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Amsterdam Canal Boat Cruise Review

By
Ramon Perry
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Amsterdam Canal Boat Cruise

Floating down Amsterdam’s canals and waterways is the best way to discover the best attractions. Everything looks more majestic from a canal boat. I cannot think of a more magical way to experience this fascinating city than from an Amsterdam Canal Boat Cruise.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

Historically Speaking

Amsterdam’s history is built around the canals. Its 165 canals were built mainly in the 17th century to improve transportation, reclaim the land, and expand the city. And many of Amsterdam’s biggest tourist attractions are right next to the canals, meaning you can access them directly from an Amsterdam Canal Boat Cruise.

In 2010 the canal rings of Amsterdam were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means that they are officially “important to the collective interests of humanity”. The canals have cultural, historical and scientific significance and are definitely worth a look. In fact they are most definitely worthy of you BUCKET LIST!

Amsterdam Canal Boat Cruise world heritage bridge
Beautiful historic bridges over the canal

Which Amsterdam Canal Boat Cruise ?

Canal Boat Tours generally take 1 to 1.5 hours, but there are many different options available to cater for all sorts of tourists. And that’s only fair, for Amsterdam is full of every different sort of tourist imaginable. Here are 23 Amsterdam Canal Boat Cruise options to choose from:

Amsterdam Canal Boat Cruise lovers cruise
One of the many cruise operators

Tour Operators

There are also stacks of competing tour operators, and here are the most popular ones:

Amsterdam Canal Boat Cruise private cruise
Open top cruise option

City Sightseeing Amsterdam

We chose the City Sightseeing Amsterdam Canal Cruise and Bus combo because it’s such an economical way to explore a lot of attractions. We’ve used these style of tours in other locations such as London, Budapest and Vienna and absolutely love them.

We find them to be a great way to see most of the main attractions in a short space of time. And the best thing is, you decide where you want to hop on and hop off. In other words, you design you own tour. We like that… a lot!

You also get to listen to the history and interesting facts about lots of interesting places with the audio guide. It’s in 16 different languages and comes with free earphones. Also there’s a very informative map given out for free when you get on the boat or bus. And did I mention these are the most economical touring option available (except walking of course).

As with most hop on hop off cruises, you get the option of taking different routes. Each route crosses over the other different routes, and you get to mix and match between them. The boats run every 30 minutes so you can hop off just for a short time. Here is a summary of the main attractions on each route.

Green Boat Route

The Boat route (Green) includes the following stops:

  • Central Station West
  • Passenger Terminal
  • Gassan Diamonds
  • Hermitage Museum
  • Albert Cuyp Market
  • Rijksmuseum/ Leidseplein
  • Anne Frank House

Blue Boat Route

The Boat route (Blue) includes the following stops:

  • National Maritime Museum
  • Saint Nicholas Church
  • City Hall
  • Golden Bend/ Herengracht
Amsterdam Canal Boat Cruise
Typical canal scenery

Red Bus Route

The Bus route (red) includes the following stops:

  • Central Station
  • Red Light District
  • Windmill de Gooyer
  • Artis Royal Zoo
  • Gassan Diamonds
  • Jewish Cultural Quarter
  • Royal Theatre Carré
  • Rijksmuseum/ Leidseplein
  • Vondelpark
  • Anne Frank House
  • Heineken Experience

Download The App

Every great hop on hop off boat cruise / bus tour has a great smartphone app to go with it. And the City Sightseeing Amsterdam tour did not let us down. In this case the companion app showed great detail of the city and canal systems with an interactive map. On the map you could see the real time location of each bus and boat. And you could look up information on each attraction so you could figure out where to hop off. Definitely check out our YouTube video for a demo of this great app.

  • Download the IOS app HERE
  • Download the Google Play app HERE

Review of the Canal Cruise

Overall we found the Amsterdam Canal Boat Cruise to be much better than the City Sightseeing Bus Tour. Although it was interesting to see different part of the city and environs by bus, it is so much more relaxing seeing it by canal boat.

And we spent the previous day exploring the city by foot, so we already recognised quite a few of the attractions. We actually never felt a need to hop off either of the 2 canal boat routes, we remained on them from start to finish. Such a relaxing way to take in the scenery.

In general found the blue boat route to be the most enjoyable. That’s because when we boarded the boat at Saint Nicholas Church, we were the first aboard and got the best seat. It was a lovely seat with no roof above, so we could get the best uninterrupted views of Amsterdam. The boat waited for about half and hour before we departed.

Amsterdam Canal Boat Cruise city sightseeing cruise
Got the best seat on the boat

Value For Money

We purchased our tickets at our hotel and only paid just $25.50 per ticket. Overall this is incredible value for a double Amsterdam Canal Boat Cruise with a combined Bus Tour. As a result all we had to spend on was  lunch and a couple of drinks along the way. It is a value packed, family friendly way to spend a day in Amsterdam, and one which I highly recommend. In fact, it is not to be missed.

Check out these awesome deals on our favourite tour platform, Getyourguide.com.


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17 Ways To Pay the Sequoia National Park Entrance Fee

By
Ramon Perry
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2
Sequoia National Park Entrance Fee

One of the wildest and finest areas of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, here you will find gorgeous meadows, black bears and the worlds largest trees. In fact 5 of the top 10 biggest trees in the world (by volume) are in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park. But you should be aware of the 17 different ways to pay the Sequoia National Park entrance fee so you can plan ahead and make the smartest choice.

Visitors enjoy a world class experience that mirrors the most visited parks in the United States. If you’re still trying to decide whether or not to visit Sequoia National Park, this short video may help you to decide.

Note: The following post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

17 Options for Paying The Sequoia NP Entrance Fee

Good news is that the Sequoia and Kings Canon National Parks entrance fee can be paid by the car load, currently $30 per carload. That’s right, you get 2 National Parks for the price of one.

  1. $30 per vehicle – Non commercial car, pickup, van, RV (7 day pass)
  2. $25 per vehicle – Motorcycle (7 day pass)
  3. $15 per vehicle – Foot, horse, non commercial bus/van greater than 15 seats (7 day pass)
  4. $25 per vehicle + $15 per person – Commercial car up to 6 seats
  5. $75 per vehicle – Commercial van 6 to 15 seats
  6. $1200 per vehicle – Commercial minibus 16-25 seats
  7. $200 per vehicle – Commercial coach over 25 seats
  8. Free – US Military (annual pass) covering active US Military Personnel and their dependents
  9. Free – Disability pass (lifetime pass) for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disability
  10. $50 per person – Sequoia and Kings Canyon Pass (annual pass)
  11. $80 per person – America The Beautiful (annual pass) covering all National Parks
  12. Free – 4th Grade Pass (annual pass) for 4th grade students and their families
  13. $80 – Senior US citizens or permanent residents 62 or older (lifetime pass)
  14. $20 – Senior US citizens or permanent residents 62 or older (annual pass)
  15. Volunteer Pass – Free for volunteers with 250 hours service in Interagency Pass Program
  16. Free Entrance Days, typically Martin Luther King Jr Day, First day of National Park Week, National Public Lands Day, Veterans Day
  17. Academic Fee Waver – Free for school groups who satisfy a certain curriculum

Note: You should check current park entrance fees on the National Parks Service Fees and Passes Page which may be subject to change.

Sequoia National Park giant sequoia grove
Clarc finds a grove of Giant Sequoias

Which Sequoia National Park Entrance Fee is the Best Value?

3 of these 17 options for paying the Sequoia National Park entrance fee stand out to me as offering the most impressive value.

  1. 4th grade and their family: If your child is in 4th grade you need to cash in on this offer to get the whole family free entrance into National Parks for an entire year! Read all about it at the Every Kid in a Park website.
  2. America the Beautiful Annual Pass: This $80 pass will give you free access for 12 months to over 400 parks run by the National Park Service. Find out all about it at the National Parks Service website.
  3. Active Duty US Military Personnel and their dependents. One thing I do admire about USA is the honour and respect paid to Military Personnel, and this pass is a fine example. Equally admirable is that dependents are also covered. Read all about it here.

The Biggest Tree in the World

It would be terrible if I didn’t even give the famous General Sherman Tree and the Giant Forest a mention. It is after all the biggest tree in the world by volume (living tree). Here are some mind boggling facts for you:

  • General Sherman Tree is the largest known living single stem tree on earth by volume.
  • It is also the largest living organism on the planet, by volume.
  • The height is 275 feet / 84 metres. It is not the highest tree in the world.
  • Circumference around the base is 103 feet / 31 metres.
  • Diameter at the base is 37 feet / 11 metres.
  • Estimated age is 2,300 – 2,700 years.
  • Estimated mass is over 2.7 million pounds.
  • The General Grant Tree in neighbouring Kings Canyon National Park is the second largest tree on earth by volume.
  • The General Sherman Tree is located in the Giant Forest, a stand of some 8,000 Giant Sequoia Trees.
  • 9 of the top 20 biggest Giant Sequoia trees live in the Giant Forest.

Price Hikes

There has been a lot of public comment in the United States regarding entrance fee price hikes in the country’s National Parks.  With potential large price hikes I strongly suggest you check the latest Sequoia National Park entrance fee before your visit. They won’t stay at the current rate forever!


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Sequoia National Park entrance station
Entering Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks from the north

 



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Best Way to See the 3 Best Californian National Parks

By
Ramon Perry
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0
3 best California National Parks

It is widely accepted that Yosemite is Number One of all the Californian National Parks. And the best thing is that Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are just south east of Yosemite, such that you can see all 3 parks in 3 days. But if you want to make it a holiday of a lifetime, we suggest you take 7 days to take it all in. Here’s how you do it…

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so you know it must be good. And it’s better than good – it’s mind blowing! Yosemite is famous for it’s thundering waterfalls, incredible granite cliffs, massive domes and hanging valleys.

Top 5 Attractions in Yosemite and Californian national parks
Top 5 Attractions in Yosemite

Getting There and Getting Around

We suggest driving a car to somewhere in the vicinity of the park. But once you are there you will find a free shuttle bus is the best way to go, because the car parks to popular attractions can fill up and become very frustrating to find a car-park. The free shuttle buses have 19 stops throughout the park and is a popular way to get around.

Yosemite is all about hiking trails, so be prepared with good hiking equipment and be prepared to walk. Yosemite Fall is one exception, with just a 10 minute walk along flat footpath from the car park to the Lower Yosemite Fall viewing area.

For those less into walking, you can see spectacular views of many of the most famous waterfalls from road turnouts. In fact you can see the most famous domes and waterfalls without venturing more than 10 feet from your car!

When to Go

As soon as possible after the snow melt is the best time to go to Yosemite, because the waterfalls will be pumping hard. They will be so impressive that you will hear the thunderous roar from the other side of the expansive Yosemite Valley.

May-June is our pick for the best time to go. The nights are cool but not freezing, and the waterfalls are at their absolute best. It’s important to check the conditions and not go too early, as some roads may be closed due to snow.

Tip: Checkout the YOSEMITE WEBCAMS if you’d like to see how the park looks at any time of the year.

Yosemite Webcamsn and Californian national parks
Spectacular Yosemite Falls seen from the walking path

What to see

Our top 5 picks in Yosemite National Park are the “easy ones” that you can actually see in a single day, if you’re rushed for time.

1. El Capitan and Horsetail Fall

El Capitan is a 3,000 sheer vertical granite rock. There is easy access to view El Capitan from the turnout on the main access road into Yosemite Valley. El Capitan remains one of the greatest challengers for rock climbers.

2. Yosemite Falls, Upper/Middle/Lower

Yosemite Falls are the highest waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, dropping a total of 2,425 feet (739 metres). Upper Yosemite Fall drops 1,430 feet (440 metres), which puts it in the top 20 waterfalls in the world.

3. Vernal Fall and the Mist Trail

Vernal Fall is a 4 hour round trip to the top following the mist trail. On the Mist Trail, you will be sprayed with water from Vernal Fall. Expect to get wet.

4. Tunnel View

Tunnel View is located just outside the Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41. Here you will get a great view of Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall.

5. Glacier Point and the Drive to Glacier Point

Glacier Point offers superb views over the Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall and Cloud Rest. In fact Glacier Point has an elevation of 7,214 feet (2,199 metres) and is 3,200 feet (980 metres) above Half Dome Village.

Yosemite Webcams and Californian national parks
Yosemite High Country

Sequoia National Park

This is the place to see the Giant Sequoia Trees. These trees only grow in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and there are less than 70 groves remaining. You can see the world’s largest tree by volume, the General Sherman Tree. It is also a great place to spot wild black bears.

Getting There and Getting Around

Although you can easily find bus tours through the park, there is no free shuttle bus like in Yosemite. Car is the best way to get around this parks, and it is generally less crowded and easier to find parking than in Yosemite.

Sequoia is approximately 4-5 hours drive from Yosemite, so they are easy to join together for an extended holiday.

When to Go

Virtually anytime except winter is a good time to go to Sequoia National Park, purely to avoid the cold weather and snow. We suggest in the Spring, same as Yosemite since the temperatures will still be cool yet pleasant, and you will see plenty of snow remaining on the high peaks for some stunning scenery.

What to See

One of the wildest and finest areas of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, here you will find gorgeous meadows, black bears and the worlds largest trees. Here are our top 5 attractions.

Giant Forest and the General Sherman Tree

Home to the General Sherman Tree, the worlds largest tree measured by volume –  275 feet (83m) tall, and over 36 feet (11m) in diameter and 2,300-2,700 years old. Giant Sequoia groves only grow on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevadas. There are only 68 groves in existence, so feel very lucky to stand in one.

Crescent Meadow

The trail around crescent meadow is a fairly easy 1.6 mile hike, suitable for children and those who don’t like steep grades. Along the way check Tharp’s Log. Hale Tharp lived inside this hollowed out Sequioa tree from 1860 to 1890. You can still see his furniture inside.

Auto Log

The Auto Log fell down in 1917 and is located on the Crescent Meadow Road. After the tree fell, park authorities encouraged visitors to drive their cars onto the trunk. It is now closed for safety reasons due to the decay of the tree. You are still permitted to walk out onto Auto Log for a great photo opportunity.

Tunnel Log

The tunnel log tree fell in 1934, and was over 2,000 years old. To get to tunnel log follow the Crescent Meadow Road. The tunnel is 8 feet (2.4m) high, make sure your vehicle will fit before driving though it!

Bear Spotting

Black bears live in Sequoia National Park. American Black Bears have a misleading name, because they may be black, brown, cinnamon or blonde in color. Meadows are a great place to spot bears in Sequioa National Park, especially in Spring. In fall you might see bears high in oak trees getting fat on acorns.

Kings Canyon National Park

Kings Canyon shares a border with Sequoia National Park, so all the same recommendations apply. It is probably one of the least known of the Californian National Parks, but don’t let that fool you.

Top 5 Attractions

General Grant Grove

This is conveniently located just inside the park entrance, and has the second largest tree in the world the General Grant Tree. You just can’t get enough of these magnificent Giant Sequoia trees.

Kings River Canyon

Drive into the park proper and you will meet the Kings River Canyon, one of the deepest canyons you will ever lay eyes upon. You will need to deal with one of the scariest mountain roads anywhere, due to the massive drops below. In fact you will descend about 4,000 feet along the road as you enter the valley – that’s Grand Canyon size!

Grizzly Falls

These falls are great because it’s just a short walk from the car park to see the waterfall. You will be treated to a powerful 75 foot waterfall.

Roaring River Falls

Take a 0.3 mile paved walking trail and you will see a short but powerful waterfall, well worth a look.

Zumwalt Meadow

This scenic spot is located in the floor of the King River Valley, where you are treated to a lush meadow situated in a dramatic section of the canyon with sheer rock cliffs.

How to Plan Your Itinerary

Our own itinerary worked out great, so this is what we suggest to see the 3 Best Californian National Parks.

Yosemite National Park

Stay in Housekeeping Camp, in the heart of Yosemite Valley. Here you are treated to magnificent views of Yosemite Falls and the Merced River, and it offers outstanding access to all the major attractions.

We booked for 1 night only because the availability was limited. We suggest you book 6-12 months ahead at Housekeeping Camp, and stay 2-3 nights. It is surprisingly affordable, we paid just $116 per night for our luxury tent.

Allow a full day to drive from Housekeeping Camp to your next stop. This way you can take a detour to Glacier Point along the way. Glacier Point is one of the not to be missed attractions, and will add about 3 hours to your trip.

Yosemite Webcams and Californian national parks
View from Glacier Point

Squaw Valley

Accommodation inside Sequoia National Park is limited and must be booked well in advance. So we took the Airbnb option and stayed in Squaw Valley. We found an amazing RV on a lovely 5 acre residential block for around $100 per night. The RV offered excellent access to the park at just 40 minutes drive to Kings Canyon entrance, and 1.5 hours drive to Sequoia National Park (General Sherman area).

Sequoia National Park and Californian national parks
Driving from Squaw Valley into Kings Canyon and then Sequoia

We were a little suspect on staying in an RV… thinking of run down trailer parks. But it was a state of the art RV with all the modern conveniences. Very spacious and lots of personal touches added by our amazing hosts.

Our hosts lived next door in their home and were the most amazing friendly hosts, offering us lots of good advice and help. In the end, this RV was the highlight of our California Road Trip, thus we thoroughly recommend searching for your own Airbnb in Squaw Valley.

Top 3 Californian National Parks
Our super cosy AirBNB RV

Our plan was to spend one full day in the Kings Canyon area, then a second full day in the Sequoia area. We stayed in the RV for 4 nights, so this also gave us one down-day to chill out. We needed it, we were fairly exhausted from all the hiking in these wonderful National Parks.

Your Perfect Itinerary to see the 3 Best Californian National Parks

Day 1 – Drive from wherever to Housekeeping Camp. Take loads of amazing photos in the Yosemite Valley Turnouts. Stay for the night in Housekeeping Camp

Yosemite National Park Entrance Fees and Californian national parks
Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee

Day 2 – Take the shuttle bus to the Mist Trail, hike 3 hours round trip to Vernal Falls. See another destinations in the like Yosemite Falls, El Capitan.

Day 3 – Drive to Squaw Valley. Be sure to stop at Tunnel View (20 minutes) and Glacier Point (3-4 hours).

Yosemite Webcams and Californian national parks
El Capitan as seen from Wawona Tunnel

Day 4 – Drive to Sequoia National Park (1.5-2 hours) – see the General Sherman Tree, Crystal Meadow, Auto Log and Tunnel Log.

Day 5 – Take a down day, you deserve it! If you really want, take another drive into Sequoia National Park and see some more attractions.

Sequoia National Park and Californian national parks
The road into General Sherman

Day 6 – Drive to Kings Canyon National Park (45 minutes). See Grants Grove and Kings Canyon.

Day 7 – Drive home, or your next destination.

Best Holiday Ever

So there you have our ultimate holiday in the 3 Best Californian National Parks. By now you would have filled up you camera with some of the most iconic scenery in USA. With any luck you have spotted several wild deer and some wild Black Bears. You have breathed in the freshest Sierra Nevada air. And you don’t need to see another waterfall for a long time, because you’ve just seen some of the best in the world. Congratulations, you’ve just had the best holiday ever.

Yosemite National Park Camping and Californian national parks
Yosemite Falls are very popular

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Awesome Things To Do in Bohol – Loboc River Resort

By
Ramon Perry
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0
Things to do in Bohol Loboc River Resort

Bohol is the 10th largest island in the Philippines and is chock full of fun. Usually, tourists gravitate to the white beaches of Panglao Island or the jungles when seeking activities. On this trip, we head deep into the lush green jungle to find plenty of Awesome things to do in Bohol at Loboc River Resort.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

Things to do in Bohol Loboc River Resort outrigger canoe
The resort Banca with the hanging bridge in the background

Where is Loboc River

The Loboc River is an amazingly scenic jungle river, with placid blue-green water and palm tree-lined banks. Loboc River is tranquility at its finest. The river is wide and deep making it easy to navigate by boat. Accordingly, there are loads of boat tour options available near the township of Loboc.

Downstream of Loboc is where you find the Loboc River Resort. In this stretch of the river, the restaurants and tour operators give way to jungle interspersed by local houses. It is the peaceful stretch of the Loboc River.

Getting to Loboc River Resort

As you leave the quaint capital city of Tagbilaran City, just out of town you will pass the famous Baclayon Church, the oldest church in Bohol. This Roman Catholic Church dates back to 1596 and is still standing, even after surviving the devastating 7.3 earthquakes of 2013.

From the capital city Tagbilaran City, Loboc River Resort is about 30-40 minutes drive. The drive is mainly along the south coast of Bohol where you are treated to spectacular views of the ocean, beaches and nearby islands.

Activities

Swimming Pool

Loboc River Resort has a resort-style infinity pool right near the river bank. It even has a waterfall! The main pool is 5′ 2″ deep and there is a smaller kiddies pool which is 2′ deep. There’s nothing better than a refreshing dip in the resort style pool after a big day of activities on the river.

Things to do in Bohol Loboc River Resort infinity pool
Part of the infinity pool

Cruising along the River in a Banca (Filipino outrigger boat)

We opted for the standard 2-hour cruise up the river on the traditional Filipino outrigger boat, which you can hire directly from the resort. The boat can comfortably seat 10 people, and it is a cool refreshing way to admire the river on a hot day.

Along the way, you will pass the historic Loboc Church, built in 1734. You will also pass the main tourist areas of Loboc River, along with many floating restaurants.

Things to do in Bohol Loboc River Resort Banca
Cruising along in our Banca

Swimming in Twin Falls

After about 50 minutes of cruising up the river in your Banca, you get to a waterfall, and you can’t travel any further. What to do? That’s easy – go for a swim under the waterfall.

On the other hand, you can duck behind the waterfalls to see what mysteries lie within or just go for a relaxing water massage.

Swimming in the Cold Spring

On the way back to the Loboc River Resort you pass by a small inlet which is a cold spring feed creek. There is a swimming hole there where you can stop off for a refreshingly cool swim.

Kayaking Along the Loboc River

Kayaking is another fun activity along the river. At the resort, there are one seater and two seater kayaks available, and plenty of lovely jungle scenery to explore.

Things to do in Bohol Loboc kayaking
Loboc River is perfect for kayaking

Stand up Paddle Boards along the River

If kayaking is not your thing, try the stand-up paddle-boards. It’s not quite as fast as a kayak, but Loboc River is all about peace and tranquility.

Things to do in Bohol Loboc River Resort stand up paddle boarding
Plenty of paddle boards to choose from

Fishing and Crabbing

Kitong (Rabbit Fish) are plentiful in the Loboc River. Kids can purchase some bait for 30 pesos and go fishing off the floating pontoon. With any luck, they will catch some Kitong and convince the chef to make a meal of them.

Using the same fishing rods, kids can also delight in catching crabs right from the restaurant in the Loboc River below.

Things to do in Bohol Loboc River Resort fishing
The kids enjoying some fishing

Feeding the Monkeys at Monkey Island

Each day at 4 pm there is a guided tour of the local attractions, and one of them is “Feeding the monkeys at monkey island”. You follow the guide along a canal to the island, then he crosses the river in his little Banca to get to the island.

All of a sudden you hear splashes as the monkeys jump from the overhanging trees into the canals and swim across to monkey island for their free meal. In fact, these mangrove monkeys (macaques) are native to Bohol and are a lovely spectacle to see up close in their natural environment.

Things to do in Bohol Loboc River Resort monkey island
The walk to Monkey Island is half the fun

The Hanging Bridge

Just downstream of the Loboc River Resort is the new Hanging Bridge. You can see many school children crossing these daily as they make their way to school. Before this new bridge was constructed they used to cross the river by boat. The bridge is just a 5-minute walk from Loboc River Resort and well worth a look.

Caribou Riding

On the daily tour, you have the option of riding a fully grown caribou. And before you start feeling sorry for the caribou, I don’t think they even feel the weight of the kids on their back.

Things to do in Bohol Loboc River Resort caribou riding
Riding a Caribou

Firefly Watching

Probably the highlight attraction here is the Firefly Watching, which can be done at night by boat.

Bicycle Riding

There are a couple of nice mountain bikes for use by the guests. Why not go for a ride along the many tracks and hiking trails.

Badminton & Table Tennis

There’s a great little sports area near the pool with a badminton court and table tennis table.

Things to do in Bohol Loboc River Resort breakfast
Sumptuous complimentary breakfast

Restaurant on the River’s Edge

For me, the highlight of the Loboc River Resort is an amazing Filipino restaurant. Here diners are treated to an amazing 180-degree panorama of the Loboc River and the surrounding jungle. Also, the food here is simply sensational and very affordable.

To give you an idea, we had 12 people in our party and dinner with non-alcoholic drinks came in at around 3,300 pesos. Not bad. And best of all, we had complimentary breakfast

Things to do in Bohol Loboc River Resort restaurant
The beautiful relaxing restaurant

Massage

There is a massage room right behind reception, why not enjoy a lovely 1-hour traditional massage for just 450 pesos.

The Accommodation

The huts are modern nipa hut style, which captivates the river and jungle views. Not to mention if you are on the riverside you will get the chance to sit on your riverside balcony and watch the river pass by.

Inside they may not be super elegant but they are supremely comfortable. Complete with Aircon and LCD TV complete with cable TV. Mobile signal strength was strong using Smart, but alas Globe was quite weak. Wi-fi was good in the reception area but non-existent in our room.

Things to do in Bohol Loboc River Resort accommodation
Our room

Is It Expensive?

Check out the room rates on Agoda, we booked 2 days out and secured around a 40% discount off the standard room rate, which is 3,500 pesos for a river view room including breakfast.

Things to Do in Bohol – Loboc River Resort Summary

If you want a truly unforgettable experience and to check out the truly Boholano culture, then Loboc River Resort is for you. Especially as the atmosphere is friendly and the staff are lovely – you will be treated to warm smiles all through your stay. The food is magnificent and the prices are reasonable. All in all, we give it a 9 out of 10, this place is superb.

Even so, don’t come here if you’re looking for 4 or 5 star resort-style luxury. But definitely come here if you want to experience the river, the forest, delicious food and the warm Boholano spirit.

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16 Ways to Pay the Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee

By
Ramon Perry
-
4
Yosemite National Park Entrance Fees

Yosemite National Park is famous for it’s majestic waterfalls, it’s giant hanging valleys and amazing hikes. But you should be aware of the 16 different ways to pay the Yosemite National Park entrance fee so you can plan ahead and make the smartest choice.

If you’re still trying to decide whether or not to visit Yosemite National Park, this short video may help you to decide.

Note: The following post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

16 Options for Paying The Yosemite Entrance Fee

Good news is that the Yosemite National Park entrance fee can be paid by the car load, currently $30 per carload.

  1. $30 per vehicle – Non commercial car, pickup, van, RV (7 day pass)
  2. $25 per vehicle – Motorcycle (7 day pass)
  3. $15 per vehicle – Foot, horse, non commercial bus/van greater than 15 seats (7 day pass)
  4. $25 per vehicle + $15 per person – Commercial car up to 6 seats
  5. $125 per vehicle – Commercial van 6 to 15 seats
  6. $200 per vehicle – Commercial minibus 16-25 seats
  7. $300 per vehicle – Commercial coach over 25 seats
  8. Free – US Military (annual pass) covering active US Military Personnel and their dependents
  9. Free – Disability pass (lifetime pass) for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disability
  10. $60 per person – Yosemite Pass (annual pass)
  11. $80 per person – America The Beautiful (annual pass) covering all National Parks
  12. Free – 4th Grade Pass (annual pass) for 4th grade students and their families
  13. $80 – Senior US citizens or permanent residents 62 or older (lifetime pass)
  14. $20 – Senior US citizens or permanent residents 62 or older (annual pass)
  15. Free – Volunteer Pass for volunteers with 250 hours service in Interagency Pass Program
  16. Free  – Free Entrance Days, typically Martin Luther King Jr Day, First day of National Park Week, National Public Lands Day, Veterans Day.

Note: You should check current entrance fees on the National Parks Service Fees and Passes Page which may be subject to change.

Which Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee is the Best Value?

3 of these 16 options stand out to me as offering the most impressive value.

  1. 4th grade and their family: If your child is in 4th grade you need to cash in on this offer to get the whole family free entrance into National Parks for an entire year! Read all about it at the Every Kid in a Park website.
  2. America the Beautiful Annual Pass: This $80 pass will give you free access for 12 months to over 400 parks run by the National Park Service. Find out all about it at the National Parks Service website.
  3. Active Duty US Military Personnel and their dependents. One thing I do admire about USA is the honour and respect paid to Military Personnel, and this pass is a fine example. Equally admirable is that dependents are also covered. Read all about it here.
Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee payment
Paying at the park entrance

Tips on Avoiding the Crowds at Yosemite

So we’ve established that Yosemite can be rather expensive to visit, depending on which option you choose. Also if you add accommodation and gas to the entrance fees, and you may be in for a costly little holiday. With this in mind, you really should visit the park at a time when it’s not too crowded. For example, our visit to Yosemite National Park was on the Memorial Day long weekend, without even realising it was a long weekend! Consequently the park was near capacity.

To explain further, Joshua Cripps from Pro Photo Advice gives some outstanding advice in this link on how to avoid the crowds at Yosemite National Park. Hence this short video is well worth a look.

Price Hikes

There has been a lot of debate in the United States regarding entrance fee price hikes in the country’s National Parks.  With potential large price hikes I strongly suggest you check the latest Yosemite National Park entrance fee before your visit.

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Yosemite National Park Entrance station
Approaching the park entrance

And here are some great touring options to Yosemite National Park from our NUMBER 1 Tour Platform – GetYourGuide.com

Top 5 Attractions in Yosemite National Park

By
Ramon Perry
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0
Travel guide to Yosemite valley Top 5 Attractions in Yosemite

Famous for it’s thundering waterfalls, incredible granite cliffs, massive domes and hanging valleys, here are our Top 5 Attractions in Yosemite National Park. Best of all, you can see these all in a single day!

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1. El Capitan and Horsetail Fall

El Capitan is a 3,000 sheer vertical granite rock. There is easy access to view El Capitan from the turnout on the main access road into Yosemite Valley. El Capitan remains one of the greatest challengers for rock climbers.

For those keen enough to hike to the top of El Capitan, this difficult 10-12 hour return walk covers almost 16 miles and 5,226 feet elevation gain.

TIP: Horsetail Fall appears to be on fire in mid-late February at sunset, as the sun turns the waterfall a fiery orange.

Top 5 Attractions Yosemite El Capitan
Horsetail Fall & El Capitan

2. Yosemite Falls, Upper/Middle/Lower

Yosemite Falls are the highest waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, dropping a total of 2,425 feet (739 metres). Upper Yosemite Fall drops 1,430 feet (440 metres), which puts it in the top 20 waterfalls in the world.

Peak flow at Yosemite Fall is normally in May after the snow melt. It typically flows from November to July, and may stop flowing from August to October.

TIP: Hiking to the top of Upper Yosemite Fall takes around 10 hours and is a 7.6 mile (12 kilometre) round trip. The hike to the bottom of Lower Yosemite Fall is just a 20 minute round trip.

Yosemite Yosemite falls
Spectacular Yosemite Falls seen from the walking path

3. Vernal Fall and the Mist Trail

Vernal Fall is a 4 hour round trip to the top following the mist trail. On the Mist Trail, you will be sprayed with water from Vernal Fall. Expect to get wet.

TIP: Bring a waterproof camera and a rain coat on this walk.

Top 5 Attractions in Yosemite mist trail and vernal fall
Vernal Falls from Mist Trail

4. Tunnel View

Tunnel View is located just outside the Wawona Tunnel on State Highway 41. Here you will get a great view of Half Dome, El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall.

TIP: Almost no walking is required. Simply pull over as you exit the Wawona Tunnel (or just before you enter, depending on which way you are travelling).

Yosemite tunnel view
El Capitan as seen from Wawona Tunnel

5. Glacier Point and the Drive to Glacier Point

Glacier Point offers superb views over the Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Vernal Fall, Nevada Fall and Cloud Rest. In fact Glacier Point has an elevation of 7,214 feet (2,199 metres) and is 3,200 feet (980 metres) above Half Dome Village.

Glacier Point Road is only open from late May to October, depending on snow conditions. It can also be accessed by cross country skiers from December to March, after skiing for 10.5 miles.

TIP: If you don’t want to drive you can take a 4 hour guided bus tour to glacier point. Head to www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/guided-bus-tours/

Yosemite Nevada falls from glacier point
Nevada Falls seen from Glacier Point

Day Trip Itinerary

Our recommendation is to enter Yosemite National Park through the Mariposa entrance. This is a much quicker, easier and less frightening drive than coming from the South through Oakhurst and Fish Camp.

After paying your entrance fee to the National Park, keep driving along Central Yosemite Highway 140 all the way into Yosemite Valley. Along the way you will pass by (1) El Portal and (2) Yosemite Fall. You will also pass many other roadside stops with awe-inspiring views of the valley, domes, meadows and waterfalls.

Drive all the way to Half Dome Village, which is at the end of the Yosemite Valley road. Park your car at Half Dome Village to take the Mist Trail up to (3) Vernal Fall.

TIP: Just before you reach Half Dome Village, you will pass the Yosemite Valley Visitor Centre. There is an excellent cafe to stop here for lunch, even a mini supermarket.

Then after Vernal Fall, drive up to Tunnel View. You will need to turn left from Southside Drive at Bridalveil Fall, onto Wawona Road. About 1 mile along Wawona Road stop for the excellent (4) Tunnel View carpark.

After Tunnel View, keep driving along Wawona Road until you reach the Glacier Point turnoff on the left, about 15-20 minutes. But keep in mind that Glacier Point Road is very windy and slow going, it will take you about 40 more minutes to reach (5) Glacier Point.

After Glacier Point, you can exit the park either back through the West entrance to Mariposa, or the South entrance to Oakhurst.

Housekeeping Camp

A great alternative is to see El Portal and Yosemite Fall on your first day, then stay at Housekeeping Camp. Be warned though, you will need to book 6-12 months in advance to secure your place. By all means check out our blog Reasons to Choose Housekeeping Camp Yosemite to learn more.

Best Season to See the Top 5 Attractions in Yosemite

Every one of our top 5 attractions in Yosemite National Park includes waterfalls. That’s because, in our opinion waterfalls are the most spectacular scenery in Yosemite. As it happens, our itinerary also lets you see the magnificent domes, the hanging valley and some lovely meadows. Thus the best time to go is when the snow melt is providing maximum water flow over the waterfalls in May and June. During this time you will hear the thunder of the falls across the valley, and feel the mist as you approach them.

Tip: Checkout the YOSEMITE WEBCAMS if you’d like to see how the park looks in different seasons.

Yosemite National Park is so huge and diverse that you can easily modify your itinerary to suit any season. The most important thing is to strop dreaming, and start going. Believe me, Yosemite looks infinitely more impressive in real life than it does online. I hope you see it for yourself.

Yosemite glacier point viewing area
Half Dome seen from Glacier Point

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Here are some Yosemite National Park tour options available from our favourite tour platform, Getyourguide.com:

Best Beaches in Philippines – Alona Beach

By
Ramon Perry
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1
Balicasag Island scuba diving with turtles

When it comes to beaches, Philippines has a lot to offer. Think of brilliant soft white sand and pristine turquoise water, fringed by lush coconut trees swaying in a relaxing sea breeze. With over 7,000 tropical islands and countless beautiful beaches in the country, the Philippines dilemma now is, which of the many beaches to choose from? You should greatly consider “Alona Beach”.

Lost Horizon Dive Resort sunset
Alona Beach at the Lost Horizon Resort

Why is Alona Beach the Best Beach in the Philippines?

For a long-time, “Boracay White Beach” in Aklan Province has been the number one beach destination in Philippines and for many good reasons.  It has a lot to offer for  thrill-seekers, romantics and party seekers alike. Now, there is a new contender for best beach in the Philippines and that is the one I have recommended you, “Alona Beach”.  It is situated further south on the tiny Panglao Island.

Alona Beach is a great option because it is easily accessible and is not yet saturated by tourism development. It also has one of the best diving locations in the world on it’s doorstep. But at present, construction of an international airport on Panglao Island has already started. The relaxed ambience of Alona Beach is destined to give way to large-scale development in the next 5-10 years.

Henann Resort pool
Henann Resort Pool Bar

Getting to Alona Beach

Bohol is easily accessible by the major domestic airlines namely, Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, and Philippine Airlines.  Tickets are normally 2,000-5,000 pesos one way from Manila.  However,  you can regularly pick up tickets for half the price if you monitor the airline’s website for seat sales and promotions.  If you leave your booking too late or try to book on a popular holiday time, you can be paying double.

You will land in Tagbilaran City which is the capital of the Province of Bohol.  The City has a population of about 110,000 people.  Alona beach is about a half-hour drive from the airport.  The best way to get there is pre-arranging an airport transfer through your hotel.  Conventional taxis are rare in Tagbilaran City, although, you can call one at “Varescon Transport Services” (+63(38)4122548).

If you have booked a popular hotel, they will most likely have a transfer awaiting for you as you access the airport. Just make sure you have confirmed this when you book the hotel or resort.

Tricyles

Tagbilaran Airport is quite unusual in that you never see a taxi waiting, but you do see dozens of eager tricycles.  Tricycles are the conventional means of transport on Bohol.  The tricycle would be a tight squeeze for two large people plus luggage, it may be a better choice to hire two tricycles.

The other popular way to get to Bohol is from Cebu City by Ferry. You can also catch ferry from other nearby islands but Cebu is by far the most popular. The biggest ferry operators are Ocean Jet, Weesam Express and Supercat, with about 20 daily trips from Cebu. Prices are typically 500 pesos per person one way or you can upgrade to first class for about double the fare. The ferry terminal in Tagbilaran City is quite modern and similar to the airport, it is easy to get a tricycle to take you to your destination.

What to Do at Alone Beach

The main activities are swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. There’s not a lot else to do at Alona Beach which is one of the great things about this place. You can find a genuinely relaxing tropical ambience, whilst still having access to all the modern conveniences.

Scuba diving

Alona Beach itself is adorned with dozens of SCUBA operators, there are plenty of PADI dive shops and it’s really easy to book into a refresher course or full certification. You will find that operators are very competitive and the cheap prices reflect this. The most popular dive tours are 3 dives in one day at Balicasag Island, a popular island about half an hour boat ride away. “House Reef” is an interesting dive, it is a wall dive only a couple of hundred meters offshore from the main dive shop strip on Alona Beach. This is where you will paddle out to for most training dives.

It is Balicasag Island that people come here for, a location on the bucket list of many experienced SCUBA divers. Here you see many large turtles and amazing variety of small colourful sea critters. There are some longer trips available if you get tired of diving Balicasag Island, but do yourself a favour and see Balicasag first.

No dive gear? No problem, it is normal to hire the full set of dive gear at the shop, and they are still quite easy to purchase locally if you prefer.

House Reef Alona Beach
Preparing for a shore dive at House Reef

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is not as popular as SCUBA diving, however dive operators are usually happy to let snorkelers join onto their daily dive expeditions for a low price. We paid 500 pesos per person for a day trip for snorkelling including hire equipment.

Plan B is to hire your own personal boat for a family or group of friends, the intersection where the main road hits Alona Beach normally as a few operators selling this type of trip, where you should be able to negotiate a boat for 1,500 to 2,000 pesos. You would be expected to tip the boat crew at the end of the day also.

Balicasag Island snorkelling
Snorkeling at Balicasag Island

Dining

Alona beach has plenty of dining options day and night. At night the white sandy beach turns into a huge dining room and all the restaurants put their tables out on the beach. This option as it offers a lovely relaxing atmosphere and you will often get serenaded by some talented local musicians.

There are plenty of options along the beach for restaurants and bars with new ones popping up all the time so get adventurous. Hot tip is there are lots of fairly new restaurants opening up on the back street, behind Alona Kew beach resort.

Breakfast at henann resort
Breakfast at Henann Resort

Hotels at Alona Beach

I have stayed at Alona Beach many times and here are my two favourite hotels.

Henann Resort

Henann Resort has some of the best swimming pools you will find anywhere, an intricate system of pools on three different levels. It even has a great infinity pool on the beach. The hotel can be rather expensive but do offer promotional offers from time to time so it would be a good idea to plan early and look out for their promo’s.

Excellent wi-fi and dining options abound throughout the resort.  The dining can be quite expensive at Henann, however it easy to access other beach dining for a quarter the price of Henann.

Henann resort Panglao Island
Standard poolside room at Hennan Resort

Lost Horizon Resort

Lost Horizon Resort is very well priced and in a perfect location. It is a no-frills resort which is targeted at scuba divers, but still very comfortable. A warning about the wi-fi, it is available but can be very difficult to use.

But the pool is small but good, the food is excellent, and it’s right on a terrific quieter section of the beach. The good thing about Lost Horizon is they have a wide range of room options from huge family rooms to smaller luxury rooms.

You can find an options for all size travelling crew on all budgets. They also run a popular dive resort so it is really easy to SCUBA to your heart’s content. There are also some big dive shops nearby so you can easily shop around for the best deal.

Lost Horizon also have a relaxing dinner and band option right on the beach at night, usually every night of the week.

Panglao Island Lost Horizon
Lost Horizon Resort

Borocay or Panglao?

If you want paragliding, banana boats, jet skis, and a plethora of high-end activities then Borocay is the place for you. Foreign tourists flock to Boracay in their thousands so it does get very crowded. For a relaxing beachside escape, lovely dining on a beautiful beach without too much hustle and bustle then Alona Beach is for you. If you want easy access to a capital city with great shopping and restaurants then Alona Beach is for you.


If you want some of the best SCUBA in the world then Alona Beach is for you. For snorkelling you could go either way. As and added bonus when staying at Alona Beach, you can easily find a day-trip around the larger island of Bohol. There you can see some the popular tourist attractions like Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Adventure Parks and Loboc River.

Bohol Adventure Park zip lining
Clarice tries some zip-lining in Bohol

Alona Beach

You can literally get leave Manila at 9am and be at your Alona Beach Hotel at 11am same day. That makes Alona Beach super convenient! World class beaches, classy and affordable beach resorts, excellent SCUBA diving a snorkeling and excellent beach dining. Alona Beach also boasts shopping malls half hour away, and access to world-class tourist attractions.

Alona Beach is a great option for a romantic, party or family adventure. Do yourself a favour and go to this great location before the international airport starts to bring the big crowds.

Balicasag Island turtles
Ramon encounters a turtle at Balicasag Island

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Australian Rules Football Guide for Tourists

By
Ramon Perry
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5
Australian Rules Football mcg

Australian Rules Football Guide

Are you looking for the quintessential Australian cultural experience? Have you ever noticed how sports obsessed Australians are? If you are lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, you can treat yourself to a truly Australian experience, a trip to the Australian Rules Football! You need to be somewhere near Melbourne around winter time to see this awesome spectacle.

Footy in Australia

In Australia we play and follow almost every sport known to man, because we are fair dinkum sports fanatics. And the biggest sport in the land is footy. When it comes to footy we have 4 different codes to choose from:

    • Rugby Union, European game played all over the country
    • Rugby League, English game mainly played in NSW and Queensland
    • Soccer, world sport played all over the country
  • Australian Rules Football, mostly played in the colder southern states WA, SA, Vic, Tas. Victoria is the home state of AFL, known to locals as Aussie Rules.

Aussie Rules is the game to see if you want to see a fair dinkum game of uniquely Australian Footy. It was invented in Australia about 200 years ago and attracts the biggest, most fanatical crowds in the land.

Australian Rules Football inside docklands
Enjoying a big game at Etihad Stadium

When to See the Footy

The Australian Football League (AFL) competition begins each year in late March and finishes in late September. September is dedicated to the finals series, and tickets are not only expensive but extremely elusive. Don’t even think about going to September finals games unless you know someone who is ‘in the know’. Be warned, this is a winter sport and you do need to be a little selective if you don’t want to freeze your butt off.

Australian Rules Football Melbourne tram
Catching a tram to the MCG

Where to See a Game

The biggest AFL games are played in Melbourne because that’s where the biggest stadiums are found. The most fanatical armies of supporters are also in Melbourne. There are teams in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth as well, and whilst these are terrific places to catch a game it is Melbourne where you will find the most memorable games.

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The biggest arena is the MCG, the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This ground is affectionately known by locals as the ‘G’. The G holds over 100,000 people and regularly attracts over 90,000. This is the best ground to see a big game with a big crowd, which is an experience to behold. However there is not much shelter from the rain at the G so you have to be rain-prepared on wet days, which is quite often during Melbourne winter season.

Australian Rules Football Melbourne cricket ground
Watching a game at the MCG

Etihad Stadium (Docklands)

Etihad Stadium on the other hand is the safest bet. This Stadium has the highest number of games and holds over 53,000 people. The beauty of this stadium, known as Docklands, is that it has a retractable roof. On a warm sunny day they open the roof, but if there is the slightest chance of rain they close it so you will never get wet. The roof also acts as a heat shield, so if it’s 7 degrees celsius and raining outside, it normally remains a cosy 18 degrees inside.

Both these stadiums are located near downtown Melbourne and are easy to get to by public transport. Etihad is the easier of the two due to its proximity to the Southern Cross train station. Virtually every suburban train line connects to Southern Cross station. Stick to Etihad Stadium and you can’t go wrong.

Australian Rules Football supporter merchandise
The roof is closed at Etihad Stadium

Where to Get Tickets

The usual place to get tickets is online through a ticketing agency called Ticketek. You can access this through the AFL website or directly through ticketek.com.au. The beauty of getting tickets online is that you can choose exactly which seat you want to sit in. You should purchase your tickets 2-3 weeks in advance if possible, because you can be assured of having plenty of great seats available. You can usually still buy online tickets the day before, however you may be in the ‘nosebleeds’. Nosebleeds refers to the high altitudes of the top-level, akin to getting a nosebleed on a tall mountain due to the thin air.

I recommend sitting as close as you can to the front fence of the oval just near the goals, closest to the action. These type of tickets sell for about $49 per adult, $15 per child each, or you can get general admission for about $10 (prices vary). You can also buy general admission at the ground but this is not recommended if you want to get a great seat.

Australian Rules Football in the nosebleeds
Up in the nosebleeds at Etihad Stadium

Eating and Drinking

You can buy beer, wine and spirits inside the ground however you are not allowed to bring your own alcohol to the game. The iconic footy meal is a pie with sauce – that is a hot beef pie, encrusted in pastry and smothered in tomato sauce. You are permitted to bring your own food, however it’s not advisable to miss out on the authentic footy experience of a pie with sauce.

I suggest bringing some snacks and purchasing a pie with sauce at the game. Footy is promoted as a family friendly event and drunken behaviour is frowned upon by the ample security at the game. Consequently drunken people tend to get quietened down or thrown out of the game.

Australian Rules Football eating a meat pie
Enjoying a Pie with Sauce

How to Choose a Game

There are two things that make a great game of Australian Rules Football – a big crowd and a close game. You should look for a crowd of at least 70,000 people at the MCG, or 45,000 at Etihad Stadium. Only the best games get these big crowds. Normally it’s when two popular teams in the upper half of the ladder clash. Certainly the closer the teams are on the ladder the better, this will give you a good chance of a close match.

The ultimate game would be two Victorian teams both in the top 4 on the ladder, because that would draw the biggest crowd and the best quality of football. A fast game is a good game in footy, and the top teams are the fastest in the land. The players are genuine athletes, the mid-fielders will run over 15 km in a single game.

Australian Rules Football Etihad stadium
A close game and a big crowd at Etihad Stadium

Rules of the Game

Overall the game is quite hard to understand if you’re not familiar with the rules. Here is a brief summary of the rules for you.

The game is split into four quarters of roughly 30 minutes each, teams swap end after each quarter.

  • The highest score at the end wins the game
  • There are 4 goal posts at both ends of the ground. A goal, worth six points, is awarded if the ball is kicked between the centre two posts. Play then stops and the goal umpire waves two white flags in the air.
  • If the ball is kicked between the outer two posts, or the ball is touched, the team scores a behind worth one point. Play stops and the umpire waves one white flag in the air.
  • To read the score board, 2 – 7 – 19 translates as 2 goals (6 points each), 7 behinds, 19 points in total. It is the total score (19) that determines the winner.
  • After every goal is scored the ball is returned to the centre of the ground to start the new passage of play.
  • Marks (catching the ball) are a big part of the game, if a player catches the ball after a kick they get 30 seconds to go back and take a kick.

Free Kicks

There are many penalties where the umpire will stop the ball and award a free kick to the opposition. These include: Push in the back – players cannot touch the opposition player’s back during play.

  • High tackle – players cannot touch the opposition player above the shoulders during play
  • Tripping – players cannot trip the opposition player during play.
  • Holding the ball – players cannot hold onto the ball more than 10 seconds without bouncing it on the ground.
  • Incorrect disposal – the only way to dispose of the ball without being penalised is by a proper hand-pass or kick.
  • Deliberate – players are not permitted to deliberately send the ball beyond the boundary line of the field.
  • Disagreeing with the umpire – players are not allowed to argue/disagree with the umpire.
  • General bad or unruly behaviour.

So there you have it, the full rule book of AFL footy. Well almost. You will often see fanatical supporters (fans) loudly abusing umpires (white maggots) for making the wrong decisions.

Australian Rules Football at the game
A great atmosphere the goals

Take a Trip to the Footy

So do yourself a favour and take a trip to the footy. Games are usually on weekends and can be day or night. You now know where to go, when to go, where to get tickets, how to choose a good game, and the main rules of the game. All grounds have heaps of public transport options available, just check out Google Maps for your options or go to the AFL website. So what are you waiting for – get along to a true Australian cultural institution – Australian Rules Football. Let us know how you went and if your team got up.

Final Tip

It’s always much more enjoyable if you support one of the teams. Pick out a team and grab some footy gear, you’ll be one of the locals then. Just get along to one of the big department stores like Target to purchase gear for less than half the price you will pay at the ground.

Australian Rules Football supporters clothings
All dressed for the footy at the MCG



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10 Great Tips to Survive the Tokyo Subway System

By
Ramon Perry
-
0
Tokyo subway system at peak hour

So you want to visit the largest city in the world. Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with some 38 million people. It also has one of the largest and most complex subways in the world with 285 stations, 13 lines and 8 million daily passengers. And the Tokyo Subway is…. character building.

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Tips to Survive the Tokyo Subway System

Using the Tokyo subway system is a mind-boggling experience. In fact the Tokyo Metro is ranked #6 of the top things to do in Tokyo! As a tourist you should at least come prepared with a few tips and a little bit of research.


I did my fair share of research on Tokyo transportation options before we arrived. 2 things really stood out for me:

  • Avoid Tokyo taxis – they are incredibly expensive.
  • Make good use of the Tokyo subway – it is very efficient and cost-effective.

And now, here are the top 10 tips specific to the Tokyo Subway.

Shinjuku station camera shopping
Shopping at BIC Camera Shinjuku Station

Tip 1: Get a SUICA card

There is plenty of discussion online regarding the best Tokyo subway pass to purchase. I recommend you go straight for the SUICA card – that’s the one provided by the JR East company. Some people question whether SUICA is okay to use on certain parts of the complicated train network due to many different companies operating different train lines. My family did a lot of travel on both Tokyo subway and surface metropolitan trains, and SUICA allowed us to ride on every train without any problems (excluding the Shinkansen bullet trains).

I’m sure situations exist where SUICA don’t work, however we did not experience any problems. If you find it doesn’t work, no big deal just purchase a single ticket from the vending machine. As an added bonus the SUICA card works just as well in Kyoto and Osaka. There’s no need to purchase a different card if that’s where you are headed.

Trivia: SUICA stands for Super Urban Intelligent CArd. A penguin is used as the symbol since they swim so smoothly through water.

tokyo subway system buying suica card
Ticketing area in a busy Tokyo subway station

Tip 2: Don’t forget to take your passport

SUICA cards are very easy to purchase, most Tokyo train stations with ticketing offices will sell you one. However it is a requirement to show your passport (for each person purchasing the card) before they can sell you a SUICA card. Do not forget your passport, or you may need to return to your room to fetch it before being allowed to purchase your SUICA cards.

When you do purchase your SUICA cards they will be pre-loaded with enough funds to get you through the first few days riding the Tokyo subway system. This will give you ample time to figure out how to use the card recharge stations and familiarize yourself with the system.

Tip 3: Do not let your SUICA card run out of funds

SUICA cards are really easy to top up at the vending machines. But be warned, if you let it go below zero you will not allowed to exit the subway platform until you settle your payment with a ticketing officer for your last trip. And it will be a miracle if you get a ticketing officer who can understand English, so you will probably experience a significant delay.

Your SUICA card gets a block placed on it and only certain stations have the ability to unblock and re-activate your card. Chances are this will take an extra couple of hours to sort out, not to mention wasted train fares. SUICA cards are much more convenient than purchasing individual fares – just don’t let it run out of funds!

How do you ensure it does not go below zero? You need to regularly check your remaining balance on the turnstile display. You also need to have a rough idea of the value of your individual fares, shown on the large ticketing display boards.

Tip 4: Beware of heavy suitcases

Apparently Tokyo has the first subway system ever built on our beloved planet. As it turns out, escalators and elevators weren’t so important in the early days of subway design. It is inevitable that you will get caught having to walk up long flights of stairs to exit to the street. And you will occasionally be steered towards long staircases to walk over or under another train line inside the train station to get to your next platform.

Tokyo subway staircases can be very long, comparable to walking up a 4 storey building. Trust me, you do not want to be carrying heavy suitcases! There simply are no elevator or escalators options available at some of these stations, so beware!

Tokyo street subway entrance
Another long staircase from the street down to a Tokyo Subway Station

Tip 5: Learn Google Maps

Forget the printed maps, Google Maps is your saviour on the Tokyo Subway. Sure a printed subway map of Tokyo is useful, but Google Maps wins hands down. This will require you to become somewhat of a Google Maps expert before braving the subway. You may think you know how to use Google Maps but when you start walking around subterranean tunnels it’s a whole different story. You may need some practise first, so spend a couple of hours walking the streets and figure out how to use Google Maps properly and get your settings just right.


Of course this will require you to have a good smart-phone equipped with internet data package. You can purchase SIM cards with pre-loaded internet at Tokyo Airport (Narita) on the way in, this will save you time and time again. There are many apps available that calculate public transport routes, and each train network has it’s own app for these. I always found Google Maps to be the most reliable, mainly because it integrates the various train companies that operate the different train lines. It even calculates your fare costs in Yen!

Tip 6: Take a screenshot of the google maps route with station names

Beware with Google Maps, because it is so Dynamic it may be hard to replicate that optimum route you worked out before you left your hotel earlier that day. Depending on where you are on your journey, Google Maps has a bad habit of calculating completely different routes to your destination. Do your research before you leave and then take some screen shots. This is very handy when the train stops and you have a split second to decide whether this is your station to get off, all you need to do is look at your screen shot.

Tokyo subway system google maps train screen
Google Maps screenshot on my iPhone

Tip 7: Always write down the entrance/exit number

Shinjuku Station has over 200 exits! When you enter a station, ALWAYS write down the entrance/exit number so you can find it again later. If you think it was C3 but it might be C5, it could cost you half hour extra walking at street level to get back to where you originally intended to exit. Alternatively, take a photo of the exit number on your smart phone.

Tip 8: Download a station map (for large stations)


As stated large stations can have 200 or more exits, cleverly hidden a catacomb of shopping malls on various different levels. It is wise to take a screenshot of the station map on your smart phone to help you to find your exit. Have a clear plan in your mind for your exit onto the correct street, for example “TAKE EXIT C3 ON THE ON THE SECOND LEVEL NORTH SIDE”. A screenshot on your smart phone will be a great help to get your bearings when the shopping malls are trying to lead you off in different directions.

Alternatively, there are loads of apps which have very good station maps, or you can download them straight off the internet.

street scene outside Shinjuku subway
Street scene outside the busy Shinjuku Subway Station

Tip 9: Take Google maps time estimate – and double it

Google Maps is such an amazing and accurate tool to have right there in your pocket. There is however one slight problem when it comes to Tokyo subway system – Google Maps is way too optimistic with times. Whatever Google Maps estimates for a transit time from A to B, double it if the Tokyo Subway is involved. The extra time is normally gobbled up by a variety of delays including

    • Looking for your correct exit to the street
    • Swapping platforms for your connecting train
    • Taking a wrong turn
    • Stopping to ask directions
    • Topping up or checking the balance on your SUICA card
  • Getting lost

If you are a daily commute and you get your journey perfect every time, Google Maps may be correct But if you are a tourist you should double it. If you take the wrong exit or get off at the wrong train station, triple it!

Tip 10: Be Patient and Marvel at the Awesomeness of the Tokyo Subway System

Tokyo Subways can be really frustrating. It can be challenging to swap to a different train line which is operated by a different train company. The signage is usually all written in Japanese and it’s difficult to find an English-speaking train company employee. You may have to walk a couple of blocks to get to a different train line in the pouring rain. But the Tokyo Rapid Transit System truly is one of the wonders of the modern age.

During your inevitable challenges, you need to just stop and marvel at what an amazing creation the Tokyo Rapid Transit System is. If you want proof, go and see Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto Shinkansen (bullet train) stations. These are amazingly built right into the suburban train station. It is absolutely incredible to watch how efficient these operate. Enjoy your experience!

Tokyo subway system Shinjuku station
Shinjuku Station Entrance

Bonus Tip: Kyoto Taxis:

I never caught a taxi in Tokyo due to their expensive cost, however I did catch plenty of taxis in Kyoto. I found Kyoto taxis to be quite reasonably priced, especially for 3 or more people sharing the same taxi. Although Kyoto subway and transit system is a very extremely efficient, you should seriously consider taxis if you are pushed for time. Kyoto is jam-packed with tourist attractions and you will get to see many more of them by using taxis, compared to the train system.

Beat the Tokyo Subway

I hope you find these tips on using the Tokyo Subway useful. Although challenging and tiring, it is also a real blast and an experience I will forever treasure. It’s truly worthy of your travel bucket list. So you can one day shout from the rooftops I BEAT THE TOKYO SUBWAY!!!

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Booking.com




Booking.com

Sandpiper Lodge Santa Barbara

By
Ramon Perry
-
0
stearns wharf near sandpiper lodge santa barbara
sandpiper lodge santa barbara

After a long flight from Bangkok we wanted a convenient and comfortable hotel to park up for a couple of days to get over our jet lag. In short Sandpiper Lodge Santa Barbara ticked all our boxes for comfort and convenience.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

Hotel Access

First impressions count, and we were very impressed at how easy the Sandpiper Lodge was to find. We had endured a long haul flight from Thailand, then a 2 hour drive from LAX in our hire car. We were very happy to find the lodge quickly after exiting Highway 1 onto State Street.

When we found the Lodge we were happy to see a large spacious car park out the front of the 24-hour front desk. After our fast check-in we drove around the back to find a huge car park with ample space. Our medium size SUV was a breeze to park, as the parking spaces are sized to suit large pick up trucks.

Santa Barbara Old Mission
Ramon at the front of the Santa Barbara Old Mission

Breakfast

Our very first meal in the United States was quite memorable. We found the breakfast area and were surprised to see that it was help-yourself to the food. There was a variety of cooking equipment to make your own breakfast, the first time we had encountered this style of breakfast.

The complimentary continental breakfast was delicious and nutritious. We rarely pass up a free meal, so we had our fill of the oats, yogurts, cereals, pancakes, toast, coffee, fresh fruits and juices. The dining area was clean, tidy and well stocked, we thoroughly enjoyed our breakfasts.

Hotel Facilities

All we really used was the TV, air conditioning and free wi-fi. Although there was an outdoor pool and jacuzzi, it was a little too chilly in May for us to make use of these. The fitness center didn’t get any of our attention thanks to our jet lag. But the good news was that we found the free wi fi signal to be strong and fast, and the internet access top notch.

Santa Barbara pelicans and seal lions
Pelicans and Sea Lions inshore at Santa Barbara

ATM’s

Next stop for us was the ATM’s to withdraw some cash. We found 3 or 4 banks just 5 minute walk along State Street. All banks here cater for drive up customers, which we also availed on our final day.

Sightseeing

Santa Barbara was the first stop on our California Road Trip, and we were keen to get out and do some local sightseeing as quickly as we could find our feet. Here’s how we spent our first 3 days in Santa Barbara whilst staying at the Sandpiper Lodge.

Day 1: Museums and Historical Sights

  • Old Santa Barbara Mission
  • Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
  • Santa Barbara Old Courthouse

Day 2: Beaches and Dining

  • Stearns Wharf
  • Moby Dick Restaurant
  • Beachfront

Day 3: Wildlife and Gardens

  • Whale Watching aboard the Condor Express
  • Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens

The Rooms

We booked the standard Guest Room. In general the rooms were spacious and comfortable with a sort of country style decor. What really impressed us was that we had a bonus room, kind of a kitchenette style room. It was well appointed with kitchen appliances including coffee-maker and microwave oven, amongst other appliances. The standard hair drier and ironing board were also available.

Flat screen TV was large with stacks of great channels. And the free wi fi was excellent. Overall the rooms were very well appionted. Oh, and the beds were super-comfortable too. We did not want to leave after our 2 night stay, the beds and the room felt so comfortable.

Do We Recommend the Sandpiper Lodge Santa Barbara?

The Sandpiper Lodge Santa Barbara is a terrific  choice for budget minded travellers. But it is not a budget hotel. It is comfortable, well appointed and quite sophisticated. And it’s in a great location on State Street.

Booking.com

We chose this Lodge based on its high customer ratings on Booking.com, 8 out of 10. That is an exceptionally high customer review score. In fact I would rate it even higher at 8.5 out of 10. It’s a great place to stay, I seriously hope you get to experience it someday too!

Here’s a nice promotional video to see what the Sandpiper Lodge rooms and facilities look like.

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