A Day in Paradise

Montigo Resorts Review

Resort Address:  Telephone Number: Reservations: Email: Website:

Jl. Hang Lekir Nongsa – Batam, Indonesia +62 778 776 8888 reservations@montigoresorts.com info@montigoresorts.com http://www.montigoresorts.com/nongsa/index.html

Dates of stay: 22-23 November 2013
Category: Two bedroom seaview villa
Price: Advance purchase S$460.75++ inclusive of 4 breakfast
Additional S$100 for 5th person
Includes complimentary WiFi, Minibar & Transfer from ferry terminal

So my girlfriends and I went to Batam last weekend and rented the two bedroom seaview villa for the night. There were a total of 5 of us, as I couldn't make it initially, and my friend got her boyfriend to replace me, and some sort of miracle happened, I could go again!

The villa in Singapore's context, is not really a villa. It's a freaking manor/bungalow! If you know where I work, this is as good as a 3-Bdrm Manor at my workplace. It is has three levels and it's humongous, even for 5 people. 

The first level is the kitchen, living room, dining area, and the outdoor pool. The second level consists of the 2 bedrooms, and the third level is a roof top chillax area, suitable for a BBQ out under the stars! Pardon the mess in the InstaVideo, we were eating and drinking before the idea of taking a video occurred to me. It would be such a waste not to take a video of it.

Let me break the post down into three parts: Warm Welcome, Anticipation of Needs, Fond Farewell. If you're a true blue hotelier, you'd know that this is the service process we use at most hotel establishments. (Now, I feel like I'm working again!)

Warm Welcome

We arrived at Nongsapura Ferry Terminal and there was a gentleman who picked us up. He had a list of all the guests who are arriving today and checked us off before asking us if we wanted to wait in the bus or do a bit of tidbit buying, while we wait for others to arrive. Now, as a hotelier point of view, I think this is a smart move. He is able to call up before hand (maybe 15-20mins) and inform the Front Desk who is arriving and they better get the Villas ready. I mean, the Villa is humongous! They would probably need 3 hours to clean it!

Shuttle bus from Nongsapura to Montigo

The arrival at the resort was a wow factor! Not just the iced-tea and cold towels (come on, my hotel does that too!) or even the warm greetings and assistance with luggage; it was the spectacular view of the vast ocean which weren't dotted with oil tankers like Singapore's! The lobby is spacious and it doesn't have any walls to obstruct the view! Perhaps this is one of the tactics they use to distract you and try to weasel some money out of you (just kidding!).

Montigo Resort Lobby

 The receptionists were walking around the lobby, ensuring everyone is being taken care of. They seated everyone down and brought the registration cards, and other things which were essential to the check in. Everything was in a controlled, calm and organized manner! Impressive, considering that they just unloaded a bus full of excited Singaporeans. They have a system in place!

I wasn't around when the receptionist was registering us, as I was too comfortable and my stomach decided to act up and give me a bad case of tummy ache! I was however around when my friends demanded for my credit card because they forgot to bring theirs.

I know. Seriously?

Pardon my girlfriends, for what will they ever do without me!

The receptionist then went through all the inclusions that we had, maps she pulled out and even explained where the socket to place the key for electricity was! It was a thorough check in, and although it was a tad bit long, I enjoyed it very much as I know what I have and what to expect!

Buggy!

She than handed over our keys to the bellman who brought us to our room in the buggy and even explained where everything in the villa was! But I wasn't listening much, very distracted by the view and the size of the manor, I mean, Villa.

Exterior of the villas

Anticipation of Needs

So, after a great welcome and arrival, I was looking forward to the rest of the stay being as awesome as my first impression. However...

We paid an extra of S$100 for the 5th person. So technically, I was expecting an extra bed, with extra towels, toiletries, bathrobe and slippers. Nope.

Bedrooms

I was kind of hoping they'd stock everything in 5s. Like 5 cookies/snacks which they provided. Now, that will really blow me away. But, nope! I was a bit disappointed already at this point, because we're trained to pay so much attention to detail back at my workplace, and I guess I am expecting too much, or really am pampered to expect such service. I had to call the reception to request for extra bathrobes and slippers, which they brought promptly. I didn't really mind not having an extra bed too anyway, because 3 of us can squeeze onto a King sized bed.

Living Room

Technically, we paid the extra S$100 is just for the 5th person's breakfast, because everything else in the villa is set for four! Now, at this point, I told myself not to expect too much! This is Batam! Not some world class hotel with lots of awards (cheyyyy!).

Rooftop

The property is so beautiful! The architecture and layout is simple yet somewhat luxurious. However, I felt that they could put in more efforts to maintain the property. Maybe paint the Villas at least once a year to cover up all the stains they cannot remove. Or varnish the wood to remove scratches and stains, also, at least once a year. Or actually, just vacuum or mop the floor because it was just damn dusty. I'm not sure if it's a culture in Indonesia not to clean the floors or what, because my friend who has been to Montigo before said that her previous Villa's floor felt dusty too.

Or... Are we, Singaporeans, too clean and pampered?

Well, I like my floors clean!

I'm not sure if all the packages include complimentary mini bar and snacks, but ours certainly did. There's 8 cans of soft drinks inside the fridge and two packets of dried crisp fruits. In every washroom, there's also two small bottles of mineral water.

Complimentary Snacks

My girlfriend signed up for some iPrefer membership (which was free anyway), and we received some VIP amenity! We had a VIP fruit basket, bottle of red wine (which was surprisingly easy to drink, considering I am not a wine person) and two plates of cookies and kueh-kuehs. We were definitely happy about that! Girlfriend was so overjoyed at the prospect of being a VIP, she kept reminding us not to finish all her cookies!

VIP Amenity

At the balcony of the living room on the first floor, we had our own private infinity pool overlooking the sea. We were soaking in the pool in the evening when we realized we needed more towels as we didn't want to use the same towels we were going to use after our shower. I mean, the towels would contain chlorine water, and than what's the point of showering right?

Infinity Pool

So, I called the operator asking for five more towels. Twice. Within the span of about 40mins. It didn't turn up until room attendants came over for turndown service and we requested more, which they complied. I know it may seem 'on the way' for them, but, really?

Anyway, the towel dog they left on our bed to 'welcome' us back was really cute though!

Towel art

Did I mention there's Wii console in the Villa as well? Well, we were trying to cramp a lot of activities (or not) into just a short 1 night's stay, and by the time we actually got down to play the Wii, we realized the only game they had to offer us is some NBA game. It didn't fly well with us. Again, called up the reception asking if we can go down to take a look at the other games, but the area/department that handles all the Wii games are closed and we have to get back tomorrow. Oh well, just our luck. We decided to just go out to the balcony and laze by the pool, sipping our wine like adults.

Tiigo Bar

Just chilling by Tiigo Bar

After dinner, we headed to Tiigo bar for some drinks. They have an indoor and outdoor sitting areas, as well as cabana beds dotting side of the the infinity pool. It is truly beautiful. We walked in at about 9.30pm and it was empty, except for 2 couples who were having some fun with the fooseball.

The lady who attended to us actually checked the condition of the cabana to see if it was wet or not. Though it was just a small gesture which she may casually over look, it truly impressed me. After looking through the menu, my friends saw that they served Jaggermeister. She asked the lady if they had redbull, and she said, yes. So my friends wanted to order two portions of each. The lady looked at us blankly, nodded and walked away.

If you're a drinker, you'd know we just ordered a Jaggerbomb.

Tiigo Bar in the day

Shortly, a gentleman walked over to clarify our order. Again, my friend repeated for a glass of redbull and a shot of Jaggermeister, fearing they didn't know what a Jaggerbomb is. This gentleman, however, promptly clarified if we wanted a Jaggerbomb. Yes! Success! This guy knows his cocktails!

I had this strawberry peach cocktail thing which wasn't that fantastic. It brought back some memories of cough syrup. Other than that, we had a really good time just chilling by the pool and counting stars.

Despite the minor hiccups in the day, we were having such a good time, we didn't want to leave!

Tadd's

Breakfast at Tadd's

In the morning, I woke up with a pounding headache! We got ready and went to breakfast nonetheless!

Breakfast was at Tadd's, the all day dining restaurant which is located between the main swimming pool & Tiigo Bar. There was a wide selection of food, and I would say the spread is really good! (Not sure if it's worth S$100 though.)

Main swimming pool

They had the usual, egg station, fruits, cereal, bakery, hot food. They also had a Ayam Soto & Roti Prata station which I enjoyed very much! After breakfast, we went back to Tiigo Bar's infinity pool to swim and relax. Even though the bar is not open, no one cared if we were swimming there. One staff even helped us take a photo!

Fond Farewell

After swimming, we went back to shower and get ready to leave Batam. As I was taking a ferry from a terminal different from my friends and also a 20min taxi ride away, I went and got ready first. I called for a buggy at 12.20pm. And again at 12.40pm. Time was running out as I had plan to leave the property latest by 12.45pm. at 12.45pm, I decided to walk up to the lobby instead as I didn't want to miss my ferry.

On my way out, I saw two staff on buggies just chilling outside a villa, about halfway up the lobby. I knew the slope up to the lobby was really steep and I didn't have the energy to walk up or want to perspire (I was working night shift that evening).  So, I stopped their chatter and got one of them to send me up to the lobby.

Boy, was I irritated.

I went to check out first, and the receptionist was asking if I have any luggages in the villa. I replied saying I waited for 30 mins for a buggy, so I walked up because I didn't want to miss my ferry! My friends are still inside waiting for a buggy! To which she just replied, "Oh, we're sorry about that."

No, she didn't look sorry, nor did she attempt to find out more or get a buggy over immediately. To me, she just shrugged it off.

I choose not to do anything about it because I understand her position. It wasn't her fault there are high demands for buggies. But at least she could have empathize a little more? Find out what went wrong? Explained why it took freaking 30 mins (or more) for a buggy to arrive?

I just kept quiet and asked for a taxi to be prepared immediately while she process my check out, so I didn't have to wait too long. Guess what, she only called for the taxi AFTER she processed my check out.

Not efficient at all.

I still had to wait for them to get a taxi over, and by then my friends finally made it to the lobby.

When I finally got into the cab, it was already 1.05pm. My ferry was at 2.10pm. I was trying my best not to panic. Then, I sat inside the taxi for another 5-8 mins which their bellboys wrote a receipt and tell the taxi driver where my destination was. Why couldn't they arrange it when I was doing my check out?

Anyway.

I made it to the ferry terminal at 1.45pm. Thank goodness I didn't miss my ferry.

Overall

I like the property a lot. I like the contemporary design, the spacious layout and all the amenities and facilities. I just feel that should put more heart into maintaining the property, if not, it's just going to be another old property with nothing much to offer anymore in 10 years time.

However, what I liked about Montigo was just the tangible stuff. Stuff I can see and touch and feel.

The service staff needs to learn how to be more empathizing and need to improve on their anticipation of needs skill. They are friendly and nice, but they have no sense of urgency. When I was panicking about missing my ferry, they just took their time with my check out and ordering a taxi for me.

I don't know. Is this a Batam style? Or are Singaporeans too anxious about everything?

Will I be back? Yes, of course. I will give it a second chance. On a weekday probably, so I don't have to wait 30 mins for a buggy pick up. 

Kansai 2013: Himeji

To celebrate my mother turning 49 this year, my family and I traveled to the Kansai Region of Japan. The whole trip was a free and easy tour, where I sat down at the computer and planned for months before the big trip.

We visited Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji & Osaka over 10 days. Please click the link to get my itinerary around the Kansai region. I have to stress that we did not follow the itinerary strictly (sometimes not at all) because I was travelling with my parents and sometimes we were tired from travelling and skipped some attractions to have a rest/nap. 

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Date of travel: 28 September 2013

Mount Shosha
While my parents were away at Golf, my sister and I took a train to Himeji. I really wanted to visit the temple where The Last Samurai was filmed. I watched it just a few months before I went to Japan and I was so intrigued by the whole way of the Samurai thing. The location of the film was just beautiful!

It was filmed up Mount Shosha, which is the site of Engyoji Temple, an atmospheric temple complex with a history of over 1000 years. Located at the edge of Himeji City, the mountain can be accessed in only 30 minutes from the city center by bus and cable-car.

Directions:

• Take Shinki Bus number 8 from either Himeji Station or Himeji Castle to the terminal stop "Mount  Shosha Ropeway" (書写山ロープウェイ, 30 minutes, 260 yen one way, departures every 15-20 minutes). 
• Then, take the Mount Shosha Ropeway up the mountain (500 yen one way, 900 yen round trip, departures every 15 minutes). 

A convenient ticket to use is the "Shoshazan Ropeway" combination ticket, which includes a round trip by bus from Himeji Station to the ropeway station and the ropeway round trip for 1,300 yen. It is available at the ticket counter of the Shinki Bus Terminal in front of Himeji Station.

Round trip ticket for bus and ropeway

Note that there are two bus terminals in front of Himeji Station, one for the white Himeji City Buses (on the right side of the main road when exiting JR Himeji Station), and one for the orange Shinki Buses (on the left side of the main road when exiting JR Himeji Station). You need to take a Shinki Bus.

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Up to Mt Shosha via Ropeway

 As we headed up the ropeway, I noticed there were a lot of farms in Himeji despite the concrete jungle you see in the background. It was still a quiet and peaceful town.

If memory serves me well, the entrance ticket to visit the temples costs us 500Yen per person. You'll end up at the base of the mountain. if you want to hitch a ride up the mountain to the entrance of the temples with the buses they've provided, you need to top up another 500Yen per person!

My sister and I decided to save the money for lunch instead and hiked up!

Strolling up Mt. Shosha

 It was quite an alright walk. The weather was cooling and it was very shady with all the trees blocking out the nasty sunlight and heat. The only problem we faced was that the path up was very sandy. We were not complaining though, because we rather it be sandy than muddy!

Finally we're here!

There are about 5 temples within the Engyoji Temple vacinity. Most of which are within 5-10 mins walking distance and are accessible by paths through the trees or 'secret stone paths' behind the temples.

Walking to the next temple

We spent about 5 hours here just taking our own leisurely stroll through the woods, admiring all the beautiful trees and scenery.

The temples reminded me vaguely about the 'Last Samurai' movie, but there isn't one particular place which reminded me of a scene, as you can see from the photos below.

Corridors outside the temple.

Inside the temple

Temple Grounds

The Last Samurai Movie

Himeji City

After spending a few hours up the mountain, we went down to the city to grab a bite. It was almost 5pm and most of the shops and restaurants (affordable ones) were closing and did not want to serve us. :(

Himeji city

 We walked around the area opposite the Himeji Castle, there were plenty of shops and restaurants, however they were all closing. We just continue to walk nonetheless. We did not visit Himeji Castle though, as it was under renovation and we couldn't see much also anyway.

Beautiful sunset

 Eventually, we found a shop that sells all those souvenir sweets and snacks which were way more affordable than in Osaka, or all the other cities we've been. We bought about 10 boxes each!

Himeji streets

We basically roamed the streets hungry as most of the restaurants were closing. We went into the supermarkets and bought ourselves ice cream instead.

Sunset outside the station

Himeji is a very quiet and peaceful town, with lots of sights to offer. It can be visited in one day and you can just take a train out from Osaka, Nara or Kyoto. Bear in mind that Shinkansen will cost double the amount as compared if you take a JR Train, but will get you there at half the time.

We visited Himeji on a day visit as well. We took a JR train that took us about 1 hour. If you're visiting Himeji on a day trip, I'd advice you to purchase a 1 day JR Pass at the airport (the only place you can purchase a JR pass without visiting a Travel Agent). It will cost you about 2000 yen for 1 day pass, and your return trip if you purchase it at the JR Train station will cost you about 2400yen.

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Check out my other posts about Japan: Kansai Region here:

• Kobe
• Kyoto
• Nara
• Osaka (Coming soon)

Kansai 2013: Nara

To celebrate my mother turning 49 this year, my family and I traveled to the Kansai Region of Japan. The whole trip was a free and easy tour, where I sat down at the computer and planned for months before the big trip.

We visited Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji & Osaka over 10 days. Please click the link to get my itinerary around the Kansai region. I have to stress that we did not follow the itinerary strictly (sometimes not at all) because I was travelling with my parents and sometimes we were tired from travelling and skipped some attractions to have a rest/nap. 

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Date of travel: 25-26 September 2013

Super Hotel Lohas Nara

Super Hotel Lohas Nara

Website: http://www.superhoteljapan.com/en/s-hotels/nara-lohas.html
Email: lohas_nara@superhotel.co.jp

It is located just next to the JR Nara train station! As you can see from the picture, it just very very near the train station, which was super convenient, considering that we had quite a lot of luggages! It is so near that the entrance to the hotel is on the same platform as the exit of the JR train station! We literally walk 1 min from the exit to the hotel!

It is a small business hotel, but very cozy and it even have a hot spring/bath located inside the hotel! They have outdoor and indoor baths! We went when it was Summer turning into Autumn, but the weather was still HOT! So, not a very good idea to go to the hot springs. We didn't quite enjoy it as it was just too HOT! It would be better in any other season, except Summer! We did it once, in Hokkaido, up in the mountains. It is -20C and it was snowing like crazy! The PUUUURFECT weather for a soak in the hot springs!

Hot spring in Winter is the BEST!

At the check in counter, there's a box for you to take five items from a wide range of selection. You're able to take bath salts (of various scents), masks of the skin, bath cloths, etc. It's target to women only.

They also have a pillow bar for you to choose your favorite type of pillow! I like medium height and hard-as-a-rock pillows! So, that was what I got. They also provide pillows which are so thin, it is about 1-inch in height, and so soft, you might suffocate in them. Won't you get neck aches with such nonsense pillows?!??

There are a lot of businessmen and women staying at this hotel as they're all in suits. I don't think that is their normal travelling style right? During breakfast, while my family and I are enjoying our slow breakfast, they quickly ate (within 10 mins?) and left! Perhaps it is near the train station that's why!

Todaji Temple

Todaji Temple

The "Great Eastern Temple" is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on government affairs.

It is a large compound with a very HUMONGOUS statue of Buddha. Look at all the measly humans at the base of Buddha's lotus flower pedestal.

Buddha in Todaji Temple

Nara Koen

I only have 1 word for Nara Koen.

DEERS! 

Deers are everywhere! At various locations, especially outside temples, there will be an auntie who will sell you deer biscuits at 150Yen per stack of about five biscuits. At first we were all really excited to see so many deers at once, let alone come up close, pet them and play with them!

"Paint me like one of your French Ladies."

The deers were just walking around, or rather, lying around. They were so tame and we just went up and shove our cameras in their faces, and they didn't give a single damn.

Petting a small deer!

Then we bought a stack of deer biscuits, and all hell broke loose.

Feeding them deer biscuits.

The male deers have their horns cut off. At first I thought it was really cruel of whoever who did it. Afterwards, I was so thankful. The deer in the picture below headbutted me just because I gave the other deers biscuits and not him. This deer headbutted me TWICE! Can you believe it! I got attacked by a deer over biscuits! It followed me, and nudged me every now and then, and when I bought myself ice-cream, the deer still wanted to eat my ice-cream!

Check out the video on how two girls got attacked when they were buying the biscuits already! IT WAS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED!

Mellow Cafe

Mellow Cafe

Website: http://www.mellowcafe.jp/

We found this place in the Lonely Planet Travel Guide Book! Met the prettiest waitress who speaks perfect English as well! It was very refreshing as we've been always having difficulty communicating with the locals in Broken Japanese or Broken English. Mellow Cafe has also a stone brick oven for their handmade pizzas!

We had Narazuke & Sake Lees Pizza. There's a hint of Sake and topped with pickles! Very very refreshing and tasty! We also had my favourite pizza, Prosciutto Ham & Fresh Vege pizza, Seafood Aglio Oilo pasta, Tiramisu and a chocolate cake as well!

It's a homely and cozy cafe, tucked away in a corner. They had complimentary WiFi too!

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Check out my other posts about Japan: Kansai Region here:

• Kobe
• Kyoto
• Himeji 
• Osaka (Coming soon)

Kansai 2013: Kyoto

We traveled to Japan for a family vacation. In part to celebrate my mother's 49th birthday, and also for me to escape work, because it was so stressful! 

We visited Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji & Osaka over 10 days. Please click the link to get my itinerary around the Kansai region. I have to stress that we did not follow the itinerary strictly (sometimes not at all) because I was travelling with my parents and sometimes we were tired from travelling and skipped some attractions to have a rest/nap. 

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Date of travel: 22-25 September 2013

STAY!
ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto

ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto

We stayed at ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto. We took the complimentary shuttle service from Kyoto Station. The pick up location is from the Hachijo East Exit, just outside MacDonald's. At first we got quite lost finding the right exit as the whole station was massive. After asking around (Kyoto station has lots of tourist information help desks), we eventually found the right exit.

It took us about 15mins in heavy traffic to arrive at the hotel. They have a large and grand lobby. We arrive around 12.45pm, and according to them, check-ins are strictly at 1pm. It was alright, we waited a while, asked some questions regarding places of interests, and than we checked in. The Chief Concierge, Simon actually roomed us, and provided lots of information about Kyoto. Being a New Zelander, he adviced us to speak to one of his colleagues, Masumi, as she was born and raised in Kyoto and knows the insides and out of Kyoto.

In the evening when Simon has left for the day, Masumi actually helped plan our 2nd day itinerary. We wanted to join a city tour (as my father was tired from all the walking), but we arrived on a weekend and Monday was a Public Holiday. The tour agencies were closed till Tuesday! She gave lots of insights and recommendations!

ANA Crowne Plaza has this Sleep Advantage Program for all their guests. They provided sleeping masks, eye warmers, bath powder and even special green tea to help you to have a better rest/sleep at night. I was so intrigued by it!

FOOD!
Takakura Nuyo Ramen Shop

Ramen Shop

We saw this ramen shop on a map at the hotel, and we decided to try it. It seemed pretty easy to get to. Just walk straight past several streets and you're there right? Well, no. We thought it would be an easy 5 mins walk, but we walked for 15 mins (pretty far for our standards) and we couldn't find the right lane to turn into. We knew it was going to be at the corner, but because the shop's front was so plain and inconspicuous, just like a regular home, we missed it several times.

When we finally arrived, the smell of pork and ramen filled the air. We were SO hungry! It is a typical small ramen shop with a 'vending machine' to choose your meals from. Obviously, everything was in Japanese and we tried to see if there were Japanese words that were similar to Chinese so we could decipher. Well, not. The nice ramen chef came out and explained what he could in his limited English.

One dish you must order is the braised pork. They will grill/BBQ it and afterwords, use a flame torch and braise it, giving it the shiny glaze and burnt look, all grilled pork should have! Check out my InstaVideo below!



Uruu Cafe & Bar

Uruu Cafe and Bar

Now, we chanced upon this small little cozy cafe on the map too, I believe. We weren't very hungry, so my mother, sister and I shared a set menu for 2! It was very cozy and nice to just relax in after a long day of walking around in the blistering heat (even though it's supposed to be Autumn). I couldn't find any information on the cafe, probably because it type in English instead, but if you're in Kyoto and staying at ANA Crowne Plaza, please ask the concierge where this jem is!

Hello Goodbye Cafe & Bar

Hello Goodbye Cafe & Bar

There's a reason why this cafe is called Hello Goodbye. My sister and I think it is because the old man who owns this cafe is a huge Beatles fan! We went to this small little cafe for breakfast before we went to Nijo Castle. Beatles songs were playing the entire time we were dining there. It is not very expensive for a set breakfast meal.

SIGHTS!

Nishi Hongan-ji Temples

Nishi Honganji Temples

 It is the biggest Bhuddist Temples in Kyoto. There are 2 Hongan-ji Temples but we only visited the Nishi Temple. It closes at 6pm and last entry at 5.30pm. We couldn't make it in time. It was just two halls with relics and statues. Not as educational as I would prefer and the information was just on a brochure.

Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower

Standing 131 meters tall just across Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower is Kyoto's tallest building and a rare modern iconic landmark in the city famous for its ancient temples and shrines. The tower was completed in 1964, the same year as the opening of the Shinkansen and the Tokyo Olympics.

Just like the Tokyo Tower & Kobe Port Tower, this is a tall skyscraper resting on the roof of a building. All the buildings in Kyoto are about 8-10 stories high, a government regulation This is to preserve the city skyline and the view. Beautiful view of the sun setting against the city! They have adult and student price & my sister and I looked young enough for the student price. Please do not learn from us! We're cheap Singaporeans that's why! :(

Ni-jo Castle

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five story castle keep.

It is located just opposite the hotel and a just a 5 mins walk over! It is a very large compound with lots of beautiful rural paintings on the walls, doors and even ceilings. It's hard to imagine how people from the ancient times were so skillful with whatever limited resources they have! Sadly, we weren't allowed to take photographs as the flash (and even sunlight) will deteriorate the quality of the paintings and make them fade. There's also a beautiful garden at the back for you to relax and enjoy the greenery. It is easy to navigate and walk around the compound too. Adult tickets costs 600 yen.

Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji)

Golden Pavilion

Kinkakuji is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408.

We took Bus #101 from outside Nijo Castle and walk about 5 mins from the bus stop. Visit this place only if you really want to visit it. There's nothing much to see here, except for the Golden Pavilion itself and gardens. It's actually a good picnic spot during Spring or Autumn when it's not so warm.

Ryoanji Temple

Ryoanji Temple & Zen Stone Garden

Masumi from the hotel said to walk about 15mins to Ryoanji Temple, but it took us about 30 mins! I am not sure if Japanese walk fast, or their perception of time is shorter (perhaps they're having a good time talking and not thinking about how far it is to walk?). If you know what bus to take, please do take it. It is about 2-3 stops away, but taking a bus will make all the difference!

Anyhow, we got to the temple and saw the Zen Stone Garden which is said to be the most beautiful stone garden in Kyoto. Well, I am not an arty person and can't really appreciate art that much. What I appreciated was the peace and quiet of the place. We sat down and rested for a while and enjoyed the scenery.

Arashiyama Area

Bamboo Forest

So, we proceeded next to the Arashiyama Area where Tenruji Temple is located. We did not really enter the temple (as we've visited so many temples already) and just stood outside the admire the structure and serenity of it. Afterwards, we proceeded straight to this bamboo path way.

Hadouken!

As you can see, the road is lines with rows and rows of bamboo trees and it is simply breath taking! My sister and I were quite the tourist and tried to take a lot of jump shots, Japanese style. We were inspirered by Street Fighter's famous Hadouken blow!

Jump shots Japanese Style!

Street Fighter: Hadouken!

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is just a straight street which is parallel to Shijo Ave (the main road). So happened that we turned into the 2nd street that leads us to Nishiki Market (as we do not know where the market really starts) and that was the start of the market! I would suggest to walk directly to Nishiki Market Street when you exit the subway, as you may not be as lucky as us and might end up in the middle of the market and now know where to start.

Most stalls open at 11am, with some cafes and eateries opening at 9 or 10am.  Nishiki Market sells everything Japanese, from clothes, kimono, bags, accessories, souvenirs and I even manage to mix and match a Ninja outfit for my boyfriend!

I bought myself a Yukata (similar to Kimonos but for summer wear, made from cotton and only 1 layer) too and it made for a fun Halloween costume!



Gion Area

Gion Area

Gion is Kyoto's most famous geisha district, located around Shijo Avenue between Yasaka Shrine in the east and the Kamo River in the west. It is filled with shops, restaurants, temples and ochaya (teahouses). There are lots of temples around Gion Area! If you're into temples, start early! We started at about 2pm and couldn't finish visiting all the beautiful and ancient temples. One of the temples to look out for is Chionin Temple with the huge Buddha!

Chionin Temple

Gion kept it's traditional buildings and architecture. It is like walking into a whole new world, and just across the street is modern buildings. The contrast is strikingly different!

Gion is also famous for it Geisha Encounters. Unfortunately, we did not meet any friendly Geishas who were willing to let us take pictures or say hello. I mean, come on! If you go out everyday and everyone wants to take pictures of you, and try to talk to you, you'd never get 10 steps away from your previous location!

You're also able to visit Gion Corner where Geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (Geiko apprentices) entertain.
Opening hours: Two shows daily at 18:00 and 19:00 
Admission: 3150 yen (2800 yen with online coupon) 
Website: http://www.kyoto-gioncorner.com/global/en.html

Gion Corner

Higashiyama Area

Higashiyama Area

This area is also a preserved historic district with lots of old buildings and shops. Cafes and boutique shops mainly line the street. Very often, you see regular girls wearing Kimonos/Yukatas walking about the streets, perhaps visiting the temples or just basking in the feel of the ancient times. They were friendly enough to take a photo with us though!

Friendly Japanese Girls!

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Check out my other posts about Japan: Kansai Region here:

• Kobe
• Nara 
• Himeji 
• Osaka (Coming soon)