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.......
T
akeo 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
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 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!!
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) ~
"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......
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. 
