Cambodia, Siem Reap

Recently I've just visited the famous Ang Kor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia!

 

If you are planning to go there, there are a few airlines that go there, however if you are talking about budget, Jetstar is the only one that flys direct to Siem Reap. Note: the flights are not daily. Do check for Silkair tickets too, sometimes they can be almost on par. 

The hotels there usually provides free transfers from the airport (one way). Though transportation there isn't very expensive.

Transportation fees:

Tuktuk = 15 USD a day or you can opt to pay one way if you don't need them for the whole day. 

Bus to Pheom Pehn  = $13 USD or 12 USD depending on which bus company you take. Toilets along the way were relatively clean! 

Opening time for Ang Kor Wat is 5am. 

To enter the temples in Siem Reap you would have to buy a ticket. This ticket allows you to enter all temples. There are a few options to choose from. 

1 day pass = USD $20

3 day pass = USD $40

1 week pass = USD $60

Your pass will have a photo of you attached to it, so make sure you do not lose it! 

You might also like to visit the famous Waterfall at Phnom Kulen National Park. The ride up there takes about 1 and a half hours. Best time to visit would be in the morning. They close off the road up to this mountain after a certain time. 

Method of transportation would be to travel via car up to Phnom Kulen. The cost of the ride ranges from $50 USD to $75 USD depending on your driver. You will need purchase a ticket to visit this national park and no, it is not the same as the one you purchase to visit the other temples in Siem Reap.

You would also see the sleeping buddha that was carved on top of a mountain there. This famous waterfall is vital for Cambodians. It gives them the water needed to help irrigate the fields.

Along the way, you will also see tiles that have cravings on it. It is called fertility tiles. These cravings on the tiles are said to blessed the water flowing down from the mountains to provide the Khmers year round harvest.

At night, you can visit old market/ pub street. There are a lot of restaurants and shops there. The shops close quite early though, about 9 or earlier! The whole place, however, is quite touristy! Lots of locals and expats.

I hope this helps!  A few more photos below of what to expect. Enjoy. :)

On the way to Ang Kor Wat

Sun Rise at Ang Kor Wat

Daily rituals at Ang Kor Wat

View at the highest point of Ang Kor Wat. Tip: this place opens at 7.30am! :))

One of the many enormous trees that is causing the destruction of temple Ta Prom

Sunset from Temple Banteay Kdei.

When the sun sets against Ang Kor Wat

Radisson Blu Plaza Resort Phuket

I visited Phuket last August and found a really great resort that Reebonz was marketing. It's Radisson Blu Plaza Resort Phuket. It is located on the far south of the island. This resort rest along the Andaman Beach. Unlike resorts in Patong area, Radisson provides her guest with the privilege to enjoy the beach privately. The waters are clear enough for you to enjoy what you might define as pristine.

The resorts offers two different types of accomodation. Villas and Rooms; depending on your budget and the amount of comfort you would like to enjoy. They have in-house activities for guests to enjoy such as yoga, and mediation in the early mornings. We tried both. It was a refreshing change from the hectic lifestyle of the city. A true rest and relaxation for all you tired souls out there with a budget. 

The journey to the night markets at Patong area would be a rough 45 mins drive ( i think, can't remember). Though the journey might seems long, it is a smoother ride compared to traveling in Bali. Bali's traffic conditions is really bad. The night life in Patong is really vibrant! A definite must experience.

Upon arrival

View from our room

King Size Bed! 

Walk down to the pool

Sea View Villa

Talay Spa

Spa's Waiting Area 

Treatment Room

Clear Waters! 

Lucky for us, we caught this amazing sunrise!

Yoga Session

We found a hermit crab! :))

As I was saying, the waters are really clear! 

For the price we paid, this resort was really worth it! It's inexpensive yet really pretty! :)

Alila Villas Uluwatu Bali

Alila Villas Uluwatu Bali is a perfect hotel if you are looking for an R&R. Situated in Uluwatu, it is away from the main tourism district. Thus allows one to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of this sunny island. The resort provides service such as in - villas check in and butler services makes this vacation like no other. It practically makes you feel like a queen.

Upon arrival at the resort

Infinity Pool

View from the Cabana

Each villas faces the ocean. All villas are also accompanied by their own pool. The resort has also taken the liberty to provide guest with necessities like Suntan lotion, Sunscreen, Insect repellent, refreshing mist especially when you are using their public pool. Their intuitive service has provide us with great convenience.

Picnic Basket with all the necessities you might need

Some of the amenities provided

You definitely have to give the hotel's restaurant a go. Their menus are very specialized. I don't think you wouldn't find it outside. :)

Did I mention their intuitive service? They provided this upon sitting for lunch. :)

Bread and passion fruit with virgin coconut oil

Accompanied with their well-known spa products and services, you will be pampered like no other. I would also like to add that their products are all made from natural ingredients. I am an absolute lemongrass fan. Thus my love for all their lemongrass products.

Would I like to go back? Definitely, not a word of doubt. :)

Bali - Karma Kanadra

I feel the need to tell the world about this resort AGAIN. Its just so pretty. I am still thinking about it since my last visit.

 

 

 

See you soon Karma Kandara! ^^