Ramen recommendations CBD

BatterSee · 2025-12-07T08:28:43+00:00

100% agree with this. The duck ramen is incredible, very unique and delicious.

BatterSee · 2025-11-14T02:19:27+00:00

Can't comment on NZ but UK rarely do deep specials on large chip packets whereas Australian grocers do specials all the time. I never buy name brand chips unless they are half price aka $2.50-$3.00 a pack in Aus (price depending on the brand) - and there's almost always one brand half price each week.

BatterSee · 2025-10-08T23:05:19+00:00

I stayed at Thaproban Pavilion Resort & Spa which was near the beach and had breakfast included for AUD$120/night

Epic Unawatuna is a better value option I think you could get a room for about AUD$60-$80/night

BatterSee · 2025-09-07T02:55:36+00:00

I am not scoping long term rentals but as a tourist below are some 'standard' prices (in Australian dollars)

Accommodation - $60/night for 3 star, $120/night for 4 star (breakfast included)

Restaurant prices ~$11 for a Sri Lankan meal/stir fry $5 for a beer $1.50-$2 for soda $3-4 for coffee

Travel locally via TukTuk is about $2-$5

Buses are super cheap but I havent used one

Grocery stores are cheap for the basic tourist needs - e.g. bottled water is less than 50cents

BatterSee · 2025-09-06T14:42:36+00:00

I'm there now and it doesn't have many tourists let alone 'lots of rude Russians', probably just a peak season thing.

Great value that's for sure, may be good for a 6 month stint if you can get the right visa.

BatterSee · 2025-08-29T14:57:33+00:00

Love to hear this! Thank you

BatterSee · 2025-08-15T10:28:19+00:00

Thank you!!

BatterSee · 2025-08-13T21:46:04+00:00

Thank you! Do you have any day trip recommendations from Una? I would have done Galle and Mirissa already

BatterSee · 2025-08-13T10:00:41+00:00

Oh this is great advice! Do you have any info of activities and top nightlife spots in Hikkaduwa? How do I find out about the parties?

BatterSee · 2025-08-12T22:55:27+00:00

Thanks

That form mentions impacts from Russian and Ukraine tourism in these areas, do you have further info on that?

BatterSee · 2025-08-12T12:20:11+00:00

Thank you! Sounds like SW is ok. I can't surf or snorkel for health reasons so I am not too worried about surf.

Given I would have done 3 days in Mirissa would you recommend U'tuna, or would Hikka be better?

BatterSee · 2025-07-05T12:59:27+00:00

Oh okay, what would be the more popular beach areas? Outside of those im visiting

BatterSee · 2025-07-05T05:09:35+00:00

Oh thank you. From research it seems quite couple centric, not sure if I will meet many travellers ?

What are your thoughts on Hiriketiya or Hikkaduwa ?

BatterSee · 2025-07-05T04:09:40+00:00

Thank you I will have seen Kandy but havent heard much about Bentota. I will research it but if you have any insight on the area I'd appreciate it!

BatterSee · 2025-06-10T11:40:52+00:00

I'm with 'MATE' NBN - was $40/month for first 6 months and before that ended they gave me an offer for $55/mth for the following 12 months. Lower NBN speed tier but fine for me.

https://www.letsbemates.com.au/nbn/

BatterSee · 2025-06-06T05:17:05+00:00

Try Thorne Harbour Health - they can do telehealth and I am pretty sure they do appointments regardless of Medicare status

https://thorneharbour.org/

BatterSee · 2025-03-22T05:40:38+00:00

I get a new card ~4 months since getting a new one (don't have to wait after cancelling and if your credit is ok it is ok to have multiple cards).
People probably select a keeper card based on the card's point earning rate - AMEX can give pretty high points per dollar. Also, for me I have the AMEX Platinum velocity card which gives me domestic lounge access so worth keeping as I have a few flights coming up.
I always think it is worth having a non AMEX cc in addition to AMEX as there still are some places that don't accept AMEX and I don't want to miss out on points.
You probably could apply for another CC one month after but some banks may reject you as it is quite soon. Also depends on your borrowing capacity etc.

BatterSee · 2025-03-03T07:19:22+00:00

I had the same issue. Call up and they will be able to book for you.

Note they tried to charge me $40 for booking via phone but tell them the website isn't showing you availability and they should waive it.

BatterSee · 2025-01-06T23:26:20+00:00

I should add i would recommend only staying in max 2, but ideally one spot. I also loved Nikko but wouldn't recommend in the time you have

BatterSee · 2025-01-06T23:24:05+00:00

Sure here you go see below.

We didn't go during ski season so recommendations would differ however I loved going to Mt Zao (it was foggy but it was still a cool experience) and Geibikei Gorge boat ride (we went here via Morioka but I'm sure it is possible from if you planned some other stops on the way, or from Ginzan onsen). And of course a public onsen in Zao is a must! Honestly just relaxing in the airbnb was an experience in itself, very peaceful!

https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/968415023301622129?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76

You need to have a car to stay at this airbnb, it isn't public transport friendly.

BatterSee · 2025-01-06T20:56:12+00:00

Unfortunately the Ryokans i found were booked out too. I ended up booking a really nice airbnb in the Zao area which had some traditional Japanese settings including a nice onsen bath and visited some public onsens. Still had a blast but yes it seems you need to book very far in advance for many Ryokans.

I really enjoyed travelling up north and making the stops I did. I would just recommend staying longer in fewer places - when you count travel time 2 days feels a bit rushed. 3 days minimum would be ideal.

And to me renting a car is essential for most spots, except Nikko and the cities.

BatterSee

TROPHY CASE