment.

From Sri Lanka’s e-visa website | Dantravels.org

REMEMBER: Once you proceed, you can NO longer change any of the information, so make sure you’ve got everything right.

STEP 3. PAY THE VISA FEE

You will then be directed to the next page to provide your payment.

Pay the relevant ETA processing fee using your electronic payment cards (credit card/e-commerce enabled debit cards) and submit the application. Only Visa, Master and American Express Cards are accepted.

HOW MUCH DOES THE VISA COST?

Countries from SAARC:
- Tourist visa with Double Entry for 30 days – USD 20.00
All Other Countries:
- Tourist visa with Double Entry for 30 days – USD 35.00

Check out the detailed visa fee here.

NOTE: Payment is non-refundable & non-transferable.

UPDATE as of July 31, 2019: Tourism Minister John Amaratunga says tourists or those visiting for business purposes could get their FREE visa on arrival or by applying online. The measure will be effective for six months, starting August 1, 2019. This is Sri Lanka’s latest effort to revive the island nation’s lucrative tourism industry, which was badly hit by the Easter bomb attacks.

Check out the related news here.

I submitted my e-visa application on Aug 1, 2019 and thus, I did not pay anything. It’s totally FREE!

The acknowledgment page prompts you with notification – “Your ETA application to visit Sri Lanka has been received. You will receive a response to your application within 24 hours.“

However, there was no confirmation email that your application has been received so just be patient for the next 24 hours.

STEP 4. WAIT FOR THE RESULTS OF YOUR APPLICATION

After you completed the whole online application process, you just have to wait for the result of your e-Visa application.

In my case, I submitted my application at around 8:30 AM (GMT+8) and then I received an email at around 2:40 PM (GMT+8), the same day, that my e-Visa application status is APPROVED!

Once approved, print out your e-visa approval confirmation. Upon arrival, it is advisable for you to bring a copy of the ETA approval notice along with you.

See how easy it is to apply for Sri Lanka e-Visa? I hope this blog helps you in any way. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a reply in the comment section below. I’ll reply as soon as I can.

With all that said, I wish you all the best on your Sri Lanka e-Visa application!

SUMMARY:

Visa Type: ETA / e-Visa

Visa Validity: 30 Days from your initial arrival

Entry type: Double Entry

Visa Fee: FREE

BOOKING ESSENTIALS

Hotel / Hostel
- Booking.com. I usually book my hostel accommodation at booking.com. Thus, I recommend you guys trying it as well. Room accommodation ranges from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Book hostels through booking.com as they have free cancellation or pay-at-the-hotel option.

Use my link to book your hostel and you’ll get 10% of your booking back after your stay. Click this link to get that discount.

- Airbnb. Try Airbnb in finding comfy and cozy rooms! I have used Airbnb on some of my other trips and I loved it!

Have you tried Airbnb? Sign up with my link and you will get up to 42 USD (2,200 Php) off your first stay. Click this link to get that discount.

Flights
- KAYAK. All of my flight bookings are all from KAYAK. Kayak is one of the world’s leading travel search engines and searches hundreds of travel sites.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

Travel Insurance
- World Nomads. If you don’t have travel insurance when times get tough, basically you are screwed. Traveling always comes with inherent risks attached. Whether you are trekking in the Nepalese mountains or wandering the streets of Colombo, unforeseen events can suddenly upend your world.
- Generally speaking, travel insurance covers you for the following:
  - Medical Costs – hospital visits, emergencies, evacuations;
  - Property Loss – luggage and their contents;
  - Travel Issues – accommodation and transportation expenses.
- Thus, I highly recommend you guys getting a travel insurance. I bought one from the World Nomads (available in 130+ countries) where most travelers get their travel insurances.

Go to this link to get to your World Nomads travel insurance.

5-Day Tokyo Itinerary: Best Places To See In Tokyo, Japan On A Budget

By Dan Forteza

Deciding what to do and what to see in Tokyo depends on how much time you have (and your budget as well.) If you only have 5 days in Tokyo (like me…) but surely don’t want to miss those must-see places in the megacity, this is for you. In this blog, I’ve put together the perfect 5-day Tokyo itinerary, specifically for budget travelers, which includes Tokyo’s top attractions.

Hi there! First of all, I am Daniel – a solo backpacker from the Philippines. If you don’t know my story yet, feel free to read this article where I talked about how I quit my job in order to travel. This article was also featured on TripZilla Philippines .

WHERE IS TOKYO?

Tokyo is Japan’s capital and the world’s most populous metropolis. It is a 3-hour flight away from Shanghai, 4½ hours away from Manila, and 12 hours away from Los Angeles.

Language: Japanese
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Airport: NRT, HND
Preferred mode of transportation: Metro Train / Subway
Time Zone: GMT +9

HOW I GOT THERE:

Finding a cheap flight ticket to Tokyo, Japan from Southeast and East Asia is relatively easy (and cheap, too!) I booked mine coming from Manila, Philippines.

I suggest you check Kayak (click HERE ) as they usually offer cheap fare rates compared to other booking sites.

HOW TO GET AROUND?

Subways and trains are the best way to get around Tokyo.
As I mentioned in my budget travel tips blog — “walk as much as you can!“
A prepaid Suica card is the BEST way to pay for transport. You can buy a Suica card online at GoVoyagin.com for pickup at Narita or Haneda airport.
Buses aren’t recommended for short-term visitors.
Taxis are excellent but rather expensive.

TIP: Your navigation would be much easier if you are using Google Maps. In Japan, it is very reliable and accurate. If you’re looking for travel directions, it will give you all different options and how much it will cost for each option. You can either buy a sim card here or rent a pocket wifi here for pick-up at various airports across Japan.

WHERE DID I STAY?

I arrived at Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) at around 7:30 PM from a 4-hour flight from Manila. The first thing I looked for at the airport was the ATM to withdraw some Yen and then a sim card with internet to help me navigate the city.

Sim Card with internet – 3,300 JPY (30.22 USD)

Next, I bought a train ticket to Nippori station where my hostel is only a 5-minute walk.

Train ticket from Narita airport to Nippori – 1,030 JPY (9.43 USD)
Hotel Owl Tokyo Nippori: 4-night stay (click here to book)
- Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- Hostel rate: 755 PHP (14.8 USD) per night
Hostel Waqwaq Tokyo Ueno Asakusa: 1-night stay (click here to book)
- Hostel room type: Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
- Hostel rate: 652 PHP (12.8 USD) per night

Hotel Owl Tokyo Nippori | Dantravels.org

Hostel Waqwaq Tokyo Ueno Asakusa | Dantravels.org