Spotted - Fisherman at Tonle Sap

I spotted this fisherman on my way back to Kampong Khleam from Tonle Sap floating village. He was trying to catch fish by throwing his net to the water. I hope his net yielded a bountiful catch.

Tonle Sap is the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia. During dry season, the water recedes and flows to Mekong river. I was lucky to visit this place during dry season.

When rainy season starts in June, the lake expands and forms an enormous lake.

Cambodia - Moori, my friend in Siem Reap

Prior to my arrival in Siem Reap, aside from my travel knick-knacks and pocket money, I have my apprehension about the place as well for I was traveling alone.

Moori at SR bus station

When my bus from Phnom Penh arrived at SR's lone bus station, I saw a small guy holding a piece of paper with my name on it. He was sent by Ta Som Guesthouse (see: Ta Som Guesthouse ) to fetch me. I was elated when he introduced himself because he spoke good English. Unlike the PP's tuk-tuk drivers who mainly know how to haggle Moori is a different class; he started a friendly conversation and I was glad that after 6 hours of travel I heard my voice again, LOL.

In our first "business transaction," Moori showed me the posted daily rate inside Ta Som Guesthouse. The 3-day unlimited temple visit costs 58 USD for transportation only. He gave me a discount of 4 USD.

In short, we had a contract for 3 days. It is worth to mention that he gave me some advices on how I can save money while temple hopping aside from daily complimentary chilled bottled water. He showed me places where I can take my lunch cheaper. Likewise, he gave me tips about the souvenir/book peddlers. A good imitation of Ancient Angkor book was being peddled for 20 USD, if not for Moori's tips I won't be able to have it for 5 USD.

Even snacks, the price of 3 pieces charcoal roasted steamed sticky rice with jackfruit inside wrapped in banana leaf, similar to our "suman," was 1 USD. I got 4 pieces for the same price because of Moori.





On top of this, I asked Moori where I can watch a good Apsara dance performance. He asked Ta Som Guesthouse to book me for a seat at Koulen 2 restaurant. He brought me there at around 6 pm; early enough to make at least 4 dashes to buffet tables. When the Apsara dance performance was about to start and people were still in queue at buffet tables, I was on my dessert.

The most memorable thing that Moori did for me was to bring me along with him on his friend's wedding at Kompong Khleang. It was an unforgettable experience indeed. It was my first time to see and celebrate a Cambodian wedding. I even met the newly-wed couple.

Prior to the wedding, Moori and his friends invited me to play pool with them. I refused politely thus they  bought me an iced coffee while I watched them play. After the games, they negotiated with a tour guy at the small pier and off we go to floating village with out own boat for a measly 20 USD.

Moori was a great help during my stay in Siem Reap. He even acted as my personal photographer outside the temples; you can even leave your personal and important belongings with him while you explore the temples. Moreover, he showed me an off-the-beaten-path to Angkor Wat, the eastern gate. This path has less crowd and wild monkeys abound in that area. The place was a bit surreal compared to the main entrance. You may refer to my post about Angkor Wat.

I really find it hard leaving Siem Reap not only due to great ancient temples but also due to its wonderful people.

I recommended Moori to my colleague who visited SR with his wife after I left. They were very satisfied with Moori's service as I was.

By the way, to know more about Moori, you may visit and contact him through his website. http://www.templetowntours.com/

Thailand - Roaming Around Bangkok - Part 2 (Khao San Area)

On my later visits to Bangkok, I stayed at Khao San area.

The place is great for night life, food tripping and temple hopping during day time. You may start your journey from the end of Khao San road near the police outpost; you may follow the red line to visit Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn). You need sturdy legs, trust me, since it took me an hour of leisurely walk to cover the entire distance. On top of this, I need to take a boat ride from Tha Tien pier to the opposite bank of Chao Phraya river in order to reach Wat Arun. If there are ladies in your group or your wife is with you, don't ever try to follow this path especially when the temperature is high, you've been warned, LOL. At any rate, you can observe and appreciate Bangkok city's normal daily lives if you complete trekking the red line.

RED LINE

City Pillar Shrine and Ministry of Defense

Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

Bike Rental

Antiques vendors

Traversing the red line, you'd also pass some great spots such as Sanamluang Park and Ministry of Defense building to name a few. Likewise, there are many antique vendors along the street at the back side of Grand Palace when going to Tha Tien pier. It was entertaining to have a look at those antiques being peddled by the street vendors. You have nothing to worry as long as you don't speak for they would assume that you're also a local. Upon arriving at Tha Tien pier, make sure that you're queueing at the correct berthing station to reach Wat Arun otherwise you might end up boarding the Chao Phraya Express boat that travels across the entire length of the river.

Be aware though that along the way, some touts would try to call your attention especially when you have reached the Grand Palace area. Don't mind them because chances are they would discourage you in visiting these places, they would give many reasons so as to divert you to "other great temples" and shops in connivance with some tuk-tuk drivers. Moreover, some clever guys would entice you to feed those pigeons near Sanamluang park with corn, don't mind them. I mean those guys, if you don't have spare Baht to pay for the corn.

BLUE LINE

You need to start at the other end of Khao San road and turn right up to Ratchadamnoen Klang road. I prefer to call this as the main road along blue line due to its great width. Turn left at Ratchadamnoen and simply follow this main road. This path is a bit easier to follow since the distance is shorter than the Red Line. It took me around 45 minutes to reach "The Golden Mountain."

Democracy Monument

By following the main road you'd easily notice "The Democracy Monument" from afar. This public monument also serves as traffic round-about. It was commissioned in 1939 to commemorate the 1932 revolution that established the Thailand constitutional Monarchy.

An added treat is the Mc Donald's outlet near this monument. I took my lunch there before returning to Khao San road.

Loha Prasat or Wat Ratchanadda at the back

Just continue following the main road and at the intersection of the main road and Maha Chai road you would see "Loha Prasat" or "Wat Ratchanadda;" a Buddhist temple built by Rama III in 1846. If you have time to spare I suggest that you pay a visit to this temple because it is the 3rd Loha Prasat temple in the world. You'd find the other two in India and Sri Lanka. It is called Loha Prasat due to pyramid or multi-tiered structure with 37 metal spires which signify the 37 virtues towards enlightenment.

Mahakan Fort and The Golden Mount at the back

Wat Saket and The Golden Mount

Going further you'd see "Mahakan Fort." This is one of the two remaining forts from the 14 forts built by Rama I around Bangkok. This fort is quite historical but due to its small size you won't find it among the itinerary of tourists. Nevertheless, from this area you can see the "The Golden Mount." Just cross the bridge and turn right to reach Wat Saket. You need to climb an artificially built hill to reach the Golden Chedi on top of the hill. This place is used to be a cremation area during Ayutthaya era and built and restored by different Ramas. Normally, the visitors come here to climb The Golden Mount. In fact, I did the same. I never entered the temple itself at the base of the hill but rather exerted much effort in climbing the Golden Mount since the view at the top was simply stunning.

In conclusion, Khao San road is famous due to its food and night life in Bangkok. It is also called as backpackers Mecca and from here you can easily book a trip to other places and countries. However, an informed tourist would treat this place as focal point for a very interesting and worthwhile temple hopping in Bangkok. In fact there are less known temples around the area but due to lack of time and fatigue I didn't bother visiting them all. Khao San isn't the place for those who are looking for laid-back vacation but rather for those hardcore-visitors-of-off-beaten-path, if I may say so.

By the way, don't forget the golden rules when you visit these temples, observe proper dress code and remove any foot wear before entering any temple. I can safely say that your shoulder up to knee should be covered at least. Remove your hat or cap also before going inside the temple and don't disturb the devotees.

Enjoy your temple hopping!

P.S.

Don't forget to bring water, small/face towel, sunscreen, cap/hat and map.

OTHER THAILAND ATTRACTIONS:

Platinum mall, Bangkok
Pratunam market, Bangkok
Roaming Around Bangkok - part 1 (Pratunam area)
Pantip Plaza, Bangkok
CentralWorld mall
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Khao San Road
J - Trends in Town Celebration
Wat Pho (The Reclining Buddha)
Wat Saket (Temple of Golden Mount)
The Grand Palace - Bangkok City

UAE - Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise with Dinner

In one of our company business trips in Dubai, my Yemeni colleagues asked me whether I have tried the famous Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise. I replied not yet thus we booked ourselves for a 2-hour Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise at the lobby tour desk of our hotel.

Dubai creek is merely a narrow inlet of sea where you can easily observed thousand of activities during daytime while the view transforms into something magical at night time due to glimmering lights of different colors from both sides of the creek being reflected on the still water. This is the best time to enjoy Dhow Creek Cruise.

We were fetched from our hotel lobby at 6 pm by the tour agent and were brought to Dubai creek where several traditional Dhows or wooden boats were anchored on its bank. We were warmly welcomed by the staff before we boarded the ship.

Though these Dhows really looks ancient they are motorized, however.  Bright and colorful rope lights are installed around them. Unlike their forebears that resemble a cargo boat, our Dhow is a single level and open air deck with many tables and chairs thus you can enjoy a 360 degrees view of the creek while the sea breeze will keep you cool. The Dhow is more like a floating restaurant.

Being the first guests to arrive, our group got the best seat in the house. More so, tea, coffee, sodas and juices were offered as welcome drinks.

The buffet tables opened at 8 pm. It is composed of Continental and Asian foods with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks and mineral water. The food was more than enough for the whole group but nothing special though. You can order alcoholic drinks but the price was quite steep.

The Dhow sails slowly along the creek and sometimes traverses under the bridge. While on board, a melodious music kept on playing. After some time a magic show was held and some guests were asked to participate. The mood was generally festive. On top of this, we saw along the way several equally colorful Dhows. It was quite a view since they looked like floating-phantom-boat-shaped-lights from afar.

magic show

sailing under bridge

There are places that photography is not allowed due to security reasons. Huge warning signs are posted along Dubai Creek banks. Normally these places are government building and private properties of the royal family.

The feeling was great and it was truly a memorable experience since you have the chance to see the old and new architectures of Dubai. Moreover, there were places along the creek bank that people gathered for an evening chat while in some areas we noticed cargoes being unloaded from small wooden vessels that came from neighboring countries such as Iran and Oman.

I can say that Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise is suitable for the entire family and couple as well due to serene and romantic atmosphere. During winter, you need to bring protection or thick clothes to keep you warm.

After more than an hour we reached the end point of Dubai Creek, our Dhows maneuvered and returned back to its original location. It took us around 3 hours to complete the entire voyage. The tour agent returned and waited for us; he dropped us back to our hotel.

The three of us paid 200 Dhs each for the Dhow Cruise with dinner. I found it later that the price was inflated.

UAE TRIP:

Roaming around Abu Dhabi city

Abu Dhabi Corniche

Dubai - Burj Khalifa

Dubai Mall

Roaming around Dubai city

Cars in UAE

Dubai - Jumeirah beach park

Dubai Mall of Emirates

Dubai Desert Safari

Spotted - Palm Juice vendor at Angkor Wat

I spotted this guy while exploring Angkor Wat. He sells his palm juice for 1 USD per cup. He pours the cup of juice into a plastic with straw.

Out of curiosity and to quench my thirst, I bought one cup. I took his picture while he was preparing my juice.

The shot is good but the palm juice tastes funny.

Singapore - Kampong Glam

When in Singapore, tourists normally flock in throngs to Chinatown while some of them pay a visit to Little India due to its spices. Unknown to many, there is a place also in Singapore rich in Muslim heritage. The place is called Kampong (Village) Glam. It used to be the home of Malay aristocracy of Singapore prior to British colonization.

Sultan Mosque

Presently, this place is sometimes called "Muslim Quarters" not only due to its history but likewise to its continuous strong ties to ethnic Malay and Muslim. Not to mention that majority of its population is Muslim.

In its earlier time after the colonization, Kampong Glam was allocated to Sultan Hussein and his household, as well as Malay and Arab communities. Hence, Kampong Glam's main and famous land mark is called Sultan Mosque. It remains a major landmark not only in Kampong Glam but also in entire Singapore as well. On top of this, Kampong Glam is also considered as center for Muslim activities in Singapore.

Throughout the years, KG has been restored, conserved and refurbished. One can easily notice the colorful structures comparable to Little India and Chinatown.

You'll find several carpet shops, textiles, Sheesha corners and restaurants offering Halal or lawful foods for the Muslim. The streets were named after famous Arab/Muslim places such as Kandahar St, Muscat St and Baghdad St.

Though the place is known to be Muslim area, there are many bars where tourists can have their alcohol shots especially during night time. On the other hand, some of the residents of the area have decided to protect their religious heritage by banning alcohol in their premises and encouraging other shops to follow suit.

THE BARS

 

It is obvious that this place doesn't normally appear on the itinerary of ordinary tourists as you can see on those near empty shops, cafe and bars. Admittedly, after being exposed to Islamic and Muslim communities in the Middle-East for many years, it is with regret that I found KG uninteresting place to visit in Singapore. I have seen better Mosques and have eaten in authentic Arab restaurants; I have also explored some well-known Arabic souks and places thus I think this place had been highly commercialized thus it lacks the soul of Muslim community. Little India fares better in this regard.

Kampong Glam is walking distance from Bugis LRT station. There are public buses that pass along this area but I found it easier and faster to go there by LRT.

Well, maybe in Singapore, this place could be a welcome respite to Muslim tourists after a long and tiring day of exploring Singapore's artificial touristy places.

UAE - King Mindi Yemeni Restaurant, Abu Dhabi

Having spent many years in the Middle-East has made me familiar to their cuisine especially the way they cook lamb which I believe deserve praise and commendation.

During the last 5 years, while in Yemen, I have learned to love their Lamb Mendi and Madfon which are served during Friday in our camp restaurant. Likewise, whenever we have a celebration or holiday we feast on those cholesterol laden food. Admittedly, my diet goes straight to the waste bin whenever I indulge in those lamb dishes. Once I tasted it I learned to love it.

Filipinos are not normally lamb-eaters though there are restaurants in Manila where you can order lamb chops and lamb kebab. I doubt whether you can find Lamb Mendi or Lamb Madfon in Manila. Even if you find one, I believe the taste will not be as authentic as those in the Middle-East or Yemen due to their unique way of cooking.

Lamb Mendi is a traditional dish from Yemen and it is now popular in the whole Arab peninsula. The dish is usually made of Basmati rice with mixture of spices and lamb meat toppings. The lamb meat is initially half-boiled then cooked inside a special clay oven with fiery charcoal inside thus trapping the flavor within the meat.

For Lamb Madfon, the same colorful and fluppy Basmati rice mixed with spices and boiled lamb meat as topping. Sometimes the meat is wrapped inside aluminum foil thus retaining the juice and flavor while being boiled.

In both dishes, they used young and small lamb hence the fresh meat was tender and tasty once cooked.

In one of our training in Abu Dhabi city, my Yemeni colleagues invited me for lunch in King Mindi, a famous Yemeni restaurant near the corner of Moroor Street and Airport road.

As expected you won't find any chair and tables inside an authentic Arab restaurant; you seat and eat on carpeted floor with reclining pillows. The wallpapers are in gold color while the carpets and pillows are bright red which contribute to our appetite. To add, you need to remove your footwear before entering the restaurant.

Our group ordered both Lamb Mendi and Madfon. Our orders come with grated tomatoes with chili to garnish the meat. Tea and vegetable salad made our meal complete.

Lamb Madfon inside aluminum foil

Lamb Mendi

To protect the carpet, a plastic sheet was placed in our midst where the foods would be served. By doing this, it would be very easy to clean the area once we finished our meal. Simply remove the plates and roll the plastic. By the way, spoon and fork are to be requested in case you find it difficult to eat with your bare hands.

The Lamb Mendi costs 50 Dhs per order while Lamb Madfon was 45 Dhs. Drinks not included.

I feel sleepy, LOL

The large plate can be shared by several diners and sometimes we even take rice and meat from other plates in case they have left-overs, lol.

Lastly, they have also Chicken Mendi and Madfon.

Cambodia - Central Market in Phnom Penh

This market opened in 1937 and used to be the biggest market in Asia hence it was also known as Grand Market. It opens at 7 am and closes at 5 pm. I used to walk when visiting this place from Circuit Hotel; it is merely 2 blocks away. In between Circuit Hotel and CM is Sorya Mall thus after a tiring walk at CM I drop by at Sorya Mall for a quick snack.

This market is quite unique due to its design. It has a large dome structure at the middle of 4 long arms. The building is similar to an octopus with 4 tentacles, LOL.

jewelry shops at the dome

Due to its historical value, it is now considered as major land mark in Phnom Penh city thus a must-see for any tourist. Similar to Russian Market, you would find here many jewelry shops that offer competitive price. They are mainly located at the middle dome structure while you would find other products along the 4 arms. Likewise, clothing apparels, housewares, electronic and souvenir items, to name a few, also abound here. Further, there are also wet goods but they occupy only a small portion of the market.

I find the atmosphere here much preferable than in Russian Market. Airy, good visibility, organized and lots of elbow room for shoppers and tourists alike. Even so, you need to haggle seriously because I have noticed that the price is quite inflated for tourists.

Foodie will be glad to savor the local cuisines since the place is hygienically better than in Russian Market. I believe this is the only thing you can't haggle in this place.

You can come here by tuk-tuk; normally, fare is 2 USD.