Why travel to Busan?

Busan seems underrated next to Seoul. Though the city represents a more laid back image in contrast with the capital's fast-paced life, Busan earned and uphold its rank as the 2nd largest city and widely-known as the "Summer Capital of South Korea". No pun intended, but it is discerningly noticeable that common people hailing from this southeast tip of the peninsula, as we all amicably agreed, are warmer. If my memory serves me right, this was just the aftermath. This long-awaited vacation will never be possible without my husband's tight-knit family. Their collective participation on flight selection, preferred accommodation, itinerary building, and budgeting was a huge deal. We saved almost half as much than booking tailor-made packages in full.

1. Airfare:

There are several airline companies flying out Manila for Busan, South Korea. Our main goal was to search for a promo fare as we'll be travelling in a group of seven (7). Choices went down to two (2). Between Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air, we decided to go with the latter. Please note, this trip was precisely planned 5 to 6 months before the intended travel. Though we never got the chance to procure "Piso Fares", at least half of the original fare was reduced per way. As far as I can remember, an estimated fare for each costs about Php 6,000 without the baggage. We only had a combined total of 60 kilos baggage allowance as an add-on and divided amongst ourselves and this helped us save a lot more.





2. Accommodation:

It would be a wise move either to rent a house/apartment thru Airbnb or simply stay in a dormitory when travelling in a group. Apart from a cost-efficient tactic, this is an ideal family bond experience than staying in separate rooms. My sister-in-law and I stumbled upon Traveller's Point, an active travel community where they feature accommodations across the globe along with some useful maps and itineraries to guide each traveller on his/her upcoming trip. I must say, a unique network, consolidating unrated and star-rated hotels and other accommodations which are either advertised or less marketed. This helped us sift through its vast selection, the most suitable for a family of seven (7). Busan SUM Guest House Nampo surfaced on the top of our list as it can accommodate big travelling groups in a backpacker or dormitory-style guesthouse. The cozy interiors will make you feel like you're staying at home away from home.






3. Itinerary:

Via Tour Road, a reputable Korean-owned Travel Agency, we visited some places in Busan for a full-day, provided with roundtrip airport transfer service. Was dropped off at Sum Guesthouse and just a few blocks away from the accommodation, we were able to take only a glimpse of Lotte Department Store as we arrived during night time.

Day 1: N/A

Day 2: (Click the description links via Trip Advisor and Visit Korea Organization).














Nurimaru APEC House: Located on Dongbaekseom Island, which is noted for its beautiful, natural landscape accented by dense camellia and pine trees, Nurimaru APEC House has been used as a memorial hall and a prestigious international conference hall since the APEC summit meeting.






































Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan. This superb attraction offers visitors the rare find of a temple along the shore.







Busan Tower (Yongdusan Park): Busan Tower is a symbol of Busan that stands proudly 69m above sea level at a height of 120m. The top of the tower is modeled after the baldaquin of Dabotap Pagoda in Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju. Beloved by Busan citizens and tourists alike, the tower offers a stunning night view and plenty to see, such as the Statue of the Great Admiral Yi Sun-shin, the Bell of the Citizens, a flower clock and a bust of the Busan-based independent activist.

Day 3: Off to Seoul via KTX (Yup! But in this case, it's Train from Busan)





Our trip ended in Busan but we spent about 2 days in Seoul then back to Busan on our 5th day in South Korea which will be posted separately.

"Turn your days into nights, as the city illuminates in the dusk. Vibrant lights and positive beats invite each ardent soul in this festive glory. Bangkok will surely leave your jaw-dropping!".
Anyone could get lost in Suvarnabhumi Airport. The terminal bagged 7th place as one of the largest in the world and I can personally attest to that. It is definitely a huge airstrip!
First day began on the day of our arrival. From the airport all the way to where the road leads to one of the famous floating market in Thailand, it took us approximately 3 hours due to Friday traffic jam. Hooray to Mr. Adisak, our service tour driver for his impeccable driving skills and Toni's compelling voice.




Now upon our timely arrival at the port where we hired a motorized boat for 3,000 Thai Baht good for 2 hours, we braved through the muddy waters leading to neighboring fashion and souvenir stalls situated one after the other. You may easily buy any item you may fancy as long as you know how to bargain, as these are priced only just for tourists. At the end of the river awaits Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where every served dish is fresh and tasty. Their Tom Yum, Chicken Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice and Naicha are their bestsellers, so you better try those! Penny-wise, 1,000 Thai Baht goes a long way, so bring your huge appetite and give in to the goodness of their delectable specialties. On our way back to the port, it suddenly rained. The boat operator advised us to stay in the market for a few minutes while waiting for the rain to stop. A small fashion and souvenir shop where mostly Thai apparels are sold at a very reasonable price. Knitted shorts priced at 350 Thai Baht, whereas good quality scarves ranging from 300 Thai Baht and up. It was around 3 in the afternoon when we went back to the embarkation point.



We headed back to the city. It was sure a long ride! It took us 4-5 hours due to weather and traffic conditions. There was nothing left to see during that time but instead visit some popular malls around the metro. Dropped off at the nearest Bangkok MRT Station to speed-up our journey heading towards Siam Center where it is conveniently located adjacent to Siam Paragon. We also went down to memory lane where Sanrio Hello Kitty House is located at Siam Square One. You will find nostalgia inside this picturesque little cafe where our all-time favorite character is currently housed in the heart of Bangkok. I just love its interior and the colorful vibe it depicts!







Along Soi Cowboy, you will be mesmerized by a multitude of ladyboys alluring tourists especially men to have a look inside each bar. The truth is, I can't even distinguish the real deal! Thailand definitely has some of the best cosmetic MDs in the world! We went out for a clean fun, ordered refreshing Naicha drinks at 7-11 and some chicken crispers from a hawker food stall nearby and took some pictures outside the vibrant street of Soi 23. Half-hour well spent and we decided to move, headed towards Patpong. Further down the road, fetish and girlie bars are located in this lively part of Bangkok mixed with rows of fashion and souvenir stalls along the avenue where I bought a jumpsuit and a matching blouse and skirt all for 1,500 Thai Baht. We ended the night at Khaosan Road, where we had a full body massage right on the street for only 220 Thai Baht, while being entertained by some party goers drinking and dancing at a bar from afar.





That night, we stayed in a Triple Sharing Room at The Pillows Hostel for only 1,150 Thai Baht. A wise decision indeed, as The Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phrakaew) is just a few blocks away. Please do wear some conservative clothing when entering the Temple as you can be barred from entering the grounds. We just used our scarves as skirts to gain entry! On our way to the second temple (Wat Pho), we stopped by an ice cream peddler selling Thai Coconut Ice Cream for only 50 Thai Baht! It was indeed refreshing made for this weather.






Approaching Wat Pho, 100 Thai Baht entrance fee was collected per head inclusive of one bottle of water. In this temple, several robes were offered to each guests wanting to enter the Buddhist Temple. You must take off your shoes as well upon entering the hall! Of course, we cannot pass the chance to visit the Reclining Buddha in order to bring good luck and for our wishes to come true as the natives say. Be sure to keep a 20 Baht note in exchange of a small cup full of coins to cover all the 108 wishing pots.





We had a sumptuous and affordable feast but we took an auto rickshaw or a tuk-tuk ride in order to take us at the Tha Tien Pier. Food stalls are situated one after the other. We're supposed to visit the Grand Palace but due to limited time, as it's our last day, we decided to skip this part, en route to Jim Thompson's House. I've learned he's an American Entrepreneur who built his own silk company during the 50's era. Now before heading back to freshen up a bit for our final night out, we went to MBK and bought several gifts for our families back home. Thai Tea worth 100 Thai Baht is the best! I also had some spicy tamarind candies for the same price. We also breezed in Terminal 21 Shopping Center wherein each floor are poles apart. Famous landmarks across the globe combined in a solitary framework!











Hang Over 2 sure did make Lebua Tower Sky Bar much popular as ever! Arrived at the hotel before 10 PM and looked our very best to gain access as they implement a strict dress code. The view from the top of the Sky Bar was worth the trip. There you will be enthralled with Bangkok's vibrant lights across the metropolis. Before midnight ends our BKK Tour, we went to Maggie Choo's Bar located at the lower level of Novotel. It was a mystical magical night for us, as the bar theme suggests. Cheers to our 1st voyage! We'll definitely see other places together in the coming years. Credits to my best friends, Annabelle and Toni - my Bangkok resident ally who painstakingly explored and steered our way in every corner of the city.

The point of entry in Japan is really up to you. On the contrary, if originating from Fukuoka, travel time would only take less than an hour by Shinkansen Bullet Train.

Mostly, tourists opt to stay in Hakata - noted as one of the contemporary areas in Japan or in other distant parts of Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. While others might travel from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya or other regions of Japan.


                                             http://www.fuk-ab.co.jp/english/sp/cont.php?page=bus3

International Terminal:
- After arriving from your international flight, hop on to one of its free shuttle service roving throughout the four terminals every 5-8 minutes.
Final stop would be at the Fukuoka Airport Terminal Subway Station.

Domestic Terminal:
- Whether arriving from Terminals 1, 2 or 3, upon reaching the first level, walk towards Terminal 2 and ride one of the 4 elevators to the basement floor leading to the airport subway station.


From Fukuoka Airport Terminal Subway Station, journey towards Hakata or K11, located along the Kuko Line for JPY 260 per person/way. Travel time takes exactly 5 minutes and just one station away from Fukuoka Airport Station. Once you disembark, transfer to one of Japan Rail transportation services bound for Kokura:

Option 1: Shinkansen / Bullet Train - the fastest among these railway cars going to Shin-Osaka (major stop) roughly at JPY 4,570 per person / way.

Option 2: Limited Express Sonic or Nichirin Trains bound for Kokura / Beppu / Oita / Miyazaki-Airport (major stops) for JPY 3,190 per person/way.

Option 3: Nishitetsu (Nishi-Nippon Railroad) Highway Express Bus from Fukuoka Airport to Kokura. Travel time takes about 1 hour and 30 mins. Bus fare costs JPY 1,230 per person/way.

Useful Links:
http://www.fuk-ab.co.jp/english/sp/cont.php?page=bus3
http://subway.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/eng/route/#b
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/index.html
http://www.nishitetsu.jp/bus/highwaybus/rosen/airkokura.html
http://www.fukuoka-airport.com/

I did some research before submitting my papers to the Consulate Office through one of the accredited agencies appointed by the Japan Embassy in Manila. I was quite unsure whether it will be granted, as some applicants posted on other blogs attest the difficulty of obtaining one even if he or she hold different visas from powerful countries around the globe namely: US, UK, and Schengen Visas. It doesn't give an edge so to speak as others claim. While others swear that it's just a stroke of luck. Rather than to speculate, I decided to give it a "go" amidst the judgment given by some candidates as we're already booked!

The following are the steps I personally have gone through. It may seem unconventional compared to other bloggers/applicants, but I opted this way:

Step 1 - Choose any reputable travel agencies assigned by the Japan Consulate Office as shown below. Based on experience, I filed mine with the help of Friendship Tours:

1. Universal Holidays (UHI)
   http://www.universalholidays.com
   https://www.facebook.com/UniversalHolidaysInc
   email: japanvisa@universalholidays.com
   uhijapanvisa@gmail.com


2. Discovery Tour Inc.
   http://discoverytour.ph/japanvisatour


3. Rajah Travel Corporation
   http://www.rajahtravel.com


4. Reli Tours and Travel Agency
   http://www.relitours.ph


5. Attic Tours Phils. Inc.
   http://www.attictours.asia


6. Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation
   http://www.friendshipmanila.com

Step 2 - While most of the information are displayed on the web, always check the embassy's main page at http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/new%20visa/tourism.htm along with your chosen agency for accuracy should you bump into this page at a later date or time. I know it could be a lot of work to gather data but this is just to cover all the bases to prevent bumps along your visa application. As of this writing, here's a checklist from Friendship Tours Website for you to complete. Please be advised, some agencies strictly require additional documents to be submitted and some may leave it as optional for the applicants.

• PASSPORT - Validity of within 6 months from the day of return / Signed Passport. Broken lamination of the Picture Portion will not be accepted / Must have at least 2 blank pages left in the passport.

I had a chance to renew my passport 2 months before the planned vacation. Date of expiry on my previous passport indicated was February 2017 while travel will commence on September 2016. Validity cannot be bypassed. Additionally, I've attached my old passport with the new one to give them an overview about my travel history. Do not fret, if you lack travel stamps. It doesn't mean sure approval even if you went places before as it always ends up with the Consul's final decision, frequent traveler or not.

• VISA APPLICATION FORM (download from website) - No omissions on the application forms. In case there is a need to make a correction on the application forms, please refrain from using correction fluid. Instead, use a double line to erase/correct the wrong information.

Do not leave anything blank. Place "N/A" or "Not Applicable" on the fields with question/s that doesn't apply to you. Example on Section: "Other names (including any other names you are or have been known by)" - Indicate N/A except for Married Women. Must state complete Maiden Name.

• PHOTO (1 Copy of 4.5cm x 4.5cm with white background) - Please attach only a clear photo as proof of the applicant's identity on the application form. Inappropriate photos; blurred photos that reflect on the camera lens, pixilated and significantly low-resolution photos taken by digital cameras.

• BIRTH CERTIFICATE (NSO issued valid within 1 year)

- IN CASE OF NON-RECORD OF REGISTRATION OF LIVE BIRTH additional requirements as follows:
1. Non-Record in the PSA (formerly NSO). Need certificate of Non-Record from the PSA (formerly NSO) with birth certificate from the local civil registrar.
2. Non-Record in the PSA (formerly NSO) and local civil registrar. Need certificate of Non-Record from the PSA (formerly NSO) and the local civil registrar.
- IF PSA (formerly NSO) ISSUED RECORD IS NOT CLEAR: BIRTH CERTIFICATE from the LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR.
- IF BIRTH CERTIFICATE IS LATE-REGISTERED:
1. Original Baptismal Certificate
2. School Record (Form 137 or report card)
3. School Year Book (if applicable)
(Need contact numbers of No.1, No2. No1 & No2 must submit , if you can't prepare these documents, please submit explanation letter or affidavit.

• MARRIAGE CONTRACT (If Married) PSA (formerly NSO) issued and valid within 1 year. (Submission of NSO certificate is waived with submission of OLD USED JAPAN VISA.)1. Applicants holding (old or valid) passports with used Japan Visa will be exempted from submitting of a marriage contract.2. In case of non-record.You must submit a certificate of non-record together with the one from the local civil registrar.

I've obtained copies of my birth and marriage certificates thru the E-Census' Website and completed the payment with BDO Online Banking. It costs about PHP 315 per copy. Approximately twice as much than getting it on your own. Received the document after 3 working days. Convenience really does come with a fee.

• DAILY SCHEDULE IN JAPAN (download from website) - To be prepared by the applicant or the travel agency. There are no inconsistencies on the contents of the application forms and the accompanying documents.

It would be appropriate to indicate a hotel/guest house address rather than a residential address (e.g. AirBNB) if applying as a Tourist. I overheard this from the Friendship's Visa Processing Coordinator while waiting for my turn. Truth is, I haven't booked our accommodation yet, but I decided to write our preferred hotel even without being booked. Bear in mind, this is just for visa purposes. DIY Tours can easily be arranged by connecting each day tour found on the web (e.g. JapanGuide.Com)

• BANK BALANCE CERTIFICATE - Required if the applicant is SHOULDERING ALL TRAVEL EXPENSES.

Considering the flourishing economy in Japan, it really is expensive. Make sure your savings account can cover your daily expenses. Let's do the math:

1. Regular air fare ranges from PHP 13,000 and up per person. We got ours via Cebu Pacific Promo which just costs half as much as the normal ticket price at PHP 6,500 each.


2. Accommodation on Booking.com, should you wish to stay in Fukuoka - a budget hotel/guest house costs around PHP 16,000 - PHP 20,000 for 7 days and 6 nights stay based on Super Hotel Kokuraeki Minamiguchi for single occupancy with free breakfast including the 8% consumption tax.


3. Food ranges from JPY 290 for a low-cost Gyudon meal and up equivalent to PHP 145 per bowl. Estimated food per day will be roughly around PHP 500 - PHP 1,000 without eating the same entree over and over.


4. Land Transportation is the deal breaker. I can't believe we spent it mostly on getting from one point to another. If you're staying in Kokura, be prepared to shell out PHP 1,500 - PHP 2,000 per person/ per way if arriving in Fukuoka Airport.


5. Pocket money is mainly up to you. Can be around PHP 5,000 and up.

Should you follow this computation, PHP 35,000 - PHP 50,000 will be enough for a 7-day leisure trip in Fukuoka, Japan including Philippine Travel Tax amounting to PHP 1,620. Notify your bank regarding its purpose - Japan Tourist Visa Application with Average Daily Balance or ADB, if possible. Must be submitted to the travel agency no later than a week it was issued.

• INCOME TAX RETURN (Form 2316 or 1701) - Original and 1 photocopy. For the income certificate and bank certificate, please submit personal documents. With the exception of incentive tours, corporate financial documents will not be accepted/considered as personal documents of the applicant.

Just got employed last January 2016, therefore ITR from the new company won't be possible to acquire. I've submitted my 2015 ITR (BIR form 2316) from the previous company and attached it along with my latest certificate of employment indicating position and tenure in the company and annual gross income including 13th-month pay and other bonuses. Based on some bloggers who were previous applicants as well, if it's impossible to submit an ITR, you may create a Letter of Explanation addressed to the Consul to be submitted along with the list of documents.

Step 3 - After completing the above-mentioned requirements, submit everything to the travel agency where it will be screened and evaluated before they forward it to the Japan Embassy for visa processing. I went to Friendship Tours on a Saturday around 9:00 in the morning and finished at 10:00 AM. Just be sure to track your number on their queueing board. Then paid PHP 1,200 for the single-entry visa application, since it's my first time to apply.

After 2 working days, I got a call from the said travel agency on a Tuesday afternoon and obtained my passport with a multiple visa entry! I got confused at first, considering I just applied for a single-entry, but since it's the Consul's discretion, the agency didn't collect any additional fees at all.




Update (September 29, 2017):

@ Friendship Travel and Tours, they have an additional form for you to fill out. You have the option to request for a Single or Multiple Entry. They wanted to ensure that their clients pay the applicable fee to cover the consular expenses should the Embassy decide to stamp a Multiple Entry Visa on your passport.

Kokura Adventure

The irony of being known as an ancient castle town when the place itself is now considered as one of the modern well-developed districts around Kitakyushu. It may seem located at the far side of Fukuoka, but with the country's highly advanced rail and subway system, travel time between airport to Kokura will just take approximately an hour.