Eversince we saw pictures from Huis Ten Bosch, we've been eyeing Fukuoka 'cause FUK airport is the closest airport to Sasebo if you're coming from Manila (MNL), Philippines. 

Fukuoka, Japan 2024: Arrival and Withdrawal Rates Comparison

First Time in Japan: Northern Kyushu Itinerary, Expenses and Travel Tips (From Hakata in Fukuoka)

We took Cebu Pacific's 3:25 PM flight from Manila to Fukuoka.

We were waiting alongside the people flying to Nagoya. Hahaha! Japan version 2.0 choices: Nagoya, Tokyo or Osaka! <3

Our aircraft was Airbus Neo A321. It's my first time riding this kind of airplane and it was very comfortable. You have your own USB port and the legroom/seats were more spacious than usual. The back rest are angled so seat reclining isn't an option which is great especially if you chance upon an annoying person in the row in front of you who reclines his/her seat way too much without taking you into consideration. 

We arrived at the airport. <3

While at the immigration counter, I was inline near a handsome Korean guy though I didn't know who he was but as soon as we all exited the immigration counter area, a lot of fans were cheering turns out that he is a part of the group and the entire group were all there. :)) I searched for it that night and I learned that they were the K-Pop group NCT. lolz. I saw them during their concert in Gangneung last winter but I didn't recognize them still. Pogi pa naman nung isa! :))) 

We claimed the pocket WIFI in this area. Pocket wifi or local simcard is a must in a Japan travel not only so you'd be connected to your social networking sites but you'll be needing google map for a lot of times especially if you're doing ah DIY tour. 

Hakata Station is just 20 minutes away from the airport and we figured that it was easier to take the bus than ride the train 'cause we didn't have to drag our stuff to transfer to the domestic terminal where the train station is.

Fukuoka International Airport to Hakata Bus Station -  250 Yen. 

Oakland, USA - I've been here.

Guangzhou, China -

MNL - FUK flight

DAY 5: (Fukuoka)

5. Fukuoka Castle (Ruins)

6. Marinoa City

7. Hakata Station Mall

8. Don Quijote

2. Canal City

The very first Royce product that I've tasted but I didn't get any of it.

I still remember saving for a month when they launched the special edition Matcha chocolate here in the Philippines. <3

And when I was in Japan, I mindlessly took a box of Sakura Nama chocolate just because it's Spring. :))) 

Favorite! <3 

Many times while walking back and forth the store, I was asking myself if I got too much chocolates... :)) Only to realize that coming back home means I were to give my siblings and mom a box each. HAHAHA! Kk. 10,000 yen tayo next time, Royce?! HAHAHA!

After paying Royce, I only had 105 left with me. I decided to keep the 5-yen 'cause I read somewhere that it's considered a lucky coin. I bought some yen from my friend so I can afford a drink from 7-11. :))

Can't capture it on camera but this is one of the most picturesque night flights I've had. The moon was shining bright so it was able to illuminate all the clouds unlike other night flights when I see nothing whenever I look outside the window. 

[Klook Link] 3/5 Day JR All/North/South Kyushu Pass (Japan Pick Up)

BOOK YOUR Ultimate Fukuoka Tour from Sunrise to Sunset HERE.

First Time in Japan: Northern Kyushu Itinerary, Expenses and Travel Tips (From Hakata in Fukuoka)

We had the vouchers printed and our passports ready which we handed in to the lady at the counter. She asked which date is it going to start and after around 10 minutes we got our Northern Kyushu passes.

This is the "ID" which you're going to show the guard manning the entrance of train. You are to place the paper they'll be giving you inside the clear case.

Instead of Yufuin as the first item in our itinerary, we started from Beppu and when we reached the terminal that afternoon in Yufuin we just reserved our tickets back to Hakata on the spot - good thing the return trip wasn't "sold out"

 After  walking around Gardens by the Bay, we headed to Marina Bay Sands Area. 

Gardens by the Bay link: here.

Marina Bay Sands Afternoon link: here.

Marina Bay Sands Morning link: here.

Two links above are from my posts back in 2014 during my first time going to Singapore. Style of travelling and blogging were different then so... :))

I've always wanted to see this oculus and I'm glad it's working this time. We roamed around the mall before going out to see the night lights. 

This mall has a lot of high-ends shops/ boutiques and there's also a food court if I'm not mistaken. 

Although it looks small, going to the other side (Merlion Area) is actually a long walk so we decided to just visit the Merlion on another day when we alight at a train station near it.  Anyway, what I like about this area are the night lights from the building. 

At one side you'll see the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and on the other, you'd see several high-rises as well. There's a Singapore river cruise you can avail while on this area and there's also a fountain show at night. 

River cruise tickets link: Singapore River Cruise

 Merlion

I recently realized that we have a similar view here in Manila when you're in Harbor Square Plaza. Pwede na. Not bad.

Something like this in Busan, South Korea?

You can go to the Bay 101 at night. 

I wanted to go earlier and go inside the Gardens by the Bay 'cause this was when I haven't seen Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) in real life yet. Meron kasing exhibit dito before na meron Cherry Blossoms and it was ending the day we went to this area. Anyway, we weren't able to make it earlier so sa labas na lang kami nag stay. 

While there is an entrance fee if you go inside the exhibits, walking around is free. During my first trip in Singapore, ito 'yung nagpa-wow talaga sa'kin kahit nakita ko lang 'yan nung umpisa habang nasa bus kami. :))

OCBC Skyway

There's a fee if you want to walk along that skybridge. Would've bought tickets if we had enough time.

Ganda talaga at night

We waited for the light show and then transferred to Manila Bay Sands area. 

Singapore is not a huge country and most of the tourist spots are just walking distance from each other. However, for some people who don't like long walks then going around would be a problem 'cause even riding the subway would mean a lot of walking. I think they have a hop on, hop off bus you can avail if you're in SG though - that would be a better option 'cause the walks will be lessened significantly.