Osaka, Japan (Day 1: Umeda District)

Last April 2014, I finally traveled with my family to one of my dream destinations - Japan. For the most part of the trip, we toured around Osaka with the inclusion of a day tour around Nara and Kyoto. 

Kansai International Airport

Our flight was around noon time so we arrived in the afternoon at Kansai International Airport. We initially had problems communicating with our pick-up from the airport so the delay did not give us much time for the rest of the day. 

Our room at Hilton Osaka

View from our room

We went straight to Umeda district to check-in at Hilton Osaka.

Umeda district

At night time, we just strolled around the nearby area. The weather was still cold and breezy during the time that we visited. We were so delighted (which we later regretted) with the cold weather in contrast with the hot summer back in Manila.

Osaka Station

For dinner, we just passed by Daimaru (in Osaka Station). 

My first japanese meal

We were able to pass by the supermarket as well. This was a "teaser" for what's in store for us during the rest of our trip.

First of many supermarkets I went

mushroom and prawn kushiage

I can't wait to wake-up the next morning and start touring the rest of Osaka. I came prepared for this trip!

Head to Osaka, Japan (Day 2: Shinsaibashi, Dotonburi)

- Just Another Wanderer

Bali, Indonesia (Part VII: Ossotel, Boron Blue Driver)

Ossotel

As mentioned in Part VI, our stay in Legian would not have been complete without Ossotel. Our stay here may have been shortlived but I'll try my best to feature as much about this place.

Ossotel

Located in the busy area of Legian, Ossotel is a fairly new establishment catered to the young crowd. Just like our stay in Brown Feather, this was an awesome find for us. We have read a lot of negative reviews about the Legian and Kuta area so we had to make sure that we stayed in a good place.

Ossotel

From the moment you step foot, the place has a very hip but cozy feel to it. This can be seen all throughout the establishment

Deluxe Pool Room

Ossotel

Apart from their suites, all rooms are streamlined with the only difference that the rooms located in the first floor provide direct access to their pool. Since it was already our last day, we decided to get this room type. Access is literally a few steps away.

Beach access

Beach access

If you want to hit the beach, they have a direct access at the back. You have to walk through a small alley for around 5-10 minutes before reaching Legian beach.

Ossotel's Romeos Restaurant & Bar

Since we had to leave before sunrise the next morning, their staff was nice enough to pack our inclusive breakfast. They even called us during our wake-up time. These small touches really made us want to stay longer at this place.

Our car during the trip

Before I forget, I would also like to give a shout out to our driver Boron who made our Bali trip awesome! He made our trip very convenient and would often go out of his way. The small chit chats were also a big bonus as we learned more about Indonesia and Bali from a local standpoint. Again, thank you and we hope to see you again in the future!

For those who would like to contact Boron, just search Boron Blue Driver on Facebook.

- Just Another Wanderer

Bali, Indonesia (Part II: Alaya Resort)

Our room at Alaya Resort

After our whole day affair in Ubud, we finally get to check-in at Alaya Resort. We splurged a bit booking at this resort and it did not disappoint. Our room was upgraded from Deluxe to Alaya as it featured a stone bathtub. I was feeling sick from fatigue and lack of sleep even before our trip. I even took some medicine and fell asleep before dinner time.

Pool area is right across where we stayed

Luckily, I woke up feeling way better the next morning. We walked around to see the resort grounds before breakfast. We were only booked for one night since we are travelling southwards. How I wish we could have stayed longer at this resort! 

The view from our room

We wanted to try their award-winning Dala Spa but failed to do so since we did not have time. Maybe next time when we return to Bali.

Pool area

The rooms

The view from across

Their inclusive breakfast is just what I needed to start my day. They serve a complete breakfast with just the right portions. A must try when you stay at this resort.

Breakfast with a view

Fresh fruits with yogurt

Freshly squeezed juice and some bread

Yummy breakfast!

We had to get ready after breakfast since we have a whole day ahead of us. Too bad we could not stay longer at Alaya. We even did an early check-out since we are moving closer to Seminyak.

Head on to Part III to see what we did during our second day in Bali.

- Just Another Wanderer

Subic - Olongapo - Zambales (Part I: The Food, The Hotel)

Subic has always been our go-to place ever since I was a kid. I've been here more times than most people have. Truth is, I've been here so many times that I've just given up on finding new places to see and to do. The initial plan was to go out of the country to such places like Japan or Korea (which I haven't been to). However, it didn't push through. So at the very last minute, my family decided to go out of town instead.

For the one's who have not been here, here's a quick run down of things you can do in Subic. Of course, I have done this all and even more than once for some.

1) Zoobic Safari (www.zoobic.com.ph)

2) Ocean Adventure (www.oceanadventure.com.ph)

3) JEST - Jungle Environment Survival Training (www.jestcamp.com)

4) Subic Tree Top Adventure (http://treetopadventurephils.com/subic/subic-home.html)

5) Outlet Stores (Nike, Adidas, etc)

6) Duty Free / Royal / Pure Gold

7) Beaches (Camayan, All Hands, Dungaree, etc)

8) Boardwalk (The Lighthouse)

9) Casino

10) Food (Xtremely Xpresso and Meat Plus)

I would also like to add the Le Man's Go-Kart Race Track along the main road but this has already closed. I'm not sure whether they're gone for good or they just relocated elsewhere. There was also this glow-in-the-dark Bowling Alley back then but has since closed. Aside from that, you can also visit the fairly new Harbour Point Mall by Ayala. 

The Hotel

We've never stayed in any other place in Subic aside from the Subic International Hotel. (http://subichotel.com/) The hotel consists of different buildings based on the different room rates. For this occasion, we were fortunate enough to stay at the Delta Building. The Delta wing is the newest of all the buildings which include Alpha and Bravo. Charlie is more of a commercial space, I think. By newest, I mean the latest among the three but already outdated by normal standards.

Subic International Hotel (Delta Wing)

The rooms we stayed include the one pictured above and another room which had two double beds spacious enough to fit 4 people. On a positive note, old designed rooms feature larger bed spaces than most modern ones. 

For dining, I'd recommend that you don't miss their breakfast. I've always enjoyed their good breakfast which include a healthy bread basket. I suggest that you dine-in at Cafe Subic located in the Bravo building as they offer more food in their menu. Also, this restaurant is open 24-hours. 

There's also your typical hotel pool located at the Delta wing. They also offer a 24-hour spa service which you can just call from your room. Services include body massage, foot reflex, manicure and pedicure. Other than that, the hotel is more of a place to stay after a day of going around. There's nothing much to do here. Even their wi-fi is not free-of-charge and they will charge daily or by the hour for it.

The Food

Aside from the ones mentioned above (which is a must try!), you have many choices to dine at. Subic is quite commercialized and you won't have any problems finding places such as Aristocrat, Pancake House or Yellowcab right around the corner. Of course, these are the establishments that we try to avoid since we already have those in Metro Manila.

Since it was the Holiday season, we pigged out (and splurged a bit) trying these places in Subic:

1) Meat Plus

(Address: Sampson Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo)

Rib-eye Steak at Meat Plus

Yes, I've been here several times already. I even ate here twice during one stay. Meat Plus has always been a staple for us when we visit Subic. We always enjoy choosing our meat cuts in their freezer which they will readily cook to the doneness that you like. Don't forget to order their side-dish The Bomb and their Classic Apple Pie!

2) The Castle

(Address: Next to Spanish Gate, Sampson Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, 2222 Zambales)

The Castle Restaurant

This restaurant is easy to locate as it's situated right beside the historial Spanish Gate. We were curious to try this place as we always pass by their location. Food is French-European fine-dining so the price is also what you expect - expensive. Food was okay for me. Cooked and executed well but nothing to rave about. I was in it more for the experience as this is where we celebrated our New Year's Eve dinner.

The historical Spanish Gate

3) Texas Joe's

(Address: corner McKinley St, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Waterfront Road, Olongapo, Zambales)

Our last dinner during our final night was at Texas Joe's. Quite a popular place among tourists and local travelers as the place gets jam packed during dinner time. You should try their Baby Back Ribs as well as their Cornbread. Unfortunately, I was not able to take a picture of their food.

4) Ramen Sora

(Address: Waterfront Road Subic, Olongapo City, Zambales)

Alas! The ramen craze has hit Subic! Apart from the traditional Japanese and Korean establishments, I think that this is the only place that specializes in ramen. I am not really a fan of ramen even though my favorite is Japanese cuisine. You should try it though as their ramen is quite good and very affordable. This was our last meal before heading back to Metro Manila.

Stay tuned for Part II as this feature several beaches that we visited in Olangapo.

- Just Another Wanderer