What is Ambot-ah?

In the Philippine Ilonggo dialect, ambot ah literally means "I don't know." After graduating in college, I decided to hold off pursuing my profession and embarked on a free spirited journey of adventure and self-discovery. My travels have led me to many places across the Philippine Islands and South East Asia. I don't know where this path will take me but I'm certain I'll get a lifetime of stories out of it.

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Newly Released Ambot-ah Episodes

Mandalay Gallery: ancient cities of Upper Myanmar and rural Hsipaw
Mandalay Gallery: ancient cities of Upper Myanmar and rural Hsipaw
30+ photos from five days in Upper Myanmar: Bicycle tour in Mandalay, scenic train to Hsipaw, and adventures at the ancient cities of Mingun, Amarapura, Innwa, and Sagaing. Yet another long night bus brought me to Mandalay, 3rd stop on my 14 day backpacking trip around Myanmar (Burma). P, a Thai traveler I met in Bagan was also headed the same way, perfect! Read the rest of this entry »
Laos Itinerary: From North to South, Backpacking around Laos for 18 days
Laos Itinerary: From North to South, Backpacking around Laos for 18 days
I traveled to Laos with a mission to surround myself in the beauty and serenity of the Laos countryside. I was totally looking forward to wander around remote villages, hiking past blooming rice paddies bordered by towering limestone cliffs. I ended up traveling from the northeastern Thai-Laos border to its southernmost Laos-Cambodia land crossing . Read the rest of this entry »
Yangon Airport to the City Center and my hostel search
Yangon Airport to the City Center and my hostel search
Networked Content
Local bus from Yangon Airport to Sule Pagoda in Central Yangon and my search for hostels in Yangon. Read the rest of this entry »
Bangkok to Yangon, Myanmar Flight via AirAsia
Bangkok to Yangon, Myanmar Flight via AirAsia
Networked Content
My early morning Air Asia flight from Bangkok to Yangon via Don Meuang International Airport. Read the rest of this entry »
Bagan Itinerary from dusk till dawn: My 4 day temple run in Myanmar
Bagan Itinerary from dusk till dawn: My 4 day temple run in Myanmar
Day 1 Arrival in Bagan, Myanmar The sky was shrouded by pitch black darkness when our night bus arrived in Bagan (from Yangon) around 3am. I didn’t bother book a hostel room beforehand. After arrival, my “game plan” was basically to get on a pick-up truck to New Bagan, supposedly the go-to place for cheap hostels, and wanderaimlessly around town to check for cheap rooms. Read the rest of this entry »
Backpacking Thailand: One month itinerary around Northern Thailand
Backpacking Thailand: One month itinerary around Northern Thailand
I couldn’t have thought of a better destination to kick-start my trip around mainland South East Asian than in, drum roll please …. Thailand!  So cliché, I know, but this country took up the lion’s share of the “banana pancake trail” for a reason: It had something to offer for every traveler. Read the rest of this entry »
DIY guide on Bagan Temples and Pagodas
DIY guide on Bagan Temples and Pagodas
Networked Content
A list of all the temples and pagodas we explored during our four day trip to Bagan, Myanmar. Plan your visit and know the sights you should not miss in Bagan. Read the rest of this entry »
Backpacking Burma: My two week adventure in Myanmar
Backpacking Burma: My two week adventure in Myanmar
I was at the end of my backpacking journey around mainland South East Asia, with one more country left on my itinerary: Myanmar. Myanmar, also known as “Burma,” had only recently become a popular destination in the South East Asian backpacking trail. Blame it on decades of military government control for isolating the country from the rest of the world. Read the rest of this entry »
High Point of my Jungle trek to Sohoton Lagoons of Bucas Grande Island
High Point of my Jungle trek to Sohoton Lagoons of Bucas Grande Island
Awesome view overlooking limestone karst jungles surrounding the hidden lagoons of Sohoton in Bucas Grande Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines. I found out about the “jungle trail” to Sohoton Caves and Lagoons on my fourth day in Bucas Grande Island. I’ve always wondered if it was possible and wanted to try it since it was the cheapest way to the lagoons.  Read the rest of this entry »
Eastern Mindanao: Siargao and Bucas Grande, Sohoton Lagoons, Awao and Aliwagwag Falls
Eastern Mindanao: Siargao and Bucas Grande, Sohoton Lagoons, Awao and Aliwagwag Falls
What brought me back to Siargao and Bucas Grande Island? That’s easy! These islands were among my favorites in the entire Philippines. For years since my first visit to Surigao provinces, I craved intensely to go back and swim in the crystal-clear emerald waters of Sohoton lagoons with hundreds of non-sting jellyfish and finally ride the famous surf in Cloud9. Read the rest of this entry »