Seeing the ancient temples of Angkor was the highlight of my trip to Cambodia last summer. People from half the world away go to this place to marvel at the accomplishments of early human civilization and I was very excited to also have the chance to see it myself. Angkor was a bustling metropolis built by the Khmer Empire in the 9th to the 15th centuries, it is known as the biggest pre-industrial city in history. Its immensity is comparable to settlements and grand structures built by other civilizations of the ancient world. Although most of the structures are now left in ruins, what remains is still very captivating and leaves any visitor a good grasp of Khmer history and culture.
Read the rest of this entry »
A trip to Northern Philippines is part of my itinerary for remaining months of the year. It’ll be one of my most diverse trips in terms of the kinds of attractions I’ll get to visit ranging from man-made infrastructures, churches, museums, heritage sites and other cultural attractions to rivers, lakes, waterfalls, caves, mountainsides, beaches, and surfing spots. It’ll also be one of my longest road trips spanning more than 800 kilometers.
Read the rest of this entry »
Art Deli is one really cool place to hangout in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is an art cafe located along Alley West (the walkway behind Pub Street). Art Deli is filled with a lot of interesting and quirky pieces at every corner creating a light and mood perfect for a relaxing recharge over a cup of coffee or a bottle of beer, especially after a day of touring the temples. It like that Art Deli specializes in selling affordable art. You can already own some of the pieces even with just a few dollars in your pocket.
Read the rest of this entry »
With a name like “Pub Street”, there wouldn’t be much effort involved in convincing me to check such a place out. Pub Street can be found at the old market (downtown) area of Siem Reap in Cambodia, you won’t miss it if you’re planning on visiting Angkor Wat and spending some time in the city. It was late afternoon during our arrival in Siem Reap when we first passed by Pub Street, I was instantly drawn to the French colonial buildings still extant lining the whole stretch (actually much of the downtown area). Most of the buildings are now occupied by restaurants, cafes, and bars, thus the name “Pub Street.”
Read the rest of this entry »
One of my trips next month will take me to the Bicol, the South Eastern Peninsula of Luzon. I always drooled at iconic photos of Mayon Volcano’s perfect cone and I’m so excited to finally be able to see it for myself. I’ll be spending a week in Bicol allowing me to visit some of its most popular attractions. I’m planning on visiting Albay and it’s capital, Legazpi City, for amazing views of Mayon Volcano, Donsol in Sorsogon town for Whale Shark (Butanding) Watching / Interaction, Naga City for the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) and the annual Peñafrancia Festival, Caramoan Islands (also in Camarines Sur) for some island hopping and beach bumming, Daet in Camarines Norte to checkout Bagasbas Beach, and Calagua Group of Islands (also in Cam Norte) for another round of island hopping.
Read the rest of this entry »
I finally arrived in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Siem Reap is famous for the ancient Angor Wat Temple built by the Khmer Empire. I was so surprised with my first glimpses of Siem Reap! it was so different with the images I had in mind of Cambodia. The roads were excellent, so many large hotels, and a lot of foreigners filling up artsy restaurants and bars. I was expecting more of a small farming community village than a bustling tourist city. What I love about Siem Reap is its unique charming character, it’s not hard to fall in love with the place and be inspired with the brimming dose of culture.
Read the rest of this entry »
Overland travel from Thailand to Cambodia was surprisingly easy and convenient (sans the long 9 hour travel time) especially now that the road conditions in the Cambodian side has improved significantly. When I was still planning the trip, I expected to travel from Thailand to Cambodia on my own so I already had an idea how to do it. It was my first time, nevertheless, and even though I’ve thoroughly did my research nothing, in travel amongst most things in life, is better than personal experience. Fortunately, my new travel buddies Kawajan and Bubbles knew their way around Bangkok and Thailand, which made my trip almost glitch free.
Read the rest of this entry »
One of my planned trips in September is a four day visit to Singapore and Malaysia. I’m so excited since it’ll be my first time going there … well, I haven’t gone out of the country a lot to begin with :) It’ll be a four day trip from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (I’ll be flying out of KL early morning on the fifth day, so it doesn’t really count). The Singapore leg will be spent more on theme parks and the usual touristy stuff but I’ll be sure to fit in some heritage destinations as well. While the Malaysian leg will be spent mostly in Kuala Lumpur and its diverse multicultural attractions. I’m planning to squeeze in a visit to a mosque, a hindu temple, and a chinese temple during my short time there. I also arranged a side trip to Putra Jaya, Malaysia’s masterplanned government complex.
Read the rest of this entry »
It was my first time in Thailand and after arriving in Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) International Airport I was all set to go to Silom in Bangkok City Center. There are a number of ways to get to Bangkok City Center but because Cebu Pacific Airlines lands in Bangkok around midnight, my options slimmed down dramatically (the plane arrived at 11:35PM but it was around midnight when I finished going through Thai immigrations and customs). I was left to choose between riding a taxi or taking my chances on whatever public buses were still available.
Read the rest of this entry »
The months of September and October will be busy months of traveling. Anticipating the peak of the monsoon season, I’ve intentionally set August for spending more time at home and working on my blogs. My travel spree in September will start with a week long visit to Cebu, Bohol, and Ozamis City then it’s a three-week series of trips in Luzon. I’m still brewing my masterplanned backpacking itinerary.
Read the rest of this entry »
Ambot-ah is a blog about my life as a travel blogger, nurse, and freelance photographer. After my college graduation, I decided to make a living out of blogging and live out my many passions. Join me on my travels around the Philippines and South East Asia. Read my helpful backpacking journals, budget travel trips, do-it-yourself itineraries, blogging pursuits (making money online), and photography tips. 
