My trip to Thailand and Cambodia is finally over and I’m now back at home skimming through the photos and reminiscing wonderful experiences I’ve had during my stay there. My purpose of travel was primarily for work, hired by a friend as an assistant photographer for a big corporate event in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I only had limited time to see the different sights as a DIY tourist so I won’t be doing a comprehensive guide like my Hong Kong and Macau Tour. Rest Assured, I have a lot of useful info to share about traveling in Thailand and Cambodia that will slowly fill this blog in the coming weeks.
Locals buying fresh flowers for the Khmer New Year in Siem Reap, Cambodia
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It’s day 3 of my Thailand – Cambodia trip. I actually arrived in Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi International Airport) on a super late night trip last April 12 like 11:35pm via Cebu Pacific but its was 12:00ish (technically the next day) when I got out of the immigration counters and everything. I then had to go to Silom in Bangkok City Center to meet with two friends (for the first time) and then go to Cambodia overland by bus by 5:00am. It’s actually great to avoid Bangkok at this time since the red shirt riots have gotten really bad the past week.
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Want to view Google Maps in your native iPhone or iPod Touch map app even if you’re online? Here’s how I did it!
So why is it important for me to have access to offline Google Maps? For one, If I’m traveling to some unfamiliar place, Google Maps are extremely helpful to explore the area and get from point A to point B. The iPhone/iPod Touch has a built-in maps application but can only be used if there’s WiFi internet around. Even if you do get connected online, once you close the maps app, all stored (chached) maps are cleared and if you open the app again, only a small portion of the map will be available for viewing. If you’re an iPhone user, you can always connect to the internet through your wireless carrier but you will still be depending on whether there’s a cellphone signal or not.
photo by stevegarfield
I’ll try to explain the steps to viewing maps offline in a simpler way but this initial guide is more targeted for power users (should know what “jailbreaking” and SSH are) and also iPod touch users since I don’t own an iPhone.
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If you’re wondering where you can buy dSLR cameras and other photographic equipment in the Philippines for the cheapest/lowest prices, then it’s in Hidalgo St., Quiapo. I know the place in general is notorious as one of Manila’s shabby and crime infested areas (full of pirated CDs/DVDs, counterfeit electronics, snatchers, garbage). I was surprised myself after finding out that it’s highly recommended by other photographers in the Philippines as a place to find a wider range of photographic/videographic equipment at a cheaper price than in malls. I bought my first camera, a Canon Powershot A700, in Hidalgo when I was in college and a Nikon D40 last year. I have nothing to complain about the quality of my purchases there.
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There’s no other place in the Philippines (and even South East Asia) that captures the image of an exotic tropical paradise better than Palawan Province, at least to my knowledge. Palawan is HUGE with a various destinations that will take months to fully explore. This summer, I’m set on traveling to Cuyo Town located in the middle of Sulu Sea between the main islands of Palawan and Panay. Cuyo was heavily popularized by the movie, Ploning, and Amanpulo Resort, one of the most expensive resorts in the Philippines with rates over $1000/night. Of course, I’m not rich enough to stay in Amanpulo but with 45 islands composing the town of Cuyo, there are many other beautiful islands to visit.
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For travelers planning on visiting Iloilo, the islands of Concepcion in Northern Iloilo is one of the “must sees” in the Province. Even though I’ve gone there a considerable number of times already, I just can’t get enough of it! Here’s my recommended 2 days and 1 night (overnight) itinerary when in Concepcion, where you can experience white sand beaches, clear waters, long winding sandbars, island hopping tours, coral gardens, fresh seafood, simple island life, and very friendly locals.
The view from Agho Island in Concepcion, Iloilo
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I’m still shaking my head on what I got myself into for my travel plans next month. I was originally planning on going to Manila during the third week of April and spending a couple of days to watch Aliwan Fiesta 2010, a showcase of festivals all over the Philippines on April 22-24 but then I extended it to a little more than one week after finding out about the 6th Philippine Blogging Summit to be held on April 16 – 17. So I booked my round trip flights online but after series of unexpected events, I ended up rebooking both flights and with two more “surprise” trips that I’m so excited about!
The Laoag City Float during the Aliwan Fiesta last year
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Thailand is best known as the “land of free” derived from the fact that it’s the only country in South East Asia that has never been colonized. With that rich culture intact, it isn’t a surprise that Thailand has become a popular international travel destination. Like most westerners, I’m also drawn to the exotic sights of Thailand since I live in a country that has had much western influence thanks to centuries of colonial rule.
photo by vtveen
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Ifugao Province is best known for the Banaue Rice Terraces, one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Philippines. Though, many seasoned travelers can attest that the best view of the ampitheatre-like rice terraces isn’t actually in Banaue town but in nearby Batad. It would be great to explore both areas to see which has a better view for yourself and also go on a hunt to find out the exact view where the Banaue Rice Terraces in the backside of the PHP1,000 bill was painted. Here’s a helpful list of links when planning on visiting Batad town in Ifugao, Philippines.
Photo by asteegabo
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Traveling around the world has never been easier today all thanks to travel bloggers, who have been very helpful in posting about their experiences, itineraries, and guides. I like to research as much about my trips online before traveling or even just planning. I know it’s hard and tedious work to rummage through search engines for helpful blog posts and forum threads so I hope this will be helpful. Cambodia is one of my top places to visit, I’ve always dreamed of walking through the ancient roads and pathways of Angkor Wat. If plans push through, I might finally be able to step foot in Cambodia soon, so I need to finish my itinerary ASAP.
Photo by Stuck in Customs
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Ambot-ah is a blog about my life as a travel blogger, nurse, and freelance photographer. After graduating in college, 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.
