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Kundasang Itinerary: Best Places to Visit for 3D2N

In the highlands of Sabah, Malaysia, Kundasang is home to Mount Kinabalu, the country’s tallest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kundasang is two hours away from the town of Kota Kinabalu , Malaysia, where you can experience a much cooler climate and see the breathtaking views of Mount Kinabalu and lush green landscapes of nature. Not to mention the fact that this town is famous for its fresh produce, dairy farms, and vibrant local markets! 

This is my second time visiting the island of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu for 5 days and 4 nights, and this time, I took the opportunity to visit Kundasang and to discover more about the beauty of Sabah. I must say that Kundasang is surely one of the places that you shouldn’t miss when traveling to Kota Kinabalu. Thus, if you’re heading to Kota Kinabalu soon, you may also consider visiting Kundasang as your side trip! 

In this blog post, find out the best places to visit in Kundasang for 3 days and 2 nights! 

Table of Contents

About Kundasang, Sabah

Kundasang is a small town located in Ranau, Sabah, which is the highest settlement in Malaysia. In addition, Kundasang is the closest town to Mt. Kinabalu and offers panoramic views of the mountain. Furthermore, this town is also known as the New Zealand of Borneo due to its mountainous geographical terrain, which is comparable to New Zealand. 

How to get from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang?

There are no direct flights to Kundasang, Sabah. With that, you need to take a flight to Kota Kinabalu, which is the nearest airport to Kundasang. Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the main gateway to Sabah, Malaysia. 

Upon arrival at the airport, you can start looking for rental car services that you can use to visit Kundasang. I believe that this is the easiest way to get there. If you can’t drive by yourself, it is also possible to rent a car with a driver or rent or use a ride-hailing service like Grab to Kundasang. It’s about a 2–3 hour drive, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

If you’re coming from the Philippines, take note that it takes about 2 hours from Manila to Kota Kinabalu, and as part of ASEAN, you don’t need a visa to enter Malaysian territory. 

Best Places to Visit in Kundasang, Sabah 

Kundasang may be a small town in Ranau, Sabah, but there are still a lot of things to do and places to visit in this town. Therefore, here are some of the places worth visiting in Kundasang:

The Alpaca Club

The Alpaca Club is definitely a must-visit in Kundasang! This is a small farm that gives you the opportunity to interact with the alpacas! You can take pictures and videos and feed the animals at the same time. 

This cafe offers an overlooking view of Mt. Kinabalu. They offer excellent coffee and different sets of pastries. You can come here at sunset for a much better experience! You can definitely chill in the cafe while admiring the mountain views and listening to their live band. 

Desa Cattle Dairy Farm

This is one of the most popular places to visit in Kundasang, Sabah. Dubbed Sabah’s Little New Zealand, this place is surrounded by picturesque views of the landscapes and different farm animals, such as cows. 

Here, you can try and enjoy different local dairy products, such as fresh milk and get to interact with some farm animals. Not to mention the fact that you get to witness dairy production at the farm.

Mt. Kinabalu Golf Club

This is another place to visit in Kundasang that offers amazing views of the mountains. This is located at the foothills of the majestic Mt. Kinabalu. If you don’t have any plans to play golf, that’s fine. You can just dine at their restaurant! 

From here, you can view Mt. Kinabalu from another perspective! 

Mt. Kinabalu National Park

This is also one of the beautiful places that you can visit when in Kundasang, Sabah and it is known as Malaysia’s First World Heritage Site . 

Other Places to Visit in Kundasang

• Marakau Fish Spa
• Sinalau Bakas Stall in Ranau
• Canopy Treetop Walk
• Poring Hot Spring
• Paragliding in Ranau
• The Kundasang War Memorial

Kundasang Itinerary for 3D2N

If you’re heading to Kundasang, Sabah, and planning to stay here for 3 days and 2 nights, here’s a sample itinerary for your trip to Kundasang. 

• Travel from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang (2 hours)
• Check-in at Perkasa Hotel Mt. Kinabalu
• Visit the Alpaca Club
• Get coffee and snacks at Anooh Cafe
• Kundasang War Memorial

Day 2 

• Go paragliding in Ranau (optional)
• Desa Cattle Dairy Farm 
• Mt. Kinabalu Golf Farm 
• Visit Mt. Kinabalu National Park
• Perkasa Hotel Mt. Kinabalu
• Head back to Kota Kinabalu

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit kundasang.

The best time to visit Kundasang, Sabah, is during the dry season, which is typically from March to September. However, it is also possible to visit Kundasang from October to February, though the weather during this season is a bit unpredictable. 

How long is the journey from KK to Kundasang?

It takes about 2 hours from Kota Kinabalu (KK) to Kundasang via car. This is the easiest way to get to Kundasang.

What should I wear in Kundasang?

Kundasang offers a cool climate, especially at night, so it is best to bring warm clothing such as a jacket, sweater, or coat during your visit.

Is Kundasang worth visiting?

Definitely. Kundasang is indeed worth visiting, especially if you’re looking for a more serene place surrounded by nature. If you’re fond of being in nature, then this is the best place for you! 

Is a day trip to Kundasang possible?

Yes, a day trip to Kundasang is possible and can be quite enjoyable, as it is only two hours away from Kota Kinabalu. Just make sure to start early so you can explore more places around town within the day of your visit. 

Kundasang, Sabah, is definitely one of my favorite places on the island of Borneo! Personally, it was the best decision to explore the small town, even if I had no intention of hiking up Mt. Kinabalu. Nevertheless, I’ve enjoyed exploring Kundasang and discovered some amazing spots to see in this small town! 

A travel blogger in the Philippines and a K-pop enthusiast, Ara Patria (The Adventuress) pursues her passion and love for traveling. She’s been blogging for years, where she writes about her own travel experiences and promotes the wonders of the Philippines. Not only does she promote the beauty of her country, but she also focuses on promoting sustainable tourism. She dreams of traveling the world and inspiring other people through her own written works and captured moments with her camera.

The Adventuress is a travel blogger with a purpose. She aims to inspire other people through her personal experiences, stories, and lenses. Outside her blogging world, she is an educator, an SEO specialist, and TEFL/TESOL certified.

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Solo in Busan: a 3D2N Busan Itinerary to see the highlights

By: Author Jaclynn Seah

Posted on Published: September 4, 2019  - Last updated: July 5, 2024

Categories Korea

Tired of busy Seoul ? Head down south and chill out in Busan, South Korea ‘s most famous port city known for its laidback atmosphere, happening beaches and amazing seafood. For my busy readers who only have a long weekend to spare, here’s my guide on how to see Busan’s highlights in just 3 days. For indie travellers like me, I’ve also included some tips for going solo in Busan and how to get around on Busan’s public transport with directions on Naver Maps.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Seoul in my previous visits to South Korea, so I was pretty stoked to finally go solo in Busan in May 2019 when Silkair opened up a nonstop route from Singapore to Busan’s Gimhae Airport*. I had miles to use and when a great opening promo popped up, I booked a ticket on a whim and found myself with about a week to spend in the southern region of South Korea. Some of this time I spent in the South Jeolla or Jeollanam region – in Suncheon and Yeosu , the rest of my time was spent wandering around solo in Busan without too much of a plan beforehand, even making a daytrip out to Geoje and Oedo Islands .

There’s something about the air in Busan that feels different from Seoul, and there’s a lot to do even if you have just a long weekend to do it. Everything is quite spread out though so getting to everything quickly can be challenging – here’s how I recommend you do it in just 3 days.

* Update in 2022: Since Silkair was folded into the main SIA family and COVID, there don’t seem to be any direct flights from Singapore to Busan anymore unfortunately! Your best option would be to fly into Seoul and either take a domestic flight (1 hour) or high speed train (2hr 15 min) to Busan. Scoot now flies to Jeju, which is also about an hour away from Busan by plane or an overnight 12hr+ ferry ride away.

Silkair SIN to PUS Nonstop Direct (not currently operating)

Silkair launched the nonstop direct route from Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN) to Busan’s Gimhae Airport (PUS) in  May 2019 . It flies 4x a week. For this 3-day itinerary in Busan, you have 2 options:

• Dep Fri late night, return Tue afternoon (Sat, Sun, Mon) – 2 days leave
• Dep Wed late night, return Sun afternoon (Thur, Fri, Sat) – 2 days leave

Singapore to Busan

SIN>PUS:  MI876 2315hrs – 0700hrs (+1) [Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday]

The red-eye flight to Busan is great for weekend warriors trying to maximise their trip but minimise leave needed, but the downside is you’ll probably be pretty tired when you land early in the morning and not be able to check-in until later in the afternoon.

Busan to Singapore

PUS>SIN:  MI875 0815hrs – 1415hrs [Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday]

The flight would require you to get to the airport pretty early in the morning, so sleeping overnight in Busan and catching the Airport Limousine bus (bus runs every half hour, takes about 45 minutes, 6,000 KRW) would probably be the easiest option. You can take the MRT to/from the airport but may involve 1-2 transfers at Sasang and Seomyeon.  More info at Gimhae Airport website.

Day 1 – Yeongdo 영도

My flight arrived quite early in the morning, so I made this a much more chillax day so I had some time to take a nap in the afternoon.

Huinnyeoul Culture Village 흰여울문화마을

Dubbed Busan’s Santorini, Huinnyeoul Culture Village is a pretty chillax little area along the west coast of Yeongdo overlooking the sea. There are lots of cool little cafes to hang out in and enjoy the view (on a really clear day, apparently you can see Japan’s Tsushima Island from here), or take a stroll along the Jeoryeong Coastal Walkway by the water.

This area was a settlement where refugees from the Korean war came to live and was kinda derelict and half-empty until they revamped the area in 2011 by turning it into a creative space and adding lots of murals on the walls of the houses here. I didn’t really check out the murals because I was too lazy to climb back up the stairs again once I was on the coastal walkway.

I walked along the coastal path and eventually climbed back up the slope. I ended up at a spot called 75 Square , named because it was built in 1975. There is a nice resting pavilion where you can sit and relax here. I took a bus to my next stop Taejongdae from here.

흰여울 문화마을 huin-yeoul munhwama-eul [ Naver Maps ]

Details: More details at the Yeongdo-gu website . Read a little about the Jeoryeong Coastal Walk and 75 Square .

How to get there: Take Bus 7, 70, 71 or 508 from Busan Station and stop at Huin Yeoul Culture Village stop. There is another bus stop nearby where 6, 9, 82 and 85 also stop at. From the bus stop, head towards the coast line to find the Jeoryeong Coastal Walk.

Taejongdae 태종대

Taejongdae Resort Park is a popular scenic spot to soak in Busan’s natural forests and admire the coastline with some spectacular cliff views, especially during sunset.

Before I even entered the park, I took a small detour at the main entrance to Taejongdae and headed to Gamji Beach , a crescent-shaped cove with a grey pebble beach. If you love seafood, make sure to hit the long stretch of tents also known as the Taejongdae Jagalmadang 태종대 자갈마당 where you can get super-fresh seafood. I was tempted to get some for lunch, but alas the woes of dining as a solo traveller – there wasn’t much English happening and I’m a bit leery of eating weird seafood and it wasn’t that cheap, especially for just 1 person.

When I entered Taejongdae park, there were some pretty long queues for the Danubi tourist train, so I decided to save money and walked the entire route instead. It is a scenic walk and while I say it is doable for the average person (aka me), you need some fitness to do it as it gets quite steep at certain points.

Hot tip: If you plan to walk, make sure you take the clockwise route from the entrance (Go up the slope towards Taejongsa/Taejong Temple). You might be tempted to take what looks like the easier route (that goes down towards Taewon Pebble Beach), but trust me, you will regret it as there are longer uphill steep sections further along the route.

태종대 Taejongdae [ Naver Maps ]

Details: Open 4am/5am – midnight. Free Entrance. The Train only runs from 9am – 530pm and costs 3,000 KRW. More at the Taejongdae Resort Park website (Korean)

How to get there: I took Bus 1006 from 75 Square to the terminal/garage. From there it’s a 5-10 minute walk to the entrance of Taejongdae Resort Park. Other buses that go here include 8, 13, 30 – if you’re coming from Busan Station take 88 or 101.

Seomyeon 서면

If you still have energy after a long day out, head up to Seomyeon in the evening for some happening nightlife. Seomyeon isn’t actually near Yeongdo – it’s sort of the way to Haeundae, but it is quite a central location for getting around Busan and I thought it would be a pity to skip.

Busan Citizens Park 부산시민공원

While there aren’t many tourist sights to see around the area, it’s where you go to eat and shop a lot, which is exactly what I did with my friend B. We took a walk at the Busan Citizens Park for a walk around in the afternoon. Lots of local people were enjoying the park and good weather that day – we found a hedge maze to get lost in and lovely streams to stroll by.

부산 시민공원 busan simingong-won [ Naver Maps ] Open 5am-11pm

What to Eat in Seomyeon

One of the must-eats in Busan is Dwaeji Gukbap 돼지국밥 or Pork Bone Rice-Soup, and while there are several well-known stores around Busan, Seomyeon has a legendary Dwaeji Gukbap Alley lined with a ton of Dwaeji Gukbap stalls.

I also had to indulge in some ChiMaek or Chicken and Beer (Maekju) while in Korea. We headed to a cute little place in Seomyeong called Oksang Dalbit 옥상달빛 – it wasn’t crowded because we were there in the late afternoon but it started to get much more crowded as dinner rolled around. Kloud draught beer and yummy cheesy boneless chicken… yum!

And because the weather was starting to get hot, I had to get some Korean Bingsu. B directed me to this popular Bingsu chain called Sulbing 설빙 . We shared an Injeolmi bingsu, which is a very finely ground light brown bean powder that they cover the ice with. It is practically impossible to eat this neatly, but it’s so delicious! If you love cafes, make sure to hit Jeonpo Cafe Street nearby as well.

서면 Seomyeon [ Naver Maps ]

How to get there: Take the MRT up to Seomyeon Station on orange Line 1 with its distinctive 5-point junction. Busan Citizen Park is closer to Bujeon Station than Seomyeon.

Day 2 – East Busan

You can’t talk about Busan’s highlights without mentioning Haeundae Beach – I’ve planned a day where you can see some of the major sights around the Haeundae area and Busan’s eastern coast.

Haedong Yonggung Temple 해동 용궁사

There are plenty of temples in Korea and Busan, but Haedong Yonggungsa in Gijang is special as it is one of the rare temples in South Korea that isn’t located up in the mountains but situated by the sea instead. It’s the perfect spot to kickstart your exploration of East Busan.

I visited Haedong Yonggungsa on a weekend which also happened to be Korea’s Children’s Day so the place was PACKED. Also, it was the weekend before Buddha’s birthday, hence all the pretty and colourful lanterns on display. The temple faces east so it’s a popular spot for viewing the sunrise, especially on New Year’s morning. Spiritual Travels has a pretty detailed post about the temple’s layout for those who want more detail.

해동 용궁사 Haedong Yonggun-sa [ Naver Maps ]

Details: Open 5am to sunset. Free entrance. I suggest going earlier in the day as it is generally less crowded in the mornings. If you are ambitious, you can try to catch the sunrise over the ocean as it does face east.

How to get there: Take the MRT to Haeundae Station Exit 7, and then take Bus 181 to Haedong Yonggungsa stop. From the main road, there’s a short 5-10 minute walk to get to the temple complex.

Haeundae Beach 해운대 해수욕장

One of Busan’s most iconic spots, Haeundae Beach is the perfect place to just hang out and relax. In summer the beaches are absolutely packed with beach-goers, but when I visited in late spring it was less crowded as it was still too cold to swim even though the sun was out.

Haeundae Beach is also popular for food – you can’t miss the queues lining up at some of the famous Dwaeji Gukbap (Pork Soup + Rice) restaurants along the main thoroughfare. You can also check out Haeundae Market, a long stretch of restaurants and eateries. I had Eomuk (fish cake) and Tteokbokki (rice cake) here for lunch.

Haeundae is a pretty hip nightlife spot as well, if you want a funky place to hang out at night, you could come back here again in the evening – there are plenty of bars and restaurants by the beach.

해운대 해수욕장 haeundae haesuyogjang [ Naver Maps ]

Mipo Railway Track 미포철길

The Mipo railway track is a disused scenic coastal rail line that used to be a part of the Donghae Nambu train line which was closed. It was reopened as a walking path with wooden boardwalks and connects Haeundae Beach to Songjeong Beach further north.

Expect to see a ton of couples and Instagram-happy hipsters setting up their shots along the railway tracks here, it gets pretty crowded on the weekends especially. It’s a nice place for an easy stroll with a great view.

How to get there: From Haeundae Beach, keep walking eastwards until you hit Dalmaji-gil. Turn inland and walk up the slope till you get to this entrance when you can see the railway tracks and all the couples taking their selfies there.

Dalmaji Road 달맞이 길

Dalmaji Road is a stretch of road winding up Dalmaji Hill that’s shaded by large tree canopies and considered one of the prettiest places to be during the cherry blossom season in Busan.

Besides soaking up the atmosphere and admiring the view from up here, Dalmaji has also become one of those cafe hotspot areas where you can just hang out for a cuppa. Art lovers will also find lots of little indie art galleries to pop into around this area.

How to get there: From Mipo Railway Tracks, there is a stairway that leads you up the hillside directly to Dalmaji Road.

Gwangalli Beach 광안리 해수욕장

Another famous beach in Busan is Gwangalli Beach located in Suyeong, renown for fine white sand and a view of the imposing Gwangan Bridge that spans the cove. I visited at night when the bridge was all lit up and was even treated to some impromptu fireworks on the water and the beach.

The atmosphere is really nice in the evening, with lots of buskers and night lights and even some projections onto the sand all around. There are plenty of eating and drinking places along the beach so you can while the night away.

광안리 해수욕장 gwang-anli haesuyogjang [ Naver Maps ]

Details: Swimming time from 9am – 6pm. More at Suyeong Website .

How to get there: Take the MRT and get off at Gwangan Station – the beach is a short walk from the MRT station.

For dinner, I checked out Galmegi Brewing , an American-style craft brewery just off the main Gwangalli Beach stretch. Perhaps it was a weekday, but only the 2nd level was open and you had to go up by the fire exit stairs. But the bar itself was very hipster chillax and I had some beer and Spanish-style prawns for dinner that night. I visited the main brewery and original location , but they do have several outlets in Busan, including one on Haeundae Beach and another in Seomyeon.

갈매기 브루잉 광안 본점 galmaegi beulu-ing gwang-an bonjeom [ Naver Maps ]

Details: Open 4pm-1am, closed on Sundays.

How to get there: Located off the south end of Gwangalli Beach at 58 Gwangnam-ro. A short walk from Geumnyeonsan Station Exit 5 (Line 2).

Day 3 – South Busan

Check out the Nampodong district in Busan and head further south to see the famous Gamcheon Culture Village and a quieter beach at Dadaepo.

Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap 본전 돼지국밥

My Korean friend B introduced me to this famous Dwaeji Gukbap restaurant near the Busan Train Station. Bonjeon normally sees very long queues, but we were there quite early for lunch so we got a seat quite easily.

This pork bone soup is savoury, hearty and perfect in colder weather. I expected it to taste like Singaporean Bak Kut Teh but it’s not as peppery. You are supposed to add different proportions of the side dishes to the soup to change up the flavour.

본전 돼지국밥 Bonjeon Dwaeji Gukbap [ Naver Maps ]

Details: Open 830am-930pm. There are some good details over at purple eats .

How to get there: From Busan Station Exit 7, walk up Jungang Daero 215 Beolgil. The store is just 5 mins from the main Busan train station.

Nampo-dong 남포동

Jagalchi market 자갈치 시장.

Jagalchi Market is where you go to enjoy Busan’s abundance of amazing seafood. Check out the wet market in the massive indoor complex or the stalls lined with all sorts of seafood along the little lanes outside. It’s a great place to just wander around in whether you plan to eat or not.

자갈치 시장 jagalchi sijang [ Naver Maps ]

Details: Open 5am – 10pm, closed on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month.

How to get there: Take the MRT to Jagalchi Station and walk about 5 minutes to approach from the south.

Gukje Market 국제시장

Gukje Market (International Market) is one of the largest markets in Korea and you can buy just about anything here. There are a whole bunch of covered and outdoor markets in this entire area that are interlinked – Bupyeong Market, Kkangtong Market, etc.

There are a lot of food options around this area – Gukje Food Market Street is famous for Chungmu Gimbap

국제시장 Gukje Sijang [ Naver Maps ]

Details: Open 9am – 8pm, closed on 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month.

How to get there: Take the MRT to Jagalchi Station and walk about 5 minutes to approach from the south. Buses 15, 40, 81, 86, 126, 186 stop you a little closer on the northern end

BIFF Square 비프광장

BIFF Square is the main site of the annual Busan International Film Festival – look on the ground for handprints by your favourite Korean directors and actors, and catch a film at one of the many movie theatres in the area too. Otherwise, it’s a hip area with a ton of retail shops and eating spots and a great vibe for walking around in the evening.

One of my favourite street food finds was something called Ssiat Hotteok:

비프광장 BIFF Gwangjang [ Naver Maps ] How to get there: BIFF Square is located next to Jagalchi MRT station, or you can walk over from Gukje Market as well.

Bosu-dong Book Street 보수동 책방골목

Bibliophiles will want to pay a visit to Bosu-dong Book Street which stands on the site of the original Gukje Market. It developed over 70 years ago when Korea became independent and Busan took in many refugees who set up book stalls to make a living. Today it is lined with myriad bookstores selling a mix of new and used books that may be cheaper than mainstream stores – you can even find English titles here.

I didn’t spend a lot of time here but there are lots of cute looking cafes that you can pop into as well, so you can enjoy a cuppa after you get a good book bargain.

보수동 책방골목 bosudong chaegbang-golmog [ Naver Maps ] How to get there: Bosudong Book Street is across Daecheong-ro road from Gukje Market. Or walk over from Toseong MRT station.

Gamcheon Culture Village 감천 문화마을

Colourful Gamcheon village used to be one of the poorer areas in Busan that housed refugees from the Korean War, but with a fresh coat of paint from local artists, this hillside slum was transformed into a tourist attraction in 2009 that draws the Instagram-loving crowd in droves today.

There are lots of murals, art and little shops along the lanes – it’s a very picturesque place to stroll around in though it is a bit touristy nowadays – pick a weekday to visit if you can to avoid the crowds.

From the main bus stop, I explored the main shopping stretch before taking a stroll to quieter parts on the outskirts. You can pick up an official map for just 2,000 KRW and collect stamps for a reward. I opted to just wander and ended up finding the 148 Stair to See Stars named because that’s what you see when you try climbing up them – thankfully I went down them instead.

감천문화마을 gamcheon munhwama-eul [ Naver Maps ]

Details: Open 9am-6pm (5pm from Dec-Feb). More at Gamcheon Village Website [Korean]

How to get there: I took Bus 87 from Busan Train Station to the base of the hill, and changed to a feeder bus up to Gamcheon Culture Village. You can walk up but I highly recommend taking a feeder bus as it is located up some pretty steep slopes. Alternatively you can take the MRT to Toseong MRT instead and then take a feeder bus.

Dadaepo Beach 다대포 해수욕장

End your day at a much quieter beach in the south of Busan where you can enjoy an unblocked sunset view. There’s a nice park to stroll around in with a famous Sunset Fountain of Dreams , and trails where you can do more serious trekking and admire the Morundae Cliff view. I mostly wandered along the beachfront and boardwalks along the coastline and just enjoyed a scenic sunset view.

다대포 해수욕장 dadaepo haesuyogjang [ Naver Maps ] How to get there: Take the MRT Orange Line 1 to its southern-most end Dadaepo Beach station and it’s a short walk to the beach

Hostels in Busan

I stayed in hostel shared dormitories on this trip, and let me say that Korea has some of the best hostels that you can stay in for a relatively affordable price. If you are one of those people hesitant about the quality of hostels, let me just say that from my experience, East Asian hostels are amazing. There are powder rooms with free amenities for crying out loud. Western hostels definitely aren’t as fancy.

K79 Guesthouse 게스트하우스

Location: K79 Hostel is located in the Nampodong area close to Gukje Market and within walking distance to Jagalchi and BIFF Square. You do have to walk a little to get to the nearest MRT station (Jungang), but if you use the buses, they can drop you very close to the hostel. You are just a few stops away from the Busan Train Station. [ Naver Maps ]

Facilities: This hostel is pretty fancy and clean. I stayed in a 6-bed dorm on the female level that was large and had its own curtains and plenty of storage space. The toilets and the showers were separate and they had a separate powder room area for you to dress up and put on makeup.

Cost: I paid about 19,000 KRW (~S$22) per night for a 6-bed female dorm. Prices on booking.com range from 25,000-28,000 KRW (S$28-32) last I checked.

Check out K79 Guesthouse on booking.com [ affiliate link ]

Mozzihostel 모찌호스텔

Location: Mozzihostel has an excellent location right next to the Busan Train Station , so it’s extremely convenient if you are taking the train/KTX around Korea. There are also plenty of buses and the MRT right on your doorstep, as well as the Airport bus shuttle bus stop. [ Naver Maps ]

Facilities: There’s a lift to bring you up to the 5th level and a common room area with large windows overlooking the train tracks and bay area, especially pretty in the evenings. I stayed in a 4-bed dormitory for about 18,400 KRW (~S$22) per night, and the bed was large, comfortable and came with its own outlets and curtains. The doors to the rooms are electronically operated, and the shower amenities are all free for you to use.

Others: Breakfast is pretty basic, and the owner does have a dog that you might see in the common area during working hours, so that might be a pro/con depending on how you feel about animals. You are also next to the railway tracks so if you are sensitive to noise, bring some earplugs.

Cost: I paid about 19,000 KRW (~S$22) per night for a 4-bed female dorm. Prices on booking.com range from 20,000-24,000 KRW (S$23-27) last I checked.

Check out Mozzihostel on booking.com [affiliate link]

Navigating Busan by public transport

Maps: naver maps.

I usually rely heavily on Google Maps, but for South Korea, my go-to maps app is Naver Maps which not only gives you more accurate locations for Korea, it also gives you bus and train directions and timings, very helpful for the solo indie traveller trying to get around by public transport. 

There is an English map interface, but sometimes the spelling/spaces of the English names aren’t always accurate, so having the Hangul name on hand to search is also useful. If you search for a restaurant, it automatically brings up reviews and even menus + prices, but it’s all in Korean. In this guide I’ll include the Korean names that you can use to search.

Download Naver Mapsfrom Apple App Store or Google Play store . You’ll need to sign up for a Naver account to use it but it’s free and easy to do, I highly recommend this for navigating in Korea.

Buses: T-Money Transportation Card

Pick up a T-Money card (2,500 KTW or S$3) at the for all your public transport needs – it makes it quick and easy to pay fares by tapping on the terminals at the front and rear entrances of buses and not having to constantly queue for tickets. You can even use it to pay for some taxi fares and convenience stores. In addition, the transportation card rate is usually slightly cheaper than the cash rate (about 100 KRW cheaper for adults) and you can get transfer discounts within half an hour (make sure to tap out at the exit for buses). 

From what I can tell, both T-Money and Cashbee can be used throughout most of Korea, though T-Money is the most widely used, and Cashbee cards can be found mostly in Busan. One thing to note is that it seems you can only top up your card using cash only , both at the machines in the subway and at the convenience stores. More info here .

I bought a T-Money Korea Tour Card (4,000 KRW or S$4.60) that I purchased from the convenience store at the airport light rail transfer station. On top of the standard T-Money functions, it also offers other attraction, tour and shopping discounts, though I didn’t really make use of them. The good news is your T-Money card doesn’t expire so you can always reuse on future trips.

They launched a Namhaean Coast Korean Tour Card in 2019 that offers discounts on some of the places in Suncheon that I visited, as well as Busan, Yeosu, Tongyeong and Geoje, but it wasn’t available when I took this trip, but something you can consider.

For Android users, there is even a mobile phone version that you can use to make payments and top up with your credit card.

Check out the KTO site for a detailed rundown on the use of transportation cards in Korea .

Taxis: Kakao T Rideshare app

Sometimes buses aren’t the most efficient way to get around, especially in more remote areas. Kakao T is a really useful app where you can easily book a taxi. You can key in the information or set location via map so you won’t even have to worry about communication issues with the driver and you can track the route on your phone. It has a whole host of functions but I’ve really only used it for getting a taxi.

In terms of making payment, you can select Pay Direct to Driver (because you won’t be able to link your credit card directly without a Korean ID) when you make your booking. Most taxis take credit card as well, so you don’t have to worry about handling cash either – my Wise card [ referral link ] worked in most places all across Korea and I liked how easy it was to .

Download Kakao T from Apple App Store or Google Play store . You’ll need to download Kakao Talk and sign up for a free Kakao account to use, and you can use your own phone number (no need Korean number) as well to verify the account.

Roaming Data

I cannot stress how important it is to have data when trying to navigate in South Korea as you will need it for maps and translations, or trying to hail a rideshare. Get an unlimited data plan if you can so you don’t have to worry about using up data.

Data isn’t that expensive and there are plenty of websites offering different plans and ways to connect. See what works best for you, but here’s a quick run-down of what’s available:

• eSIM cards : My current go-to option for data overseas because you can easily install a data plan without removing your existing SIM card, have access the moment you touch down and no need to worry about where to pick up the card. Cons are that you don’t usually have a Korean phone number which may be an issue with making reservations/taxi drivers trying to call you, but it’s not a big issue in my opinion. Here’s the unlimited data Frewie eSIM I used on my latest 12-day trip to Jeju from Klook [ affiliate link ] that cost about S$38 or you can check out eSIM sites like Airalo [ affiliate link ].
• Prepaid SIM card: SIM cards are usually the cheapest option with a variety of plans/time-periods available and you can often pick up in both Korea (mobile stores and at the airport), or Changi Recommends has several Korean SIM card options that you can pick up at the Singapore airport. I’d get this if I was on a budget or needed a local Korean number, but check as not all SIM cards offer domestic calls/texts. Klook has a KT-Olleh 4G LTE unlimited data-only SIM card [ affiliate link ] that allows you to top up 11,000 KRW (about S$11) for some voice calls.
• Portable Wifi Device: Good if you are more security conscious and have multiple devices like tablets and laptops to connect, or you’re travelling in a group and looking to save money but can be cumbersome because it’s an additional device to carry around that needs to be charged, and you have to pickup/return usually at the airport. On this trip in Suncheon I rented a KT-Olleh portable wifi device (unlimited data) from Klook  [ affiliate link ] for 9 days that cost S$27.45 because I had some credits and there was a sale.

Have I missed out on any of Busan’s must-sees and must-dos? Tell me what I’ve missed about Busan in the comments.

Exploring the southern region of Korea? Take a day trip out to Geoje and Oedo Islands , or check out my post about Suncheon and Yeosu in the Jeollanam region, or see all my South Korea posts.

My 2-day Suncheon itinerary for sightseeing solo

Things to do in Yeosu on a Suncheon daytrip

3D2N in Gwangju 광주 and Damyang 담양 – an unexpected detour to Jeollanam

Monday 10th of February 2020

Actually you also can visit Dongbeak Island and walk through until you reach Haeundae Beach.In Dongbeak you can visit Nuri Maru Apec house. There so many delicious BBQ all you can eat restaurants in Seomyeon Area with affordable price and good quality pork bbq,and seomyeon is the heaven for young People,from shopping,bowling,movies,noraebang.

Jaclynn Seah

Tuesday 11th of February 2020

I guess I gotta go back again to see more of Busan! :)

Thursday 5th of September 2019

Thanks Jac. I have been wanting to visit Busan and this is really timing for me to plan a trip.

Busan seems to be a popular spot! Hope it helps you plan a great trip :)

Wednesday 4th of September 2019

This was so helpful! Thanks for the comprehensive post - you've even got roaming data in here! Super helpful for someone like me who is planning a visit to Busan

glad you found it useful, have a great trip in Busan! :)

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(3D2N) The Best 3 Days 2 Nights Ipoh Itinerary for Nature Lovers

Ipoh is a historical city surrounded by limestone hills, but did you know that Ipoh is also abundant in limestone hills? In fact, many of Ipoh’s tourist attractions are built around the limestone hills. We’ve prepared the best  3 days 2 nights itinerary around Ipoh for nature lovers,  check it out now!

Fun Time at the Lost World of Tambun

What’s more fun than holidaying at a place  close to nature  with the family, where 👴👵old and 👦👧young can enjoy one of the best moments in their lives?  Is there really such a place?  you might ask. Well, the answer is  yes!  And that place is the   Lost World of Tambun!

It is a theme park with a whooping  88 attractions  that include both  dry & wet attractions.  The 👱‍♂️young and energetic can spam ride on all the  slides and adventurous activities,  whereas the 👶too young to ride on anything can enjoy 🐇 feeding & interacting with animals.  As for the older folks, they can relax by dipping in geothermal  hot springs ,  which can help rejuvenate their bodies.  Ahhh~  doesn’t that sound  perfect?

Food at the Lost World of Tambun

What if you run out of energy playing all those rides and need to 🍴 eat to re-energise?  No worries! Because there are  many different types of selections  to choose from, and most of them are  halal!  You can have some delicious  Kopitiam food at the Dulang Tea House  or more  local foods at the Kukuntalu Hawkers.

If you feel like cooling yourself with a cup of cold beverage, there is the Jom Chá by Farm Fresh. Meanwhile, some of you might prefer  light bites and Lost World Ipoh Street is perfect for you.

Night at the Lost World of Tambun

The Lost World of Tambun opens until  🌙 night,  and there are several attractions to experience. You can enjoy the  Luminous Forest and hot springs.  There are even  night shows & performances  waiting for you. Plus, you can actually  stay overnight  here! 

Halal Dim Sum Anyone?

There isn't a better way to kickstart your 🌄day other than a  warm dim sum meal!  In Ipoh, there is a halal Dim Sum place called  Canning Dim Sum.  This restaurant is  certified halal by Jakim.

Another plus point is its 📸 instagrammable surroundings!  They serve a wide variety of  appetising looking dim sum  such as siu mai, 🥟dumplings, fried wonton, bao with different fillings and many more. Do  expect a long queue  and try to combat that by  waking up and going early.  If the restaurant is fully occupied, you will be given a waiting number so that you don’t have to physically queue for your turn.

P.S:  We recommend taking a number before looking for a parking spot because that way, you can save time.

Japan in Ipoh

Start your second day in Ipoh by visiting the  DR Seenivasagam Recreational Park.  It is a beautiful park with vast foliage, and suitable for 🚶‍♀️light walking and even 🚴‍♂️cycling.  Bicycle rental service is available  whereby you can rent a bicycle (or even a tandem bicycle) and bike around the scenic park. This park is also  suitable for picnics,  so maybe you can “tapao” some dim sum and eat here while enjoying the picturesque landscape of 🌳nature. The  highlight of this park  is none other than the  Japanese Garden.  It was officially  opened in 1995  and  designed with the assistance from Fukuoka City Hall,  so you can definitely expect a degree of authenticity in it.

Inside the Japanese Garden, you will come across a lake with a  Japanese-style red bridge and pavilion.  Speaking of lakes, there is a bigger lake outside of the Japanese Garden which contains large fishes like tilapia, catfish and koi. This park is also located next to the  Kinta Riverfront Walk,  which happens to be another  popular recreational spot for nature lovers.  Plus, there are  ample parking spaces  available here!

P.S:  Please check the operating hours before going.

Explore the Temple in a Cave

The next destination we would like to introduce to this itinerary is the  Sam Poh Tong Temple.  There are many cave temples in Ipoh, but we recommend the Sam Poh Tong Temple because it is the  oldest and largest cave temple in Malaysia.  Upon climbing up  246 steps  to the cave opening, visitors get to  view the city of Ipoh and its surroundings.

Visitors are also offered the opportunity to feed 🐠fish and release turtles into a pond as the means to balance one's karma. The  atmosphere here is very calming,  and you will be at ease once stepping afoot in here.

Get High on Nasi Ganja

After a few hours of walking, treat yourself to some  nasi ganja (cannabis rice).  Eh! Don’t worry, we won’t recommend anything illegal. You won’t go high on this nasi ganja like with 💊drugs, but we won’t guarantee it is not addictive.  Kedai Kopi Yong Suan  is a popular spot in Ipoh that serves this yummy rice. So  what is nasi ganja?  In other words, it is a  fancier name for nasi kandar  (this writer can hear a few people breathing a sigh of relief).

This nasi ganja was  founded by Mr Mohd's grandfather in 1955  and still uses the  original heavy copper pots to cook  their rice. A  long queue is expected  here, and because of that,  table sharing became a norm.

Chill at the Waterfall

After a whole day of touring around Ipoh, you should reward yourself with a  cooling dip at the waterfall.  For that, you should visit  Buntong Falls.  It is located at the foothills of the infamous Kledang Range, and if you want to challenge yourself, you may hike the Kledang hill instead!

Buntong Falls on the other hand, is a  fairly easy trail to hike  and takes an  average of 24 minutes to complete.  However, the hike can still be  slightly difficult for young children,  so it is best not to bring them. You can also  stay around for picnic,  but please make sure to  leave the place clean and rubbish-free!

Ipoh's Most Famous Dish

Lastly, end your night by savouring the famous  Ipoh bean sprout chicken.  Many restaurants in Ipoh serve this dish, and  Cowan Street Ayam Tauge & Koitiau Restaurant  is one of the best.

At this restaurant, the Ipoh bean sprout chicken is  served with hor fun (kuey teow soup).  The best part of all is  parking slots are easy to find!  This restaurant is  not halal,  so please don’t bring your Muslim friends here.

A Grand Oldtown White Coffee

Start your morning by having a hearty breakfast with local favourites like roti bakar (toasts), Ipoh white coffee or nasi lemak at the  Oldtown White Coffee Grand.

This  grand looking restaurant  is located within the  M Boutique Hotel Ipoh.  The interior is nicely renovated and gives a different vibe from all the other Oldtown White Coffee restaurants

Lake + Limestone Hills = Magneficient View

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia, Ipoh has  many hot springs that you can pick from.  One of the most interesting ones is the  Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat.  It doesn’t matter if you stay here overnight or not because you can still enjoy all the hot springs and spas. At the Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, there are  many facilities  for you to pamper your body, such as the Thermal Steam Cave, Ice Bath, Meditation Cave, Crystal Cave, Garra Rufa and Doctor Fish Pool. However, the  Geothermal Hot Springs Dipping Pools are still the main attraction here.

This is definitely a refreshing experience as you get to soak and relax in a pool while surrounded by a 🌳serene nature of green foliage and  260-million-year-old Paleozoic limestone hills.  You can also stay in one of their  44 villas which consist of 3 different themes.  They are eco-chic, discreet, and the ones that are influenced by the natural surroundings.

If you feel like Banjaran Hotspring is a bit too 🤑pricey for your wallet, you can start your car and head over to the  Mirror Lake or Tasik Cermin.  The scenery there is  similar to that of Banjaran Hotspring minus the hot spring.

Plus, the best part of all is you can experience the same serene environment  for free!  However, visitors are  not allowed to swim  in the lake for safety reasons. Even so, we can guarantee you that this place is definitely worth visiting.

  Hidden Gem Ayam Penyet

Have a quick lunch before going to the next destination! We recommend stopping by  NASI AYAM PENYET.  Yes, that is the name of the restaurant. It is a small homely eatery that serves  one of the best ayam penyet in town.  However, be warned! Those who can’t handle 🥵spicy food might want to back out from their sambal as it can burn a hole in your 👅tongue.

Tour Around the Pomelo Farm

After a full tummy, head on to the  Tambun Pomelo GoChin Agro Farm.  It is a small farm, and the owner is friendly enough to take you on a  tour and explain about the fruits there.  Pomelo is not the only fruit that is grown in the farm. There are also other fruits like guava, grapefruit, starfruit, chikoo and jackfruit.

This place provides a  good learning experience for  👨👩 adults and  👧👦 kids.   Admission is free , and when you are done with your tour, you can  purchase fresh fruits from this farm as souvenirs!

Ipoh is a small city with lots of attractions that are  close to the nature.  It might take you a few days or even a week to fully explore the beautiful nature of Ipoh. Despite that, we hope you find our best  3 days 2 nights itinerary around Ipoh for nature lovers  useful!

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3D2N Mt Fuji Itinerary Under S$570 — Road Trip From Tokyo

If Japan had a profile picture, it would definitely be Mt Fuji in its snow-covered glory. Here’s the guide to exploring the best of Japan’s most famous mountain.

Mount Fuji needs no introduction. While hiking to the peak of Mt Fuji is a bucket list experience for many, our recent week-long Japan trip brought us through some of the hidden gems surrounding the Fuji area. Here’s the chill road trip guide to exploring the best of Fuji and its surrounds on a road trip from Tokyo.

Car rental: If you’re entering Japan from Tokyo, it’s best to rent a car and drive down as public transport to many of these places are either infrequent or non-existent. Don’t forget to collect your pre-booked 4G SIM card from the airport as you’ll be needing it for navigation!

Mt Fuji Road Trip Route and Budget Breakdown

Transport:  S$146.16 (excl. flight) Accommodation:  S$181.40 Activities:  S$74.85 Food:  S$105 (~¥3,500/day) Misc: S$56.65 TOTAL:  S$564.06 (1SGD = 100JPY)

(detailed breakdown for one pax here)

*Note: Flights were excluded from the budget as airfares fluctuate quite a bit across the year.

Day 1: Fuji-Q Highland

Photo credit: FujiQ

Fuji-Q Highland is, a rollercoaster lover’s haven. It has not just one but five Guinness World Record titles under its belt.

After a 2.5-hour drive from Tokyo, we were ready to take on Japan’s most thrilling amusement park.

Admission to the park is free, and rides cost between ¥400–¥2000 per ride. If you’re planning to spend the day here, get the FujiQ One Day Pass for unlimited access to all the rides.

Here are the ones you shouldn’t miss:

Fujiyama — The King of Coasters with five Guinness World Records such as the tallest and fastest roller coaster Takabisha — World’s second steepest coaster with a 121° drop (0.5° difference from the first place Shellraiser in America) Eejanaika — Fastest 4D rollercoaster with 14 inversions, the most in the world!

My personal favourite is Fujiyama because of its insane 70m drop, plus multiple twists and turns with Mt Fuji as a backdrop.

There are free lockers provided around the park so you’ll want to drop them off before the rides.

After an adrenaline-filled adventure, we headed to the newly opened 55m-tall Fujiyama Tower, which offers a bird’s eye view of Mt Fuji and the occasional Fujiyama coaster zooming past.

*Pro-tip: Pay an additional ¥1,000 to slide down the Fujiyama Slider for a fun way down to the ground floor.

We then visited Naruto Village where we posed with life-sized Naruto characters and even visited Naruto’s favourite Ichiraku Ramen Shop !

Entrance fee:  One Day Pass from ~S$62 via Klook Opening hours:  9AM – 6PM Address: 5 Chome-6-1 Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0017, Japan

Read also: The Best Roller Coasters in Japan Most Tourists Miss — Fuji Q Highland Guide

Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine

The Chureito Pagoda is one of Fuji’s, if not Japan’s, most symbolic attractions! After climbing a whopping 396 flights of stairs, we were rewarded with a sweeping panorama view of Fujiyoshida city against Mt Fuji.

Entrance fee:  Free (¥1,000 parking fee during the annual cherry blossom festival) Opening hours:  24hrs Address:  3353-1 Arakura, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture 403-0011, Japan

*Pro-tip: Visit during Spring (early April) to catch a sea of cherry blossoms or in Autumn (October to November) for the orange maple leaves.

Dinner at Sanrokuren

Ending our day with dinner at Sanrokuren — a traditional charcoal grill-eating house serving some of the freshest Kushiyaki (grilled skewers) — it was perfect for cold rainy days, and winter evenings!

Set in a 150-year-old gassho-zukuri -style house (built with wooden beams and a steep thatched roof), the area is warmed by hot coal consistently shovelled into the charcoal pit by the staff.

We ordered the Singen set (¥3,800) which comes with a rich assortment of fresh seafood and flavourful meats on skewers. Plus, a bowl of piping hot Hoto noodles — a Yamanashi region specialty consisting of thick and flat udon served in miso soup and seasonal vegetables.

My favourite skewer in the set was the rainbow trout freshly caught from a small pond outside the restaurant because of its naturally sweet and delicate meat.

Cost:  From ¥2,200 – ¥4,400/set Opening hours:  11AM – 9PM (Last entry 7PM), closed on Thu Address:  3370-1 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan

*Pro-tip:  Arrive at least an hour before the last entry as queues can be quite long!

Accommodation — Fuji View Hotel

Photo credit: @bulaiern via Instagram

Fuji View Hotel’s specialty is that some of the rooms offer a great view of Mt Fuji overlooking the Lake Kawaguchi. Sadly for us, it was cloudy while we were there but the traditional tatami-style room was cosy and access to its outdoor onsen still made the stay an enjoyable one!

*Note: While most public onsens don’t allow tattooed individuals to enter, this one does.

Cost:  ~S$364/night for the Japanese Style Mount Fuji View Room incl. breakfast) Address: 511 Katsuyama, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0310, Japan

Day 2: Fuji Five Lakes and Fujiyoshida

Visiting the Fuji Five Lakes is a must for every Mt Fuji itinerary as they have the most scenic views of the iconic mountain. If you’re short on time, here are three of them to check out!

Read more: 9 Best Mt Fuji Viewing Spots — Must-visits and Lesser Known Guide to the Best Photo Spots

Lake Kawaguchi

Photo credit: tokyocheapo.com

Lake Kawaguchi was the closest to our accommodation (about a 13-minute drive away), but the main highlight here is Oishi Park, which has flowers blooming in profusion every season!

Address: Kodachi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0302, Japan

Lake Motosu

Photo credit: animetourism88.com

Fun fact: Lake Motosu is actually printed on the back of the ¥1,000 note! So you can literally camp here while gazing at a ¥1,000 view 😉.

Being the clearest lake out of the five, it’s also a popular spot for water activities such as windsurfing, canoeing, and even diving.

Address: 2926 Nakanokura, Minobu, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi 409-3104, Japan

Lake Yamanaka

Photo credit: MYSTAYS .com

Lake Yamanaka is the closest to Mt Fuji out of the five lakes and is also unofficially known as “Swan Lake” — given the huge flock of swans there.

It’s inaccessible by public transport, which might explain why there weren’t as many people in the area. So we pretty much had the whole place to ourselves!

Address: Yamanakako, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi, Japan

Honcho Street

Honcho street is a 20-minute drive away from Lake Kawaguchi and is one of the most picturesque spots to shoot Mt Fuji — featuring idyllic shop rows and utility poles in a retro town setting.

In the area, we popped by Cafe Gekkou  for a coffee break. Furnished with 80s-inspired decor, the coffee was delicious and so were the cakes!

Latte (¥550), and the rich and nutty Chestnut cake (¥580)

Honcho Street Address:  3 Chome-12-295 Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0004, Japan

Cafe Gekkou Opening hours:  12PM – 6PM Address: 318 Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida Yamanashi Prefecture

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine used to be the starting point for followers of the Fujiko faith before they began their ascent up Mt Fuji. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The shrine entrance is bordered by moss-covered stone lanterns and has an enormous 18m – tall torii gate.

The sacred trees surrounding the area are over 1,000 years old and you can find occasional priests making their rounds around the main shrine giving the space a mysterious vibe.

Opening hours: 8:30AM – 5:30PM Address: 5558 Kamiyoshida, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0005, Japan

Hotokura Funari Kawaguchiko

Photo credit: Yamanashi Tourism Organisation

For a meal with a view, Hotokura Funari Kawaguchiko  is famous for its amazing Mt Fuji backdrop.

Plus, we’re also here for another round of delicious Hoto  — we just can’t get enough!

I loved the Golden Hoto with Pork (¥1,320) with its springy noodles and flavourful seasonal vegetables. Also try the naturally sweet and milky Hokkaido butter croquette (¥385/piece) — crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside! 😋

Cost:  From ¥1,320/bowl Opening hours:  11AM – 9PM Address:  6931 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan

*Pro-tip:  Use the camera function on Google Translate to decipher the full Japanese menu.

Accommodation — CITIO Hotel Shizuoka

Hotel CITIO Shizuoka is a 5-minute walk from attractions like Sunpu Castle, as well as restaurants like Ichiran ramen! The hotel has clean comfy beds and a relatively large bathroom for a relaxing stay.

*Note: There’s no hotel parking so we parked at a 24hr car park (¥1,500/night) near the hotel.

Cost: Twin Room from ~S$102/night Address: 1-2 Tenmacho, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka, 420-0858, Japan

Day 3: Shizuoka

Miho no matsubara.

Photo credit: zekkeijapan.com

Set out early to catch the sunrise at Miho no Matsubara — a beach lined with pine trees along the shoreline, against a stunning view of Mt Fuji.

Fun fact: This view impressed a famous Ukiyo-e master, Utagawa Hiroshige, so much that he turned it into a famous print in the Edo period — known as the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji .

Address:  Miho, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka, 424-0901, Japan

Shiraito Falls

Photo credit: GaijinPot Travels

Shiraito Falls is one of Japan’s most prized waterfalls — holding not only a UNESCO World Heritage title, but also a place in the One Hundred Waterfalls of Japan (according to the Japanese government).

The 150m-wide gentle cascade resembles threads of fine silk, hence giving its name Shiraito or white threads.

The base of the waterfall is easily accessible via a short walking trail and the best time to visit is during Autumn — when Shiraito Falls is basked in orange foliage.

Address: 273-1 Kamiide, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0103, Japan

Obuchi Sasaba Tea Plantation

Shizuoka is one of the largest producers of green tea in Japan, so it’s no surprise that there are many tea plantations here.

We headed over to Obuchi Sasaba tea plantation en route to Mishima Sky Walk and had the whole place to ourselves, along with a pretty unique view of Mt Fuji 🍵 .

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24hrs Address: 1445 Obuchi, Fuji, Shizuoka 417-0801, Japan

Mishima Sky Walk

Mishima Skywalk  is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan. At 400m long, it gives a bird’s eye view of Mt Fuji and  Surunga Bay , perfect for our final stop in this Mt Fuji itinerary.

Photo credit: Mishima Skywalk

It connects to an adventure hub on the other end where you’ll find thrilling activities such as treetop obstacle courses, and a long zipline that runs beneath the bridge (¥2,000/roundtrip).

We had lunch inside the Sky Garden and ordered the Golden Tomato black pepper noodles (¥1,100/bowl) from  Karumen . It tasted like a peppery and fragrant tomato soup ramen with seasonal vegetables — but with a lot more flair and spice.

Entrance fee:   ¥1,100 Opening hours:  9AM – 5PM Address:  313 Sasahara Shinden, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-0012, Japan

*Note:  Entry to the park requires proof of vaccination.

Useful tips for your Mount Fuji itinerary

Getting to see the most famed mountain in all of Japan was such a ride. There were days when Mt Fuji was completely covered by dense clouds and rain, followed by a clear sky revealing a snow-capped Mt Fuji the very next day.

To get the most out of your road trip, here are some tips to help you out!

1) The Best time to visit Mt. Fuji is said to be between November and February (autumn and winter seasons) as the chances of clear skies are the highest. Personally, I’d still want to visit during spring to catch the cherry blossoms there! 2) Use the 24-hour Mt Fuji live stream and check the weather forecast for the day to see if it’s worth hunting for the best Mt Fuji photo spots 3) Be flexible with your itinerary — if Mt Fuji is not visible, you could visit other attractions first such as the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, and return on a better day. 4) Rent a car as most places aren’t easily accessible via public transport. It’s also a very scenic drive from Tokyo, so you can enjoy the seasonal colours of nature on your way! 5) Download Google Translate, as almost everything is in Japanese here.

Also, do check out these related itineraries! — Japan Self-Driving Guide for First-timers — 15 Things You Need to Know Before Renting the Car — Guide to Climbing Mount Fuji — Everything You Need To Know About Climbing Japan’s Highest Mountain — 7D6N Japan Itinerary Under S$1.5k — Road Trip from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji and Beyond

What’s your favourite thing to do around Mt Fuji? Let us know in the comments!

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