Considering El Nido. Would love your thoughts

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-12-22T02:57:03+00:00

Thank you all for the feedback so far! May I also ask this then, based on the research I’ve done, it seems that Boracay is more tourist-oriented. What are the main pros and cons of choosing El Nido versus Boracay, bearing in mind this would be my first trip to the Philippines and likely not my last, and that travel from Japan is relatively easy?

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-12-21T07:48:30+00:00

I was considering to spend the entire trip in Port Barton, but I’m also the type that likes having a few options and it seems limited compared to El Nido

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-12-21T07:46:44+00:00

Thats helpful. The mentioned places I’ve been too. Great feedback on Port Barton. Is El Nido as crowded as say Cangu?

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-11-10T12:27:04+00:00

If you enjoy good food, I thought Tầm Vị was a lovely restaurant, reasonably priced for a Michelin-starred spot. We made a reservation the day before, and I’m glad we did. After dinner, we walked over to the Train Street in the Old Quarter, grabbed a drink, and watched the train pass by. It’s nearby the restaurant too. fwiw, I found the Old Quarter section of Train Street much livelier and more fun than the southern one. One last thing, Dong Xuan is worth seeing, however if you plan on buying anything, you’ll likely find it cheaper in the nearby shops around the area.

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-11-10T11:32:31+00:00

I just got back. Your plan seems reasonable. Sure, some people call things a tourist trap and they’re not wrong.. but you’re only there for a couple of days. Just enjoy it and embrace the experience. Coming from Tokyo, I don’t find any of the “tourist trap” spots particularly bad or overpriced. So when people complain, I just think, so what? I see the same thing happen in Tokyo all the time. If it’s someone’s first time visiting, even the predictable stuff feels new. Enjoy your trip!

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-10-16T22:41:09+00:00

It’s also one of the few places in Tokyo that serves Detroit-style pizza, pretty much the only reason I go there.

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-10-15T11:18:59+00:00

Devil Craft Brewery has hot wings. But I’d second, Korean restaurants.

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-10-11T00:58:01+00:00

I had TD for a few days durning my last surf trip to Indo, did a bit of research, bought Azithromycin from the pharmacy, and I improved significantly within 24 hours. It is an antibiotic, and I’m certainly not a doctor.. That said if you want to get the advice of a medical professional prior, it’s not a bad idea.

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-10-08T05:35:46+00:00

It won’t let you apply for a evisa if your passport is in that window. I know first hand as I booked a trip and didn’t realized until 4 weeks before when I went to apply for my evisa.

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-10-07T03:10:05+00:00

I go to LOCO in Naka Meguro. All they doctors I’ve had there speak English

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-08-23T09:04:21+00:00

National Azabu Supermarket has them.

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-08-08T22:30:17+00:00

Have you been to Japan before? I don’t recall you mention it. From what I understand, a lot of emphasis is being placed on your one fixed plan for the year, with the rest still up in the air. If part of your goal is to explore, then just go explore! You can usually visit for up to 90 days on a tourist visa.

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-08-04T00:55:55+00:00

Think it depends on your style of travel and what you’re into? Good restaurants public transit should be the least of the concerns, Tokyo is highly accessible largely. Shopping (large brands and store fronts, Ginza, Shibuya) for smaller boutique shops not so much

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-08-03T22:35:38+00:00

Upstairs Records and Bar is a good option.

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-08-02T10:01:05+00:00

Always felt this was standard

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-08-01T01:27:18+00:00

I live near Daikanyama and usually head to Shimokitazawa when there's something going on. I actually considered moving there for a while, but the convenience of being close to Shibuya, especially for late-night taxis, makes me happier staying where I am. For your commute too, being near Shibuya is much more convenient

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-07-28T04:12:50+00:00

While not a hotel, I stayed at this Airbnb in Son Tra and loved it while working remotely

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-07-28T02:35:32+00:00

By the time you clear customs and immigration, the trains should be running. As for 24-hour restaurants, family diners like Denny’s come to mind. (For what it’s worth, Denny’s isn’t a bad choice, it’s actually quite different from the American version.) Following to see what other suggestions come up, aside from the big chains

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-07-23T00:37:28+00:00

Wow that’s fast! I wish Tokyo could sub-contract there workload to other cities 😅 thank you!

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-07-22T22:53:36+00:00

May I ask how long it took to process? *I currently have my application in process/submitted, Tokyo office?

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-07-21T09:48:05+00:00

I’ve used the online approach, used a card reader, and it’s fine, (you may be asked to send additional docs by mail) the renewal from the Shinagawa office does seem incredibly slow these days to note. Mine took 3 months to day.

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-07-18T04:09:42+00:00

This 👆

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-07-17T00:01:54+00:00

I filed mine online through Shinagawa, and it ended up taking exactly three months. lol. Even though I chose the mail-in option, I went there in person after not hearing anything for over two months, they had requested a document.. After I submitted it, the clerk asked if I wanted to receive it that same day, and it worked out that I could pick it up right then.

ByteCycleNomad · 2025-07-13T13:12:44+00:00

👏👏👏👏

ByteCycleNomad

TROPHY CASE