Discover Panglao Island

It’s been a year since my last travel blog, and now I am back at it again. In this blog, I will be writing about my recent trip to the Philippines when I visited one of the many islands in the Philippines - Panglao Island. Let me share what  I have seen and experienced during this memorable trip.

ABOUT PANGLAO ISLAND

Panglao Island is in the Visayas region in Bohol. Panglao Island is becoming more accessible now through plane and ferry rides. There is an aircraft available to fly directly to Tagbilaran, 30 minutes away from Panglao. I believe Panglao Island will be the next Boracay spot in Bohol.

Panglao Island is indeed one of the beautiful islands in the Philippines and the Visayas region. Panglao Island is unusually small. Vacationers can spend a day roaming around the Island. So what's so unique about Panglao? Continue reading this blog to find out more.

Beautiful Island

Sunrise

Sunset

HOW TO GET THERE

Getting to Panglao is a lot convenient to travel now. There are two types of transportation to take to reach the island.

OPTION 1 - TAKE A FERRY

Taking the ferry is probably the most convenient and cheapest transportation to the island. I would highly suggest taking “OceanJet”. It only takes two hours to get to Tagbilaran Port from Cebu port with many time slots available every day. It is affordable, seats are assign to every passenger, luggage can be checked-in with some small charges, and it is quite comfortable to check-in your heavy baggage as it gives you more space for the next two hours. You may book your one-way or roundtrip tickets via their website, Klook or buy tickets at the terminal.

Once you reach the Tagbilaran port, you may first claim your luggage if you have checked-in yours. Then, head out to take a tricycle or a car service ride to the island to the hotel you are staying at. There are plenty of services out there even during peak season. Tricycle ride is usually cheaper, and drivers will charge about Php300-400 per trip, and car drivers will usually charge Php300-400 per person. I chose to take the tricycle as it is cheaper and faster to negotiate in terms of the price. I also get to enjoy the fresh air too.

The ride from Tagbilaran port to the island takes about 20-30 minutes.

OPTION 2 - TAKE A PLANE

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air have flights to Tagbilaran Airport. Taking the plane seems more expensive compared to option 1. The plane ride only takes 45 minutes from Cebu to Tagbilaran, and 1 hour 35 minutes from Manila to Tagbilaran.

From Tagbilaran airport, passengers can take a taxi or tricycle to Panglao Island.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PANGLAO ISLAND

Since the Philippines is an all-year-round summer season, the best time to pay a visit to the island is during summertime which is from March to May. However, bear in mind that it will be crowded and more touristy vibe during these times as it is the peak period.

Avoid going there during rainy and monsoon season around June to September. Lots of rainbands and possible storms can happen during this period.

Visiting during festive periods such as Christmas, New Years, Easter or any public holidays in the Philippines is an ideal time too. Just be prepared with the vast crowd.

THINGS TO DO IN PANGLAO ISLAND

There are plenty of things to do on the island. If you are up for some diving adventure, this is the right place for you.

ISLAND AND BEACH TOUR

Island hopping is a must-do during your trip to Panglao. There are plenty of other islands around Panglao for you to dive, swim and stroll around as well as enjoy a hot sunny day by the beach with some coconut.

It is effortless to book your island hopping as tour agents are everywhere around the island, and it is recommended to book your trip a day or two in advance especially in the peak season as it can get fully-booked. The boats usually leave early in the morning between six to seven in the morning.

You may ask your boatman to bring you to the area where you can enjoy a few minutes to watch the dolphins leap around the ocean. If you are in luck, you may catch them jumping around the water.

Here is a list of Islands or beaches you can visit in Panglao:

• Virgin Island - Watch out for starfish while you walk around the sand beach, they’re everywhere.

• Balicasag Island - The home of the Pawikan (Sea Turtles). Try to catch them if you can!

• Doljo Beach - Beautiful and crystal clear water.

• Bogobo Beach - This beach has a very unique chalk-like sand.

• Alona Beach - The main beach and probably the most developed beach in Panglao.

• Danao Beach - Standing next to Alona Beach. There are a number of resort situated there.

Virgin Island

Virgin Island from afar

Alona Beach

LAND TOUR

If you are looking to have a less tiring yet still enjoyable trip then, strolling around Panglao by car or tricycle is a great idea. There are plenty of places to book your land tour, or you may also hire a car or tricycle to bring you to places. Panglao is a small place, and you can stroll around almost the whole area within just a day if you start very early.

Here is a list of places to visit in Panglao:

• Bohol Bee Farm - Watch the working bees how they make honey and hear out the fascinating story about bees. Drop by the ice cream shop before you leave the farm. This is a gluten-free ice cream shop.

• Shell Museum - Find some interesting shells and count them if you can.

• Baclayon Church - One of the oldest church in the Philippines. this church was once severely affected by a 7.2 earthquake in 2013.

• Hinagdaan Cave - It has natural light. It goes inside through the holes and creates some stunning light effects. There is also an enchanting lagoon that seems to be greenish on the surface because of the limestone at the bottom of the lagoon. Watch out where you step as it is slippery.

• Panglao Watchtower - One of the heritage watchtower that was built in 1774.

Bohol Bee Farm

Plenty of leaves and plants

Workplace of working bees

A frame full of working bees making honey

I finally made friends with bees

A must try ice cream

Coconut based ice cream

Souvenirs in the making

Real Coloured Shells

Lagoon in the cave

Steep stairs

The only light source in the cave

Panglao Watchtower

SCUBA DIVING

There are plenty of diving agencies around the island. Booking your diving trip in advance is mandatory as it will need a lot of preparations beforehand such as arranging your boat, dive guide, fitting in the gears and how much required tanks for your diving journey.

Balicasag Island, Cabilao Island, Doljo Island, Habagat Wreck and Pamilacan Island are probably the best diving sites to consider in Panglao.

Check out this site “The Best Dive sites of Panglao” in to know more.

Swim with Pawikan (Sea Turtle)

WATER SPORTS

There are many water sports for people to enjoy such as SUP (Stand Up Paddle), jet ski, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, windsurfing, scuba, snorkelling and parasailing.

Remember to book your trip in advance to secure your spot.

SIDE TRIP TO BOHOL

From Panglao Island, vacationers can do a side tour to Bohol. It is only two to three hours ride. Bohol is a beautiful place. There are many attractions and activities to do so it should be on your to-do list.

Attractions in Bohol includes The Philippines Tarsier, The Chocolate Hills, ATV ride around the hills, lunch buffet at Loboc Floating Restaurant, Loboc Eco-Tourism Adventure Park and Bohol human-made forest.

The Chocolate Hills

Loboc River

Buffet on the boat

Ziplining

Ziplining

Man-made forest

The Philippine Tarsier

FOOD HUNTING

There are plenty of restaurants on the island. I find it hard to choose what restaurant to pick as there are too many and they all seem pretty good. You can find Filipino, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, Thai, American and Chinese cuisines. There is also some BBQ (cook to order) and buffet places to dine in. In simple words, Panglao has everything you need.

RELAXATION

Reward yourself with some relaxation treat. Trust me, we all deserve that from time to time! There are numbers of spas around the island. They are also plenty of massage services by the beach. Massage on the island is affordable and not super expensive.

If you are looking for some nail/ foot spa, there are a few shops available to tend to your needs too. Most hotels offer massage services in your room as well.

THE DO’S

• Respect the rules in the hotels, restaurants, public areas such as the beach, park, etc

• Try the Filipino cuisines and drink local beers (San Miguel or Red Horse)

• Book your activities or scuba trip days in advance to avoid fully-booked or delaying your trip.

• Be friendly to the locals so that they will be helpful to you too.

• Tip your waiter, driver or masseuse accordingly. It will help with their daily expenses.

• Always ask for the name and contact number of the person you are booking an activity. Ask for a receipt as proof.

• Conserve water and only use it when needed.

THE DON’TS

• Don’t litter anywhere. Put your trash in the bins.

• Don’t cause any harm to nature.

• When buying things or booking a trip, don’t bargain too much or unreasonable as they don’t earn much.

• Don’t swim during night time as there will be no one to save you from drowning.

• Don’t pay any advanced full payments for your activities; a deposit usually is what they will ask.

• Don’t drink the tap water as it is not drinkable. Always drink from bottles.

OVERALL EXPERIENCE

When I first arrived at Panglao Island and strolled around the beach area, I immediately thought of Boracay. Panglao has the Boracay-vibe which is a fun, relaxing and party place. Panglao is beautiful day and night. It is not over-crowded yet, but I believe it will become one very soon as more and more people are slowly discovering this beautiful island. I receive nothing but friendliness from the locals, and the accommodation was very warming.

Overall, I had a great experience, and I will be back for sure.

If you have any questions in terms of the trip, activities and which places to book, feel free to leave me a comment below. I will be more than happy to help.

Yours Truly,

Michelle Chan

Discover Nepal

Nepal is a very beautiful country and I have always wanted to visit this place. It has been 2 long years that me and my boyfriend, Ryan started planning our trip to Nepal. The reason why It took us this long to make this trip happen is due to our work schedule and we also needed a good amount of time to train ourselves to be physically fit for some trekking adventure. We both felt that 2017 is the right time for us to visit and that we are definitely ready for Nepal.  

A SHORT INTRODUCTION ABOUT NEPAL

Nepal is located in South Asia between China in the north and India to the east, west and south. Nepal is surrounded by mountains and rivers. The world's highest mountain can also be seen and climb in Nepal, the mighty Mount Everest measuring about 8,848 meters above sea level. 

The weather in Nepal runs like the 4 seasons. Summer (May-July), Autumn (August-November), Winter (December-February) and Spring (March-April). Temperatures varies in different places.

Nepali is the official language of the state. English is also highly spoken by many Nepali nationals. Nepalese hospitality is very warm and they are very humble people. 

"Visiting Nepal once is never going to be enough." To find out why, feel free to continue reading my blog.

HOW TO GET TO NEPAL

You may reach Nepal by taking a plane ride when travelling from another country or a bus ride when coming from India. Unfortunately, there are only a few airlines that brings you directly to Nepal with limited and selected flying schedule. I can name at least 7 countries that are able to fly directly to Nepal, which is Hong Kong, DOHA, Abu Dhabi, India, Singapore, Guangzhou and Thailand. These are the airlines that I saw flying direct when I was at the airport. In order to reach Nepal, connecting flights will be required. All international flights only stop at Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport) and going around within Nepal by plane can be taken by their local airlines (Buddha Air, Tara Airlines and Himalayan Airlines). 

Left - Our plane tickets coming from Hong Kong to Nepal

Right - Waiting for our baggages. It was very crowded.

WHEN TO VISIT

The best time to visit Nepal will depends on what kind of excursion, festivals or activities you are looking for. The best time for trekking season is during October, being the most peak season and until February. The weather are supposedly to be nicer and cooler. If you are looking to experience some Nepalese festivals, then you will definitely need to check when the celebrations are being held and whether it is the right fit for you. Other activities such as Paragliding, bungee jumping, zip lining, water rafting and other outdoor activities are known to be available all year round but it is not highly recommended during the monsoon season which is around July, August to mid-September.

HERE ARE THE LIST OF POPULAR AND MAJOR FESTIVALS IN NEPAL:

• Dashain and Tihar (September) - This is the biggest festivals based on religion in Nepal
• Buddha Jayanti (May or June) - The birthday of the Buddha
• Gai Jatra (August - September) - One of the most popular festivals in Nepal
• Teej (August - September) - The fasting of Nepalese women, lots of prayers and purification
• Janai Purnima - Celebrated by the Hindu community of Nepal
• Shree Krishna Janmastami (August - September) - The birth of Lord Sri Krishna
• Fagun Purnima (late February or early March) - The celebration of colours, the Holi festival
• Indrajatra (August - September) - Celebrated by both Hindus and Buddhists
• Maghe Sankranti (mid January) - The harbinger of the holy month
• Mahashivaratri (February - March) - A celebration dedicated to the Lord Shiva

THE DO'S AND DON'TS  

Just like any other countries, there are some Do's and Don'ts that visitors should be aware of and should be respected accordingly.

DO'S

• Cover up and don't wear anything too revealing
• Tip the staff. Be generous!
• Try different types of restaurants and dishes, especially Nepalese delicacies
• Respect the locals and those who are older than you. Address them with "Dai" for men and "Didi" for women.
• Take pictures of everything. For example, receipts, tickets, certificate, etc
• Always ask questions when unsure especially when you are doing trekking
• Make the effort to learn some Nepalese simple phrases. For example, greet everyone "Namaste" which means good day, good morning or hello and say "Dhanyabad" for Thank you. 
• Be kind and be friendly to whoever you meet in Nepal
• Always buy your bus tickets or activities via agency or hotel
• Take good care of your belongings and don't be clumsy

DON'TS

• Do not touch someone's head or feet as this is considered as impolite
• Do not wear short shorts especially for women
• NO PDA (Public Display Affection). Most of the Nepali people are conservative and it is disrespectful to show any signs of affection towards your loved one. 
• Do not drink water from the tap. Always drink water from a water bottle or boiled water
• Do not give money to beggars as it will just encourage them to rely on begging
• Don't go to any unknown places, make sure you are with someone 
• Don't feed the monkeys when visiting temples with monkeys around
• Avoid being dehydrated, always have a bottle of water with you
• Don't take any pictures of someone without their permission
• Avoid bargaining too much, only bargain once and try to be reasonable and sensible too
• Don't order too much food, try not to waste food. Think about the people who have nothing to eat or struggling to work for meal.

THE NEPALESE CULTURE & ETHNICITY

Visiting some of Nepal's museum and reading informations from the internet helps me to know more about the people and its ethnicity. Nepal is filled with different types of ethnicity. There are about 101 ethnic groups in Nepal and with over 92 languages. Nepali is the official language and it is what majority of the local people understand and speak in daily life.  

There are many kinds of customs and traditions in Nepal depending on which ethnicity they came from. Festivals occurs almost every month and it is the most colourful and eventful of their time. In Nepal, religion is an important matter and it is being practiced on a daily basis. The religion in Nepal consists of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Sikhism and animism. 

HERE ARE A LIST OF DIFFERENT ETHNIC GROUPS ON NEPAL:

THE NORTHERN HIMALAYAN PEOPLE

The northern Himalayan people are mainly the Sherpas, Lopas, Manangis, Dolpa-pas and Baragaonlis who speaks Tibetan language. 

HILLS AND VALLEY PEOPLE

The hills and valley people are among the Magars, Gurungs, Tamangs, Newars, Thakuris, Chepangs, Brahmins, Sunuwars, Thakalis and Chhetris. 

THE TERAI PEOPLE

The Terai people consists of the Tharus, Darai, Majhi and Kumhal who speaks north Indian dialects. 

HOSPITALITY

While Nepal is known for its warm and welcoming hospitality especially towards the visitors. I have notice two things about the hospitality in Nepal while I'm visiting that I would like to share.

So for starters, I honestly find Nepal's hospitality very welcoming. It immediately made me felt like I'm at home already as soon as I landed in Nepal. The Nepalese people are very friendly and they are absolutely easy to talk to. If you are lucky and of course if you also got a friendly personality, then you might get a lot of information from the local whenever you are in doubt. Nepalese people also enjoys entertaining guests and making sure that they are being taken care of. 

Meanwhile, there are some locals that are quite laid back and it almost looks like they are on holiday too. What I meant about this is that, the service is quite slower than usual and some really take their time to bring you your order. I'm not saying that this is a bad thing but this is just what I have noticed while I'm in Nepal. I feel like the time is slower in Nepal. But I do believe that there are always room for improvements. 

But overall, I am satisfied with the hospitality. I admire how some locals would still try their best to communicate with the tourist even though they don't speak a lot of English. Sometimes, it's not about how much you know but it's the effort that you put into it. I truly appreciate the warm welcome from the Nepalese people that I have met during my visit. 

NEPALESE FOOD  

Nepali food has been influenced by Tibetan and Indian styles of cooking. The regular and daily Nepali food is Dal Bhat (Lentil soup with boiled rice) together with some curried vegetables and some pickles. Momos (steamed or fried dumplings) would be the second most popular Nepali dish. 

Left - Steamed Chicken Momo

Right - Chicken Dal Bhat with crispy chip

I love eating Nepalese food. There are so much richness and spices in almost every dishes. Before coming to Nepal, I have already tried plenty of Nepali dishes here in Hong Kong, so I am quite familiar with the dishes. I have my top 5 favourite Nepalese dishes that I would recommend everyone to try.

Take note that Nepal doesn't serve any Beef as Cows are Nepal's national animal, so it is very obvious that they don't eat beef, let alone serve it to the people in the restaurant. So don't ever look for beef in the menu. 

HERE ARE SOME OF MY TOP 5 FAVOURITE NEPALESE DISHES:

MOMO

Left - Tuna and Cheese Momo

Center - Buffalo Momo 

Right - Vegetable Momo

One of the most popular Nepalese dish will be the "Momo" - Dumplings with meat or veggies with Chatne sauce. Momo are served with various types of meat such as, Chicken, Pork and Buffalo. There is Vegetable Momo available in any restaurant too for those who don't eat meat. My most favourite Momo would be the Buffalo Momo because it has more flavour and very mouth-watering. 

DAL BHAT

Left - Chicken Dal Bhat with Chapati

Center - Chicken Dal Bhat with rice and crispy chip on top

Right - Another dish similar to Dal Bhat, Mashed Cheese with vegetables and curry sauce

Dal Bhat is very popular in a lot of Nepalese restaurant. This is a set meal good for lunch or dinner time. Dal Bhat is served with rice or Chapati with lentils, potatoes or beans on the side. The main meat for Dal Bhat would be Chicken, Buffalo and Goat. There is also a Vegetable Dal Bhat.

CHOWMIEN

Left - Chicken Chowmien

Right - Vegetable Chowmien

Chow mien is served with fried noodles with a lot of vegetables such as carrots, cabbages, bell peppers, garlic and onions. Chow mien is also served with Chicken, Pork and Buffalo.

THUKPA

Thukpa is a soup noodle in Nepalese dish. Just like the Thukpa, it contains a lot of vegetables and it serves with meat such as Chicken or Pork with lemon to add more flavour. The soup is very tasty and satisfying. This is one of my favourite Nepali dishes and this is something I will always be craving for.

ALOO KAULI (GOBI)

Aloo gobi is prepared with some sliced potatoes, cauliflowers and spices. The dish itself looks very simple but the taste is very nice and trust me you won't be able to stop yourself from eating this dish once you started. 

NEPALESE BEVERAGES

TEA

Tea is probably my favourite drink of all time. Coming to Nepal makes me more excited to try out different types of teas. The teas are served with the tea spices and fresh fruits. I would definitely recommend the Ginger Lemon Tea, Fresh Lemongrass, Fresh Mint Tea and Black Tea. 

MASALA CHAI/ TEA

Masala Chai is very popular all around Nepal. Masala is served with fresh milk. I have tried Masala tea in lots of different styles. I love how I got the chance to taste Masala Tea in many different styles. 

YAK MILK

It is a must for you to try Yak Milk when visiting Nepal for trekking. If you are lucky to bump into a Yak farm while trekking, you should definitely give Yak Milk a go. It is fresh and good to drink it while it's warm. 

BEER

The top 2 popular local beers are Everest and Gorkha. I have actually tried both of these famous beers and I absolutely love it. I thought the taste would be a lot stronger than other commercial beers like San Miguel or Carlsberg. In my opinion, it is quite smooth and I really enjoyed drinking them. 

KHUKRI RUM

Khukri Rum has an alcohol content of 42.8%. The Khukri Rum is placed in a bottle with the shape of Nepalese Gurkha dagger, Kukri. I have never tried this drink yet, but I would definitely try it when I go back to Nepal. 

EXPENSES AND CURRENCIES

The currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupees (NPR). The notes are divided into 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 being the highest notes for Nepalese Rupees. For your information, there are no coins in Nepali money. You may exchange Nepalese Rupees all around the cities in Nepal. I heard that Thamel is a good place to exchange with better rates. It is impossible to exchange your money to Nepalese Rupees outside Nepal unless you are exchanging it from your Nepali friend overseas. Make sure to ask for smaller notes when exchanging, for paying smaller bills. Be sure to also exchange your Nepalese Rupees back to your original money currency before leaving Nepal or better yet just keep it, in case you are planning to come back to Nepal next time. 

On the other hand, US dollars are also highly used in Nepal. Some rates are indicated in USD too. 

WHY NOW IS THE TIME TO VISIT NEPAL

Do I have one question? Yes, why wait? Just do it!

But seriously, Nepal is a very beautiful country. It is filled with plenty of giant and breathtaking mountains, plus the world's highest mountain is there, the great Mount Everest. Although, Nepal have no beach but Nepal is surrounded with a lot of large and amazing lakes all over Nepal.  

Since the 2015 massive earthquake occurred, it is a sure thing that Nepal will not suffer another natural disaster until 60-70 years later. So it's pretty much safe to visit Nepal now. 

Another reason to visit Nepal is that the more people visit the country, the more it will help develop the country even better and help the Nepalese people to earn more income. Traveling to Nepal is also like traveling with a cause, which is helping them grow. 

KATHMANDU

"A very busy and chaotic city I ever seen in my life" 

Now that is what I thought about Kathmandu when I first arrived. The roads are bumpy and the floors were not even. Aside from the traffic and rough roads, there are many things to do and see in Kathmandu. This is the main city of Nepal, which explains why it is so busy and crowded. 

Left - Shopping areas in Kathmandu

Right - Cows chilling around the side roads

We were fortunate enough to have our Nepali friend, Bijay accommodating us when we were visiting Kathmandu. I feel like without our friend guiding us and bringing us to places, we wouldn't survive Kathmandu or we might have a hard time getting into places. 

 

THINGS TO SEE IN KATHMANDU

THE HIMALAYAN MOUNTAINS

Visiting Nepal will not be complete without experiencing any treks in Nepal. Mountains and hills are the golden treasures of Nepal, it is their pride and expertise. There are a wide range of trekking selections for you chose from being easy to difficult treks. There are plenty of trekking agencies for you to chose around Kathmandu. Please note that Trekking permits are required on most of the trekking routes around Nepal (TIMS), make sure to add this to your list of requirements. 

HERE ARE A LIST OF TREKKING ROUTES STARTING IN KATHMANDU:

• Everest Base Camp (5,416 meters) - 12-13 days
• Everest Base Camp 3 Passes Trek (5,540 meters) - 18 days
• Mount Everest Summit (8,848 meters)
• Gokyo (5,357 meters) - 12 days
• Island Peak Trek
• Cho-Oyu (8,201 meters)
• Lhotse (8,586 meters) 
• Makalu (8,463 meters)
• Kangchenjunga (8,586 meters)

THE GREAT BOUDHA STUPA

The Boudha Stupa is one of the world's heritage site. This is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple. It was built in the 14th century. This heritage is not only for meditation but it is also a popular tourist site. The stupa consists of 3 large platforms and the top tower bears the Buddha eyes on all four sides. 

The entrance fee for a tourist is 400 NPR for a one day ticket. Inside the heritage, you can also see a lot of shops selling different types of goods such as, spices, cloths, souvenirs, paintings, sculptures, snacks, pots, religious beads and stones and jewelries.

DURBAR SQUARE

Durbar Square was built between the 12th and 18th century by the Malla kings. Durbar Square was where the city's kings were once crowned. Durbar Square has became a living museum from past to present. 

Since the deadly 2015 earthquake occurred, Durbar Square had been damaged horribly and most of its temples and buildings had been torn apart. Up until this day, you may still see the destruction caused by the 2015 earthquake. 

THAMEL

Thamel is a place for shopping, food and drinking. There are plenty of shops to buy your souvenirs and restaurants to fill your hungry stomach. There are also plenty of drinking places such as pubs, restaurant & bars, live bands, clubs and shisha bars around Thamel. Thamel is probably the only area that opens until late night. It may get crazy at night so be careful. Don't go there alone, always go with a group of people. 

KAISER LIBRARY

Kaiser Library is also known as the Leshar Library. Visiting this library should be on your list as the main reading room contains some antique globes, stuffed tiger's heads and antique armours. 

THE LIVING GODDESS

Kumari, the living goddess can be found in Basantapur, where the Kumari (goddess) lives. While visiting Nepal, you should definitely take the chance to have a glimpse of the living goddess. During late August or early September, the festival "Indra Jatra" is being celebrated and it is one of the most colourful festival in Nepal. The Kumari will also parade across the city in her golden palanquin. 

THINGS TO DO IN KATHMANDU

MOUNTAIN TREKKING

Trekking in Nepal is probably the most popular thing to do. Majority of the people visiting Nepal will most likely go for some trekking adventure. Why is that? The reason is that Nepal have so many beautiful mountains to trek. As you stroll around Kathmandu, you will see plenty of trekking agencies and trekking shops. 

When I visited Nepal on September 2017, I went trekking to the Mardi Himal for 6 days. I booked through "Plan Himalaya". I had a nice experience and I have definitely achieved what I came to Nepal for. I would be more than happy to share my trekking experience with you all.

My blog about my Mardi Himal Trek will be added within 2 weeks. 

ROADTRIP

Roadtrip around Kathmandu can be a fun and a thrilling experience. Getting around different places in Kathmandu would give you a chance to know more about the culture and its heritage. It is easy to rent a car in Nepal but be sure to look for a reliable car renting company and driver. 

FOOD TRIP

Food hunting is probably one of the things every visitors would appreciate. Trying out different types of dishes would want you to crave for more. There are plenty of nice restaurant around Kathmandu. Here are some of my recommendation of restaurant for you to try on.

Left - BBQ

Center - Pad Thai Noodles in Nepalese style

Right - Buffalo Momo

• Tom Yum Goong
• Atithi Satkaar Restaurant
• The Tulip Kathmandu
• Thamel House Restaurant
• Thamel Momo Hut
• Utsav Authentic Nepali Restaurant
• Gorka Palace Restaurant & Bar
• Zibro Restaurant & Bar

BUNGEE JUMP ADVENTURE

If you are craving for some adrenaline, then bungee jumping in Nepal should be on your list  It is situated in a 160-meter above a suspension bridge. Imagine free-falling from a 160-meter bridge to one of Nepal's wildest rivers and get a touch of its water onto your face as you fall. That sounds a bit scary but thrilling isn't it? 

It is a 3 hour ride from Kathmandu to the Bungee jumping area. Getting there would require you to through an area near the Tibet border and the famous Friendship Bridge to reach the jump location. The price starts from 70-150USD depending on seasons and different packages.   

SHOPPING

Most of the shops will offer you a good price and bargaining is fine but be sure to be reasonable of what price you are asking for. There is also a higher chance to get a better deal if you buy more things from the shop. But to be honest, everything in Nepal is very affordable.

POKHARA  

Pokhara is known as the city of lakes. There are about 9 lakes in the city surrounded by more than 20 something stunning mountains. The largest lake in Pokhara is the Phewa Lake and from there you may visit some of its heritage and temple. There are also plenty of mountains/ hills to do for trekking. 

I love staying in Pokhara as there are many places to do and see around this area. It is also  tourist-friendly and less chaotic than Kathmandu. Even though the journey going to Pokhara and getting out of Pokhara is hard but it was worth it. To know more about why it is a tough ride to Pokhara, read "How to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu' below. 

HOW TO GET TO POKHARA FROM KATHMANDU

Getting to Pokhara from Kathmandu takes about 210 kilometres. Pokhara is reachable by plane, tourist bus, local bus and even private car. 

BY PLANE - EXPENSIVE BUT FAST

Taking the plane to Pokhara would be the fastest way to get there within 30 minutes but the cost is not cheap. It would cost around 100-120USD per person for a one-way ticket via Buddha airlines, Tara airlines and Himalayan airlines. But of course taking the plane would reward you with a more comfortable ride and a nice view of the mountains and if you're lucky enough maybe Mount Everest might even pop out when it's not foggy. 

BY TOURIST/ LOCAL BUS - CHEAPER BUT LONGER RIDE

The most ideal transportation for budget travellers would be taking the tourist/ local bus to Pokhara. Most of the tourist visiting Nepal and even some locals would most likely take the tourist bus. Why? Because it's more convenient, it's air-conditioned, seats are more comfortable compare to local buses and not a lot of stop-overs. The travelling time to Pokhara via tourist bus takes 6-7 hours (if no traffic, engine break down or accidents). The prices starts from 4-20USD depending on the season and which bus company you are taking. Be sure to find a reliable bus company, do your research and don't forget to read customer's feedback to know more. The buses normally assemble at Kantipath Bus Station. All buses leaves at 7:00am sharp.

BY PRIVATE CAR

Please note that by taking a private car does not guarantee you a faster ride to Pokhara and vice versa. It will still be about 5-7 hours ride and probably a rough ride too. The only good thing about taking private car is you get to stop whenever you want to and the whole car belongs to you. The price for renting a private car will start from 60-100USD for a one-way ride. 

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE ON GETTING TO POKHARA

It is always good to GPS your location while traveling just to know where you are heading and how long will it take you.

Being a budget traveller, i obviously chose to take the tourist bus to get to Pokhara. I took a tourist bus form "Global Vacation Travels & Tours" for 7USD. The ride took us 7 hours to get to the "Bus Park" in Pokhara. There were about 3 stop-over, one for toilet break, second for breakfast plus toilet break and third for lunch and toilet break. The ride was a bit bumpy and dusty but since it is an air-conditioned bus, the dust didn't really bothered me that much. I took a few minutes nap from time to time and enjoying the view. 

While the journey to Pokahara was smooth, going back to Kathmandu was very rough. I booked with "Blue Sky" for 7USD. The ride was smooth for the first 5 hours, no traffic and only two stop-overs for toilet break and lunch. After having lunch, the most unpredictable thing happened, our bus engine broke down and had failed to recover. So we had to wait and hitch in another tourist bus. The bus that we got on does not have any air-conditioner and we sat all way at the back, since that's the only available seats left. It was hot, dusty and horrible. We were stuck for some time when we reach the highway, maybe some accidents? (guess we'll never know). Overall, the ride took us 11 frigging long hours. My bums hurts and i feel very dirty with all the dust all over me. But I am still thankful that we reached back to Kathmandu safely without getting stuck there any longer than 11 hours and also we were not involved in any kind of accidents. This is an experience that I would never forget. 

THINGS TO SEE IN POKHARA

THE HIMALAYAN MOUNTAINS

Visiting Nepal will not be complete without experiencing any treks in Nepal. Mountains and hills are the golden treasures of Nepal, it is their pride and expertise. There are a wide range of trekking selections for you chose from being easy to difficult treks. There are plenty of trekking agencies for you to chose around Pokhara. Please note that Trekking permits are required on most of the trekking routes around Nepal (TIMS), make sure to add this to your list of requirements. 

HERE ARE A LIST OF TREKKING ROUTES STARTING FROM POKHARA:

• Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) (4,30 meters) - 7-10 days
• Annapurna Circuit (5,416 meters) - 15-20 days
• Mardi Himal Trek (overlooking the Machapuchre) (5,587 meters) - 5-7 days
• Sarangkot Naudanda Hiking - 1 day (4-5 hours)
• Poon Hill Trek (3,210 meters) - 5-7 days
• Manaslu Trek (5,135 meters) - 14 days
• Khopra Danda Trekking - 6-7 days
• Dhampus Village Trekking - 1-2 days
• Upper Mustang Trekking (3,810 meters) - 10-15 days

WORLD PEACE PAGODA

The World Peace Pagoda is a massive Buddhist stupa and it is situated on top of a hill on the southern part of the Phewa Lake. The view up there is fantastic and it is definitely gives you a panoramic view of the himalayan mountains. 

We took a boat ride from the Lakeside to get to the other side for 650 NPR for 2 people for a one-way ride. The boat takes us about 15 minutes to get to the other side of the lake. Then, we hike up for 30 minutes up to the Pagoda. We met a nice dog along the way and he followed us until he wasn't allowed to enter the World Peace Pagoda. There is no entrance fee to the World Peace Pagoda. 

Getting back to the Lakeside can do the same direction as how you reach the Pagoda in the first place or you may take a shorter trip by taking a taxi back to the Lakeside. The taxi fare cost us 900 NPR. 

OLD BAZAAR

If you have spare time in Pokhara, then you must visit Pokhara's Old Bazaar. This is where the old market started before Lakeside became the new shopping destination. One of the most important Shrine the "Bindhyabasini Mandir" is situated in the Old Bazzar. It is around 4km from the Lakeside.  

While visiting the Old Bazaar, you may notice that most of the shops are closed. Don't be surprise as this is very normal as most of the shops have already moved to the Lakeside, where the business are. However, there are still some shops offering you some golds, jewelries, spices, cloths and cosmetics. Visiting the Old Bazaar is not just for shopping but also to take some time to visit one of the heritage in Pokhara and to also help out the locals to earn some living by buying some of their goods. 

INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN MUSEUM

Left - Memorial for mountaineers who have lost their lives

Center - My favourite photograph in the Museum. It is a picture of a Porter carrying some heavy bags and sacks filled with equipment, cloths and food.

Right - The founders and creators of the International Mountain Museum

International Mountain Museum is one of the largest museum and the only mountain museum in Nepal. If you love mountains or if you are about to go for some trekking activities then visiting the Mountain Museum would be resourceful before doing your trek. The reason why Pokhara was chosen to build the Mountain Museum was because of its scenic location. 

The museum is very simple and informative. It has 4 different sections for visitors to see.

1 - Hall of Mountain People 

2 - Hall of World Mountains

3 -  Hall of Mountain Activities (equipments, ecology and environment)

4 - Hall of Temporary Display (Lakhang, library, artificial climbing wall, Mt. Manaslu & Yak model)

We took a taxi ride for 900 NPR (roundtrip). The museum charges 400 NPR for tourist, 80 NPR for Nepali nationals and 40 NPR for students. 

BARAHI TEMPLE

Barahi Temple is located in the middle of the Phewa Lake. Barahi Temple is a very important religious monument in Pokhara. It is used to worship by both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple is small but very peaceful and relaxing. Getting there will require you to take a boat ride, you can easily rent a boat around the Lakeside for a roundtrip ride. 

THINGS TO DO IN POKHARA

MOUNTAIN TREKKING

Trekking in Nepal is probably the most popular thing to do. Majority of the people visiting Nepal will most likely go for some trekking adventure. Why is that? The reason is that Nepal have so many beautiful mountains to trek. As you stroll around Pokhara, you will see plenty of trekking agencies and trekking shops. 

When I visited Nepal in September 2017, I went trekking to the Mardi Himal for 6 days. I had a nice experience and I have definitely achieved what I came to Nepal for. I would be more than happy to share my trekking experience with you all.

Check out my Mardi Himal Trek experience by clicking this link "The Mardi Himal Trek" to know about the trek.

PARAGLIDING & ZIP LINING

If you are craving for some adrenaline rush, well then Paragliding and Zip Lining are definitely your thing. it both gives you a 360 degree view of the Lakeside and some mountain views. 

You can easily book a Paragliding tandem flight and Zip Lining anywhere around the Lakeside in Pokhara. Just make sure to find the right and trustworthy agency. For booking of Paragliding, it must be done a day before your designated date. 

I booked my Paragliding flight with Buddha Paragliding for 65USD (including pick-up from hotel and pictures and videos)

ULTRA LIGHT & HELICOPTER TOUR

Ultra Light and Helicopter tour both brings you to a closer and nicer view of the mountains. There are different types of packages for both rides, which starts from 15 minutes to 1 hour. Prices may increase or may be cheaper depending on the season. Both of these tour operates daily and with a very precise schedule time too. They mostly do it in the morning time.

WATER RAFTING

If you fancy some water sports in Nepal, then you would probably enjoy water rafting. There are many rivers in Nepal and in Pokhara. The famous one would be the Mardi River, the water comes from the Holy mountain, Machapuchre. 

Water rafting can get really fun and wet too. I would say that you should definitely pick a perfect and suitable time to do this activity. 

SHOPPING

There are plenty of shops around the Lakeside in Pokhara. You can find a lot of cashmere and wool clothing shops, souvenir shops, stones and runes shops, trekking shops, supermarkets, tea shops and many more others. 

Most of the shops will offer you a good price and bargaining is fine but be sure to be reasonable of what price you are asking for. There is also a higher chance to get a better deal if you buy more things from the shop. But to be honest, everything in Nepal is very affordable.

FOOD TRIP

There are plenty of nice restaurants in Pokhara. Most of the restaurant are actually open very early but close quite early at night time. For some reason, people tends to close early around Nepal. 

HERE ARE SOME OF MY RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATION IN POKHARA:

• The Blind Tiger
• The Moondance Restaurant and Bar
• Busy Bee Cafe
• Dunga Restro & Lounge Bar
• The Harbor at the Glacier
• Merhaba Kebab House
• Pokhara Thakali Kitchen
• Pokhara Pizza House
• Cafe Concerto
• The Black and White

RENT A BICYCLE

You can rent a bicycle but not a motorcycle as it is banned by the government due to road safety. Renting a bicycle is very easy. All you have to do is pay the deposit plus the rent fee and while handing over and leaving your passport or identification may be required, in case you didn't return their bikes. A nice bike ride around the Lakeside sounds very refreshing and relaxing. 

Overall, my Nepal experience was great and it is something I would cherish all my life. I would definitely come to Nepal and explore more places that I didn't have the chance to visit.

Would I recommend Nepal? Of course my answer will be Yes! Nepal is very rich in culture and I feel that people should come to Nepal to experience it themselves. 

If you got any questions, feel free to comment below or by email. I will be more than happy to help.

Yours Truly, 

Michelle Chan

Discover Cambodia

I have been longing to visit Cambodia since 2015, and I finally fulfil my dream of visiting this beautiful place after two years (2017). Why Cambodia? I got three reasons to tell you why. First, I like visiting heritage, temple, historic and ancient sites. Second, It has a dark, intriguing and wounded history, in particular, the S21 Prison, that I wished to visit and see the place with my own eyes. Third, I am curious about how Cambodia look like, how are the people there like and how does the food taste. 

Cambodia has been so far one of the best trips that I have experienced, and I would love to share this overwhelming and unforgettable experience with everyone. I have learned so many things, and I have never expected in my million thoughts that Cambodia would touch my heart to the point that I am considering of doing volunteer work in Cambodia one day when I retire, so I can help the poor and educate the children. What can I say, Cambodia has caught my soul and it may catch yours too!

SHORT HISTORY ABOUT CAMBODIA

The Kingdom of Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation located around Vietnam to the east, Thailand to the northwest and Laos to the north. The capital city of Cambodia is Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap is the access point to Angkor Wat. Cambodians primarily speak Khmer and English as their second language. 

Ever since the fall of Angkor in 1431, the once mighty Khmer Empire has been pillaged by all its neighbours. The French once colonised it in the 19th century, and Cambodia suffered from a massive bomb by the USA in the 1970s. Lastly, the most notoriously barbaric acts of the Khmer Rouge during the civil war in the 1970s. Even up to this day, the Cambodians are still wounded and has been trying to move forward from the past. Many children have suffered poverty and ruined their education, especially during the Khmer Rouge regime. Although Cambodia is slowly developing it is interesting to look back in the past and how much Cambodians has suffered and yet they are still humble, and they are trying their best to hard work as much as they could.

The dishes in Cambodia are commonly known as Traditional Khmer food. Amok (curry) is the most famous dish in Cambodia as it is made by a coconut milk curried dish and less spicy than the ones in Thailand. Lok Lak (cooked Beef) paired with some simple dipping sauce consisting of lime juice, black pepper, lettuce and onion. K'tieu, a noodle soup with meat selection of pork, Beef or seafood with pure spices of lime juice, chill powder, sugar and fish sauce. It is typically served during breakfast. Mangoes or Mangosteen are the main fruit in Cambodia and are super delicious. 

WHAT TO EXPECT IN CAMBODIA

SIGHTSEEING

There are many things to do and many places to visit in Cambodia. The temples and museums are worth a visit, and it can also be rewarding. You may plan your itinerary, or you may also book some tours in which everything will be arranged accordingly. But I would recommend a DIY trip, so you have more freedom to chose your own time and where to go. 

Make sure to do your research before going to Cambodia, especially checking the Dos and Dont's in Cambodia. It is essential that tourist must follow their rules as a sign of showing respect and not being ignorant.

FOOD & DRINK

Traditional Khmer food is delicious and has a lot of spices and vegetables. The food looks quite simple and homemade but never underestimate the looks of it as you may be jumping for joy from what you take a bite on. Just one thing to be careful of if you are not used to spicy food be cautious of the sliced chilli on some of the dishes. If you are not used to eating spicy food and are allergic to chilli, then you should tell the restaurant staff or shop hawker that they shouldn't put any spicy or chilli on your dish. But it wouldn't hurt if you try some of their spicy dishes either, you might end up liking it. 

The ubiquitous drink that you may find everywhere in Cambodia will be the fresh coconut juice, mango juice, sodas and water. Most of the fruit juices are sugarless; at least the ones that I had tried drinking doesn't contain any sugar.

A friendly reminder, never drink water from the tap or the faucet, in case you end up drinking a bit of water while brushing your teeth. Make sure to always drink water only from a water bottle. 

SERVICES & HOSPITALITY

Cambodians are very warm and welcoming. Almost all locals can speak fair English. They try their very best to communicate and accommodate you as much as possible. They will make sure that it will be "worth a visit and worth coming back for" when you are visiting Cambodia. 

WEATHER

Expect scorching and sunny weather in Cambodia, especially during the summer season. The weather may go up from 35-48 degree, especially during March - April, which is the hottest season. The most relaxed season will be between November - January.

Make sure always to bring a towel or tissues and drink plenty of water to protect yourself from the heat. Keeping yourself hydrated is the best thing you can do while enjoying your visit to Cambodia. 

EXPENSES

The prices of food, transportation, accommodation, activities, attractions, clothing and souvenirs in Cambodia are affordable. It is also wise to ask around the locals of how much does transportation for a tuk-tuk, or private taxis typically cost as some drivers may try to overcharge you to earn extra money. Bargaining is widespread in Cambodia and especially when you are in a big group of people but also try to be reasonable when you bargain. 

For further information, It is prevalent to use US Dollars when paying bills as Cambodians prefer and would be charged most of the things, food, attractions, transportation in US Dollars. Using Cambodian Riel bills are optional, but it is not recommendable as Riel bills are quite old, and most people would rather accept US Dollars than Riel. Moreover, trying to exchange your bills to Riel may be a hassle as it may be challenging to find a reliable money exchanger around Cambodia. 

HOW TO GET TO CAMBODIA 

VIA BY PLANE (INTERNATIONAL)

Cambodia is reachable by plane. Some airlines offer a direct flight to Cambodia, both to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap such as Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Airlines, Hong Kong Express, Cebu Pacific, Thai Airways and many more other. While you may also find more complicated connecting flights depending on where you are flying, make sure to book your plane ticket in advance to avoid high ticket cost or unavailable dates or time, especially during peak season. 

VIA BY BUS (FROM THAILAND, LAOS OR VIETNAM)

If you happen to be in Thailand, Laos or Vietnam, you may take a bus service bound to Cambodia (both transporting to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap). Thailand, Laos and Vietnam bound to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap both offer bus ride schedule daily. It is recommended to check their bus schedule and book your ticket in advance just in case and most notably during the peak season.

PHNOM PENH - SIEM REAP (VICE VERSA)

If you are flying a plane bound to Phnom Penh, you may also take a bus to get to Siem Reap via The Grand Ibis (recommended) at around 20-30 USD. Another option is to hire a private taxi with a good and reasonable price of 75-80 USD (5-6 hours), and it is suitable when you are travelling in a group. There are sleeper buses available to get to Siem Reap. It is recommended to book your bus ticket or your private taxi in advance. 

Travelling from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh has the same procedure as what I have mentioned above.

You can try out this restaurant when have a stop-over from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

WHEN TO VISIT

COOLEST TIME

The most chill time will be from November to January. This is probably the best time to visit Cambodia, especially if you are not a fan of hot sunny weather or who does not fancy sweating, then you should not consider visiting Cambodia during the hottest season. 

HOTTEST TIME

The hottest time will be from March to April. The temperature can go as high as 48 degrees. A piece of friendly advice to everyone, make sure not to wear anything thick, in particular wools, pieces of denim or even leather (No way!). Trust me these are not the right type of clothing you should be wearing on hot sunny weather. 

THE BEST TIME

The best time to go to Cambodia will be of course during the coolest time, which is around November to January. But you should expect a high ticket price and even prices in Cambodia will rise during these peak season. You may also consider going to Cambodia during the "Khmer New Year" in April, which usually falls on the 13th or 14th. The way Cambodian celebrate their new year is by throwing some powders and water guns at each other. It's just like getting a free shower during a hot season. It is fun to watch people getting wet and being wet. 

TRANSPORTATION

TUK TUK

It is easy and convenient to find a tuk-tuk around Cambodia. It can fit around 4-6 people. The drivers will generally charge tourist in US Dollars, and they will name their price, but you can always bargain and name your rate as well but try to be as reasonable as possible when bargaining. Typically, the drivers will charge 1 USD per person, except far away places.

It is also recommended to rent your tuk-tuk for a whole day with a negotiable price. This way, you can do sightseeing more conveniently without having to negotiate with every tuk-tuk drivers each time you take a stop.

PRIVATE TAXI

Private taxis in Cambodia are similar to UBER, you may call for a ride from a phone app, Exnet Taxi Cambodia. The fare price will be base on metres, and these drivers speak fair English and can also accommodate you with tips of what to see, what to do and not to do around Cambodia.

RENT A VAN

It is recommended to rent a van for a whole day when you are travelling in a big group and too far away places so that it will be cheaper and less hassle for everyone. Prices are depending on the time, location and duration of the trip. 

There is a lot of travel agency that can help you to find a van with a driver but make sure that the agency is reliable.

RENT AN E-BIKE (Electronic Bike)

If you like to hit the road by bike, you may rent an e-bike. There are quite a few stops that you can charge your e-bike around the places. Also, note that renting or riding a motorbike are not recommended for tourist as per the government. The reason for this is that the roads in Cambodia are not fully developed yet, and it may cost road accident. So always be safe and drive safely with an e-bike. 

DOs & DONT'S BEFORE YOU VISIT CAMBODIA

DOs

1. Dress appropriately and decently, as Cambodia is a conservative country, you must not show too much skin and no showing off cleavage (for women). So make sure to cover them up with a scarf or a lace cardigan. When visiting Temples, make sure that your shoulders and knees are covered at all times. It is a must to dress appropriately as a sign of respect. 

2. Remove your footwear when entering someone's house. Whether or not your footwear is clean or dirty, you must take it off and not spill your dirt into someone else's home. Be respectful.

3. Learn some of Khmer's language. It wouldn't hurt if you try to learn a few words or short phrases such as, Hello "Chum Ree-Up Soo-A", How are you "Sok Sa Bat?", Thank you "Or-Kuhn" or Goodbye "Chum Ree-Up Lee-A". 

4. Take photographs of large bills together with the person receiving your payments. This is for your protection just in case you are being cheated.

5. Don't forget to tip the staff. Be generous to the staff serving you. Tipping the staff at least 1 US Dollar will be good enough and can make them happy.

6. Keep yourself hydrated. It is super hot in Cambodia, so it is advisable to drink plenty of water and only drink from a water bottle. Avoid getting a heatstroke.

DON'T

1. Don't exchange Dollars for Riel, as Cambodians use and they would prefer the US Dollars. Make sure that your bill is not wrinkly or have a tiny bit of ripped piece on the side as they will not accept these kinds of bills. Another tip is that when you buy something with the price of 1.50 US Dollar and you pay them with 2 US Dollars, you will get Riels for your change. Please note that 0.50 USD is equivalent to 2000 Riels. You may need to use your calculator from time to time when paying with cents.

2. Don't take pictures of monks, nun or anybody without their permission. Just think that if someone else takes pictures of you without your consent, would you like it? No, so make sure you approach them nicely and ask for permission. If they say no, please respect their privacy.

3. Don't touch anyone's head. It is considered rude or disrespectful when you reach anyone's head as Cambodians consider their head as their sacred part of their body.

4. Don't wear anything expensive and take care of your belongings. Like I mentioned earlier, Cambodia is still a developing country, and the economy is not that stable yet. Many poor people struggle to get money or even hard to get a job. So you must take care of your belongings to avoid any undesirable experience during your trip.

5. No PDA (Public Displays of Affection). Cambodians don't hug or kiss in public, so tourist shouldn't do that either. 

6. Don't drink the tap water. Bottom line, don't trust the tap water unless you boil the water. Use a water bottle to drink water instead, and the same goes for brushing your teeth.

7. Don't wear anything too revealing. Like I mentioned earlier, Cambodia is a conservative country, and no skins or cleavage are supposed to pop out in public. So cover up!

VISITING PHNOM PENH 

WHERE TO STAY IN PHNOM PENH

There are many places to stay in Phnom Penh. You may check online to see what hotel or resort is right for you and also to see if any deals or promotion is going on. You may choose to walk in, but I would highly suggest you book your hotel in advance, especially during the peak season. You may also consider trying to check AIRBNB; some of the places offer excellent deals and mostly are reliable. 

Recommendations: AIRBNB, Hotel Sofitel, InterContinental, Royal Inn Hotel, Teav Boutique Hotel, Plantation - urban Resort & Spa, Home Chic Hotel.

WHAT TO DO IN PHNOM PENH

NATIONAL MUSEUM

If you like history or would like to learn more about Cambodia's history when visiting the National Museum should be in your "To Do" list.

Entrance fee - It is around 5 USD per person.

Opening hours - It is open every day around 8:00 am-5: 00 pm.

Getting there - Taking a tuk-tuk ride or private taxi via phone app is the easiest way to get to the National Museum. 

TUOL SLENG GENOCIDE MUSUEM (S21 PRISON) & THE KILLING FIELDS AT CHEOUNG EK

Tuol Sleng can also be known as S21 Prison, which was formerly a high school. It was the secret Prison held by the Khmer Rouge in 1975-1979. There were about 20,000 people who were imprisoned there with only 12 known survivors. There are around four buildings on the premises. The Khmer Rouge had turned these four buildings as interrogation rooms, torture chambers, jail cells, torture equipment room and many more other barbaric acts. The Vietnamese army discovered it in 1979. 

Entrance fee - The fee for S21 Prison is 3 USD per person and add 3 USD for an audio guide, with different types of languages (English, Chinese, French, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, German). A tour guide is available upon request with an additional charge. 

Opening hours - It opens every day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Getting there - The easiest way to get there is by tuk-tuk or a private taxi.

Cheoung Ek was also known as The Killing Fields. After all the interrogation, beatings, manipulations and starvation, this is where victims were brought to face their cruel execution. There is an audio guide tour included, to tour you around where did all the killings happen and where are the people buried. At the end of the audio tour, The Memorial Stupa will be the last stop where the remains of the victims (The skulls) are preserved and are colour coded by genders and how and what weapon was used to execute the victims. You may pay your respect by lighting a candle or offering some flowers. 

Entrance fee - The fee for the Killing Fields is 6 USD per person with audio guide included, with different languages too.

Opening hours - It opens every day around 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Getting there - It is around 30-40 minutes away from S21 Prison. You may take a tuk-tuk or get a private taxi to get there.

I have written a separate, and a more detailed blog about this horrific and barbaric genocide case as this has caught my full attention. I have never heard of such a tragic event at the hands of their people.

You may find the link by clicking "The Secret Prison in Cambodia."

THE ROYAL PALACE AND SILVER PAGODA

The Royal Palace is known to be the residence of the King. Visitors are allowed to visit only the throne room, which is used for coronations and ceremonies.

The Silver Pagoda is on the south of the Royal Palace. There are around 5,000 tiles near the entrance. This place looks very luxurious as it is surrounded by silver, emeralds, marbles, baccarat- crystals, gold Buddhas and some mural paintings.

You must cover your shoulders and knees when entering the museum. 

Entrance fee - The fee for both The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda is around 6.50 USD per person, tour guide are available upon request, and there will be an extra charge for the guide.

Opening hours - It opens daily at around 8:00am to 11:00am and 2:00pm to 5:00pm. 

Getting there - The Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda can be reachable by tuk-tuk or private taxi.

WAT PHNOM

Wat Phnom is a Buddhism temple in Phnom Penh. It was built in 1372, and it is the tallest religious temple in the city. Many people come to Wat Phnom to make a wish or pray for good luck, good health, good wealth, good school results or right relationship. You may try your luck and who knows your request may be granted, make sure that you bring some jasmine flowers or some bananas as an offering.

You must also cover your shoulders and knees when entering the temple.

Entrance fee - The fee for entering Wat Phnom is around 1 USD per person.

Opening hours - It is open from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm daily. 

MEKONG RIVER

Mekong river is the longest river in Southeast Asia and the 12th longest on Earth. It will be a beautiful experience to tour around the river while trying to shop for fish from the vendors along the river. 

CENTRAL MARKET

The central market is a large market in the city. Inside the market, it is filled with shops selling pieces of jewellery, gold, old and antique stuff, clothing, watches, souvenirs and many others. There are also some places to eat around the market area.

Opening hours - The market opens daily from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.

RIVERFRONT

This riverfront is an excellent spot to catch the sunrise or sunset while you are in the city. Along the river, you may take a glimpse at the Royal Palace or take a walk in the riverside for some peace and relaxation.

Opening hours - It is open daily and at any time.

JET'S CONTAINER

If you are looking for a place to drink, some bites or some street food, then this place will be good to visit. The reason why it is called Jet’s container is that the shops are inside many containers. 

Street food at Jet's Container

AEON MALL

This is probably one of the biggest malls in Phnom Penh and is almost close to every attraction in the city. There are plenty of shops and dining places as well. There is also a fast food area on the ground floor where the supermarket is, you can try out the Pho noodles and some fresh coconut if you want to try something local. 

VISITING SIEM REAP 

WHERE TO STAY IN SIEM REAP

There are many places to stay in Siem Reap. You may check online to see what hotel or resort is right for you and also to see if any deals or promotion is going on. You may choose to walk in, but I would highly suggest you book your hotel in advance, especially during the peak season. You may also consider trying to check AIRBNB; some of the places offer an excellent deal, and most are reliable. 

Recommendations: AIRBNB, Park Hyatt, Royal Angkor Resort, The Moon Boutique Hotel, Sokha Angkor Resort, Raffles Hotel, Sarai Resort & Spa. 

WHAT TO DO IN SIEM REAP

ANGKOR NATIONAL MUSEUM

I would recommend anybody visiting Siem Reap to make the National Museum their "first to go" list. I think it is good to know the history of the Angkor before actually heading to the temple, so you could have an initial idea on what to see and what they are once you reach the temples.

There are seven gallery halls inside the National Museum, and there are many different sections. Galley A is the Khmer Civilisation, Gallery B is the Religion and Beliefs, Gallery C is the Great Khmer Kings, Gallery D is the Angkor Wat, Gallery E is the Angkor Thom, Gallery F is the Story from Stones, and Gallery G is the Ancient Costume. Inside the museum, you may also find a gallery room for all the 1,000 Buddhas. 

Please take note that taking photographs or video taken inside the gallery halls is prohibited, and you may be penalised once you are caught. However, you may take pictures and videos outside the hallways as you wish. 

Entrance fee - The fee will be 12 USD per person.

Opening hours - The museum is open from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. 

Getting there - The easiest way to get there is by tuk-tuk, and it is convenient to hire a tuk-tuk for one day so that you can visit other attractions in Siem Reap. 

ANGKOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK

Angkor Archaeological Park is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. In 1992, Angkor declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Most of the temples in Angkor were built in a mountain-like pyramidal shape and are surrounded by moats. There are plenty of motifs such as Apsara (Nymphs), Kala (Guards) and Naga (Serpent) as you go around your tour. To guide you as you go on your trip, you may purchase a book called "Ancient Angkor" before visiting the site if you are not hiring a tour guide (20 USD per day) or if you are interested to know more information about the temples and its symbols. 

Entrance fee - There are three types of tickets for the Angkor pass. 37 USD (for 1 day pass), 62 USD (for 3 days pass), 72 USD (for 7 days pass). Tickets must be purchased in person because a photograph of yourself must be taken on the spot. The ticket must be on your hand at all times and must be presented upon entering the temples 

Opening hours - Angkor Park is open every day from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm. 

Getting there - Option 1, hire a tuk-tuk for a one day tour in Angkor park, it usually costs around 20-25 USD, and you may add more dollars when you need the tuk-tuk driver to stay a bit longer till nightfall. The tuk-tuk driver can act as a tour guide as well. Option 2, rent a van if you want air conditioning but honestly speaking tuk-tuk will be more convenient as per what the locals have suggested. Option 3, rent an e-bike, and there is plenty of e-bike charging station around the temples. But be sure that you have installed a reliable GPS so that you won't get lost. 

DONT'S - Don't smoke around the temples. Don't throw your rubbish (water bottles, tissues, chips wrap) around the temple; keep the area clean as possible. Always cover your knee and your shoulders when entering the temples.

The best time to reach Angkor park will be around 5:00 am, so you may catch the sunrise and also some time to queue up for the tickets and for transfer to the Angkor Wat, just in time for sunrise.

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

THREE MAIN TEMPLES TO VISIT IN ANGKOR PARK:

ANGKOR WAT

Angkor Wat was built around the first half of the 12th century by King Suryavarman II. It is one of the largest temples in Angkor. It is overwhelming when exploring the temple, especially for the first time as Angkor Wat provides a magnificent view and some photographic scenery. Another attraction in Angkor Wat is to catch the sunrise and sunset. It is fantastic, trust me!

BAYON TEMPLE (ANGKOR THOM)

Bayon temple was built in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. It was the last state temple to be built in Angkor. There are around 216 smiling stone faces that can be seen in the temple. The smiling stone faces are the representation of Avalokiteshvara, a bodhisattva who compassion in the Buddhist religion.

TA PROHM

Ta Prohm was built during the reign of King Jayavarman V!!. This temple is one of the most popular and beautiful spots in Angkor due to its beautiful combinations of wood and stone. You may catch some tree trunk around and on top of some of the temple or where some trees had been left connected and tangled along with the stonework. It looks like nature is hugging a human's handwork. 

Tomb Raider, the movie had used Ta Prohm as one of their shooting scenes in one of Angelina Jolie's action scenes in the film. 

MORE TEMPLES TO VISIT IN ANGKOR PARK:

TA KEO

Ta Keo is a large temple built by Jayavarman V. It is unfortunate that the temple has not been completed and wasn't decorated fully to how it is supposed to be. But you may still find it interesting on how it looks like now. You may take some photographs or some candid shots for your next profile picture around the site.PRE RUP TEMPLE

This temple is known for being one of the most beautiful spots for sunset in Angkor. This temple had been used to serve as a royal crematorium. It is quite a hike up to the top of the temple; it is a temple-mountain after all. Beware of what you step as the stairs are not well-balanced, but once you're up there, the view will be very breathtaking.

TA SOM

The temple was built at the end of the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII. It is a small temple in Angkor. 

NEAK PEAN

Neak Pean is not considered to be a temple site, but it can also be a new site to visit and if you are curious, of course. It has a large pond with a tower in the middle. 

PREAH KHAN

Preah Khan was built in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII. It is one of the largest temples in Angkor. There is a bridge to Preah Khan temple. While it's quite a long walk, you may take some time to appreciate nature and observe the giant trees around the way to the temple. Inside the temple, there are plenty of corridors that somehow look like you are in a maze. There are also plenty of stoneworks for you to check it out. 

PS: I got lost while trying to find the exit. What can I say? It is a maze after all. HA!

Other attractions around the temple

TONLE SAP 

Tonle Sap lake is in the south of Siem Reap town. It is around 19KM. It is a natural lake, and there are more than 200 species of water fishes and birds living in the lake. Approximately 1,115 families are living in the lake. These families live in floating houses. This area is considered to be the most impoverished area in Siem Reap, as the locals only make a small living as fishermen or fisherwomen with low income. During the rainy season, the water can rise to 1.50M of water high, which will affect the houses of families living in the lake. 

Entrance fee - The fee is 10 USD per person, and it includes a 2 hours boat ride to the floating villages. 

Getting there - Book a tour to get there for your convenience. The package is often included a roundtrip pick up and return to your hotel, food and drinks packages and boat transfers to the lake. 

DINNER AT QUEEN TARA RIVER BOAT

After visiting the Tonle Sap lake, you should also try to have your dinner at the Queen Tara's riverboat while watching the sunset. This trip will reward you with a magnificent view over the vast Tonle Sap lake. They offer delicious Khmer and western buffet with unlimited drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available on board. There are some hammocks installed in the riverboat for you to enjoy and relax before heading back to your hotel.

The price for this tour is 36 USD per person, and this includes roundtrip pick-up and returns to your hotel, buffet and unlimited drinks, visit the floating villages and sunset on the riverboat.

Contact - 092-957-765 for booking / www.taraboat.com

PUB'S STREET

If you are looking for places to chill and maybe have a few shots, then Pub's street is where the party at in Siem Reap. There are quite a lot of pubs or restaurant bars for you to pick. Most of the restaurants are open since early in the morning, so you may also visit this place during the daytime. 

NIGHT MARKET

Before heading back home or leaving Siem Reap, you should find some time to visit the Night Market and buy some souvenirs, food, frames, clothes, paintings or try some street food. There are plenty of shops at the Night Market, so make sure you stroll around the place, so you can check everything. Bargaining is common there but be sure not to overdo it too much, try to be sensible too when bargaining.

ST. JOHN CATHOLIC CHURCH

St. John Church is the first Catholic Church to be established in Siem Reap. Cambodian typically prefers their sacred places to be made out of stones, just like the temples in Angkor. However, the church was built by using wooden materials, it was only intended for just a temporary church, but then the locals love it so much that they decided to stick with it. 

If you are visiting during the Holy week in Siem Reap, then you should visit the church to have your prayers. 

ANGKOR ZIPLINE

If you are looking for some adrenaline adventure, then you should try visiting the Angkor Zipline. It is the only adventure park that you can find in Siem Reap. This place does not only offers you a thrilling fun experience, but it also educates you about the species living in the rainforest and even the safety procedures.

Entrance fee - There are two types of packages. Package A costs around 99 USD, which includes 21 platforms, 3 sky bridges, 9 single ziplines, Khmer traditional set menu. Package B costs about 59 USD, which consists of 9 platforms, 2 sky bridges, 3 single ziplines, Khmer snack. Both Packages includes one double zip line, one Spiderman bridge, one abseil, Eco-Adventure tour, safety priority, and nature trail education trek. 

Contact - www.angkorzipline.com

KULEN MOUNTAIN - WATERFALL

Kulen mountain is known to be the Holy mountain in Cambodia, which has a special religious significance to Hindus and Buddhists.

The tour fee is around 35 USD per person booking through Siem Reap Shuttle, and it includes, entrance fee to Kulen mountain, roundtrip pick-up & return from the hotel, tour guide, drinking water and lunch. 

Contact - www.siemreapshuttle.com

WHERE TO EAT IN SIEM REAP

AMOK RESTAURANT

This restaurant is known to be one of the best Amok restaurants in Siem Reap. It is in Pubs's street. The dishes are delicious, and the portion is quite suitable for sharing too. I would recommend the Amok Degustation, which includes different types of meat such as, Fish Amok, Beef Amok, Chicken Amok, Pork Amok and Vegetables Amok.

Amok Restaurant in Pub's Street, try out their Amok Degustation, you won't regret it!

ARUN RESTAURANT

This restaurant is known for its homemade Khmer's cooking style. It is near the St. John Catholic Church. The Hot and Sour Soup and Chicken Amok are super delicious. The prices of the food are quite reasonable and not overpriced. 

NIGHT MARKET

There are quite a lot of different types of cuisine that you can find around the night market. If you are looking for something local, there are a lot of traditional Khmer restaurants around the area. You can find some Thai, Indian and some other western restaurants. There are also plenty of food stalls if you would like to try some of Cambodian's local street food and some fried insects.

PS: I tried eating worms for the first time! It tastes like chicken but a bit flavourless and chewy.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:

Bugs Cafe, Cuisine Wat Damnak, Mie Cafe, Marun Restaurant, Khmer Grill Restaurant, The Touich Restaurant, Angkor Famous, Brick House

MORE PLACES TO VISIT IN CAMBODIA

SIHANOUKVILLE

Sihanoukville is a seaside town, and it is one of the best beaches in Cambodia. It contains a colourful yet tragic history in the past. Through this town, you may access to other beautiful beaches in Cambodia. Scuba Diving is available in Sihanoukville such as PADI centre. 

Getting there - Getting to Sihanoukville via bus from Siem Reap may take up to 12 hours (by day or overnight bus). While travelling from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville may only take around 4-5 hours trip by private taxi, which will cost about 55-60 USD. 

KOH RONG

Koh Rong is an island off the coast of Sihanoukville. There are plenty of trekking activities to do in Koh Rong and while there are other water activities for you to do such as Diving and snorkelling around the beaches. There is a lot of traditional Khmer restaurant around the island. 

Getting there - a ferry ride from Sihanoukville can reach Koh Rong. The duration of this trip can take up to 2 hours. Booking your ferry tickets in advance is optional but recommended especially during the peak season and be sure that the stopping point of the ferry will stop at your designated area in Koh Rong. The price per person will be roughly around 10-20 USD (roundtrip ticket). 

OVERALL EXPERIENCE

My Cambodia experience was great, and honestly, it is one of my best trips. I have learned so many things, and I have witnessed a different kind of vibe. I must say that Cambodian people are very humble people, and I truly appreciate their services. I will be back for sure. I hope to do a volunteer service here one day when I can.

I hope you find this blog and the information that I have provided resourceful for your trip to Cambodia or if you are planning or thinking of a trip to Cambodia. If you have any questions concerning about Cambodia, you may leave a message in the comment box. I will be more than happy to help and be useful :)

Yours Truly,

Michelle Chan