http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28318 The patrons were all Japanese and of all ages. Most of the patrons attempted to talk to us however limited their English was and encouraged us to speak Japanese.
If you want to speak to local Japanese guys (rather than fellow travellers) then this is your place.
Oh and of course there's a Karaoke machine with an English and Japanese song selection. Have a go, this is not an intimidating place and you will be cheered on and encouraged no matter how off key you sing.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28318 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28302 I stayed in the Akan-ko national park in North-Eastern Hokkaido. There are plenty of hiking opportunities. The lakes are beautiful, especially Oneto ko near Akan-ko.
You must not leave without the sublime experience of soaking in an outdoor onsen (geothermal pool). Stay warm and toasty in the onsen even in the cooler months while you enjoy the view of Hokkaido's mountains.
Also not to be missed while you are in the area is a bowl of rice topped with crab, uni (sea urchin roe) and salmon roe fresh out of the sea of Okhotsk - every town on Hokkaido's north and eastern coasts will have several little cafes serving this.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28302 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28301 The tour will take you to some of the more popular sites in Kyoto and also some of Kyoto's back streets that tourists rarely venture into.
Cycling is a great way to see the city, stay fit and travel sustainably.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28301 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26188 Wake up to the raucous, undisciplined laughter of Kookaburras and share the outback with an assortment of other Australian fauna.
The atmospheric bar serves excellent meals and good beer and is the ideal place to rejuvenate after crossing the Bloomfiend track. Exchange tips with other travellers before continuing your journey up into Cooktown and the untouched and unspoilt Cape York Peninsula.
Rooms are very basic but clean and comfortable. Showers and toilets are shared.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26188 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25715 Moontongue eco-tours will organise an adventure to suit your ability.
The surrounding Mallee district has lots to explore. The town of Mildura with a population of 25,000 is an ideal base to explore from. Activities include wine tasting, bush camping, bush walking, top-class restaurants, Aboriginal art, Aboriginal cultral experiences.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25715 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25010 Located in the northern end of the crowded, over-populated, polluted island city of Mumbai is the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. A 104 sq km island of greenery in the urban jungle. Instead of being harassed by street vendors you get monkeys chasing after you for a snack or spotted deer obstructing your path.
Deep within the park are the Kanheri Buddhists caves which were carved out by Buddhists monks between the 6th and 11th century AD. The near absence of visitors allows you to take your time and comfortably view the detailed rock carvings of Buddha.
You can easily find the national park and the caves in the northern suburb of Borivali - about 90 mins drive from south Mumbai or you can organise a private pick up and a tour with reality tours which'll cost you Rs 4000.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25010 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24225 Camp n Drive in Alice hires out 4WD with all the equipment you need for camping.

We had no equipment of our own. Hired the car from Camp n Drive and drove out to Ruby Gap in the East McDonnell ranges. There was no one around. We set up camp by a ghost gum tree, lit a campfire, rolled our swag on the earth and spent a wonderful night in the desert under countless stars.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24225 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24159
The gorge continues for about 1km and the pools are separated by rocky banks to rest on. Make sure you take an inflatable raft or air mattress to navigate the pools as the water can be very cold. Even if you don't have a raft, you can easily explore the first two pools easily. The scenery is breath-taking.

I was there during peak season in the dry months and still was able to explore the pools by myself. One of the most beautiful places I have seen.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24159 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23020 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23020 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21744 Murmur bar is a fine example of a truly hidden secret Melbourne bar. Tucked away at the back of an alley way, off a small side street, up a flight of stairs and you find an atmospheric cocktail bar where you can while away a pleasant evening sipping new and innovative cocktail creations.
Think dim lighting, jazz music and attractive thirty-somethings drinking quirky cocktails.
Bit on the expensive side, but worth it!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21744 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21331 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21331 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20858
The class is in English and assumes no previous knowledge of Tai Chi. There are a few demonstrations first followed by lessons on how to do the most basic tai chi routines. All this in front of Victoria Harbour with the skyscrapers in full view. It captures the whole East-West fusion that Hong Kong is all about.

Best of all - the lessons are free.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20858 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20664
The stretch from St Kilda beach up to South Melbourne beach and the station pier (where the Spirit of Tasmania docks) is the most picturesque segment. If weather permits, stop and have a dip in the sea or have a drink at one of the many seaside cafes. It's very difficult to get lost. The route is circular and flat nearly all the way.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20664 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20603 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20603 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19267
Sounds tacky? I thought it would be, but it wasn't! Swimming in the lake in the height of the summer with city views all around, the jet d'eau in the background and the snow-capped mountains in the distance is really something else.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19267 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19171 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19171 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18649
My family hails from the Konkan coast and I grew up eating this blend of European and Indian food. When in Goa make sure you sample the region's true cuisines - my personal favourites are pork vindaloo, a dish flavoured with vin (red wine vinegar) and alho (garlic) and the xacuti.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18649 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17435
Well, my search ended when I came across the Loch Leven seafood cafe sitting innocuously on Loch Leven just off the A82. The fish and seafood is caught fresh and locally.

My starter was a plate of oysters - which I can honestly say were the juiciest and plumpest one I've ever had. For the main course I had the razor clams cooked in herby white wine served with delicious bread.

There is also an adjoining shop that sells fish and seafood. If you like seafood you won't be disappointed.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17435 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13521 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13521 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13520 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13520