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Nepal is a historic and natural wonder of sorts, so you could imagine how ecstatic I was when I had the chance to visit this amazing destination last year whilst I did various fun things to do in Kathmandu!

FYI: To best clarify the difference between Kathmandu city and Kathmandu Valley, you must first understand that the Kathmandu Valley is made up of 3 beautiful ancient cities, namely: Kathmandu (the largest city and capital), Lalitpur (also called as Patan), and Bhaktapur — .

As such, these 3 places that make up the Kathmandu Valley have an enthralling mix of sights, smells and sounds, as well as an awe-inspiring number of temple complexes and squares. As a matter of fact, this 220sqm region has become a place that has the densest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world!

That being said, for such an intoxicating place like this, you would surely need to be on top of the best things to do in Kathmandu city or the valley as a whole. But fret not, because with the guide below, you will be making the most of your time here as you base yourself in the capital city of Kathmandu!

Come and check out my list of the ‘Best Hotels in Kathmandu‘ which features the top recommended choices for cheap to luxurious accommodation choices.

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Things to Do in Kathmandu

 – Visit the city’s key landmarks

Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and Durbar Square from Shutterstock.com With such a dynamic city like Kathmandu, there are definitely a lot of attractions or landmarks that are worth seeing, but to start off, below are some of the spots that you absolutely must NOT miss!

NOTE: *★ – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

★ Pashupatinath: This is a sacred Hindu temple complex which serves as the seat of Nepal’s national deity, Lord Shiva (one of the principal deities of Hinduism in which Pashupatinath or Pashupathi is one of his given names). As the oldest Hindu temple in the city, you will find a sprawling mix of temples, ashrams (spiritual monasteries), images, and inscriptions from the moment that you set foot in this place. TIP: 

If you want a unique experience, you can visit in the morning to see them do cremations or visit in the evening from 6PM to see the aarti (worship with fire).

Swayambhunath: This is an ancient religious architecture that contains shrines, temples, a stupa, a Tibetan monastery, a museum, and a library — moreover, it is also surrounded by ‘holy monkeys’ (as per mythology) which made it gain the nickname: ‘Monkey Temple’. Although this site is considered Buddhist, it remains to be revered by both Buddhist and Hindus. TIP:

To get a great panoramic view of the stupa, enter the Tamang Gompa monastery. Meanwhile, for a less crowded environment, it’s best to come either early in the morning or early in the evening.

Garden of Dreams or Swapna Bagaicha: If you want to find a space that is away from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, the serene atmosphere of the beautifully-restored neo-classical Swapna Bagaicha or Garden of Dreams will be your wanted respite. In here, you can enjoy a vast garden that has 3 pavillions, an amhitheater, ponds, urns, and pergolas (walkways).

Wanna do a guided Kathmandu tour?

With the help of a local guide, you can take part in a 7-hour Kathmandu day tour which will cover all of the city’s top highlights and UNESCO spots. To book your spot, go here.

#2 – Go through Thamel and have some fun!

If you’re looking for the liveliest commercial neighborhood in the city, you only need to head to Thamel which is distinguished for its narrow alleys that are filled with various buildings and vendors: clubs, hotels, hostels, pubs, restaurants, shops, tour operators, and more — you really will find almost everything here!

To fill up your itinerary, below is a list of recommended things to do in Kathmandu’s Thamel:

Go shopping: Bring home some souvenirs and gifts by browsing through the array of colorful shawls, jewelry, statues, paintings, etc. As for my tip? Haggle hard if you want to get a fair and good price. As a standard, aim to ask for half or a 3rd of their original quoted price. (But if I you’re not too privy like me wherein you wouldn’t mind giving some extra help to the locals — even if they’re not being exactly fair with the price — it’s fine to skip on the bargaining.) Do some classes or workshops: There are a number of shops in Thamel that can, for instance, teach you how to cook Nepali cuisine, do Buddhist thangka paintings, make woodcarvings, and more. You could even enroll in an amazing yoga class or retreat! Your activity choices are absolutely endless.

TIP:

If you’re rather looking for authentic bazaar-esque places, head on over to either Asan, Indrachok or Mangal bazaars. #3 – Fly above the Himalayas and Mt. Everest

Mt Everest from Shutterstock.com Let’s face it: a lot of us are NOT prepared to scale the summit of the world’s highest peak; so thankfully, as part of your things to do in Kathmandu, there are providers in Nepal that gives anyone the chance to get a bit close to the Himalayas and see the beauty that is Mt. Everest.

Of course, nothing beats the experience of trekking up to the summit or to the Everest Base Camp — BUT, if you can’t do that, then why not just fly there, right? Besides, you’ll be among the lucky few who can get to witness this majestic mountain range from up high in just a few hundred meters away!

Yet… as you would expect, this is NOT entirely cheap; but for sure, it will certainly be worth it!

Lasting from 45 minutes to an hour, most flights start from around $50 and there are 2 options for you to choose from: doing it by helicopter or by plane. There are a lot of tour operators who offer helicopter rides, but when it comes to aerial rides, there are 3 airlines who are well-known for doing it: Buddha Air, Guna Air and Yeti Air.

Wanna book an Everest flight?

For a hassle-free experience, you can book your Everest mountain flight here. Subject to schedule availability, this flight tour will be made through Buddha Air, Yeti Air or Simrik Air.

TIP: Book a flight during the earliest part of the day for the leat chance of getting cloudy or bad weather.

NOTE: If in case you don’t have the budget to fly nor the capacity to hike/trek, there is another option for you to see Mt. Everest “up close”. Aside from the obvious fact that you just go to places or towns that have a clear view of the Himalayas, you can also get an ‘aerial glimpse’ from up high on the plane when you get in or get out of Nepal — provided that you pick the right seat.

For example, if you’re flying to Nepal from Southeast Asia, reserve a window seat on the right (those labeled letter K, for example). And when flying back to Southeast Asia from Nepal, go for the left seats (letter A’s). You can always ask for tips from the airline you’re flying with to be sure!

#4 – Enjoy the natural landscape through outdoor activities

River Rafting from Shutterstock.com As a part of your things to do in Kathmandu, you should make sure that you also grab the chance of enjoying the city’s surrounding natural terrain by doing the following outdoor activities…

Hiking/Trekking: There are a number of amazing hikes that you can do around the valley such as Chisapani, Champadevi, Nagarkot, and Nagarjun. You could also go to to the high peaks of Shivapuri National Park, or if you are up for a longer hike, there is a 6-day trek from Kathmandu to Langtang National Park (the st Himalayan national park in Nepal). All in all, I can assure you that the sights will be stunning — more so when you get to see the surrounding terrain during sunrise or sunset. river rafting tour that goes through Trishuli River which connects the city of Kathmandu to Pokhara. To reserve your spot for this adventure, go here. Rock climbing: If you’re looking for something to climb that is not Mt. Everest, there are several options for you in the heart of Kathmandu. First up, in case you are not ready yet to go for natural cliffs, there is an Astrek Climbing Wall in Thamel. Otherwise, great natural climbing cliffs can be found at Hattiban (Pharping) and Nagarjun. #5 – Explore nearby cities and towns

Nagarkot and Patan from Shutterstock.com Wanna fully escape the traffic and urban setting found in Kathmandu? There are several charming towns and cities that you could explore during your time there.

Bhaktapur: As one of the ancient cities that make up Kathmandu Valley, you will enjoy how this place has the most temples per square kilometer in Nepal! Truth be told, it has the best-preserved palace courtyards and old city center in the country. TRANSPORTATION:

(Less than hour away). Ride a bus at Bagbazar or Ratna Park that costs about 50 NPR (less than $), or get a taxi that will cost you around ,000 NPR one way ($9~). (Otherwise, you can also join a Bhaktapur Tour with a stopover at Patan here). TRANSPORTATION: (30 minutes away). Ride a bus at Ratna Park or a blue/green bus at Ring Road which will cost about 5 NPR (less than $). Taxis, on the other hand, will be about 200 NPR ($2~). (Otherwise, you can also join a Patan Tour with a stopover at Bhaktapur here). TRANSPORTATION: (Less than hour away). It’s preferable to get a day tour that covers both of these villages. To reserve a spot, go here. TRANSPORTATION:

(Less than 2 hours away). Ride a bus from Ratna for around 60 NPR (less than $~). Taking a taxi will be more expensive at about 2,500 NPR ($24~). TRANSPORTATION: (Less than 2 hours away). Ride a bus at Bakhtapur Bus Terminal at Ratna Park, and from Bhaktapur you can get to Nagarkot (total of about 70 NPR or less than $~). Since this can be quite a hassle, it’s rather best to get a private car for hire or a taxi which can be around 3,000 NPR ($30~). TRANSPORTATION: (About 30 minutes). Ride a bus at Ratna Park for less than 50 NPR (less than $~) or get a taxi for approximately 500 NPR ($5~). .title-bar:after, .title-bar:before, .title-bar:after, .title-bar:before, h2{ border-color: }

Pre-Travel Guide

When is the best time to visit Nepal? Below are the prominent 4 seasons in Nepal…

Spring: March to May with pleasant temperature averaging from 6ºC to 23ºC. This is the 2nd most popular season with its warmer days and flower blooms such as the rhododendrons which is the national flower of Nepal. The only con for traveling during this time is that there’s higher chance of haze that will obscure the mountains from lower elevations.

Summer: June to August, hot and wet, averaging from 23ºC to 30ºC. There is high humidity and there’s rain almost every day so it’s not an ideal time to visit especially if you want to explore the nature. (But city visits is fine since there will be lesser crowds).

Autumn: September to November with cooler temperatures, averaging 5ºC to 25ºC. This is the best tourist season given that the weather is more pleasant, bringing in clearer views of the mountains. Furthermore, big Hindu festivals like Dashain and Tihar happen during these months so it can get quite lively.

Winter: December to February with cool weather averaging 9ºC to 2ºC. This is also the season where the skies are clear, but just make sure that you are well prepared especially when going out on treks since the temperature drops significantly at night time.

Where to get the best flight promos to Kathmandu? My go-to platform for grabbing the best flight deals is Skyscanner since it scans all possible airlines that fly to and from your destination. I can even set up alerts so that it notifies me when the prices suddenly drop or rise.

Nepal’s main international getaway is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) which is located about 6km from Kathmandu city. In order to get to the center (such as that of Thamel), you can arrange a hotel transfer, a prepaid taxi (approx. 700~ NPR), a regular taxi (approx. 400~ NPR), or a bus (approx. NPR 0~).

How to change your money into Nepal currency? Nepal’s currency is called as Nepalese Rupee (NPR). I highly advice that you do NOT exchange your money at the airport since the rates there are totally not competitive. What should you rather do? Either exchange your money or US dollars at a bank or at a money exchanger in your home country or in Kathmandu’s thamel; or better yet, just withdraw from an ATM with your debit/credit card. Remember to keep the exchange receipt because you will need it when you need to change back your NPR to your original currency. Rate exchange: USD $ = NPR 03~ = Php 50~

Where to best stay (for accommodations)? Budget: Shangrila Boutique Hotel (or see HostelWorld for complete list of Kathmandu hostels) Mid-Range: Kantipur Temple House Luxury: Hyatt Regency Kathmandu

To see a complete list of the top recommended accommodation chances ranging from cheap to luxury places, check out this post of the ‘Best Hotels in Kathmandu‘.

How can I go around Kathmandu? Some places can be reached by foot, but since it can get quite chaotic due to the lack of street names, it’s best to either get a rickshaw especially if you don’t have Google Maps on hand to navigate your way as you execute the above list of things to do in Kathmandu.

Rickshaws can be found everywhere and prices can start at 5 NPR — but it’s highly likely that the driver will set a higher price, so feel free to haggle. Meanwhile, taxis and green or blue buses are more ideal if you want to go to far places inside or outside of the Kathmandu Valley. Taxis are also not that hard to find especially in the day (it gets harder at night though) and cost can start at 300~ NPR if, let’s say, you want to get to Patan. As for buses, you can find them around the city or on the ‘Ring Road’ and the cost can start from 20 NPR. Just take note that the buses are quite old and it’s not entirely comfortable.

Should I get a visa to visit Nepal? Yes, ALL foreigners (except Indians) are required to have a visa to visit Nepal. Rest assured, the process is fairly easy and fast. To know the whole process and details, see my ‘How to Apply for a Nepal Visa on Arrival‘ guide.

Helpful Nepali phrases Many local Nepalese have no difficulties speaking English as a second language, and it becomes more prevalent when you’re in the capital of Kathmandu. But of course, it doesn’t hurt to learn a bit of Nepali.

Hello: Namaste / Namaskār ((Nah-MAH-stay / Nah-MAH-skar) Thank you: Dhanyavād (DHAN-naii-bat) Yes: Hajur / Ho (HA-jur / HO) No: Chaina / Haina (Chai-NA / Hai-Na) Goodbye: Namaste / Namaskār ((Nah-MAH-stay / Nah-MAH-skar) .title-bar:after, .title-bar:before, .title-bar:after, .title-bar:before, h2{ border-color: }

Overall

Much like what I experienced, I hope that this list of things to do in Kathmandu will help you capture the best of the valley’s cultural and natural highlights.

Sure enough, there is a dizzying number of activities and sights for you in this destination but I can guarantee you that the things listed above will already give you a great Nepal experience that will be worth your time and money. Enjoy!

Photo above and feature photo of Patan from Shutterstock.com DISCLOSURE: Thank you so much to the Himalayan Travel Mart 207, PATA and PTBA for making this Nepal trip happen.

How about you?

Would you like to visit Kathmandu? Why or why not

What things to do in Kathmandu would you best like to do or see?

Or have you been here before? Do you have any other tips to add?

Did you like this article? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube and be notified about my newest posts and updates!

The post Top 5 Amazing Things to Do in Kathmandu City & Valley (Nepal) appeared first on I am Aileen.

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Hong Kong is a treasure trove of sorts given its culinary delights, bustling skyline, dynamic culture, rustic charm, and rich landscape among many others. With that in mind, you would need a lifetime in order to experience just about everything — however, with just this post, I can get you started with the top 10 fun things to do in Hong Kong to help make your stay a memorable one!

Naturally, I won’t be discussing most of the typical must-do’s in the city such as visiting Victoria Peak, Victoria Harbour, Lan Kwai Fong, etc. because you can refer to my Hong Kong itinerary guide for that.

» MUST-READ: DIY Hong Kong Itinerary (with Macau Day Trip)

Instead, I’ll be listing below some exciting city activities that you, your friends or your family can enjoy for the remainder of your stay! .title-bar:after, .title-bar:before, .title-bar:after, .title-bar:before, h2{ border-color: }

Things to Do in Hong Kong

1

Say goodbye to dark, skewed or ‘out of focus’ vacation photos that are taken by strangers! With SweetEscape, you can finally capture your travel experiences perfectly with the help of professional photographers — no matter if you’re traveling alone, with your friends or with your family.

To date, if you book via Traveloka, you can choose between an exclusive 2-hour or 1-hour photo shoot session. Once that’s done, you will receive up to 40 high resolution photos that you can download online!

If you ever need some location ideas, other than the typical spots, do consider the following ‘Instagrammable‘ places in Hong Kong:

Yik Cheong Building or ‘Monster Building’ and Montane Mansion at Quarry Bay

Cho Hung Estate’s rainbow-colored estate buildings

Western District Public Cargo Pier, often called as ‘Instagram Pier’

Street art at Graham Street, Sheung Wang, or Rich View Terrace at Tank Lane

Lok Wah South Estate’s round structures

2 .

Renting traditional dresses is an activity that has been gaining popularity in the recent years. In fact, Japan and South Korea are well-known for their respective kimono rental and hanbok rental shops.

Nowadays, Hong Kong has a similar service through a shop called ‘Yan Shang Kee‘. For a fee of about HKD 400, they rent out qipao or cheongsam — a tight-fitting traditional Chinese dress — for a whole day. This price already includes hairstyling, accessories for rent, as well as the freedom to choose your qipao of choice.

It helps to note that the shop offers qipao in different sizes, lengths, patterns and number of buttons. True enough, this will certainly be one of the fun things to do in Hong Kong that you must NOT miss out on!

3

What better way to explore Hong Kong’s nightlife scene than to go on a pub crawl with experienced local guides, right? The best part is that you’ll get to enjoy this all with like-minded people from all over the world who are also looking to have some fun!

Hong Kong Pub Crawl is the top provider for this; after all, their ‘crawl’ is famous for its off-the-beaten track venues and excellent drink deals. Basically, their signature LKF (Lan Kwai Fong) Crawl in Central runs every Thursday and with it, you’ll get to try free shots at different bars, enjoy free VIP entry to the hippest club in the city, as well as be accompanied by a professional photographer who will document the epic night!

So gather up your friends — it doesn’t even matter if you’re going solo — and enjoy the night away!

4Photo from nomadsteam/Shutterstock Not a lot of people know that there’s so much more to the city’s urbanised center because 2/3 of Hong Kong is actually made up of the countryside, countless small mountains and several islands. As such, hiking is a must that you should do on your list of things to do in Hong Kong!

Lion Peak Hill is one of the most popular hikes and this website even sums up all of the trails in the country (labeled accordingly with difficulty, time, etc.). But if you want something that’s out of the bustling area, head on over to the famed Dragon’s Back.

With this hiking tour, you can go through the trail with a professional guide. You will get to witness mountain ridges and forest trails as it leads up to the white sands of Tai Long Wan (Big Wave Bay) — where you can also try surfing!

5Photo from SAHACHATZ/Shutterstock The vibrant city is a paradise for foodies, that’s why dining out is a must on your things to do in Hong Kong — better yet, you must go on a guided street food tour!

With the help of a local, you can try out authentic dishes and fare as you wind through culinary places, bustling markets, and dai pai dong (food stalls) in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai among many others.

Some of the many things you’ll get to try are Hong Kong’s well-loved puffy egg waffles, milk tea, clay pot rice, and youtiao (deep-fried breadsticks) — food choices that will surely leave you wanting for more!

6

Tai chi or taiji is a Chinese martial art that’s not only practiced for its defense training but also for its health and meditation benefits. More recently though, it is mostly practiced as an elegant and peaceful form of exercise that can be enjoyed by just about anyone.

So, why not give it a try? After all, it will surely be one of the most fun and unique things to do in Hong Kong that will make for a memorable experience for you!

For this, I highly recommend signing up with Taichi Place. All of their instructors are certified local masters with more than 10 years of teaching experience and they have developed an easy way to help non-Chinese people discover the essence and history of tai chi. In just an hour, you will learn beginner hand forms, proper stances, and Qigong breathing exercises that will leave you feeling better in both body, mind and spirit.

(NOTE: Classes will be done outdoors and the masters can all speak English).

7

Step into the spotlight and meet over 100 incredibly lifelike wax figures in the 10 interactive zones that are found at Madame Tussauds™ Hong Kong! Besides, the personalities are not only limited to Western stars but also those who are famous in the East as well such as Jacki Chan, Yaoi Kusama, Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, and more.

Found on top of Victoria Peak, you just can’t miss out on this attraction when you’re already riding up the Peak Tram or visiting the Sky Terrace 428. After all, this might just be the closest we can get to these famous people! (*fingers crossed*)

8

As the largest theme park in the city, Hong Kong Disneyland is definitely one of the top fun things to do in Hong Kong! To date, it features seven (7) themed areas namely Main Street, USA; Fantasyland; Adventureland; Tomorrowland; Grizzly Gulch; Mystic Point; and Toy Story Land.

Of course this isn’t just a place for children because it caters to people of all ages with the number of attractions, rides, shows and parades that the park offers. Just always stay on your toes though when you’re up and about because a lot of Disney characters are open for meet-ups and pictorials!

9

If you rather want crazier rides, Hong Kong’s OceanPark is your next best bet! It helps to note though that this is an amusement park, animal theme park, marine park and oceanarium all rolled into one — so there is LOTS to do in this place.

Some of the usual favorites are the the Polar Adventure, Old Hong Kong, Thrill Mountain, Rainforest, and Aqua City among many others. If you’re one for views, don’t forget to cross OceanPark via a cable car to get an amazing bird’s eye view of it all.

10

Step it up a notch and do a helicopter tour in Hong Kong! It’s quite luxurious, I know, but if you’ve got the budget for it or if you want to celebrate a special occasion, then this is a must on your itinerary.

The Peninsula Hotel currently offers varying packages for helicopter tours in Hong Kong such as the following:

18-minute Group Tour: You will share a 6-seater helicopter with other booked passengers and it will fly over the Victoria Harbour skyline and the beaches or bays at South Hong Kong Island.

18-minute Private Tour: For something more personal, this can be a private flight for two (to a maximum of six persons) and it will already include lunch or dinner. The route will be the same as the former.

30-minute Private Tour: Want to do it longer? This option goes to Kowloon City, Sai Kung, and the Hong Kong Geopark on top of the former stops.

45-minute Private Tour: If you also want to head over to the New Territories, Big Buddha and Lantau Island, then this should be your choice of tour.

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Overall

There are absolutely a ton of other top things to do in Hong Kong that you must include in your itinerary, but like I said, this is a start.

All in all, I hope that this will help make your trip an experience of a lifetime.

How about you?

What do you think of these things to do in Hong Kong?

Which activity would you like to try the most?

Or have you done any of these before? How was it?

Did you like this article? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube and be notified about my newest posts and updates!

The post Top 10 Fun Things to Do in Hong Kong appeared first on I am Aileen.

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One of the things that always surprises my readers whenever they request for a Batanes itinerary or a top list of things to do in Batanes is when they discover the fact that I grew up in these stunning group of Philippine islands. (Though I was born in Manila, I was raised in Batanes — not to mention the fact that I’m a full-blooded Ivatan local — and I stayed there up until I was 15. So YES, I’m a legit island girl!)

» READ: Batanes Itinerary for 5 Days

Now if you’re reading this and you’re not from the Philippines, let me tell you some fascinating facts about my lovely hometown. NOTE: Simply click the ‘+’ symbol below to open up the section

ALL ABOUT BATANES: THE HARD FACTS

Taiwan Batanes is the northern-most group of islands in the Philippines and dubbed by tourism officials as the country’s ‘Home of the Winds’ due to its generally cool and windy weather. It’s a small province that comprises of 10 islands but with only 3 inhabited ones, namely: Batan, Sabtang, & Itbayat — with Batan being the main island and the most populated one as it has 6 districts (one of which is Basco, the provincial ‘capital’ which I have lived in for 15 years). To prove even more how small we are, there naturally was a time that we were widely unknown — at least up until mid 2000 — that we even had to correct a popular local TV show when they declared another island below us, Aparri, as the farthest northern one (oh no you didn’t, Eat Bulaga!). It’s also just 190km south of Taiwan but, NO, we the locals don’t speak or understand Taiwanese.

We have a total population of only 16,000+, making us the smallest province in the country. Given this fact, it’s expected that almost every local would know who’s who. Well as long as you mention your last name, they will likely say: “Ah! You’re the daughter of Adalid! How’s your mom?” Something like that. By the way, we, the ‘natives’ are called “Ivatan” and our dialect/language is called as that too. If you’re a foreigner, don’t worry about any possible language barriers because a LOT of locals know how to speak fluent English unlike some other far-flung provinces in the Philippines.

Or no crime at all. I still vividly remember that we mainly had Taiwanese fishermen as our only prisoners (because they often cross the border of the Philippines, do illegal fishing in our borders, etc.). Other than this, I also remember leaving my bag ANYWHERE and I can still come back to it, confident that I have all my possessions complete and intact. I was so used to this way of living that when I started living permanently in Manila, there was a phase where my friends would have to constantly exclaim, “Why aren’t you holding on to your bag? You crazy woman, don’t leave it all over the place!” What’s more is that we even have this popular Honesty Coffee Shop wherein no one mans the store: we just get the things that we want to buy and then we’ll drop our payment by the drop box.

hotel/ resort / accommodation place here, in partnership with a local. Let’s see how that goes… though if you ask me, I would love for big names to stay away because I like the charm and state of Batanes as it is. But I guess change is really inevitable.)

I hope that these facts have helped piqued your curiosity and wanderlust for Batanes! Now, going forward, my statements might come off as ‘biased’, coming from me who’s a local, but head on to Google and search for Batanes reviews and you’ll surely see a lot of tourists singing praises as well! *beams with pride*

TIP: Bring cash — credit cards are not widely accepted nor used here. Rest assured, we, the locals can speak fluent English; so if you ever need assistance, don’t ever be afraid to ask around (for directions, recommendations) and everyone will be very glad to help you out (or you know… just continue reading this and you’ll already have a big idea of what Batanes can offer you!)

With that said and done, whenever you have the time and money and are in the Philippines, I suggest that you pack your bags and book a trip to this northern paradise! And once you’re there — from a full-blooded ‘Ivatan’ to you — here is a list of things to do in Batanes that you should ABSOLUTELY follow. .

Come and check out this list of the best Batanes tours which features the best activities and guided packages to do in places like Basco, Sabtang and more!

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THINGS TO DO IN BATANES

#1 – Visit the beaches

We have an AMAZING coastline! If you ask me, we might just have all the types of beaches there can be! For my picks, try: Chadpidan Beach and Nakabuang Beach. And yes sir, we do have beaches that can equal the beauty of Boracay! The perfect plan? Just lounge by the shore, have a picnic, grill some fish (try Batanes’ favorite fish: the ‘dibang‘ or flying fish), grab some booze and play some music!

Discover the other beaches on your own! Though if I can give you another tip, other than checking out Diura Village’s beautiful coastal terrain, we also have a magical lagoon called as Homoron Blue Lagoon in Mahatao which is also called as the Spaniard’s Lagoon because during the olden times, only the Spaniards were allowed to take a dip in here. (But certainly, now, anyone can… so take that, Spaniards of the Spanish era!)

You shouldn’t even dare leave the island without witnessing at least one sunrise and sunset. I always remember how me and my classmates would enjoy going to the nearest beach after school hours, and then riding our bikes to go to the distant ones for a longer picnic on the weekends!

If you want a photo spree in one unique beach, try Valugan Beach. There are these numerous large boulders that are spread out across the coast, charming a lot of photographers and tourists alike!

Other than beaches, we often have caves near the coast that are also wonders in itself, worthy of exploration. Some of the popular ones are: Chawa Cave in Mahatao and Nakabuang Cave in Nakabuang Beach in Sabtang. #2 – Walk around: get to know the Ivatan people, their history, and culture

We, the Ivatans, are probably the warmest folks that you will ever meet in your whole life! We tend to be a bit shy at first, but go and strike up a conversation, send a greeting our way, or flash us a smile and we will seem to be a dear friend that you have known for years. We will even be more than happy to answer your questions and make you feel at home. (Though I’m pretty sure that now, with the steady stream of tourists coming in to the island, my fellow Ivatans are probably more proactive to approaching and greeting foreigners, more so than ever before).

For one of the things to do in Batanes that you should not miss out: visiting the Fundacion Pacita Lodge in Basco, the former house of internationally known artist Pacita Abad who was a full-blooded Ivatan…

…or, go to the ruins of the LORAN (Long Range Navigation) Station, a former US facility during the war in Uyugan, or in the Ruins of Songsong, a group of roofless old stone houses that were abandoned in the 50s when a tidal wave hit Batan. (We actually have a LOT of WWII memorials or landmarks and we often make up ghost stories about them; there’s even the Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel in Basco built also during WWII).

If you want to witness the Honesty Coffee Shop that I mentioned at the top of this post, just head to the Ivana municipality (where it is located).

Learn about our famous headgear too! It’s called vakul (for women) and talugong (for men). Not a lot of people wear this (it’s mostly the elder ones since it helps protect them from the rain and sun when they’re out on the fields) but it’s a symbol of our culture and past.

TIP: You should meet lolo Elo Hostallero in Sabtang (the oldest man in Batanes) and lola Ida Estrella of in the house of Dakay (owns the oldest house in Batanes).

#3 – Visit the other islands

Again, I have already mentioned this above, but I’ll mention it again: Batanes is a group of 10 islands with 3 inhabited ones. They are Batan, Sabtang, and Itbayat.

TIP: Book online to reserve your spot on a Sabtang day tour!

Batan is the main part of Batanes and it comprises of districts Basco (the provincial ‘capital’), Mahatao, Ivana, Uyugan, Itbud, and Imnajbu. Itbayat is the largest in the group of islands, but it’s not the most populated (Batan is). Sabtang is the southernmost island and the least populated (around only 1,000+).

Other than these 3 occupied islands, you can try visiting the unspoiled ones in grey text above.

I believe Siayan and Mavudis (Y’Ami) are currently the only two islands that are open for tourists and it mainly constitutes traveling first to Mavudis and then staying a night in Siayan — since Mavudis has no portable water. Be aware that the sea waves can be quite strong over these parts, so the trips would be a bit of a ride!

#4 – See the traditional stone houses

I remember someone asking me before: “So you guys live in caves?” Probably because they heard of the term ‘stone houses’. I resisted the urge to laugh but, no, we don’t live in caves darling. Our ‘stone houses’ are much like any other house, but built with different materials.

In our language, we call our houses as ‘vahay‘. As per Batanes history, we used to live in the highlands in cogon houses, but the Spaniards forced us to the lowlands and taught us how to build stone houses using limestone and corals. Which was quite helpful because these could actually withstand strong typhoons and even earthquakes — which we occasionally experience.

I have lived in the main municipality of Batanes — Basco, a more urban place than the rest of the municipalities — and it almost has no inhabited stone house left. Most of the houses are modern brick or cement houses now; but, don’t fret! There are still a lot of stone houses in the other districts like Ivana and Mahatao, but it’s in Itbayat and Sabtang where you could see more of the stone house communities with locals living in it. #5 – Enjoy the rolling hills and get your ‘The Sound of Music’ game on!

Almost half of Batanes’ landscape is hilly and mountainous; which I think makes the place very iconic in itself, because some do revel in the fact that it can rival the beauty of New Zealand. So heed my advice and head to the hills: enjoy the view, take jump shots if you will, and hike!

But yeah, one does not simply leave without doing one of the best things to do in Batanes: taking jump shots in one of the numerous picturesque spots — which is like… everywhere! One couldn’t even call it a ‘Batanes’ experience if you won’t take the opportunity of going on a hike. There’s just so many areas to explore! If you can, I strongly advise that you find some time to trek Mt. Iraya! (It’s a dormant volcano rising at around 1,517 meters; the top can be reached in 3 hours and mountaineering or trail blazing folks would enjoy this terrain).

As for the hills, my favorite place ever since I was a child has always been the Naidi Hills (where you could also find the Basco lighthouse). I even remember the countless times that my classmates and I would roll down the hills, and then I’d arrive home with bruises and bits of grass in my hair and on my clothes — but with a VERY big smile on my face! Island life FOR THE WIN!

The icing to the cake: drop by the island’s own ‘Marlboro Country’! We actually call it ‘Rakuh a Payaman’ in our language (which literally means: a vast place where you can walk around) and it showcases a breathtaking view of vast pasture lands and dramatic cliffs, with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. It’s clearly a communal pastureland where free-roaming cows and carabaos laze around, but YOU can laze around as well!

TIP: To capture all of these top sights, book online a 3-day tour all over Batanes!

#6 – Visit the man-made attractions

Other than our stone houses, try visiting some of our churches and lighthouses as part of your things to do in Batanes!

The islands have a lot of churches that have been built in the 70s or 80s. Some have been renovated like the main church in Basco called as the St. Dominic de Guzman Cathedral but it still holds the same charm that it had back then.

Every municipality has churches of its own as well; but one of the most iconic ones it seems is that of Mahatao’s church: San Carlos Borromeo Church. This was built in 1873 and has been declared as a cultural icon by the NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) and the National Museum.

Batanes is specked with light houses too; witness the rounded Basco Lighthouse (in Naidi Hill) that faces the West Philippine Sea and the hexagonal Tayid Ligthouse in Mahatao that faces the Pacific Ocean

Otheriwse, if you want a relaxing dip, visit the Spring of Youth — a man-made pool with spring water and a view of the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Iraya. #7 – Roam around in two wheels and see more attractions!

This is a must! There are shops that lend you bicycles and motorcycles, so go ahead and rent one! These are our common means for transportation other than the jeepneys; though, I’m pretty sure that there are more cars going around Batanes now. (Years ago, however, I could have only counted the cars with my hands Rest assured, I don’t think there would be much of them anyways because our roads are not that wide and it’s much more fun with a bike).

Now that you have your bike, go and travel along the winding and cliff-hugging roads that connects one of our municipalities to the next. (Remember to blow your horn when on a curved road! ;) If you’re up for it, you can bike from Basco up to the end of Batan island which is Imnajbu; it’s a long bike, alright! But my friends and I have done this countless times and we usually finish in just half a day! It was soooo awesome!

Besides, you get to control more of your time and route as you travel through Batan. Make sure to check by the View Deck in Mahatao that’s called as ���Chawa‘. It gives you a wonderful view of our cliffs and it even has a steep staircase that will lead you to the bottom coastline. Afterwards, when you reach Uyugan, see the Alapad Pass that has a majestic rock formation and a fantastic view of the surrounding beaches.

#8 – Experience local public transportation like the faluwa!

If you’ve done you’ve experienced a ride for individuals, so now, I think it’s time that you try our transportation for groups!

First up: our jeepneys. Sure, you have these vehicles in every part of the Philippines, but ours make trips on picturesque cliffs and sea views.

Second: our faluwa. It is our native Ivatan motorized boat that’s unlike most of the boats in the Philippines because ours don’t have the outriggers. (Our smaller boats called tataya, don’t have outriggers as well).Why? Because in this way, the boats can roll freely in rough or turbulent waves.

The faluwa is much like Noah’s ark, but smaller of course! Tourists often find it  scary (well actually, I find it scary too) because imagine this boat and a sea full of big waves… And well, it sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? But I assure you, it’s safe. The ride might be wild and crazy but most of the time, it won’t be. Besides, it’s one of our transportation vehicles; we won’t keep using it if people keep dying, right?

Anyhow, as a bonus for riding a faluwa, you can even get to see dolphins! But of course, you can only ride a faluwa if you venture out to the other islands like Sabtang or Itbayat as one of your things to do in Batanes — which you should!

#9 – Try to attend at least one fiesta

I promise you, it gets really lively and fun! You’ll get to see cultural presentations like the native Palo-Palo Dance, Fundanggo, Sagalas & Gozos, and more!

The main fiesta you should witness is Batanes Day (happens on June 26) and it’s usually a week-long celebration consisting of fairs, parades, sports festivals, and shows. (Sidenote: I miss watching buffalo fights in Mahatao! Not sure if they still do it now though.)

Other festivites: Ivana Fiesta (May 1), Uyugan Fiesta (May 10), Diptan Fiesta (June 13), Valugan Fiesta (June 27), Basco Fiesta (August 8), Mahatao Fiesta (November 4), etc. Or just be there for Christmas! We have a lot of events happening during the holidays, and if you’re from the Philippines, you can get to experience a real chilly Christmas here.

And of course, much like any feast in the country, you are free to step into someone’s house — everyone will be happy to accommodate and feed you (yes, even if you’re a total stranger). Just say: “Kapian kamu pa nu dios!”, introduce yourselves, and celebrate the occasion with the locals. Have fun! #10 – Eat, eat, EAT!

As a seafood lover, I advise that you ABSOLUTELY try the payi (lobster), tatus (coconut crab; yes they do eat coconuts), and dibang (flying fish)! You would be surprised how seafood here is very cheap; but I guess it would still make sense to you since we are an island.

Personally, I miss tatus that I swear, I would kill to have it on my dinner table every night! ♥ We might be the only place in the Philippines that have these coconut crabs!

UPDATE AS OF 2017: It has now been declared that tatus is an endangered species in Batanes. Hence, eating it is illegal. We dearly hope for your cooperation so that they can repopulate and be taken off of the endangered list.

Other fishes you should try: arayu, doradu, mahi-mahi. Try the lataven a amung (kinilaw) too which is a perfect pair for your bottle of beer!

Rootcrops: pinasu a wakay, dukay, gabi, and amay (mashed sweet potato and taro). And yes, never forget to try vunes (dried gabi) and uved (pork balls with flying fish and banana trunk). For the absolute experience: eat it with your hands and on a vunung leaf, baby!

» READ: Batanes Food: What & Where to Eat for the Best Ivatan Cuisine

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OVERALL

There’s still a LOT of other things to do in Batanes! Besides, I believe that with the positive response that we have been receiving from tourists, it’s likely that there are numerous other activities that are being offered (like scuba diving, surfing, etc.). Despite this, I still would try to coerce you to check out our natural and man-made attractions first and foremost.

Indulge yourself and take your time to soak all the wonder in!

P.S.: Much thanks to Mr. Opal Bala for these magnificent photos! He captures the beauty of Batanes very well! Dios mamajes! Butch Dalisay / CC

By the way, I guess I have to admit something… I think that if I were asked to live in Batanes again, I couldn’t do it. I mean, not yet. Maybe when I’m old, I’ll definitely consider spending the last years of my life here! But certainly not now, when I’m still on the bustling venture to make the most out of my youth. (It seems like I’m still conditioned to an urban city life).

Saying this is NOT a bad thing though because it brings me to a conclusion that it will be a brilliant idea for you to take some time away in this northern paradise! Especially if you are seeking for a break from your busy life, or if you are looking for a change of scenery. If you’re also aiming to experience some simplicity and tranquility in life, Batanes is sure to bring you back to the basics as it also brings you closer to nature.

Simply put: it’s the PERFECT getaway!

This is but just one of the many traits that I love about it, so when you are in the Philippines, don’t you ever forget this place and that you should absolutely do these top 10 things to do in Batanes once you’ve arrived — you’ll definitely have an EPIC and MEMORABLE time. Guaranteed!

How about you?

Do you wish to visit Batanes in the future? What’s one of the first things that you would like to do?

Have you visited Batanes before? How was it?

Did you like this article? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube and be notified about my newest posts and updates!

The post Top 10 Things to Do in Batanes, Philippines: The Home of the Winds appeared first on I am Aileen.

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Your trip to Thailand will not be complete without a taste of its world-renowned cuisine and dishes. Aside from being aromatic and healthy, Thai food is also a unique blend of varying flavors and textures as it mixes around the 5 essential flavors: salty, sour, spicy, bitter, and sweet!

So yes, you’re sure to leave the Land of Smiles with a happy tummy when you try these culinary delights.

RELATED READ: – Top Street Food to Eat in Chiang Mai – Best Hotels in Bangkok

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Thai Food

#1 – Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)

Photo from SharkPaeCNX/Shutterstock This dish is a delicate balance of sour, salty, spicy, and sweet, so it’s no wonder that this ranks high in the World’s 50 Best Foods survey!

Shrimp is mixed in a hot and sour broth flavored with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili peppers for a spicy kick. You can add in your choice of meat for this which can be chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp. You can also order tom yum goong with coconut milk (tom yum goong nam kohn) or without (tom yum goong nam sai).

Where best to eat it? Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle found in 68/51 Soi Petchaburi 5, Between Soi 5 – 7, Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi. They use fresh prawns and also add fat from the shrimp heads for a creamier broth.

#2 – Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Noodles)

Photo from Jacek/Shutterstock If you find tom yum goong too spicy for your liking, why not order the sweet and sour crowd favorite Thai food, the pad thai?

These rice noodles are stir-fried with tofu, bean sprouts, eggs, and either shrimp or chicken followed by some other seasonings like chili, fish sauce, ground peanuts, and sugar. If I may add a tip, add a dash of lime juice before digging in!

Where best to eat it? Pad Thai Thip Samai found in 313 Maha Chai Road, Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon.

#3 – Gaeng Keow Wan Gai (Green Chicken Curry)

Photo from Cozine/Shutterstock For the spiciest curry you can get, look no further than the gaeng keow wan gai!

Slices of chicken, Thai eggplant, bamboo shoots, coriander, and basil is combined with the flavourful green curry paste that’s a combination of coconut milk, green chili, kaffir lime, galangal, shrimp paste, cilantro, lemongrass, and other spices. (P.S.: Gaeng keow wan gai is best served with fragrant jasmine rice!)

Where best to eat it? Sanguan Sri Restaurant found in 59/1 Witthayu Road, Lumpini Subdistrict, Pathum Wan District.

#4 – Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)

Photo from AUTHOR/Shutterstock Select from the usual chicken, beef, pork, or maybe even duck, shrimp, or tofu. Your choice of meat is then cooked in delicious red curry paste and coconut milk.

Afterwards, it is seasoned with garlic, shallots, chili peppers, galangal, fish sauce, and kaffir lime leaves for that complex Thai food flavor! Yum!

Where best to eat it? Gedhawa found in 24 Sukhumvit 35 Rd. Wattana, Bangkok.

#5 – Khao Phat or Khao Pad (Fried Rice)

Photo from ArtemZ/Shutterstock In the Thai language, ‘khao‘ means rice and ‘phat‘ relates to being stir-fried. Consisting of Thai jasmine rice, small meat slices, egg, onions, garlic and sometimes even tomatoes along with various seasonings, this Thai food dish may be simple but it packs a great mix of ingredients and flavors!

At times it comes in other variants like coconut fried rice, pineapple fried rice and basil fried rice.

Where best to eat it? Available in a lot of restaurants, shops, and even street food stalls.

#6 – Tom Kha Gai (Chicken in Coconut Soup)

Photo from nEwyyy/Shutterstock This sweet and tangy soup dish is another safe bet for travelers! If you’re curious, this Thai food dish is made of chicken strips, chili, galangal, lemongrass, shallots, and lime that are cooked in coconut milk for a tasty meal.

Where best to eat it? Nalin Kitchen found in 1463 Charoenkrung Road Silom Bangrak.

#7 – Khao Soi (Creamy Coconut Curry Noodle Soup)Photo from Rachel Moon/Shutterstock Delight in the different textures of this regional specialty from northern Thailand.

This silky noodle dish is cooked in coconut milk-based curry, then garnished with crispy egg noodles. The hearty meal can also be cooked with curdled blood or rice noodles, depending on where you order.

Where best to eat it? Khao Soi Samer Jai found in 391 หมู่ที่ 2 Fa Ham, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai.

#8 – Yum Pla Duk Foo (Crispy Catfish with Green Mango Salad) Photo from Xiebiyun/Shutterstock Here’s another play on contrasting textures and flavors when it comes to Thai Food!

So make sure to snack on this crunchy and fluffy deep-fried catfish together with tangy green mango salad. It would surely make for a great appetizer to have when visiting Thailand.

Where best to eat it? Krok Restaurant found in Soi 2 Siam Square Bangkok.

#9 – Som Tam (Spicy Green Papaya Salad)Photo from Tortoon/Shutterstock Sample this delectable dish that originated in northeastern Thailand!

Som tam’s main component is shredded green papaya, which is cloaked in the flavors of ground chili, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and green beans. Fish sauce, lime, sugar, and peanuts are also thrown in for a spicy, sweet and sour flavor.

Truth be told, it is usually eaten with sticky rice to complement the crunch of the green papaya. Other versions include crab (som tam boo), salted egg (som tam khai khem), and fermented fish (som tam plah lah).

Where best to eat it? Somtum Der found in 5/5 Saladaeng Rd, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

#10 – Pad Pak Boong (Morning Glory) Photo from Torjrtrx/Shutterstock The leaves and hollow stems of morning glory, also known as water spinach, are stir-fried at a high heat together with fermented black bean, fish sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and chili.

This Thai food dish is in fact, not only healthy but also incredibly tasty!

Where best to eat it? Na’s Kitchen found in Wiang Tai, Pai.

#11 – Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles) Photo from ARENA/Shutterstock Savor a hearty dish made of stir-fried rice noodles, Thai basil, vegetables and your preferred meat tossed in fish sauce and soy sauce.

Loosely translated to ‘drunken noodles’, rest assured, it has no alcohol! There are several theories why this dish gained such a name but we can rely on the truth that it’s quite a good dish to eat when drinking alcohol!

Where best to eat it? Michelin-starred Raan Jay Fai found in 327 Maha Chai Road, Samran Rat, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

#12 – Khao Niew Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice)Photo from Stock2You/Shutterstock End your meals on a sweet note with this lovely treat! Indulge in juicy mango slices and a sticky rice drenched in coconut cream or condensed milk — just thinking about this Thai food dessert makes me crave for it instantly. When you get to taste it, you’ll surely understand what I mean!

Where best to eat it? Kor Panich found in 431-433 Thanon Tanao, San Chao Pho Sua, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok.

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OTHER TOP THAILAND ACTIVITIES

Thailand Floating Markets Tour Visit the famous markets from Bangkok!

Thai Massage Packages Get an authentic luxury Thai massage at Bangkok!

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Unique NO-riding interaction with these gentle giants!

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Overall

Discover why Thai cuisine is celebrated all over the world with these scrumptious dishes!

How about you?

What do you think of these Thai food dishes?

Which of the dishes above would you love to try?

Or have you tried any of these dishes before? How was it?

Did you like this article? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube and be notified about my newest posts and updates!

The post Thai Food: Top 12 Must-Eat Local Dishes in Thailand appeared first on I am Aileen.

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Singapore is not only known for its world-class airport facilities, heart-pumping theme parks and awe-inspiring city skyline but also for its finger-licking dishes — after all, much like what the famous show of ‘Crazy Rich Asians‘ had shown us, Singapore food is a wonder of its own!

As time has it, Singapore’s seaport history surely gave way to a diverse culture with various Asian and Western influences, and this has been perfected for years. No matter where you go, you can enjoy a myriad of options: from cheap hawker centre fare to heritage restaurants serving fresh seafood and hearty rice and noodle meals.

Traveling in Singapore is definitely a delight and in order to help foodies like you, I’ve put together a list of some of the most flavorful Singaporean dishes that you must try as you eat your way through this mega city!

RELATED READ: – Things to Do During a Singapore Layover – Singapore Tours – Best Hotels in Singapore

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Top Singapore Food

#1 – Chili Crab

Photo from bonchan/Shutterstock Ask any local about Singapore’s national dish and chili crab is bound to be a clear favorite! Truth be told, it was even voted as one of the world’s 50 most delicious foods in a survey by CNN.

So while in Singapore, make sure to enjoy these juicy crabs soaked in a sweet & spicy tomato and chili sauce and then pair it off with steamed or fried mantous (buns).

Where best to eat it? Try out the spicy chili crabs at Long Beach Seafood Restaurant found in East Coast Seafood Centre, 1202 East Coast Parkway. This place actually serves a variation of the chili crab: the black pepper crab. Instead of the chili sauce, this signature dish is created with black pepper seasoning.

#2 – Chicken Rice

Photo from showcake/Shutterstock Another contender for the nation’s most popular dish is chicken rice — also called as Hainanese Chicken. In this Singapore dish, the chicken is cooked in a blend of pork and chicken bone stock for a flavorful bite. After cooking, it is sometimes immersed in ice water to create a glazed look. The rice is then cooked in chicken stock, ginger, and garlic. Now of course, don’t forget the garlic and chili sauce before digging in!

Where best to eat it? Brave the long queues at Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice found in 1 Kadayanallur St, Maxwell Food Centre.

#3 – Char Kway Teow

Photo from wong yu liang/Shutterstock Savor these wide flavorful rice noodles that are stir-fried with crispy bean sprouts, Chinese sausage, clams, dark soy sauce, and shrimp paste.

Relish in the filling meal with a distinct smoky or wok hei (‘breath of a wok’) flavor.

Where best to eat it? Hill Street Char Kway Teow found in 16 Bedok South Road,  Bedok South Market & Food Centre.

#4 – Nasi Lemak

Photo from Ariyani Tedjo/Shutterstock Delight in the different textures and flavors of the Malay dish: nasi lemak. The term translates to “rich rice”, perfectly describing the rice steamed in creamy coconut milk.

This national dish of Malaysia comes with fried chicken, ikan bilis (dried anchovies), roasted peanuts, egg, otah (grilled fish cake), and of course, sambal (chili paste). Switch up your meal with add-ons like ikan kuning (fried yellowstripe scad) and paru (beef lung).

Where best to eat it? Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak found in Boon Lay Place Market and Food Centre, 221 Boon Lay Place.

#5 – Kaya Toast

Photo from bonchan/Shutterstock Start your day at a kopitiam (traditional coffee shop) and order a delicious kaya toast. This dish might seem simple at first but it’s a well-loved Singapore food. It basically consists of sweet kaya (pandan-flavored coconut jam) and a slice of butter that are sandwiched between toasted slices of bread. Typically, this is dipped in a mixture of soft-boiled eggs, pepper, and dark or light soy sauce.

To complete the authentic experience, sip on full-bodied kopi (coffee) with condensed milk!

There are also variations on this breakfast staple such as round buns, a baguette, or even crackers instead of the usual sliced bread. Other coffee shops, like Good Morning Nanyang Cafe, puts their own unique spin with the addition of caramelized orange peel.

Where best to eat it? Ah Seng (Hai Nam) Coffee found in 7 Maxwell Road Amoy Street Food Centre for traditional, char-grilled bread. Otherwise, Good Morning Nanyang Cafe found in 14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza and 32 Maxwell Rd.

#6 – Satay

Photo from szefei/Shutterstock Any trip to a hawker centre will not be complete without your fix of satay. Relish in this delectable skewered, grilled meat, that’s typically served with ketupat (steamed rice cake), peanut dip, and sometimes cucumbers and onions too.

The meat can vary: pork, chicken, lamb, beef and so on. Personally? I like pork satay best!

Where best to eat it? Haron Satay found in 1220 East Coast Parkway, East Coast Lagoon Food Village.

#7 – Bak Kut Teh

Photo from Sirisak Chantorn/Shutterstock Bak kut teh, which translates to “meat bone tea”, gets its name from the Chinese tea that’s typically paired with this pork rib soup dish. Basically, pork bones and meat are boiled together with a delicate amount of herbs and spices.

Afterwards, it is served with tofu puffs, mushroom, rice, and you tiao (dough fritters).

Where best to eat it? Song Fa Bak Kut Teh found in 11 New Bridge Rd. (Upp Circular Rd,

#8 – Sambal Stingray

Photo from Fariq Amin/Shutterstock Another well-loved hawker centre or Singapore street food fare is sambal stingray, also known as ikan bakar (barbecued fish) in Malay.

This Singapore invention is quite a treat as it is originally grilled in banana leaf in order to retain its natural flavor. To complete it, top it with some spicy sambal paste made from chili peppers, belacan (shrimp paste), shallots and spices. Balance your meal with the salty chinchalok or cincalok, a dipping sauce made of fermented krill/shrimp, lime, and chili.

Where best to eat it? Chomp Chomp Food Centre found in 20 Kensington Park Road.

#9 – Laksa

Photo from richardernestyap/Shutterstock A highlight of Peranakan cuisine, combining Malay and Chinese influences, laksa is a creamy coconut curry sauce that is often served with cut-up noodles and fried bean curd.

As a delicacy, laksa is offered in many variants and much like the other famous Singaporean dish, fish head curry, the Assam-style has hints of sourness from mixing tamarind.

Where best to eat it? Katong Laksa, a street food stall found at 328 Katong Laksa, 53 East Coast Road, Singapore.

#10 – Bak Chor Mee

Photo from Hatchery Design Studio/Shutterstock Chow down on the hearty bak chor mee, which translates to “minced meat and noodles”. This is a delicious bowl of noodles topped with sliced pork, dumplings, pork liver, and salted fish or fish cake slices coated in a spicy vinegar sauce.

You can also choose from different noodle types such as the mee pok (flat noodle), mee kia (thin noodle), bee hoon (rice vermicelli), mee sua (wheat vermicelli), and mee tai mak (rice pin noodle).

Where best to eat it? Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle found in Blk 466 Crawford Lane.

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OTHER TOP SINGAPORE TOURS & ACTIVITIES

Singapore Food Tour Sample the best dishes at famed hawker centers.

Universal Studios Singapore Friends and family fun!

Gardens by the Bay Singapore’s iconic attraction!

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Overall

There are obviously a lot of other amazing Singapore food such as fish head curry, hokkien mee, oyster omelette, chwee kueh, durian, roti prata, popiah, and so many others!

But hopefully, this list is already a start to treating yourself to these delectable eats.

How about you?

What do you think of these Singaporean food?

Would you like to try them out? Why or why not?

Or have you tried any of these before? How was it?

Did you like this article? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube and be notified about my newest posts and updates!

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Have you ever had the chance to watch the movie: ‘Memoirs of a Geisha‘? Or at least read the book? Well… I’ve done both at a young age and I instantly fell in love with Japan’s geisha as I witnessed their unique beauty, grace, and discipline. In fact, ever since then, I have been deeply enamoured by their mystifying world — which, thankfully, have still survived up to this day!

I say ‘survived’ because I was also interested in the samurai (Japan’s olden warriors who typically serve a feudal lord or daimyo). I badly wanted to witness their noble way of life; however, it made me terribly sad when I learned that they no longer exist, and this is because their social class has died down long ago around the late 1800s after the emperor favored a more modern western-style army. Sure, there may be descendants and even people who still try to practice samurai behavior and/or swordsmanship today, BUT it’s not the same given how the whole samurai lifestyle and system is absolutely non-existent anymore.

The geisha tradition is not as old as the samurai but it IS old and I’ve surely developed some sort of mild fear that they might eventually disappear too — which I hope to goodness, they won’t — and this worry of mine makes a bit of sense because there aren’t many geisha anymore. To put it into numbers, back in the 1920s they numbered around 80,000. Their current number? It is now estimated to be only 1,000 to 2,000!! Because of this and more, it couldn’t be helped that I’ve made ‘meeting or seeing a legit geisha‘ as an item on the very top of my bucket list.

Well… guess what? I already made this dream come true when I went to Japan this year!

What have I done, precisely? I talked to a geisha in Tokyo over a dinner banquet, I played games with 2 young senior maiko in Niigata, I caught sight of a legitimate maiko (who was on her way to work) in one of Kyoto‘s narrow alleys, and I watched two young Japanese maiko perform in Gion Corner — breathtaking experiences that I will surely remember and treasure forever.

Of course, now that I have met and seen them, my wish for their practices to continue for eternity has been strengthened even more!

But before I go on, actually, let’s talk about the movie again because I find it imperative to note that since ‘Memoirs of a Geisha‘ was made in Hollywood, it had several aspects that were false (if not overly romanticized) thereby contributing to the already growing misconceptions of this culture. Thanks to my discussions with a geisha, Kimicho of Tokyo, as well as to my long research sprees, I have come to learn MORE of the truth.

Today, I will be imparting that knowledge with you so that you too can be cleared of any misconceptions that you may have about them.

RELATED READ: Sample Japan Itineraries

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Understanding the Geisha of Japan

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» What is a ‘geisha’? How about a ‘maiko’?

A geisha, which translates to English as “performing artist” or “artisan”, is a high-class professional and traditional female entertainer in Japan trained in various forms of art.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In west of Japan such as of that in Kyoto, they use another name for geisha: geiko. Whereas in Kanto area (around Tokyo), they call them geigi. For Tokyo and other places, they commonly use the word ‘geisha’. For the sake of consistency in this article, I will use the word geisha. Besides, it is a more widely recognized term that can be used to encompass both that of western Japan’s geikos and Tokyo’s geisha.

Meanwhile, a maiko, which translates to English as “dancing child”, is an apprentice geisha.

Historically, a maiko starts her training at a very young age: around 3 or 5 years old. But now, their training starts at a much later date: in Kyoto they start at 15 or 16 and in Tokyo they start at 18.

Nevertheless, any girl who wants to enter the community does not have to begin as a maiko because it’s said that they can already proceed being a geisha. (Still and the same, they are required to do at least a year’s worth of training before debuting as a geisha.) For women who are aged 21 to 23 and above, they are deemed to be too old to become maiko so they already become a geisha when they join the community — again, still with training beforehand.

IMPORTANT NOTE: In Tokyo, maiko are rather called as hangyoku (“half jewel”) and they can remain to be so until they are 23. For the sake of consistency in this article, I will use the word maiko.

• What a geisha does •

A geisha is usually hired to attend to guests (who are predominantly and traditionally male) during banquets, meals, parties, and other occasions as she demonstrates her skills through various ways such as dancing to a tune played with the shamisen (a stringed instrument), initiating games, doing the art of conversation, and more.

Japanexperterna / Color edit applied / CC For these affairs, they meet up with their guests at an ochaya* (tea house) or at a ryōtei (traditional Japanese restaurant) and charge their customers by the hour with flat fees.

*Ochaya are highly exclusive places that customarily only grant entry to regular or trusted customers. This is mainly because of how they operate: they don’t bill their guests at the end of the evening, but rather once a month for all the expenses accrued — hence, there is a special level of trust involved. For instance, not just about anyone can go up to an ochaya without being introduced to it first by an already existing customer (and that existing customer would essentially risk their reputation by trusting the behavior of the person that they are introducing to the ochaya). Going by this train of thought, hiring a geisha to have a dinner banquet with is not easy especially if you’re not Japanese and not well-connected, as it is exclusive AND expensive.

Fortunately, most ochaya have lessened their restrictions lately and tourists can now have a geisha dinner if they go through partnered travel agencies and hotels. However, you will still need to prepare a considerable budget for this because a full geisha dinner can be worth around 50,000 yen and up ($470~ or Php 22,500~) per geisha or maiko. This does NOT include dinner yet which starts at 10,000 yen ($95~ or Php 4,500~), as well as an interpreter if you don’t know how to speak Japanese (since geisha and maiko don’t train in English conversation).

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Want to meet with a geisha?

Come and check out these geisha encounters and/or dinner activities that you can do either in Nagoya or Tokyo that already include English translators!

TRIVIA: Some people will say that it can be a ‘waste’ of your money to have a geisha dinner if you don’t speak Japanese — the magic of it all may cease to exist! They say that this is because you’ll be missing out on one of their best talents: conversation or witty banter.

No matter the case, this is all up to you of course! The way I see it, it might indeed be a waste of money, BUT I don’t think it’s a bad idea to do it anyway and get an interpreter (better yet, drag along your Japanese friend). And if you’re up for it, there are also already a few trained and recognized foreigner geisha in Japan who can speak English. I went through this experience myself and I enjoyed it so much! (To learn more about these modern foreigner geisha, go • History of geisha •

Geisha started to appear in the pleasure quarters of Japan before the turn of the 18th century. The first geisha were actually men, whereas the first female ones who appeared years later were teenage odoriko who were expensively-trained “dancing girls” or dancers-for-hire. (As time passed on, being a geisha was mainly regarded as a female occupation.)

Slowly, geisha became more widespread and a lot of them started to work primarily as entertainers — anyone who was selling sex (which was against their intended kind of work) were imprisoned after all in order to protect the oiran who were licensed high-class courtesans or prostitutes at that time. However, when 1800 came in, the oiran slowly fell out of demand when wealthy Japanese men chose geisha more as their companion of choice due to their ‘chic’ and modern demeanour.

Simply put: the rise of the geisha was the fall of the oiran.

Japanexperterna / CC | Right photo by: Keisuke Makino / CC . Meanwhile, when World War II began, geisha started to decline; they had to close their okiya (geisha houses), and the teahouses and bars had to close shop as well. As a result, they went to other places in Japan for safety or for work (such as in factories, etc.). It didn’t help either that some prostitutes started to refer to themselves as “geisha girls” to American military men.

Nonetheless, when the war ended, the returning geisha made it a point to reinstate their traditional standards as highly-skilled entertainers, and at the same time, they proposed increased rights for their profession. • Myths to bust about the geisha and maiko of today •

1 MYTH: Geishas are prostitutes. TRUTH: Geisha are NOT prostitutes. They are and always will be highly-skilled entertainers. (It helps to note anyway that prostitution is illegal in Japan ever since 1956.) Plus, even though there were some of them in the olden times who offered sex to their clients, it helps to note that it wasn’t a part of their true traditional function or training — call them rebels if you will, and they might just be so since as I’ve discussed previously, a geisha is imprisoned in the past should they ever offer sex to others casually.

Of course a geisha is free to pursue personal relationships with any man that she meets through work; but such would most likely never be casual nor will it ever be her goal for such an interaction. They live in a geisha district (hanamachi) which is very closely-knit community, and given how greatly they value their reputation, they would always pick their relationships carefully. Should they ever fall in love and want to marry, then sometimes they must retire because geisha (most especially in Kyoto) are expected to be single. Nevertheless, there are now a lot of places in Japan (like Tokyo) that allow married, divorced and/or women with children to become geisha.

2 MYTH: Geisha have personal relationships with a patron or danna. TRUTH: This is NOT true today. It may have been tradition in the past for geisha to take a danna or a patron who was wealthy enough to support the expenses related to her training and other costs in order to have a personal relationship in return (which was not inherently sexual) with a geisha. But today, it is very unusual for a geisha to have a personal relationship with a danna and should they ever have one (which is rare because most of them love to be autonomous now), it’s mainly because of the patron’s desire to help prolong the geisha arts and traditions — nothing more. Again, a geisha and her danna can fall in love but intimacy is never viewed as an exchange for the danna’s financial support.

3 MYTH: Young girls are sold to okiya (geisha houses) by their parents because of poverty. TRUTH: It may have happened way in the past, but nowadays, NO young girl is sold to an okiya due to poverty as it is more of a personal career choice in order to become a maiko/geisha. In fact, a lot of girls have to persuade their parents today in order to let them become one. Once a girl’s parents do consent to it, she will have to be interviewed first by the association as well as the female owners of the ochaya (tea houses) before being accepted.

4 MYTH: Geisha are lead by men and money (as portrayed in the movie: Memoirs of a Geisha). TRUTH: This is NOT true. It helps to always remember that the movie was mainly fictional and set to be ‘sellable’ to audiences. (Well, hello Hollywood!). Being a geisha is like being an artist or a performer — it’s a respectable profession and much like any career you pursue in life that you are passionate about, you do it because you love it while also earning your living from it. They don’t go around chasing after men either; it just so happens that the people that they present their art and performances to are predominantly men.

5 MYTH: Maiko go through mizuage wherein a patron would pay to take their virginity. (As also seen in ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’). TRUTH: Nope. This kind of mizuage was actually a ceremony done by young courtesans and prostitutes in the past — NOT by maiko. Though there are speculations that this mizuage (taking of the virginity) was done by some maiko in the past, what’s important to remember is that this is NOT done today nor was it ever traditionally accepted to be done by geisha for their maiko. The only kind of mizuage that maiko have done was a ceremony wherein older geisha would symbolically cut the topknot of the maiko’s hair to signify her coming of age (of becoming an adult). • How to identify geisha and maiko •

As you visit Japan, take note of the below points to help you quickly differentiate a geisha from their apprentice (maiko):

AGE. As I’ve already discussed, maiko usually start their training at a young age (15 to 16 for Kyoto and 18 for Tokyo) so they are much younger than a full-fledged geisha who often start at around 21 to 23. .

HAIRSTYLE. Geisha usually wear wigs whereas maiko have their hair styled naturally. A geisha’s wig and a maiko’s natural hair are regularly styled by highly-skilled artisans (lately though, traditional hairstyling is slowly phasing out because it can sometimes lead to balding on the top of their head).

TRIVIA: Maiko have their hair styled elaborately every week. To keep their hairstyle intact, maiko sleep with their necks on small supports called as takamakura (they are tall uncomfortable-looking pillows; if you’ve watched the movie Memoirs of a Geisha, you’ll know what I’m talking about).

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HAIR ORNAMENTS. Maiko wear more elaborate decorative hair ornaments called as kanzashi and the designs can vary depending on the stage of training that they are currently in. During their .

MAKEUP. On a typical day, a maiko will be seen wearing the most recognizable feature of geisha: the full white face makeup. Geisha, on the other hand, do NOT have this makeup on unless they are going to do a special performance. . Maiko will always have a noticeable white band of unpainted skin on their hairline (since they don’t wear wigs) and their eyebrows will be shaded in red or pink, their cheeks slightly blushed, and their eyes outlined with black eyeliner and red eyeshadow. During the early stages of their training, ‘junior’ maiko (or minarai) will only have their lower lip painted in red and as they advance (as ‘senior’ maiko), both their lips will be painted but only in a thin line. For geisha who need to have their face painted when they work, apart from having no visible part of exposed skin near their hairline (since they wear wigs), their eyebrows will also only have a faint shade of red, their eyes outlined in black (if a ‘senior’ geisha) or with a slight red (if they’re a ‘junior’ geisha) and their lips painted fully in red. Joe Baz / CC | Circle & right photo by: Annie Guilloret / CC

TRIVIA: This white makeup fully covers the geisha or maiko’s face, neck, and chest — except for the nape (called komata or the back of a person’s neck) which they will make sure is visible when they would later on wear their kimono. This part is considered to be a traditionally erotic area in Japan so they accentuate this sensuality by customarily leaving an inverted “V” shape on a geisha, and an inverted “W” shape on those who just debuted as maiko. (This style is called as eri-ashi)

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KIMONO. A maiko usually wears a colorfully-designed long-sleeved kimono (Japanese traditional garment) with a wider obi (sash) that is set to look like a bow as it drapes down to their back. A maiko’s collar is also a distinct feature because it is thick and embroidered, hangs very loosely and are mainly in the color red (other colors can only be gold or white). It will slowly have white embroidered patterns as they advance in their training but it will always remain to be dominantly red. Geisha, who are more mature, wear more subdued but refined kimonos with shorter sleeves that are usually in one color with a simple pattern at the bottom. Their obi is shorter too and it looks like a square bow knot at the back. Lastly, their collars are completely white and are not as loose. (Both maiko and geisha though wear kimonos according to the season).

NOTE: Wanna try and wear a kimono? There are kimono rental shops in Tokyo! Read here to learn more.

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FOOTWEAR. Maiko generally wear very high wooden sandals, to prevent their kimono from touching the ground, called as okobo. Geisha use shorter wooden sandals called zori or geta (maiko will wear this too if the situation calls for it; but they wear okobo more). Laura Tomàs Avellana / CC | Right photo by: Joi Ito / CC .

• How to spot the fake geisha and maiko •

You might have heard of makeover (henshin) studios in Japan that will dress tourists up as a geisha or maiko for a day. With this in mind, if you have ever seen a geisha or maiko while you are around popular spots in Japan — like in parts of Kyoto or Tokyo — it is highly likely that you have witnessed or took a picture with a fake one.

To help you identify and spot these tourists who are only dressing up, see below the several features that they will possess. (Ultimately, henshin studios make it a point to NOT dress up their clients authentically; otherwise, they will be shut down by the authorities.)

They have mismatched hairstyle, makeup, and clothing. Taking into considerations the descriptions that I’ve made previously of authentic geisha and maiko features, a tourist in disguise will always have a wrong mix of characteristics. For example, most of them will have the decorative long hair ornament (of a junior maiko) yet with both her lips painted (like a senior maiko or geisha) and with a wig on (though some shops can now do your hair too). Also look at the 3rd one, she has a camera with her! (Maiko are not allowed to use any electronics while working). .

They are walking around crowded areas. A true maiko or geisha knows that she is sought out by tourists and they can get ‘mobbed’ in a sense; so, you will NEVER find them walking through a populated area while in their full regalia. What they usually do is walk through back streets and alleyways in order to avoid the crowd. Hence, if you ever see a maiko or geisha walking casually through a well-known place, she is surely a tourist dressed up as one. .

They are out during the early time of the day. Geisha and maiko commonly work in the evenings; though it’s possible that they are booked for an early banquet, it almost happens rarely. .

They are willingly taking photos with others. Geisha and maiko are actually paid for the time that requires them to get from point A to point B, so when they are out on the streets, they will never stop by to take photos with tourists. (You can always ask them though if you can take a photo, but do it quick). Therefore, if you see one who is taking her sweet time pleasing a crowd of tourists to take a photo of her (unless it’s an official event) then she is a tourist who had a makeover. .

They are accompanied by other people who are in normal clothing. Saw a geisha or maiko with an elder or companion who has to aid her while she walks in her high wooden shoes? That’s a tourist. Real geisha and maiko are trained to walk well with their zori or okobo sandals. Besides, they always know their way around town too. If they’re ever accompanied, it will usually be by a young girl in a kimono who will carry her belongings (this is a new maiko in training who is called a ‘shikomi‘). .

Actually, you wouldn’t be aware of it but you might have had a legitimate geisha or maiko in your midst especially when you’re walking around in Kyoto. When they’re in their normal clothes (such as a yukata), identifying them will naturally be tough — unless you are a fan who recognizes their face or unless they are wearing their signature kimono and traditional white makeup (shiro-nuri).

NOTE: There’s another kind apart from henshin tourists whom you could easily mistake as legitimate geisha and maiko, and they’re called furisode-san or kimono-san.

An established business by ‘Furisode Gakuin’ at Tokyo’s Asakusa district in the 1990s, these furisode-san are paid entertainers only who mimic the look and services of geisha and maiko at a cheaper price (usually around 25,000 yen or $250 for a 2-hour party). They only have about 3 months of training and again — they are NOT real geisha nor maiko.

In fact, most of the geisha experiences that you might have actually read in other travel blogs are actually experiences with a furisode-san. How do the Japanese feel about these people? A mix of approval and disapproval. Approval since they help gather interest in real geisha; disapproval since they deem it as disrespectful to the real tradition.

How then can you ensure that you’re not booking an experience with a furisode-san? Apart from the cheap price as an indicator, make sure that you book through legitimate travel agencies who only seek to provide real geisha/maiko experiences (note: I will update this section soon with relevant links for booking legit geisha).

» The geisha of today

Though the geisha tradition is dwindling (due to its exclusivity, expensive price, and traditional form), it is in Kyoto where it remains to be the strongest today. Kyoto is also the pinnacle area where experiencing geisha remains to be the best and most prestigious in its five hanamachi (geisha districts or “flower towns”), namely: Gion Kōbu, Ponto-chō, Kamishichiken, Gion Higashi, and Miyagawa-chō.

If we have to put it into numbers, as I’ve previously mentioned, there only about 1,000 to 2,000 geisha now and they are found in several cities across Japan — not only in Kyoto, but in Tokyo (with well-known hanamachi of Shimbashi, Asakusa, and Kagurazaka) and Kanazawa too. It is said that there are about 300 geisha in Kyoto; but the exact numbers there as well as in other areas are unknown to us outsiders.

TRIVIA: I was told that there exists a male geisha in Japan. His name is Eitaro and he is found in Tokyo’s Omori district.

Speaking of hanamachi, these are places that are generally referred to as the ‘flower and willow world’ (karyukai). Given that they are speckled with okiya and ochaya that are owned and run by women, all the power is then held by females. (Men in these districts are rather mainly artisans, dressers, or wig makers.) Children who are girls are also preferred so that they can later take on the business — this is a trait that is in contrast to the rest of Japan. • The foreigner or non-Japanese geisha •

In order to keep up with the times, some okiya have been accepting foreign nationals as geisha. So far there are only a few of them that have been admitted. (Below are their Japanese names, and the data below is as of 2016.).

Ibu – a geiko in Anjo, Aichi Prefecture // originally from Ukraine ~ source ~ retired

Juri – a geisha in the resort town of Yugawara // originally from Peru ~ source ~ unsure if still working or retired

Fukutarō – a geisha in Izu-Nagaoka, Shizuoka // originally from Romania ~ source ~ retired

Sayuki – an (unofficial) geisha in Asakusa, Tokyo // originally from Australia ~ source ~ debuted as a geisha, but has been disassociated with the Asakusa Geisha Association and has since worked independently

Rinka – a geisha in Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture // originally from China ~ source ~ unsure if still working or retired

Mutsuki – a geisha in Shinigawa, Tokyo // originally from China ~ source ~ working as a geisha

Kimicho – a geisha in the Oimachi district of Shinagawa Tokyo // originally from America ~ source ~ worked as a geisha since 2015, now retired

Kimicho just started last October 2015 and I personally had the pleasure of meeting and talking to her! Read about it here!

Evidently, you will not see foreigner or non- Japanese geisha admitted (yet) in Kyoto as they still remain to be somewhat strictly traditional. Nevertheless, it is great to see that the rest of Japan is slowly opening its geisha tradition to others who love the culture, even if they are not of Japanese descent. • How to become a geisha •

I’ve discussed this already above, but just to reiterate, training to become a geisha in which you start as a maiko begins at 15 to 16 in Kyoto and 18 in Tokyo (in the past, it started at 3 – 5 years old). So these days, girls must have at least graduated from middle school (except Kyoto who has special laws for it) before they can make the decision to train as a maiko and eventually become a geisha.

However, it is rather more common for young Japanese women to start training after high school or college; but a lot more would begin later. If they are above 21 to 23, they will already start as a geisha (with a year’s training) since they are too old to be a maiko. Having said that, one doesn’t have to start as a maiko since they can already start to train as a geisha — but of course, the allure of the overall comprehensive training process as you progress from a maiko to a full-fledged geisha can be quite an experience (and can add more to one’s reputation in the community).

So in order to become a geisha, once you reach the age required, you or your parent need to contact for example: Ookini Zaidan (the guild for all of Kyoto’s hanamachi businesses) and you must fulfill their other basic requirements: not taller than 160cm, at least 43kg in weight, willingness to train in the traditional arts for years, etc. Once they consider you a good candidate, they will send out your profile to okiya houses that might be interested in training you.

NOTE: Okiya will shoulder all your expenses for food, training, clothes, etc. once you are accepted by them and bonded by a contract. When you start working you can slowly pay off these debts.

If you are non-Japanese, Kyoto is a hard environment to crack in so you’re better off applying to other places like Tokyo and applying to okiyas yourself (better if you know someone who can introduce you to an okasan or a mother of an okiya/geisha house). By the way, do NOT try to apply if you don’t know the language yet; otherwise, absolutely no okiya will take you! • The training of a maiko •

There are several stages to undergo if you train as a maiko. First of all, the stage of…

Shikomi. As you are taken in, you will first be regarded as a shikomi, someone who basically works as a helper for the okiya as you do errands, help other geisha and maiko dress up, etc. — but at the same time you are also slowly being trained into the lifestyle. Example: adjusting to wearing a traditional yukata as normal clothing, growing out your hair, learning the proper demeanor, going to school (kaburejo or nyokobo) to learn the arts of the shamisen instrument, dance, tea ceremony, etc. » This can last for about 6 months before going to the next stage.

Minarai. At this point, you start your formal training and be regarded as a minarai which literally means “learning by watching”. In this stage, you will have an older geisha for a mentor whom you will call onēsan (sister) and this will be a bond that will stay for life. You are then expected to accompany your onesan to ozashiki (dinner banquet events) so that you can sit and observe her as well as other geisha and maiko interact with the customers. Through this way, you will not only gain real insights of the job but you will also gain the chance to know potential clients. At times, your onesan will allow you to perform but she will keep a close eye on you. » This training period starts a month before your official debut as a maiko.

Misedashi. This is your official debut as a maiko and this ceremony is like a grand public party wherein your name will be spread out across the hanamachi. You will also undergo a ritual called as sansankudo (also done in wedding ceremonies) where you exchange cups with your onesan, other geisha, and senior maiko — people who you are now bound to. Afterwards, you are now free to hold your own parties and perform in festivals; but you will always join your onesan at her events and you will also still continue learning from her. » Normally, this stage will last about 4 to 5 years.

David Offf / CC

• Debuting as a geisha •

Erikae. Around the age of 21 to 23, you will be promoted as a full-fledged geisha in yet another public ceremony called erikae or “turning of the collar” wherein as the name implies, they will turn your red collar to white as a sign of your transition to maturity from that of a maiko girl into a geisha woman.

Geisha. You will continue studying, working, and holding ozashiki banquets until you pay off your debts to your okiya. You could also take on a minarai/maiko under your wing. When your debts to your okiya are settled, you may choose to move out, work independently, or continue living in the okiya.

Hiki-iwai. This is a celebration that marks your retirement as a geisha, and it can be because of various reasons: you want to quit the geisha life, you want to pursue another career, you are too old to work publicly, you want to get married, or you want to become an okami-san (proprietress of either an ochaya or okiya).

Realistically-speaking however, not a lot of maiko make it to the geisha level because the lifestyle can be quite difficult. Also, once someone does become a geisha, it’s also common for them to retire within 5 years of their debut.

Anyhow, geisha and maiko alike are celebrated and they have a HUGE fanbase — not only in Japan but worldwide too! » Where to find or see geisha?

The geisha world needs to survive. It used to only be exclusively available for the rich or well-connected Japanese, but now it’s possible for other people as well as tourists to meet and see them through travel agencies and hotels.

But certainly, like I mentioned

Go book a spot in Niigata Hanamachi Chaya’s program in Niigata City. This is the cheapest way to meet, play, and talk to a real geisha up close since you only have to pay 3,000 yen ($26~ of Php 1,300~). It’s very similar to an ozashiki (dinner banquet) experience. To find out more about it…

» READ: Meet, Play & Talk with Niigata’s Furumachi Geigi (Geisha) for Only $26!

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Go to Miyako Odori in Kyoto. This is a yearly spring dance during April done by Kyoto’s geisha and maiko. Ticket prices start at 2,500 yen ($24~ or Php 1,100~) and you can see more info about this here. .

Go to Kamishichiken in Kyoto during February and July to September. Geisha and maiko of this district serve tea and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) to about 3,000 guests in an annual open-air tea ceremony held on February 25 (the plum-blossom festival in the Shinto shrine of Kitano Tenman-gū). Additionally, ever since 2010, there is a beer garden that opens up to the public at the Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theatre during July to August (6PM to 10PM) where you can get the chance to be served by maiko and geisha. (At night, geisha would also sometimes to traditional dances). .

Go to the narrow alleyways of Gion, Kyoto to catch sight of a maiko or geisha. Their work often starts at around 6PM to 8PM but ordinarily, you can have a better chance of finding geisha or maiko at around 10PM to 11PM on the streets of Gion as they make their way to work. (Again, take note of my tips above on how to spot the real ones!) Unfortunately, there really is NO one guaranteed spot where you can see them because they can be elusive and they can be anywhere! Nevertheless, it’s said that the most common hubs would be the street of Pontocho Alley and Hanamikoji-dori (around 5-6PM) so you can try your chances there.

I managed to catch a glimpse of a real maiko when I was walking through Gion (on my way to Gion Corner). It was all unplanned since I was just following the fastest walking route shown to me by Google Maps! I was mindlessly going through narrow streets when ‘lo and behold, I saw a maiko emerging from a nearby alleyway who proceeded to stand on the corner, seemingly waiting for her taxi. From what I remember, it was around the Tominagacho area; my friends told me that it was possible that the maiko I saw had visited a nearby shrine/temple before going to work (which they usually do).

TIP: If you want to do a guided tour around Kyoto and learn more about the geishas, you can join this geisha districts tour.

NOTE: Don’t expect to see geisha and maiko in their full regalia around Gion during “Obon Festival”, the annual Buddhist event for commemorating the souls of one’s ancestors, because they don’t work at that time. This happens during the middle of August.

ETIQUETTE: Should you ever see a geisha or maiko as you go through the alleyways of Gion, be respectful. Taking a quick photo is fine as long as you don’t get in their way; but of course, it’s also more tactful if you ask for their permission first. Also, NEVER ever touch them and their kimono nor pull them back to make them stop and pose for you; that’s just plain rude BUT also because you have to remember that their kimonos are INCREDIBLY expensive. A famous geisha once said this: “We are not Mickey mouse and this is not Disney World, we are not here to entertain the public, we are here to entertain our patrons.”

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Go and watch the show at Gion Corner in Kyoto. This is a theater that presents regular one-hour shows of 7 performing arts in Kyoto — one of which is the well-known kyo-mai dance performance by maiko dancers. There are 2 shows everyday at 6PM and 7PM [see schedule here] with prices for adults at 3,150 yen ($30~ or Php 1,400). I went to this show and I loved it! (A lot of people on TripAdvisor left such bad reviews for this show, but that’s mainly because they didn’t read their pamphlet beforehand so that they can understand the rest of the 6 Japanese performances that are apart from the well-anticipated maiko dance.) .

Go to Azuma Odori in Tokyo. A dance performance by the geisha of Shinbanshi, Tokyo are held annually at the Shinbanshi Enbujo Theater in May. (For more info, go here). .

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Overall

I hope this article helped in making you gain more insight about the mysterious yet captivating world of geisha and their apprentice maiko. It took me a while to finish this up but I really enjoyed writing it… and I hope you enjoyed it as well!

If in case though that this is the first time you’ve heard of Japan’s geisha, it is therefore also my hope that you’ve now discovered a great appreciation for their wondrous traditions.

P.S.: If you are more knowledgeable about geisha than me and that I’ve accidentally made a false statement above, do let me know in the comments below. After all, I understand that this tradition maintains an air of mysteriousness and anonymity since it adds to their overall ‘allure’; therefore, there might be some conflicting facts online and in some materials and interviews. Regardless, I’m quite confident with the accuracy of the things above especially after doing long hours of research and then conversing with a true-blue geisha to verify my facts. Let me know!

How about you?

What do you think about Japan’s geisha?

Would you want to see or meet them up close? Why or why not?

Or have you already seen or met a geisha or maiko before? How was the experience?

Did you like this article? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube and be notified about my newest posts and updates!

The post Understanding the Geisha of Japan: Myths & Facts appeared first on I am Aileen.

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Thai food is famous for its spiciness, but in northern Thailand, especially in the district of Chiang Mai, influences from Burma and China are distinct. This results to milder curries and a more pronounced use of other ingredients such as ginger and turmeric. This may not sound appealing to some, but I tell you: it’s sinfully goooooood. ‘Rose of the North’ last October, surely I wouldn’t pass on the chance of going on a food trip — especially since Chiang Mai (and Thailand in general) is praised for its rich and flavorful dishes, more so for those that you find on the streets and public markets.

Now, there are a lot of night bazaars and market avenues in the city and it could get really dizzying; but you can go to

» READ: Top 10 Things To Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

After you sort that out, continue down to this list to see the top 10 Chiang Mai street food dishes that you should absolutely try and not miss out! .title-bar:after, .title-bar:before, .title-bar:after, .title-bar:before, h2{ border-color: }

Chiang Mai Street Food

#1 – Khao Soi (Egg Noodle Curry)

Photo

from Rachel Moon/Shutterstock You can choose from beef, chicken, or pork khao soi; obviously, I took chicken for this one.

A Burmese-influenced dish, though its name translates to ‘cut rice’, it is actually made up of deep-fried crispy egg noodles dipped in a coconut milk curry soup. It is always accompanied with a dish of shallots, cilantro, lime, pickled mustard, ginger, and chili paste.

This was rich and flavorful wherein the taste of the soup was akin to that of yellow curry; but of a thinner consistency and not so spicy. Apparently, khao soi comes in different types: some serve it in curdled blood, rice noodles, etc. but this one that we ate was a Traditional Lanna Style type of khao soi.

For this type of Chiang Mai street food, it is available in every food place, but we recommend you to try out a local favorite of Thais: Khao Soi Samerjai located at 91 Charernras, Fahharm, Mueang Chiangmai (beside restaurant Wat Fa Ham). In here, they also offer other various Thai dishes that if you fancy, you could absolutely try! #2 – Khanom Jeen or Khanom Chin

Photo from SAHACHATZ/Shutterstock While we were strolling around Warorot Market, we saw a LOT of these small dimly-lit sections in which a lot of Thai people are eating dinner. One thing we noticed distinctly is that they were mixing a lot of stuff from the veggies that were laid out in their tables. We wondered what it was, and here we discovered khanom jeen or khanom cheen, a very common and CHEAP but filling Chiang Mai street food made of thin rice noodles.

It first starts with you, choosing the kind of soup that you’d like. It could be (1) chicken in coconut curry soup, (2) fish balls in curry soup, or (3) pork blood soup. This will then be mixed with white noodles which are thin fermented rice vermicelli (it’s like spaghetti, but thinner — which makes a lot of people say that this is like Thailand’s version of spaghetti).

They will put this in a bowl, and then when you sit down, there are free vegetable ‘toppings‘ for you to use: raw string beans (I was surprised to see them eating this raw! I’m not used eating it raw…), basil, beansprouts, pickled mustard greens, shredded cabbage, and chili. Sometimes they include fried pork grind and eggs, but these eggs are not part of the free ‘toppings’ as this will cost you ฿10 baht for one.

Now I could not believe that I only paid ฿20 baht for this. I was already very full and yet it was only less than a dollar! Plus: it tasted VERY good too! It was insane, that you should just try it for yourself. #3 – Sai Oua (Grilled Spicy Herb Sausage)

Photo from LaysRock/Shutterstock A lot of street vendors sell different meat balls or pieces on a stick. Usually, beside those sticks are these ‘Northern Style’ sausages that are coiled around in a shape that reminds me of what else but… poo. But don’t let that stop you.

This can be piping hot and spicy since after taking a bite from it, it first gave me a tinge of herbs but then it was quickly followed by a sudden rush of chili — it was fiery! But still delicious and rich in its own way.

Made from ground pork, this sai oua is filled with spices such as lemongrass, cilantro, shallots, pepper, galangal, and dried chilies. As if that wasn’t enough, they mix in chili paste too! Sounds scary, right? But it’s worth a try!

Apparently, to mellow down the burst of spice, this is best paired with… #4 – Sticky Rice

Photo from wason yuyatmak/Shutterstock

This Chiang Mai street food was a JOY to eat. We have sticky rice back at home in the Philippines, but not in a way that’s prepared like this: mixed with sweet stuff!

There are different kinds of sticky or glutinous rice in Thailand and they’re usually wrapped around in banana leaves. Some are mixed with fruits (hence the famed Thai mango sticky rice as pictured above), with coconut, with violet rice, with beans, or with egg custard. Sometimes they even put artificial colors on the rice!

For me, I loved the egg custard the most! You can usually buy these sticky rice packs on the streets and #5 – Pad Thai

Photo from Victor FlowerFly/Shutterstock I bet you’ve seen this coming!

Aside from sampling curries across Thailand, pad thai is another dish that you shouldn’t skip on — its huge popularity speaks for itself in the first place! And as what you may already know, it’s a stir-fried rice noodle often with different toppings and sauces.

You might have already tasted it from the Thai restaurants near your hometown, but you should definitely try pad thai that’s from Thailand itself. It’s very tasty and savory! This was the first Thai dish that I actually fell in love with when I first had my taste of ‘Thai’ in a restaurant in Manila; and tasting it here in Chiang Mai was even better! #6 – Quail Eggs

Photo from Evgeny Ermakov/Shutterstock This is another one of those Chiang Mai street food stalls filled with people — so I had to try it out! For this, they are simply fried quail eggs that are mixed with coconut milk; but, there are other types that are mixed rather with fish and soy sauce.

They weren’t too sweet and they were very scrumptious in every bite. It was the perfect ‘dessert’ to cap one of the nights where we went ‘street food’ shopping in Chiang Mai. #7 – Som Tam or Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)

Photo from Tortoon/Shutterstock This is basically made up of shredded green papaya. They would first pound the chili, tomatoes, garlic, and long beans into a mortar; and then they’ll add the papaya, bruising it well so as to incorporate the flavors of the former set of ingredients. What comes after will be fish sauce, lime, sugar, and some nuts.

I think if you ordered for the special that costs ฿5-10 baht more, they will add seafood to it!

At first I was scared that it would be really spicy — as with any normal initial reaction to a new Thai dish — but gladly enough, it wasn’t! There was a hint of spiciness of course, but everything was so well balanced that I wouldn’t mind having som tam for appetizers from now on.

So try it too, especially since it’s also one of the very popular Chiang Mai street food dishes. #8 – Kaeb Moo (Crispy Pork Rinds)

Photo from Regreto/Shutterstock This is much like chicharon from the Philippines so I was pleasantly surprised that it also exists in Chiang Mai! As such, kaeb moo are simply crispy friend pork rinds often mixed with salt and garlic. (Sometimes even with chili).

To date, it has different variations: (1) curls of just the crunchy skin or rind with a part of fat for added goodness and cholesterol, haha! Obviously, for those into healthy-eating, it’s fine to taste one or a few just to remember how delicious a pig’s fat can be. #9 – Grilled Pork, Fish, or Chicken

Photo from Evgeny Ermakov/Shutterstock Aside from the variations of small meat stuck on a stick, it’s also great if you could try the bigger portions: grilled fish, grilled pork parts, and grilled chicken.

They can be veeeery tasty! And sometimes, when you order chopped parts of these, it comes along with chili or some other seasoning. I personally think that this is a good Chiang Mai street food when you’re about to launch into a night of drinks with your friends. Prices for this vary, but often times, chopped parts of pork or chicken costs around ฿40 to 60 baht. #10 – Exotic Food!

Photo from Chaikom/Shutterstock Surely, Thailand has its own set of crazy street food too. I ate a cricket before in the Philippines and they had grasshoppers too — however, they were very small and the insects in Chiang Mai were biiiiiig.

I am not putting this on this list for its taste (though some will find it good; but all I taste is fear and crunchiness). I’m rather putting this on this list for the experience, as well as for you to have the ‘bragging rights’ of saying that you’ve ate one! Haha, and besides, Bear Grylls did say that these pack a LOT of protein and with no fat! So, why not?

Aside from crickets, there are ant eggs, silkworms, bats, dried lizard, etc. etc. etc.

» READ: My Experience Eating Insects in Chiang Mai

Other ‘normal’ exotic food that are NOT insects would have to be the usual Asian fruits: mangosteen, durian, lanzones, jackfruit, dragonfruit, rambutan, sugar apple, and basically every weird fruit that you see that you normally don’t see in your country. (Make it a challenge among your travelling buddies to make it more fun!). .title-bar:after, .title-bar:before, .title-bar:after, .title-bar:before, h2{ border-color: }

OTHER TOP CHIANG MAI ACTIVITIES

Chiang Mai Food Tour Dive into the food stalls at the Chiang Mai night markets!

Thai Massage Complete your holiday with an authentic Thai massage!

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Unique NO-riding interaction with these gentle giants!

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Overall

As per common sense, be mindful that street food is famous for its poor sanitation and health rating (not all, but some — or okay, most of them) so, proceed at your own risk. But I personally think that it’s totally fine, as long as it’s on moderation. And besides, it would be such a pity if you skip on these when they’re not only sooooooo yummy, but also incredibly CHEAP.

And surely, finding and spotting these Thai dishes is also very fun!

How about you?

What do you think of these Chiang Mai street food dishes?

Would you like to try them out? Why or why not?

Or have you tried any of these before? How was it?

Did you like this article? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube and be notified about my newest posts and updates!

The post Chiang Mai Street Food: 10 Dishes You Must Try appeared first on I am Aileen.