INDONESIA: Medan & Lake Toba (Sumatera Island)

Medan, Sumatera

March 2013

I could have never imagined I'll be travelling to Sumatera. I heard a lot of nice thing about Sumatera especially Lake Toba (In Indonesian - Danau Toba). My ancestors are originally from Sumatera but in Bukit Tinggi, Padang which is a little bit far from Medan. 

There's few routes or ways to get to  Lake Toba from Malaysia.

1. By direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Medan. Then from Medan, you need to take the mini bus or van to Parapat, that is a small town where you can take the boat to Tuktuk in Samosir Island, Lake Toba.
2. By boat crossing from Malacca to Dumai. This is the longest route and will take you a lot of time.

Lake Toba

According to Wikipedia, Lake Toba is a lake and a supervolcano. The lake is 100 kilometers long, 30 kilometers wide and up to 505 meters (1666ft.) deep. Lake Toba is the site of a massive supervolcanic eruption that occurred 69,000 to 77,000 years ago. This is how massive Lake Toba is!

My new adventure

This time I am not travelling alone. I have a travel partner and his name is Johannes. I met him when he was in Kuala Lumpur attending one of my friend's event. Back then, I hardly spoke to him. We become close friends ever since these one incident. I met Joseph too through Johannes. The three of us hang out a lot in the city until one day, Johannes and I have to say goodbye to Joseph. It was hard a little bit as we wouldn't be seeing him again in Kuala Lumpur once we are back in town. He will be in Thailand by the time we comes back. As a token of friendship,I gave both of them a 'friendship wrist band'. 

Couchsurfing and Medan
I was so lucky that my host, Diah and her husband Yudi agreed to host me and Johannes even for a night. They have waited for us at the airport. The airport in Medan is call Polonia International Airport. Although it is an international airport, this airport has only one departure and arrival hall. This is how small the airport was!.

There's one funny moment I had at the immigration counter in Polonia. He asked me in Indonesian and was amazed that I replied back in Indonesian language with Jakarta slang!

IG: Ngapain masih belum menikah?? (Why you are not married yet?)
ME:Ngak mau lagi pak...tapi udah punya pacarnya. (Not at the moment but I have my 
     boyfriend with me)
IG: Yang mana?? (Which one?)
ME: Yang bule itu pak...rambutnya kerinting.(The white guy with curly hair-> Johannes)
IG: OK...! 

Gosh!I was surprised.Is it a sin I travel alone and I am still single? Thank god, Johannes is with me at least I feel safe. We walked out from the airport walking towards the petrol station as instructed earlier by my host, Diah as our meet up point. 

She was super nice and so does her husband. They brought us to one of the restaurant in the city to meet up  few CS from Medan. I was a little bit tired and exhausted from the long journey. After a while, we left and went back home.

The next morning, Diah left us at the bus station and negotiate price for our journey to Lake Toba.

Lake Toba,Parapat,Samosir,Tuktuk
We left Medan and get the minibus for Rp50,000 per person. We passed some small city on our way towards Parapat, where we were supposed to take the ferry to cross and go to Tuktuk, Samosir Island.

Once we were in Parapat, we head to some local restaurant. There's a lot of Halal restaurant in Parapat especially Padang Restaurant. The local was a bit surprised that I communicate with them in Indonesian and disbelief when I told them that I am from Malaysia!

After we had our food, we walk a little bit to get tuk tuk to the jetty in Parapat. The ride cost us around Rp1000 per person. The jetty is really small surrounded by some big hotels which seems to be unoccupied.We hop on the boat and get the best view of the lake.
It was breathtaking view!.The ride to cross from one side to the other is Rp10,000 per person.

After an hour ride, we got off the boat and go to the guesthouse call The Reggae Guesthouse. We are lucky enough to get the last room which is 5 meters away from where the boat left us. I was there for 3 night before I head back to Medan and left Johannes at Samosir. No words can describe the beautiful and tranquil of Lake Toba.

The last night in Medan
I reached Medan from Lake Toba at 10pm and was hoping that I could just stay at the airport and wait for my early flight in the airport. But my plan failed. The airport closed at 9pm and the only place I could go was to my previous host place. Diah was kind enough to host me for that night and send me off early in the morning. I am lucky to have her and her husband as my friend together with the rest of CS from Medan that I've met earlier that night. Thank you very much! I really appreciate your kindness.

I left Medan with the thought that I would be going  there someday to visit Medan city which I didn't do during my trip.I had a lot of good memories in Medan. Thanks to you too Johannes for being there for me and the adventure we had. I am looking forward with you.

Sampai ketemu lagi Medan!(Until we meet up again, Medan!)

In the memory of Taufik, Thank you for being a good friend when we were in Medan. Your cheerful smile,your funny jokes and your kindness would be in our heart for ever. Rest in Peace my dear friend. May ALLAH bless your soul.

MALAYSIA - Chinese New Year Celebration, My Way!

Feb 2013

Chinese New Year - My way

Kuala Lumpur - Penang

Where it begins

I've never thought that an unplanned weekend become a really enjoyable moments spend with really good friends on this auspicious day of Chinese New Year. It all began when me and my friends decided to skip the hustle bustle city of Kuala Lumpur and head up north to Penang Island. As some of you might know, Penang is famous for it's food and beaches (which I prefer beached on the East Coast Island!). On the way to Penang Island, we passed through some historical city such as Ipoh. Ipoh is also famous for it's 'pau' (steamed bun with some red beans/kaya/and etc in it), the 'white coffee' and also the famous Chicken rice shop.

We are unlucky that day as all off the chicken rice shop were full of patron and some of them standing more then 5 minutes just to get the seat.We left the restaurant and went to other shop as all off us are pretty much hungry. We wait no more and ordered. The food wasn't what I've expected but it is just fine for me to stay full and not complaining.

The journey then continues.

Penang Island - Celebrating Chinese New Year

We reached Penang after 5 long hours of driving.We directly went to the apartment(one of us lives in Penang and he have his family apartment for rent during holiday).The place located near to the Gurney Drive.( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurney_Drive)

The main attraction in Penang during Chinese New Year is the Kek Lok Si Temple in Ayer Itam. This is the biggest Buddhist temple/pagoda in South East Asia. The best to visit this temple during Chinese New Year is at night time. This is where they light up the temple for 14 days of the Chinese New Year and only during this time of the year. They even have the fireworks on the first day of Chinese New Year here.

Our trip doesn't end with the visit to Kek Lok Si Temple. We went to Tanjung Bungah and went for a day trip to 'Monkey Beach'. We had the chance to try out fishing on the boat and BBQ by the beach. It is all in the package offered by local travel agent along Ferringhi beach.Some tip, please ask them the rate before you agreed to take the package. Make sure that they list what is in the package. If not, you can always go to the other travel agent.

Food,food,food....and all about food

Nothing can compare to our full fill our gastronomy pleasure rather then going out and look for good food in Penang. This is what we've been doing since we started the trip from Kuala Lumpur. Nothing can describe the food the way my photos did. All I can say is the food is yummy!From Georgetown to Ferringhi and then to Gurney Drive....

The celebration is not complete if no one plays any firework. Although it is illegal here but  some people did sell some of the fireworks. What is more important, we celebrate the Chinese New Year together without differentiate who we are, where we come from and what is our religion. I am proud of my friends and I am proud of us. May this Chinese New Year bring us more prosperity, peace and harmony.Happy Chinese New Year!

THAILAND - Phuket by land

Feb 2013
From Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia - Hatyai,Thailand

The post-holiday swing mood
I've made a quick gate away from the big city to a small little place call paradise island name PHUKET. My plan was not having a plan at all. I've bought only a one way train ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Hatyai and the train leaves Kuala Lumpur at 8.30pm. I was lazy enough to buy the train ticket by myself that I just booked it through a travel agency. The cost for one ticket (Upper berth) for Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) is MYR90.
This is the website for Malaysian rail http://www.ktmb.com.my/

At first, I was hoping that the train is as good as the train from Straits Railway of Thailand(SRT). As usual, the timing is not always punctual.I get on the train at about 8.40pm. I had the upper sleeping berth near the doorway. I was unlucky this time. The space was small and the seats on the lower berth can't be change to the seating position! How are we supposed to sit when we woke up the next day? On the bed?? The journey took us almost 20 hours of train ride.

Train adventure
In the same train, there were 7 families, with 8 small kids and 3 infants from Malaysia who were heading to Langkawi Island for a holiday. The train stopped at Arau Station. The kids were running around, the moms were chatting loudly on the aisle, the babies were crying while the dads,smoking near the entrance door. And where I am at that time was like in a circus. I couldn't sleep no more as the compartment was too small and the noise that they made. I was wondering what if some of my European friend would feel like as they are way more taller and bigger size then myself. That would be a different stories.
Finally I felt asleep once the hop off the train. It was a total silence. At that time, it was almost 6.30am. 

Border Malaysia - Thailand Padang Besar station is no too far away from Arau Station. This is the border station between Malaysia-Thailand,where you have to bring along all your baggage and prepared your passport for the immigration stamped from both Malaysia and Thailand side.

At this point, the train will change it's 'head' from the KTMB's(Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad) to the Straits Thai Railway (SRT). I've spend almost an hour in the border. I had the chance to buy myself a simple Malaysian breakfast that is Nasi Lemak and Teh 'O' Ais. Price wise is a bit expensive then the normal 'warong' or the street stall.

We board the train once they have change the head. The journey continues to Hatyai.
From Padang Besar, the train took almost 4 hours to reach Hatyai Junction. As soon as I arrived in Hatyai, the first thing I did was to have myself clean and fresh. I knew that I'll be having a long day to Phuket via minivan.

Across Hatyai Train station, there's a lot of travel agency that offers minivan service, bus services and also tour services to the islands. Price differ from one place to another. I had booked mine at one of the agency, minivan to Phuket. From my understanding, the journey will take me around 9 hours to reach Phuket. My minivan leaves Hatyai at 2pm.

Journey to paradise
After a 8 agonizing hours in the minivan and a car, finally I reached Phuket town. At this moment, my phone battery went out and I have no access to call my host in Phuket.
Didn't I tell you that I am using Couchsurfing (www,couchsurfing.org) for me to stay in Phuket? 
My luck, finally my host found me in the middle of the junction towards KAMALA BEACH.
Yes, that is the place that I stayed for few days in Phuket before I left for Malaysia by flight to Kuala Lumpur. There's a lot of beautiful beaches around Phuket but you need to go there by motorbike as part of Phuket are hilly and curves. 

For those who loves to party, I would recommend to stay at Patong Beach area. There's a street call Banglamphu which you can find a stretch of pubs, discotheque and bars that offers you cheap alcohol. Not to mention that this street looks like the 'Red light district'. Prostitutes and 'Lady boy' anywhere and everywhere looking for their customers. Patong beach is not all about them. There's so much more! 

If you are up to good Thai food, Indian food and some western food, head up to more quite place such as Kamala Beach. It's 15 minutes motorbike ride from Patong beach.
There's a restaurant at a junction (I forgot the name, but very famous for westerner who lives in Kamala Beach). They serve good 'Pad Thai' and Mushroom Omelette.

Kamala Beach
This place is one of the place affected by the tsunami. It is more quite and lay back small fishing village. Majority of the resident are Muslim. For those who are particular regarding 'HALAL' food in Phuket, need no worries no more. You can come to Kamala Beach and get your yummy Thai food without having worries. Here's the link on all about Kamala beach.
http://www.phuket.com/island/beaches_kamala.htm

This is my adventure in Phuket...which I think it is still so touristic.

Till next time...

CAMBODIA - Land of the ancient temples (Part 3) - Day 2

Angkor Wat Tour
4th Jan 2013 (Day 2)

It was a chill morning. I had sleepless night before, was to excited to explore the ancient site.This is my first time, travelling alone to Siem Reap.I have been to Cambodia especially Phnom Penh years ago when I was in high school.

As promised, my tuktuk driver; Yen arrived on time infront of the guesthouse. We quickly went off to the destination. Luckily for me that I bring along my sweater.It was chill to the spine! We passed through a few 5-star hotels on the way to Angkor.There's a lot of tall trees along the way until Yen suddenly stopped his tuktuk near the entrance. I went off and go to the counter to get the day pass which cost me USD20 for one whole day!

It was cool enough to have my photos taken for Angkor Pass. I had my 'morning wake up' face.

First destination: Ta Prohm

Ta Prohm (Khmer: ប្រាសាទតាព្រហ្ម) is the modern name of a temple at Angkor, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, built in the Bayon style largely in the late 12th and early 13th centuries and originally called Rajavihara (in Khmer: រាជវិហារ). Located approximately one kilometre east of Angkor Thom and on the southern edge of the East Baray, it was founded by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university( Taken from Wikipidea). To know more look at http://en.mwikipedia.org/wiki/Ta_Prohm

There's a lot of conservation work done to the temple.I felt that I was still dreaming that I was in Angkor.The roots of a sprung running along the corridor of the second enclosure. This also reminds me of the 'Tomb Raider' film which Angelina Jolie was one of the main cast.It was breathtaking.I left Ta Prohm before there were many tourists especially from Russia came in a group.

Second destination: Bayon

On the way to Bayon.......

 Takeo is a famous Hindu temple of the Angkor complex, built in late 10th century under the reign of the King Jayavarman V. The first name of the temple was Hemasringagiri which means the Golden Peak Mountain before the King Suryavarman I built a part of it and changed it name to Jagisvara Pandita. 

Nowadays, Takeo is one of the must-see temple of Siem Reap as well as of the Angkor group. With the special in structure: pyramid - shaped temple of five levels with 40m in height. Takeo is the only temple built by the biggest blocks of sandstones in the Angkor and it dedicates to the god Shiva - a powerful Hindu god. For more info about Takeo, you can look up at http://www.bestcambodiatours.com/Takeo-temple/

According to Yen,my tuktuk driver; there has been some incident happened in Takeo not so long ago. A Japanese tourist fell of the stairs and died instantly from the fall. According to local believe, if a temple has been struck by lightning, it is a sign of bad omen.

We continue  our ride to Bayon and passed by a small temple with some elephant carvings on it.

The Bayon

The Bayon (Khmer: ប្រាសាទបាយ័ន, Prasat Bayon) is a well-known and richly decorated Khmer temple at Angkor in Cambodia. Built in the late 12th century or early 13th century as the official state temple of the Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman VII, the Bayon stands at the centre of Jayavarman's capital, Angkor Thom. Following Jayavarman's death, it was modified and augmented by later Hindu and Theravada Buddhist kings in accordance with their own religious preferences.

The Bayon's most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and massive stone faces on the many towers which jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak.^[2] The temple is known also for two impressive sets of bas-reliefs, which present an unusual combination of mythological, historical, and mundane scenes. The current main conservatory body, the Japanese Government team for the Safeguarding of Angkor (the JSA) has described the temple as "the most striking expression of the baroque style" of Khmer architecture, as contrasted with the classical style of Angkor Wat.^[3]

(Source from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayon )

We left Bayon and went off to Angkor. It was almost 2pm and the sun is really hot. It was worth a visit to the Angkor area.

Angkor Wat

CAMBODIA - Land of the ancient temples (Part 2) - Day 1

Trip to Siem Reap
Day 1 (3.1.2013)

I woke up as early as 7.00am, feeling excited and nervous at the same time. This is my first time I'll be travelling to Siem Reap alone!My bus to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh leaves at 9.00am at Psar Thmei.I took the Phnom Penhsurya bus service from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and it only cost me USD9 per way.
You can book it online, by travel agent or guesthouses or you can just buy the bus ticket at the counter in Psar Thmei.Here's the link to the bus service Phnom PenhSorya Bus Services

I think I am lucky as the staff at the guesthouse really helped me a lot arranging my bus from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.អរគុណ!

The tuktuk from Russian Market to the bus station cost me USD3 and it took about half an hour to reach the place.It was a busy morning. At least it is not as busy as Ho Chi Minh city during peak hours!We passed through some of the alley,passed infront of the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and some houses before we reached at the destination, Psar Thmei.

When I reached at Psar Thmei, I saw a lot of tourists and travellers waiting for their busses.There's a lot of routes offered from this bus terminal as such to Sihanoukville, Battambang, Kampot and even to Ho Chi Minh! I was impressed.
The bus actually came on time. I boarded the bus in hope I'll be meeting some new friends on board!

The seat next to me was empty for a moment.Suddenly, came a petite Chinese  lady with a big glasses sat next to me.She was holding a Lonely Planet book but in Chinese version.I just smiled at her and put on my earplug and listen to the music as the bus starts to leave the city.

Siem Reap, here I come!!

I was almost half asleep when the bus suddenly shaken.I saw a lot of dust and the road was so bad that most of the time we where humping and swaying from right to left.

I saw some of the houses by the roadside. It was totally covered by the dust.There were also some restaurants by the roadside. I was wondering how the can eat food they displayed where there were dust everywhere!Hygiene wise, I won't eat it there.

The torturing,swaying and butt hurting(mind my language here!), finally ends.The road to Kampong Thom is way more better then the road before.
At one point, the bus stopped infront of a restaurant. The driver, without any words, just climbed off and head to the restaurant and ordered food.Myself and the other passengers just look at each other thinking that we should go out from the bus and eat?

Some off us just stay in the bus.I was starving and went off the bus and started ordering food.The only thing that I ordered is the vegetarian fried noodle and a bottle of coke.I was about to finish up my food until the petite Chinese lady just stood infront of me.
 
CL:Do we need to eat now?
Me:As you wish but I think the driver is almost finishing up his food.
CL:Can I seat here??
Me:Yes,as you wish.
By then, the waiter came up to her and gave her the menu.
CL:I don;t want to eat noodle.This noodle is no good.Owh, they only have
     vegetarian?Why don't they have other kind of noodle?
Me:(With my annoying looks)..Maybe that's the best noodle they have here.
CL:Ok.I guessed I have to eat this.(While she call the waiter and order)
     Can you not put this in my noodle?
Me:(What ever!)...Silence..

*CL:Chinese Lady

I went off after I had my last sip on my chill Coke and paid for my food at the counter.I took some of the photos of the stalls and some fried bird sold on the street.

The bus driver finally make a move and went off the bus.From far, I could see the Chinese lady was running towards the bus.There were silence between us.
I had my earplug on and listen to the music until I felt asleep.

All that I knew, we were already reached Siem Reap.The bus station wasn't what I've expected. It was small and there's a lot of people trying to look for the potential customer for their guesthouse.I was lucky, I had booked mine i advance.I stayed at Prom Roth Guesthouse(Prom Roth - Pub Street) , near the Pubstreet and about 5km from the small bus station. I was lucky I met my tuktuk driver,Yenyen Yen the tuktuk driver

I arrived at the guesthouse almost around 4pm and checked in.The staff at Prom Roth Guesthouse are friendly, especially the owner, Meang. I straight away book for my bus ticket back to Phnom Penh the same day I arrived.
I specifically asked for Grand Ibis bus services eventhough I have to pay extra USD4 compared to PenhSorya, which is USD9 per way.I also did booked YenYen for my trip to Angkor Wat the next day.

Wandering at night

After I had shower and a little bit of rest, I walked to the Pub Street,2 minutes from the guesthouse.I was hungry and had my dinner on one of the restaurant at the street.It wasn't that bad or good but I surely missed my Malaysian food back at home!I called off the night early as I have to go out at 6am!...

Total spending for the day:

• Breakfast in Phnom Penh - USD2.75
• Tuktuk to Psar Thmei - USD3
• Lunch at Kampong Thom - USD2.75
• Guesthouse at Siem Reap(2nights) - USD28
• Bus GiantIbis to Phnom Penh - USD13
• Tuktuk from bus stand to guesthouse - USD3

See you in the morning Angkor Wat!!

 

Festival of Colors

Festival of colors or Holi Festival

What is Holi?

Holi is a religious  spring festival celebrated by Hindus as a festival of colors.It is primarily observed in India,Bangladesh, Pakistan,Nepal and countries with Indic Diaspora populations following Hinduism such as Surinam,Malaysia,Guyana, South Africa,Trinidad and Tobago,United Kingdom,the United States, Mauritius and Fiji.

It is also known by Pgahwah(ফাকুৱা), Dolajatra(ଦୋଳଯାତ୍ରା) in Odisha and as Dol Jatraদোলযাত্রা) or Basantotsav(বসন্তোৎসব) in West Bengal and Assam.

First and foremost, it celebrates the beginning of the new season,spring. Originally, it was a festival that commemorated good harvests and the fertile land. Hindus believe it is time of enjoying spring's abundant colors and saying farewell to winter.

It is also had a religious purpose, commemorating events present in Hindu mythology.Although it is one of the least religious Hindu Festival,it is probably one of the most exhilarating once in existence. During Holi, participants hold a bonfire, throw colored powder at each other, and celebrate widly.

My Holi experience

I have long awaited to celebrate the Holi Festival in India this year, but I guessed it won't be coming true at all.I will still be in Kuala Lumpur and guessed what? We do celebrate Holi here. There's a temple near Jalan Ipoh celebrate the festival, Shree Lakshmi Narayan Mandir.

The add: 68 Jalan Kasipillay,Off Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur.

I was there last year, throwing powder colors and was having fun with all off the people there including tourists and local as well. Looking forward for it!

Here's some activity link in the Couchsurfing for those who intend to participate in this awesome event!

Couchsurfing - Holi Festival at ShreeLakshmi Narayan Mandir

See ya there for the next great festival!!

 

CAMBODIA - Land of the ancient temples (Part 1)

First trip

Cambodia was in my travel bucket list in 2011. I was supposed to meet up Alex in Cambodia in the end of December 2011.First, because his birthday falls on 30th December, a day before the big celebration of Year 2012.Secondly, I haven't met him since he left for Australia for his working holiday.Thirdly,he wants to meet up some of his old friends for the 2012 new year.

Unfortunately, God loves him more.

I didn't go to Cambodia that year. I was so upset, feeling lost and out of hope.
Time does not heal any wounds, but it helps to cope with my daily lives.

'Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions. - Dalai Lama'
 

I have Dalai Lama's quote as my guidance to heal my pain of losing Alex. I knew he is still with me no matter where I go and what I did.

This is the first time I went alone to Cambodia after Alex gone. After almost one year,finally I brave myself and I took the opportunity to book the cheap flight offered by Airasia during their promo fare.
http://www.airasia.com/my/en/home.page

The flight ticket cost me less than MYR220, return ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Phnom Penh. But off course the flight is cheap because it depart early in morning at 0700hrs and it's on 1st January 2013.

I didn't do much research for my Cambodian trip unlike my Myanmar trip.
Instead I just follow my heart and instict. With  my budget of USD350 (MYR1,120) for 6 nights stay in Cambodia, I decided to stay in Phnom Penh and Siam Reap.

Phnom Penh

Day 1

The taxi from Phnom Penh Airport to Russian Market area cost me USD10. I guessed that's the normal standard price for taxi from the aiport to the city centre.I had booked earlier my room reservation from www.booking.com.my.
I stayed at 'Madhouse' located at street 454, near Toul Tompoung (Russian Market).

I've booked a dorm instead for a room. It was a bit expensive for a dorm per night, but the staff over there at the guesthouse are really helpfull. Just ask for Raksmey. She's the manager for Mad Guesthouse.

The price per night is USD10. The double deck bed was super single size. I had the whole dorm for myself! The toilet cum shower room are pretty new as I can still smell the wet paint!

Long journey and less sleep, I decided to get some good sleep before I head to the town to meet up Christopher,a Couchsurfer who resides in lives in Kuantan,Malaysia but came to Cambodia for a short holiday. I was a little bit late for the appointment as I have no contact of Chris but luckily I met him.

Pampering myself

After the meet up with Chris, I decided to give myself a reward;Full body massage,pedicure and manicure. It sounds that I really pampered myself and hoping that I will have a good one! The package cost me USD29 at U and Me Spa.

Overall, on first day of my Cambodia trip in Phnom Penh, I spend less than USD90 and that including:

• Taxi from airport to guesthouse: USD10
• 2 nights at guesthouse: USD16
• Taxi fare from guesthouse to city (return): USD7
• Phone card and top up: USD10 + USD5
• Spa,manicure and pedicure: USD29
• Mineral water and dinner: USD4.75

Day 2

The second day of the year and the second day I'm in Phnom Penh. My hostel was a perfect place to stay, far away from the city centre and the pub area. The tuk tuk costs per way surely very expensive but it's worth a ride. In Toul Toumpong I met Albert Arco, a Couchsurfer from Spain that works in Phnom Penh. The second Couchsurfer I met when I was in Cambodia. We had a quick lunch as he needs to go back to work and I need to go and check out the city.

I continued my sightseeing tour to the city,when I received a message from a Couchsurfer name Jehan to meet me and asked if I wanted to join for the rier cruise. I surely don't want to miss and try the river cruise.The strange thing is, I have no idea if Jehan is a male or a female.Well, I just go to the designated place. And it was the spa that I went the day before. The cruise that we took was at 5pm, just an ideal time to watch the sunset. Such a romantic moment.

Jehan and me had a great time together eventhough we hardly know each other and I think we clicked together. Sadly,Jehan have to go back to the Philippines and continue her studies the next day and I had my trip to Siem Reap planned.
The day didn't end with the river cruise.I had my ex-office mate from Phnom Penh, Um Sotheary works in the city.I had promised her that I will visit her soon and now, here I am.

Um Sotheary and her office mate arrived a few minutes later near the pier with her bike. She still looks the same.It's like a dream to see her again.Both of us, Jehan and I hop on the motorbikes and we left to see the city at night. It was good to have some local people to show around the city since I have no idea what to see and where to go!Half way, Jehan had to leave. We send her at the tuk tuk centre and left for dinner.

I was starving and would want to eat anything that time. Um Sotheary suggested that we have the spicy noodle. I told her that I don't eat pork and if possible to have a seafood instead. I think I have no problem eating at a local place as I have the look-a-like Cambodian girl,unless if I started to converse in English!I have the mild noodle and prawn.

Beware!The noodle looks like it's not spicy but God knows how spicy it was for me!!I had my lips turn red and a little bit swollen from eating the noodles. It was the cheapest food ever I had since the day I arrived in Phnom Penh and the most spicy food ever I had tasted. The two of them just smiled at me as I try to overcome the hot and spicy taste!

Um Sotheary later send me off to a tuk tuk and that night, my ride back to the guesthouse in Russian Market cost half the amount that I've paid normally.
Hemm...what a ripped off!I head back to my bunk and sleep early that night. A long day tomorrow for a new destination - Siem Reap.

Thanks Theary for your hospitality!!..See you soon my friend.

Overall, this is what I've spend for my 2nd day in Phnom Penh:

• Bus ticket to Siem Reap - USD9
• Tuk tuk to Riverfront(return) - USD6
• Rivercruise - USD5
• Lunch - USD2

To be continued in CAMBODIA - Land of the ancient temples (Part 2) ~

The End of Great Journey: RIP Taylor Booth

"If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again" - Unknown quotes

It was a shocking news for me and my friend, Khun Toom when one of our friend that he hosted for the past 3 years ago died suddenly in an accident. His name is Taylor Booth. He was living with his mom at Toom's place when he was in Bangkok.

Taylor is a friendly guy, never fail to smile to anyone and everyone that he met.
He's an avid traveller.No wonder a lot of people loves him,remembers him including me.

He was in Tsjaad(Chad) when the unfortunate event happened. He was hit by a truck was being hospitalised for two days but unfortunately, God loves him more.

This is what he wrote in his Couchsurfing profile:

"The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began
Now far ahead the Road has gone
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet
And whither then? I cannot say..." - Taylor Booth @ xNOTHINGxHELDxBACKx

This is what he wrote of his profile....

"Hello. My name is Taylor - and I am a nomad.

Somewhere along the way in life I gave up a sedentary lifestyle and hit
the road, always moving somewhere new, seeking new experiences.

I can't explain exactly what makes me move...except to say that I have
this wanderlust inside of me that drives me on, to feel the earth spin
beneath my feet, to wake up and see a new horizon, feel a fresh breeze
against my face....to be a stranger in a strange land.

Please dont ask me when I am going to stop travelling, I will stop when its time to stop. I wont know until I get there.

Hope to see you somewhere along the way"

Eventhough I hardly knew you, reading the post people leave for you and how you become their inspiration inspired me as well.Such a great lost for Couchsurfing community but you will always be with us eventhough you are no longer here..

Here is some link from Couchsurfing on Taylor.
https://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=12&post=14243312
Rural Couchsurfing


Rest in Peace my friend......

 

New Year 2013

NEW YEAR, NEW DESTINATION

From Yangon with love

My trip to Myanmar is so much of adventure. I learned more about new culture, trying different local dishes which I have no idea what it was but it was good(If possible I avoid food that cooks with pork, unless if I didn't knew what kind of ingredients they use!). I went to some remote village, become a temporary English teacher in a monastery that provides FREE language classes with some language expertice from local Myanmar people.

My English class students are all adults, from the young age of 18 years till 36 years old. Some of them are students from local universities and some working in goverment sector and private agencies. They are totally shy but eager to learn. We then become good friends instantly. It's sad to leave them but I've promised them that I will return to Yangon as soon as possible.

Back in town, Kuala Lumpur

I left Yangon on 30th December 2012. Arrived Kuala Lumpur late night.

I went straight to work on 31st December 2012, with my post travel mood. I would admit that I was a bit exhausted from travelling but I was thrill to celebrate the end of year 2012 with my Couchsurfing friends (which I knew some of them and some just other random traveller who came to Malaysia as a travel hub before they leave to their on going destination).

https://www.couchsurfing.org/n/places/kuala-lumpur-federal-territory-of-kuala-lumpur-malaysia

I didn't go back home definitely as I have an early flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Instead, I stayed in a guesthouse in Chinatown called Le Village Guesthouse
.
The dorm rate is MYR15 (USD5) per night. I really recommend that if you want to book the room in Le Village, you can try to book it from www.hostelworld.com. This gueshouse is near to the train station, Pasar Seni LRT Station and 20 minutes walk to KL Sentral Station and less then 10 minutes walk to Pudu Sentral where you can buy the bus ticket to Northern Malaysia (Perlis, Penang,Kedah and Ipoh).

Back in the office

' Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life' -

Confucious

I checked out from the guesthouse early in the morning and leave for my office along with my big backpack. As I reached at the entrance of my office, the security guard at the door, just smiled and looked at my big backpack. I thinked that he thought I was like a lost traveller wandering.I just smiled at him and flashed out my work pass.

The office was empty. I could clearly hear if a pin dropped on the floor. Silence.
The cubicles were like the 'Great Wall of China', so high that no one could see me from the other side. I on my laptop and start to check on my long queue of incoming e-mails.To be honest, I was a bit bored. Alone in the office.

My mind wandering,'What if I extend my holiday in Myanmar? Wouldn't it be awesome?'.

Time passed slowly and all I knew that it was time for me to get my backpack and start to walk out of the office. It's New Year's eve for god sake! I leave my big backpack at a friend's place. He is a Couchsurfer too!Both of us went to the party organised by the legendary Roswan.

First meeting point; infront of Concorde Hotel. It was a theme party. I had my floral blue dress on minus the make up. Well, I am a traveller. I do not need to have more chemicals on my face. I go au naturale!

Surprisingly, there were many of us (80 people showed up!) that the security asked us to leave the venue. We moved from one place to another as there were too many of us and finally, we decided to go to KLCC,Twin Tower park with a box of drinks and some finger foods. For me, what is important is that we celebrate the New Year with a bunch of cool people.

It was a hot night. We were sweating and drenched with our own sweat. It was 2 seconds before the countdown. We saw spectacular fireworks! It lasted for few minutes!

New Year 2013 - Resolutions

• I wish that I could go minimum to travel to one country per month started with my Cambodia trip on 1st Jan 2013.
• Hoping for good life, good health and spending more time with my family.
• To be happy for me,my friends and family.

What's your New Year resolutions??

The unfortunate event

We were so happy that Mayan Calender is WRONG!

Unfortunately, we received some unfortunate news later that night. One of my friend were mistakenly being beaten up by a group of local guys that were obviously were drunken infront of the Twin Tower!There were many by standers there watchin the brawl.

His  intention was good actually. He tried to help one of the English guy but instead he got the blow on his eyes and I heard that he fainted. I saw an ambulance passed by and didn't even occured in my mind he was in the ambulance.

As a friend, I did send him sms, hoping that he is okay.
It was time for me to get my backpack and leave for KL Sentral.

Taxi,Taxi,Taxi

ME:Do you use meter??
TD:No
ME:How much from here(Infront of Pasar Seni LRT) to KL Sentral?
TD:MYR30
ME:What??!!!!
TD:It's New Year's Eve..
ME: (Disappointed and angry)
TD:You asked around laaa, same what..!
ME:That's okay.I'd rather walk with dignity rather than taking advantage on
      other people.
      Good Night!!...

*TD - Taxi Driver

This is what I feel about Malaysian Taxi Driver.What's the purposed of them sticking the 'No haggling' sticker on the taxi door. What's worst is they over charged you for places that is just 5 minutes drive!

I feel ashamed, angry and disappointed if this is the attitude of Malaysian Taxi Driver. Noted that because one person did this, those honest taxi driver's reputation tarnished.

I recommended that if anyone wants to ride a taxi, first off all they have to ask the taxi driver if they use meter. If they don't, just walk away.Let them know that what they did is wrong. The more we support them, they will always continue the same thing. Taking advantage of other people, especially tourist.

That night I walked to KL Sentral. It took me nearly 20 minutes to reach the bus station. I still remember my friend, Pieter, offered to pay my taxi ride to KL Sentral. I explained to him that this is not about the money but merely, I have my own stand. No bullies.

*Taxi with meter from Pasar Seni to KL Sentral after midnight cost around RM6 only.

Another year, another destination

I took the red Sky Bus from KL Sentral to LCCT Terminal.The bus fare cost me MYR10 per way and it was the first bus for the day. I reached the LCCT Terminal an hour later, around 4.30am.

Sleepless night

I had the chance to have my nap in the bus. I was totally exhausted by the time I arrived LCCT. I went to the coffee shop for a cup of coffee to make sure that I don't fell asleep and missed my flight. The check-in gate were open and I checked-in before waiting for my flight at the boarding area.

Next destination: Phnom Penh, The Kingdom of CAMBODIA!!