I have planned for this trip for quite some time now. I have always wanted to see Angkor Wat. I am fascinated with ancient structures like this. When I stood on the Great Wall, I knew I was meant to visit all these wonders of the world... hehe... =D Initially, it was supposed to be with a group of friends but the pricey MAS airfare held us back for a moment. Then, Airasia had a 2 million free seats promotion. I knew then I could not miss this opportunity. Since my parents have not travelled much before, I wanted to bring them on this trip. So, I invited them and my brothers. Before I knew it, they have invited everyone they knew to go on this trip as well. Oh dear! You can imagine all kind of things running through my mind. Anyway, to cut the story short, the delegation now involved 2 of my aunts and my uncle as well.
Now everyone can fly - For FREE! (Almost Free!)
I only paid for the airport tax which is about RM143 for both ways. The air fare is a super duper RM0! That is a lot of savings. I do not know how Airasia does it but for me, it is definitely the deal of the year! Heck, I don't care if there's no on board food or no bells and whistles. I'm a budget traveller and that means, I do not need luxury. The flight takes about 2 hours and 5 minutes on Airasia's new Airbus.
The delegation to Siem Reap. It was supposed to be 9 persons but my brother had to cancel the trip as he has to attend a convention in the States.
Upon exiting the airport, we were greeted by Nat! He's the manager for RedLodge at Angkor. It's a budget accomodation that has surprisingly many of the facilities only found in more expensive establishments. I have booked the place before hand and quite ironically, he actually didn't want to accept any room reservations as he had many bad experiences where people did not inform him that they were cancelling the rooms and had him waiting at the airport. I showed keen interest in his place and assures him that I will definitely stay there. He trust me and I trust him.. it's a man's thing I guess. He told me one time where he was waiting for Natalie (from Malaysia - darn!) at the airport. She arrived at the Airport and another guesthouse was also receiving her there. She decided to take the other one (Golden Temple Guesthouse) which is the guesthouse just beside RedLodge. Bad girl Natalie... So, Nat calls her Nat-A-Lie! Haha... What a bad attitude from Natalie and it shows how some Malaysians are so kia-su.
A few days before I left for Siem Reap, I sent several emails to the other guesthouses to notify them that I will be cancelling the bookings even though I have yet to inform them about my arrival. It's really no good to have the guesthouses booked the room while they could have it let out to someone else. So, the next time you make a trip, just let them know if you are not interested anymore - the earlier the better.
Everyone having a relaxing time after checking in to the room.
One thing I love about the RedLodge is the atmosphere and the kind of people you meet there. Most of them are backpackers and those who can live in a less luxury environment although I must think that it was definitely a luxury for me. We had 2 rooms with airconditioners and bathrooms attached. Each room has 2 beds which could easily fit 2 persons in one bed. Yup, you guess it right! We have 4 to a room and honestly, it was good! The bed was larger than a single and slightly smaller than a double. For 15USD per room per night, it was a steal!
Furthermore, the RedLodge provides free consumption of bread, jam, margarine, tea, coffee and fruits. If you think that it's some cheap stuff, think again =D They provide Lipton tea bags and Nescafe coffee. An average sized fridge is also provided if you need to keep your drinks cold. While other guesthouses charges about USD3 to rent a bicycle, it's free for use at the RedLodge. Now, how cool is that? ;D
While everyone is busy checking in to their rooms. I went to meet Hul who was the driver who picked me up at the airport. Since there were so many people in this trip, I think it'd be best to hire a van. After negotiating the rates, we finally agreed at USD95 for 4 days which includes transportation to all the major attractions in a nice and comfy van. This news is definitely a welcome relieve for everyone as it was initially planned that we will cycle to Angkor Wat every day which is about 9km from where we were staying.
Dusty streets are everywhere
It's always interesting to experience the contrast in 2 different countries. While we are so used to breathing clean air, locals in Siem Reap have to bear with the dusty roads and it doesn't seem to bother them although some have masks put on. It seems that no work is being done to clean up the streets which leads to piles of fine sand along the road sides.
Students riding the bikes home after school.
Notice how they do not need any helmets. As dangerous as it may seems, I think they would have less accidents than we do over here even with so much law enforcements. This is I think due to the fact that they seem to drive at a leisurely pace. Even cars drive at about 40-50km per hour on the main roads. Everyone seems laid back and taking it easy. So contrasting when compared to KL roads.
Trying out the assam fruit
I always believe that travelling is not just about the places. It's also about the food, the people and the culture. My mum who is really crazy about fruits starts scouring for local fruits to try. It's pretty much the typical fruits which you can even find in Malaysia. The difference is in the size. Some are very much smaller and some are bigger. My girlfriend is trying out the assam fruit which they consume raw. This is my first time eating raw assam and it is really GOOD!
We tried this too! Can't remember the name but it's delicious! 4 for a dollar.
Siem Reap town
This is the town area. It's not very big and the whole town is pretty much accessible by foot although this means that you have to bear with the dust that gets thrown up the sky once a car or motorcycle passes by. Furthermore, constructions seems to be everywhere.
Climbing up to see the sunset
After the short walk from the town, we went back to the RedLodge as Hul is waiting there for us with his van. We'll be going to see the sun set! I can't recall the name of this place but it's very close to the South Gate and Angkor Wat. The road up is very steep and uneven. On some parts, both hands are required to push oneself up the narrow stairs. Despite looking dangerous, I see so many elderly enjoying the breathtaking view at the top. It just shows that age is no barrier.
At the top!
It's truly refreshing once you arrive at the top. It took us about 30 minutes which includes numerous stops to take photographs. If you are `Gung ho' about reaching up as quickly as possible, it should only take 15 minutes or less.
A great 1st day
At moments like this, you pause and you think to yourself... What a Wonderful World!
Finally, the sun sets...
Thirst quenching
After an exhausting first day, it's nice to just sit down and order a thirst quenching coconut. Too bad it wasn't served cold. We were definitely in dire need of a cold drink. Each of these coconuts costs USD0.50 and upon your requests, they will open up the coconut so you can feed on the `santan'.
Amok
This is one of their traditional dishes - Amok. It is sometimes also served in a coconut. Very tasty indeed and uniquely Cambodian.
I have seen a thousand pictures on Angkor Wat and nothing is like being there for yourself. The smell of the air, the depth of the visual and the physical contact and interaction with the people added so much more zing to this adventure! Stay tuned for Day 02!
Photo Information:
Camera - Nikon D70 Body
Lens - 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5
Flash - If any, is internal flash
