Cambodia - The Best Iced Coffee in Phnom Penh

While exploring the Russian market at Phnom Penh, I came across a drink stall near the wet goods area having a sign "The Best Iced Coffee in Phnom Penh". I thought it was a simple marketing strategy to attract tourists. Anyway, I ordered a glass of Iced Coffee to refresh myself after an hour of walking and to satisfy my curiosity regarding the best iced coffee in Phnom Penh.

While waiting for my iced coffee, I took some shots around the stall. While doing this, I noticed that there was something peculiar about this drink stall. I have realized that the best iced coffee sign was not a marketing ploy but rather a statement supported by pictures and some write-ups. In addition, this stall has been producing iced coffee since 1980 according to this picture.

Some flags were displayed at the back. I was a bit elated upon seeing the Philippine flag.

After few minutes my iced coffee was served by a young lady.

The 1 USD iced coffee came with condensed milk. In case your sweet tooth needs more sugar power then you can add condensed milk until you are satisfied to its sweetness.

Upon seeing that I was taking some shots of my iced coffee, the owner added some extra ice and a small glass of coffee (espresso?) for free. Now, I can mix my own iced coffee depending on my taste. This is the first time that I would mix my own iced coffee unlike the commercial Starbucks Frappe.

It was quite an experience to prepare an iced coffee. To be honest, I am a hot coffee fanboy. I normally wanted my coffee to be steaming hot. However, due to warm and humid atmosphere inside the Russian market, I need a refreshing drink that will provide some "kick" at the same time. Soda drink was last on my list.

Initially, the iced coffee was superb. None with sugary taste. I loved the contrast between being bitter and sweet milky taste. Not to mention the chilly and refreshing effect on my mouth. Astonishingly, when I started mixing my own iced coffee, the taste went hay-wire, LOL.

At any rate, I was happy to meet the owner. He kept on smiling and even agreed to take my picture. Very nice guy.

Upon arriving at my hotel, I searched the net and surprisingly I found a FB account of the best iced coffee in Phnom Penh: BestIcedCoffeePhnomPenh 

From its FB account, I have learned that the young lady that served my iced coffee was her grand daughter and the owner was fondly called Mr. B. I have noticed also some positive comments posted by its clients coming from different parts of the world. I am sure that I am not the only Filipino who have discovered and learned to appreciate and love the iced coffee from this stall.

More power to you and your Best Iced Coffee in Phnom Penh Mr. B.

an article about Mr. B.

By the way, other drink stalls nearby have posted "The Best Iced Coffee" sign also. Just search for Mr B's stall near the corner.

Thailand - Bangkok Temple Hopping 1 - Wat Po

There are numerous Buddhist temples in Bangkok City. Wat Po (Reclining Buddha) is one of the oldest and largest temple complex among these temples. It is located at the back of The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew.

I stayed for 1 week near Khao San road and it took me at least 30 minutes of leisurely walk before I was able to reach this place. You can easily follow any city map if you are staying within Khao San area. However, in case you intend to come here by Chao Phraya Express boat then Wat Po is very near to Tha Tien Pier.

I paid 100 THB as entrance fee with free bottle of mineral water. To know the entrance, just follow the throngs of tourists visiting this place daily.

Inside the complex, you can easily find the reclining Buddha temple due to several notice boards strategically installed at different parts of the temple complex.

There are several giant stone structures which can be mistaken as gate guards for they are standing adjacent to the many entrances of the temple. I have no idea what is the relevance of these stone structures.

            

           

Before entering the actual temple you need to put your footwear inside a blue bag and carry it inside. You may return the blue bag upon leaving the temple.

Once inside the temple I was in awe upon seeing the reclining Buddha statue due to its size and design. Not to mention the inlaid mother of pearl at Buddha's feet.

According to wiki:

The image of reclining Buddha is 15 m high and 43 m long with his right arm supporting the head with tight curls on two box-pillows of blue, richly encrusted with glass mosaics.The 3 m high and 4.5 m long foot of Buddha displays are inlaid with mother-of-pearl. They are divided into 108 arranged panels, displaying the auspicious symbols by which Buddha can be identified like flowers, dancers, white elephants, tigers and altar accessories. Over the statue is a seven tiered umbrella representing the authority of Thailand. There are 108 bronze bowls in the corridor indicating the 108 auspicious characters of Buddha. People drop coins in these bowls as it is believed to bring good fortune, and to help the monks maintain the wat. Though the reclining Buddha is not a pilgirmage centre, it remains an object of popular peity.

ADDITIONAL SHOTS

               

the two box-pillows

The bronze bowls where the devotee can drop some coins. You can change 20 THB coins from the lady at the desk at the back of the reclining Buddha.

Inside the complex were four huge and walled Chedis (Pagodas) dedicated to the first four kings of Chakri dynasty known as Rama I, II, II and IV. These four Chedis were walled and enclosed so as no more Chedi will be built or added on the same area as these four kings were alive and met each other in the same period of time.

2 of the 4 Chedis

at the base of the Chedis

Wat Po is considered as the first public university of Thailand. It is also one of the earliest Thai massage school hence you will find inside the temple complex a massage shop. However, it is costly compared to other massage area in Bangkok.

 

An exhibit hall inside the complex.

                

OTHER SHOTS

 

ordination hall

Wat Po is truly amazing. Not only due to tremendous size and construction of the reclining Buddha but also due to its historical importance to this country and its people.

You may check my Bangkok temple hopping posts:

- Bangkok Temple Hopping 1 - Wat Po (Temple of The Reclining Buddha)
- Bangkok Temple Hopping 2 - Wat Saket (Temple of Golden Mount)
- Bangkok Temple Hopping 3 - Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
- Bangkok Temple Hopping 4 - Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat)
- Bangkok Temple Hopping 5 - Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)

Hong Kong - roaming around Mongkok

Shoppers at Hong Kong normally visit two places, Causeway Bay area to Central and downtown Mongkok. If you are searching for cheap merchandise such as t-shirts, souvenir items, bags and so on, you should go to downtown Mongkok due to its Ladies market and countless boutiques and shops. Unlike in Causeway Bay where you explore the different shopping malls, in Mongkok area, you explore the different streets surrounding Mongkok proper.

Last December vacation, my family and I celebrated Christmas in Hong Kong. I arrived at Hong Kong few days earlier. While waiting for them, I found some spare time to explore Mongkok area. I didn't expect it be extremely cold during those days thus I forego my plan to visit that place during night time .

The famous Ladies market at Tung Choi street occupies several blocks starting from Mongkok road to Dundas street. It opens at lunch time until 11:30 pm.

I was a bit early so most of the stalls were still closed

I strolled around the area for some time and decided to take my lunch on the street. I saw this 25 HKD fried chicken (excluding drink) stall at the corner of Dundas and Sai Yung Choi street south. Trust me chicken lovers, you'd love the crunchy and tasty fried chicken being sold here. Big serving too.

After downing this, I returned back to Ladies market. All the shops were now in business and shoppers started arriving from all over the place.

any idea what is this for? LOL

You can haggle at Ladies market but usually the price is already fixed and posted. In that case, you can haggle only if you plan to buy several pieces. My daughter noticed that the quality of some merchandises were not good. Likewise, fitting is also not allowed here.

Further, be careful when walking along this street. I saw two young lads by accident hit some items and they fell to the ground. Upon returning those items to their original place, the lady shouted at them. They tried to reason out but it was useless to the bantering lady. I felt intimidated by the lady as well.



Another famous street within Mongkok area is Fa Yuen street. Along this street you will find mostly food shops. Seafoods, meat shops and fruit stands abound along this street.

In addition to food stuff, there are also shoe shops along Fa Yuen street but most of them if not all are for ladies. Nevertheless, by exploring the other streets around Mongkok you will find many shoe stores for men as well. Some of them are selling old model hence the price is lower. However, for branded shoes, you should have at least an idea on how much it cost in Philippines before you decide to buy here. Bear in mind that shops overhead cost in Hong Kong is higher than in Manila.

MORE SHOTS AROUND MONGKOK AREA

confusing?

my buddies

Bought these 3 Cashmere scarfs (?). It was priced at 68 HKD per piece but I got them for 150 HKD for 3 pieces.

Coming to Mongkok is quite easy by MTR. It is more convenient if you can get hold of free Hong Kong map at the airport or at any hotel. On the other hand, dining here is quite tricky. You seldom see local restaurant having English menu, not to mention the difficulty in finding available seats in case you are a group. With family in tow, we eat most of the times at fast food joints. Anyway, you can't expect the kids to appreciate something that their taste buds are not familiar with.

Nathan road was famous for electronic items but it wasn't in our itinerary due to crowded sidewalks; countless passengers are always waiting at several bus stops along Nathan road. To add, I purchase all my electronic items at Dubai which is absolutely cheaper than in Hong Kong. Besides, Nathan road is infamous for electronic touts so better avoid this place in case you plan to buy some electronic items.







OTHER HONG KONG ATTRACTIONS:


Wandering with my eldest son
Street Carollers at Causeway Bay
Roaming Around Causeway Bay
I am in Hong Kong for my lunch and dinner

Singapore - MacRitchie Reservoir Park

During my last December vacation in Singapore, I stayed at Tree in Lodge hostel at Bugis. The two "green minded" and young caretakers/managers/receptionists con cleaners are very fond of nature. I write "green-minded" because I have never met any guy at their age, I believe they are within 20 to 30 years old, who are very concern about the environment; they are bikers, as well. Stay tuned for my late review of Tree in Lodge.

Anyway, one of them asked me why I opted to stay most of the time in the hostel unlike the other guests. I replied that everything was expensive in Singapore and I have visited its touristy places. He asked me if I have tried some of Singapore's "green trail." We had interesting discussions about Mount Faber, Sentosa Island hikers/bikers trail, Zoo, Botanic Gardens, and so on. We discussed mostly about nature or parks. However, when he mentioned MacRitchie Reservoir Park and Tree Top Walk, I got a little bit jumpy for I have never been to any reservoir park in Singapore, except the Singapore river. After receiving instruction from him on how to get to MacRitchie, I immediately left and took bus 980 from Bugis. Yes, you can visit this place by bus or taxi and the best thing is the free entrance.

Upon alighting at Upper Thomson bus stop, I walked towards Lornie road before I saw the park entrance. The water pump house/station was located at the entrance. You need to go around this pump station/house before you can see the actual reservoir.

The place was awesome and picturesque. I didn't imagine that Singapore would have this kind of place considering its pretty small size and being highly urbanized place.

At the entrance of this reservoir, you can do kayaking and fishing except swimming

Strolling along the bank, I reached the MacRitchie Nature Trail start point. It was a great place to start your hiking because aside from several monkeys that were lurking around the area you can do some stretching and light works at an outdoor mini-gym.

It is time to get serious. If you intend to reach Tree Top Walk from here you should be aware that it is almost 5 km away from this point. Thus, expect around 10 km of hiking on uneven and sometimes slippery ground hence a comfortable and rigid rubber shoes is necessary. You've been forewarned. On top of that, take note of these precautions for your own safety. Basing on my experience, for the entire 10 km walk, I have met fewer than 20 persons. Not to mention the "residents" of the lush forest. I heard that during weekend, you'd be able to meet a lot of hikers.

SOME SHOTS ALONG THE WAY

I was lucky the sky was clear. Otherwise, I would definitely soak in rainwater because I didn't bring any umbrella or raincoat. However, I would not recommend to anybody to visit this place or hike along this trail whenever you have doubt about the weather. The place could be dangerous due to slippery trail and who knows what would be the forest's "residents" reaction whenever it rains. Our safety should be our main priority always. At any rate, you will find in some areas a covered huts or shades.

Actually, if you intend to go to Tree Top Walk and don't want or not capable for long hike, I believe you can come to this area by car. Around 1 km before the Tree Top Walk, there is an asphalt road. I was disappointed initially because my excitement disappeared when I saw this paved road cutting across the forest trail but considering that not all of us can do long hiking such as children then I learned to appreciate this road later. In fact, I saw a sign that the inner road was for emergency use only.

Before reaching the Tree Top Walk, you will pass at a Ranger Station.

        Where are the rangers?

   
Surprisingly enough, you will find a clean and decent toilet at the back side of this ranger station. Aside from that, you can refill your water bottle from here as well. From here, you need to traverse a paved toad to reach Tree Top Walk entrance where another ranger post is located.

A few hundred meters of sloping wooden planks will greet you first before the actual Tree Top Walk.

TREE TOP WALK

am I in Singapore?

While traversing the Tree Top Walk hanging bridge, I was amazed for I didn't see any building or any structure. Where did they hide those buildings?

From this point, I decided to continue my journey around the reservoir. On my way here I had that feeling that a tiger could be lurking for an ambush On the other hand the path from here was totally different. It seemed that a croc would be the one waiting for an ambush. It was more frightening and creepy due to most of the paths were along swampy area. Not to mention that I was walking alone for quite some time. It was a good decision to install several kilometers of elevated wooden planks. I saw one concrete tower manned by several military guys, I waved my hand and they reciprocated. Singapore was truly tourist-friendly place, even at the middle of the forest.

Near the reservoir entrance was a golf course. I was relived upon reaching this place for I was sure that no crocs would dare approach this place, LOL. Just don't stroll inside the private golf course to avoid being hit by stray golf balls.

It was very unfortunate that my cam battery went dead. My DSLR was borrowed by my daughter hence I was stuck with an old PNS cam. During my entire hiking, I saw several squirrels and lizards. Though precautionary signs about snake abound I was lucky not to see one.

The experience was definitely unforgettable. My hiking trail experience at Sentosa Island and Mount Faber pale in comparison with this one. I was able to complete the 10 km trail without encountering any problem but the unforgiving trail caused my old Sketchers cross-training shoes to give way.

After reaching the reservoir entrance, I took a quick snack at the restaurant and re-filled my bottled water. Another surprise was that the lady at the counter was a "kabayan" so as the other ladies strolling around the park or reservoir entrance.

I returned back to Bugis by taking the same bus at the opposite street. It took me more than 4 hours before I was able to come back to hostel.

The hostel guy upon learning that I have completed the MacRitchie Natures Trail in few hours without any preparation dared me to visit Singapore's Southern Ridges. I told him, no thanks, I need to have at least 2 days rest to recuperate. It was not easy for me to hike for 10 km inside a forest. Actually my feet and legs were sore after the hike. Moreover, I almost completed the Southern Ridges hike from Mount Faber earlier. I was at the middle of Henderson Waves bridge going to Forest Walk at Telok Hill Park, part of Southern Ridges, when I decided to quit and return back to civilization. I was not afraid of heights but the Henderson Waves bridge was too much for me; it was a creative and scary designed pedestrian bridge. Google it and you will know what I am saying. Although supported by concrete and metals, its wooden plank deck gives the impression of weakness and seems to me the highest bridge in Singapore. During that time, it was raining intermittently and the wind was blowing hard. Anyway, just wait for my Mount Faber post to have a glimpse of Henderson Waves Bridge.


OTHER SINGAPORE ATTRACTIONS:

Chinatown
Merlion Park
Zoo
Clarke Quay
Botanic Gardens
Jurong Bird Park
Bugis
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Sri Mariamman Temple
Sentosa Island for 1 S$
Waterloo Street
Orchard Road
Mustafa Center (open for 24 hrs)
Little India
The 5 Merlions 
Marina Bay Sands
Lucky Plaza
Haw Par Villa (The Tiger Balm Gardens)
Mount Faber
Kampong Glam