Crossing Cambodia to Vietnam

I have been attempting to leave Kep for a few days now, but the weather is not so permitting. I was thinking that it was not smart to stay in Kep though, as it is more expensive than Kampot; I thought I'd probably be better off staying in Kampot If i were just to wait for the weather to go better; besides, it's just $2 to get there.

Today, everyone from the guesthouse is set to leave Kep for Kampot. The weather is partially ok and in a minute, can go worse.  My decision was to at least make the attempt to Ha Tien in Vietnam, and if weather goes really bad, then I'll catch whatever vehicle there is to Kampot.

I rode the same tuktuk that the other guests to Kampot took. I hitched with them until the horse roundabout in Kep, where I'll catch another hitch to Ha Tien.

It didn't take so much time to successfully get a hitch. A van was passing by, flagged it, kept saying Ha Tien, and showed them my request letter written in Khmer.

 

Rain was pouring hard, people at the back were talking khmer, while I and driver were just quiet. 

I was looking for some road signs, or perhaps commercial establishments that would have their address in their signages, but none. It was but a highway at the middle of the vast ricefields, and hills and mountains on the far end.

I assume the family was supposed to stop somewhere in between Kep and Ha tien (as they dropped one of their passengers, I assume their kid, along the way), but as they have me, and it was raining, I think they drove all the way to the border.

From the border, you have those usual motor taxi, scamming every unsuspicious and willing tourist. I told them I'll walk and they were telling me it was 15km away; I just ignored them and continued to walk.

Just about 100m from there was already the cambodia gate. I took out my passport, and got the stamp hassle free.

From there, you can also see the vietnam gate; Between was just probably 100 meters too. Looking at both the gates, you can estimate the gap between the economic gap in these countries.

I entered vietnam without any hassle too (except that I had to call the attention of an officer to get an entry stamp). There was also another post for another officer just after the immigration, to ensure that the passport has been stamped.

Rain was pouring heavy, and took a stop for coffee at a cafe right after the border. It seemed they were the same drink-only cafes I've seen all over cambodia.

I am starving though, so tried somehow asking if they have food; They offered noodles, and further asked if they probably have rice (and had to act how rice is planted, just for them to understand what rice is).

The guy looking after the restaurant smiled, and asked me to wait. A little while later, he walked out with a whole pot of rice and fish ( a leftover from their lunch, I suppose). It was a good looking fish cooked in Pepper. I asked how much, and he said $1.00. I agreed; After all, it was even cheaper than the local restaurants, and this time, UNLIMITED.

After making a point that I won't be hungry til at least the next 5 hours, I restarted walking again, til I got to the town. All eyes of every passer by on me as I looked half a local, half a traveller (because of my big bag).

From there, signs were saying only 6kilometers to town proper... walkable indeed. In just less than an hour, I was already in Ha Tien town... Welcome to Vietnam :-)

This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

I have been attempting to leave Kep for a few days now, but the weather is not so permitting. I was thinking that it was not smart to stay in Kep though, as it is more expensive than Kampot; I thought I'd probably be better off staying in Kampot If i were just to wait for the weather to go better; besides, it's just $2 to get there.

Today, everyone from the guesthouse is set to leave Kep for Kampot. The weather is partially ok and in a minute, can go worse.  My decision was to at least make the attempt to Ha Tien in Vietnam, and if weather goes really bad, then I'll catch whatever vehicle there is to Kampot.

I rode the same tuktuk that the other guests to Kampot took. I hitched with them until the horse roundabout in Kep, where I'll catch another hitch to Ha Tien.

It didn't take so much time to successfully get a hitch. A van was passing by, flagged it, kept saying Ha Tien, and showed them my request letter written in Khmer.

 

Rain was pouring hard, people at the back were talking khmer, while I and driver were just quiet. 

I was looking for some road signs, or perhaps commercial establishments that would have their address in their signages, but none. It was but a highway at the middle of the vast ricefields, and hills and mountains on the far end.

I assume the family was supposed to stop somewhere in between Kep and Ha tien (as they dropped one of their passengers, I assume their kid, along the way), but as they have me, and it was raining, I think they drove all the way to the border.

From the border, you have those usual motor taxi, scamming every unsuspicious and willing tourist. I told them I'll walk and they were telling me it was 15km away; I just ignored them and continued to walk.

Just about 100m from there was already the cambodia gate. I took out my passport, and got the stamp hassle free.

From there, you can also see the vietnam gate; Between was just probably 100 meters too. Looking at both the gates, you can estimate the gap between the economic gap in these countries.

I entered vietnam without any hassle too (except that I had to call the attention of an officer to get an entry stamp). There was also another post for another officer just after the immigration, to ensure that the passport has been stamped.

Rain was pouring heavy, and took a stop for coffee at a cafe right after the border. It seemed they were the same drink-only cafes I've seen all over cambodia.

I am starving though, so tried somehow asking if they have food; They offered noodles, and further asked if they probably have rice (and had to act how rice is planted, just for them to understand what rice is).

The guy looking after the restaurant smiled, and asked me to wait. A little while later, he walked out with a whole pot of rice and fish ( a leftover from their lunch, I suppose). It was a good looking fish cooked in Pepper. I asked how much, and he said $1.00. I agreed; After all, it was even cheaper than the local restaurants, and this time, UNLIMITED.

After making a point that I won't be hungry til at least the next 5 hours, I restarted walking again, til I got to the town. All eyes of every passer by on me as I looked half a local, half a traveller (because of my big bag).

From there, signs were saying only 6kilometers to town proper... walkable indeed. In just less than an hour, I was already in Ha Tien town... Welcome to Vietnam :-)

This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

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Planting Rice in Cambodia

Kampot and Kep weren't even in my initial plans, but nothing has proven really concrete in this trip, other than mindset of staying for at least 1 year.

I was driving around Kep, until around 2pm, I thought there was nothing left to do; And since I can have the bike until later in the afternoon, I thought I might as well check out the countryside of Kep.

Along the way, I saw the detour for the pepper farms and did a quick check. Then, back in the highway, I thought about heading further towards the outskirts and onto the border to Vietnam.

Then I saw a family doing work on a ricefield; I did a U turn and asked if I can join. Luckily, along with the elderly couple, their Son, Sinan, who used to work in a hotel in Kep (and so understood a little English)  was there.

I stayed up late that night though, as there was a well attended party at MADI bar that caused me to wake up real late the following day; i had to send a message to the host family informing them that I will not make it that day, but will do on the following day.

I tried to come home early that night. Then, following day, i hitched to their place.

It took me 4 rides, and it was already a little past lunchtime when I reached Sinan's place. It was a Saturday and they won't be doing rice planting in the afternoon anymore. 

The plan was to sleep at the host family's house, but  there was a little Interrogation (will hopefully have time to write about it soon) that happened, and I ended up sleeping in the guesthouse and instead asked to come back the following day for the rice planting.

Meantime, on the guesthouse where I stayed, I met up 2 swiss ladies, whom I told about my plan the following day, and were interested with coming too. I told them that I plan to do just hitchhiking, and I'm glad that they were just fine with it.

We had some lunch at a nearly local restaurant, and rain also poured after, and so we were a little delayed. Again, we hitched towards Sinan's place, and had to transfer thru 2 passing vehicles to get there.

It was a little past lunchtime when we arrived, and I think the family was having an afternoon siesta. Then again, as normally expected from a rural southeast asian family, the all stood up to meet me and my company.

The sun was high up, and so, while waiting for it to cool a bit, Sinan offered coconuts to the ladies.

From the table outside, I could see Sinan's mom prepping up with her faming attire. I knew we have to be ready.

Sinan took some of the other hats they have at home and offered to each of us. 

We walked towards the rice field, and the ladies received their briefing from Sinan; Since there were 5 of us doing the work, we finished in just about an hour. Kurda's back was also hurting, so had to take some rest.

Then, as we planned to visit the pepper farm (since we're close and the ladies hasn't seen them), sinan asked if we'd like to go ahead with visiting the pepper farms.

We visited a farm which his relatives work at and got to try the harvest. The taste would tell you why you shouldn't wonder why 200g of that pepper would ccost ffive dollars.

Then, after the visit to the pepper farm, and a short rest back at Sinan's house, we were going to say goodbye, until, Sinan said his mom has been preparing dinner for us; Apparently, while we were away, his mom had bought and cooked fish for us.

It was not great to refuse, so we decided to stay for a while for the dinner. I was also seeing some camote (YAM) tops from their backyarrd and asked Sinan if we can get some to cook;;

I ate a lot of those when I was in the Philippines, especially when our meals were fried fish, so, was glad that I get a taste of home. It was funny too as, jjust like the first dinner I had with them the other day, I was the last to finish from the meal. 

A little while later, we bid goodbye; We walked towards the highway for yet another hitchhiking trip.

We got a truck to hitch up until the horse roundabout, and then, from there, we got to hitch up to the resort from the pickup car of the Don Bosco School in Kep.

This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

Kampot and Kep weren't even in my initial plans, but nothing has proven really concrete in this trip, other than mindset of staying for at least 1 year.

I was driving around Kep, until around 2pm, I thought there was nothing left to do; And since I can have the bike until later in the afternoon, I thought I might as well check out the countryside of Kep.

Along the way, I saw the detour for the pepper farms and did a quick check. Then, back in the highway, I thought about heading further towards the outskirts and onto the border to Vietnam.

Then I saw a family doing work on a ricefield; I did a U turn and asked if I can join. Luckily, along with the elderly couple, their Son, Sinan, who used to work in a hotel in Kep (and so understood a little English)  was there.

I stayed up late that night though, as there was a well attended party at MADI bar that caused me to wake up real late the following day; i had to send a message to the host family informing them that I will not make it that day, but will do on the following day.

I tried to come home early that night. Then, following day, i hitched to their place.

It took me 4 rides, and it was already a little past lunchtime when I reached Sinan's place. It was a Saturday and they won't be doing rice planting in the afternoon anymore. 

The plan was to sleep at the host family's house, but  there was a little Interrogation (will hopefully have time to write about it soon) that happened, and I ended up sleeping in the guesthouse and instead asked to come back the following day for the rice planting.

Meantime, on the guesthouse where I stayed, I met up 2 swiss ladies, whom I told about my plan the following day, and were interested with coming too. I told them that I plan to do just hitchhiking, and I'm glad that they were just fine with it.

We had some lunch at a nearly local restaurant, and rain also poured after, and so we were a little delayed. Again, we hitched towards Sinan's place, and had to transfer thru 2 passing vehicles to get there.

It was a little past lunchtime when we arrived, and I think the family was having an afternoon siesta. Then again, as normally expected from a rural southeast asian family, the all stood up to meet me and my company.

The sun was high up, and so, while waiting for it to cool a bit, Sinan offered coconuts to the ladies.

From the table outside, I could see Sinan's mom prepping up with her faming attire. I knew we have to be ready.

Sinan took some of the other hats they have at home and offered to each of us. 

We walked towards the rice field, and the ladies received their briefing from Sinan; Since there were 5 of us doing the work, we finished in just about an hour. Kurda's back was also hurting, so had to take some rest.

Then, as we planned to visit the pepper farm (since we're close and the ladies hasn't seen them), sinan asked if we'd like to go ahead with visiting the pepper farms.

We visited a farm which his relatives work at and got to try the harvest. The taste would tell you why you shouldn't wonder why 200g of that pepper would ccost ffive dollars.

Then, after the visit to the pepper farm, and a short rest back at Sinan's house, we were going to say goodbye, until, Sinan said his mom has been preparing dinner for us; Apparently, while we were away, his mom had bought and cooked fish for us.

It was not great to refuse, so we decided to stay for a while for the dinner. I was also seeing some camote (YAM) tops from their backyarrd and asked Sinan if we can get some to cook;;

I ate a lot of those when I was in the Philippines, especially when our meals were fried fish, so, was glad that I get a taste of home. It was funny too as, jjust like the first dinner I had with them the other day, I was the last to finish from the meal. 

A little while later, we bid goodbye; We walked towards the highway for yet another hitchhiking trip.

We got a truck to hitch up until the horse roundabout, and then, from there, we got to hitch up to the resort from the pickup car of the Don Bosco School in Kep.

This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

Read More »

Where I stayed in Tri Ton, Vietnam

Where I stayed in Tri Ton, Vietnam

From the bus station and the internet cafe in Ha Tien, I looked onllne for possible accomodation in Triton, and had a few on my list. 

On my arrival at the town of Tri Ton, and after showing the people I met there this list that I have written, they were signalling that it was far away. There is absolutely no one in town who speak english.

II was asking people for where I can sleep, but none seem to understand any word, or signal that I am making; Meantime, a pharmacy was open and thought the pharmacist might be able to help me (assuming she is the more educated and professional).

She pointed me to somewhere, and I walked as instructed. 

On this lane where she pointed me to, there are 2 establishments that looked like a guesthouse/hotel. There is nobody attending to the first one, so i moved onto the second one.

There was a man on the second, and I showed him the list. Again, he was signalling that it's far. 

Then he kept talking but none of that I could tell. Later, he probably realized that I am not understanding anything, and pulled my hand to walk to the second floor. He opened a room, and then i understood. They are in fact a guesthouse.

I asked how much, and he pulled his wallet off, and took out 2 x 100k dong bills. I was asking for a discount, showing 1 x 100k dong bill, and he asked for 150. I itierated i can only pay 100, and he agreed.

The room is more than perfect for the price, except that the mattress is kind of stiff; Else, the room was very clean, with A/C and Fan (though I did not really use the AC).

The following morning, I asked them for where I can eat, and the husband even drove  me to a local restaurant. 

I've asked for the time of the bus, and they called the bus company for me.

Then I asked where I can probably rent a bicycle or motorbike, and he pointed on their household bike (and did not even ask for anything for it).

In the afternoon, I asked again where it is good to have coffee, and without an answer, he took his motorbike keys, and handed me a spare helmet.

In the evening, I was asked if I were hungry, and was walked through a Pho stall (and even paid for my pho).

Then, when it was time for me to leave, he walked me to the waiting area, and waited until he was sure I was on the bus.

I couldn't be more thankful for having been with this family, at an area where nobody speaks english, and when I don't have a phone to help me.

All the time we were talking, we were on google translate thru their phones.




This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

Where I stayed in Tri Ton, Vietnam

From the bus station and the internet cafe in Ha Tien, I looked onllne for possible accomodation in Triton, and had a few on my list. 

On my arrival at the town of Tri Ton, and after showing the people I met there this list that I have written, they were signalling that it was far away. There is absolutely no one in town who speak english.

II was asking people for where I can sleep, but none seem to understand any word, or signal that I am making; Meantime, a pharmacy was open and thought the pharmacist might be able to help me (assuming she is the more educated and professional).

She pointed me to somewhere, and I walked as instructed. 

On this lane where she pointed me to, there are 2 establishments that looked like a guesthouse/hotel. There is nobody attending to the first one, so i moved onto the second one.

There was a man on the second, and I showed him the list. Again, he was signalling that it's far. 

Then he kept talking but none of that I could tell. Later, he probably realized that I am not understanding anything, and pulled my hand to walk to the second floor. He opened a room, and then i understood. They are in fact a guesthouse.

I asked how much, and he pulled his wallet off, and took out 2 x 100k dong bills. I was asking for a discount, showing 1 x 100k dong bill, and he asked for 150. I itierated i can only pay 100, and he agreed.

The room is more than perfect for the price, except that the mattress is kind of stiff; Else, the room was very clean, with A/C and Fan (though I did not really use the AC).

The following morning, I asked them for where I can eat, and the husband even drove  me to a local restaurant. 

I've asked for the time of the bus, and they called the bus company for me.

Then I asked where I can probably rent a bicycle or motorbike, and he pointed on their household bike (and did not even ask for anything for it).

In the afternoon, I asked again where it is good to have coffee, and without an answer, he took his motorbike keys, and handed me a spare helmet.

In the evening, I was asked if I were hungry, and was walked through a Pho stall (and even paid for my pho).

Then, when it was time for me to leave, he walked me to the waiting area, and waited until he was sure I was on the bus.

I couldn't be more thankful for having been with this family, at an area where nobody speaks english, and when I don't have a phone to help me.

All the time we were talking, we were on google translate thru their phones.




This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

Read More »

Backpacker Eats: Where to eat (Cheap) in Kampot, Cambodia

Where to Eat (Cheap) in Kampot, Cambodia

Kampot probably offers everything in cheapest around cambodia; From accomodation to food;The whole 4 days what I was in Kampot, I stayed in Blissful, and ate almost all meals at this local restaurant just close to the rivers.

Just when the other restaurants in this town center would offer the fried rice for $2.00 or more, this restaurant sells it for just $1.50 and even just $1.00 for vegetable only/no meat. They also had pork chop over rice for also $1.00. Free tea too, so no need to spend more than $1.00 per meal; Plus with wifi.

 

If you go outside the center though, you may find prices even $0.50 cheaper than here. I had a fried rice at a riverside restaurant for just $1.00 on my way to Kep.

For beer, some guesthouses offer $0.50 for draft, while most would offer the same price during happy hours, which is until 8pm.

The stafff of the restaurant were also so nice, I was thinking of volunteering some time for them to fix up their menu, and probably do some craft to decorate the place.

They also offer motorbike rental for just $4.00 per day, and was so considerate to let me have the bike from 2:00pm to 5:00pm of the following day.

This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

Where to Eat (Cheap) in Kampot, Cambodia

Kampot probably offers everything in cheapest around cambodia; From accomodation to food;The whole 4 days what I was in Kampot, I stayed in Blissful, and ate almost all meals at this local restaurant just close to the rivers.

Just when the other restaurants in this town center would offer the fried rice for $2.00 or more, this restaurant sells it for just $1.50 and even just $1.00 for vegetable only/no meat. They also had pork chop over rice for also $1.00. Free tea too, so no need to spend more than $1.00 per meal; Plus with wifi.

 

If you go outside the center though, you may find prices even $0.50 cheaper than here. I had a fried rice at a riverside restaurant for just $1.00 on my way to Kep.

For beer, some guesthouses offer $0.50 for draft, while most would offer the same price during happy hours, which is until 8pm.

The stafff of the restaurant were also so nice, I was thinking of volunteering some time for them to fix up their menu, and probably do some craft to decorate the place.

They also offer motorbike rental for just $4.00 per day, and was so considerate to let me have the bike from 2:00pm to 5:00pm of the following day.

This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

Read More »

Budget Backpacker Accomodation: Where I stayed in Phnom Penh

Where I stayed in Phnom Penh

Arriving in Phnom Penh via air was rather a surprise after seeing some promo from Jetairways while doing my staycation at friend's in Singapore.

It was already on the flight to Phnom Penh when I realized I haven't book, nor looked into, where I'd be staying in Phnom Penh.

Upon arrival, luckily, there was internet in the airport, and so had some means of at least having something to say to the tuktuk drivers.

The cheapest dorm i've seen was me mates place, but was fully booked on my arrival. I was being pointed to some other guesthouses, but were $5 a night.

Then, as I was expecting to meet someone from Holland, I asked if he was ok with sharing a room, as that will make it cheaper. 

'

I found a room at #10 Lakeside Guesthouse for $5 a night for twin, and booked it in Booking.com; Effectively, $2.50/person/night.

The room was far ok for the price; low downs are the noise from the bar downstairs, especially for the laid back travellers who prefer a quiet space. Also, the village where it is seems to be known for drug users, so, not a good place to be walking late night. 

On the other hand, there is a very cheap but great tasting restaurant just on the way out to the highway 5. They serve (and really really good black hot) coffee at only 1000riel ($0.25); Their rice meals (recommend the sweet and sour dishes) are at 6000riel ($1.50). Wifi is also available.

Apart from this, just opposite the nearby calmet hospital, there are a lot of other local restaurantts that serve rice meals for 8000riels ($2.00).



This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

Travelling Philippines? Follow CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation for easier searches

Where I stayed in Phnom Penh

Arriving in Phnom Penh via air was rather a surprise after seeing some promo from Jetairways while doing my staycation at friend's in Singapore.

It was already on the flight to Phnom Penh when I realized I haven't book, nor looked into, where I'd be staying in Phnom Penh.

Upon arrival, luckily, there was internet in the airport, and so had some means of at least having something to say to the tuktuk drivers.

The cheapest dorm i've seen was me mates place, but was fully booked on my arrival. I was being pointed to some other guesthouses, but were $5 a night.

Then, as I was expecting to meet someone from Holland, I asked if he was ok with sharing a room, as that will make it cheaper. 

'

I found a room at #10 Lakeside Guesthouse for $5 a night for twin, and booked it in Booking.com; Effectively, $2.50/person/night.

The room was far ok for the price; low downs are the noise from the bar downstairs, especially for the laid back travellers who prefer a quiet space. Also, the village where it is seems to be known for drug users, so, not a good place to be walking late night. 

On the other hand, there is a very cheap but great tasting restaurant just on the way out to the highway 5. They serve (and really really good black hot) coffee at only 1000riel ($0.25); Their rice meals (recommend the sweet and sour dishes) are at 6000riel ($1.50). Wifi is also available.

Apart from this, just opposite the nearby calmet hospital, there are a lot of other local restaurantts that serve rice meals for 8000riels ($2.00).



This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

Travelling Philippines? Follow CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation for easier searches

Read More »

Budget Backpacker Accomodation: Where I stayed in Kampot, Cambodia

Where I stayed in Kampot, Cambodia

I have initially booked at Mad Monkey's in Kampot, but upon reaching Kampot, I heard it was a bit off the center; Instead, I asked around for where I can find a cheap dorm that's just a walk away.

I was pointed to the backpacker street, where I found Blissful Guesthouse for just $2.00 per night for a dorm. I was lucky too that there are only 3 beds in the dorm, and the fans for the other 2 beds aren't working; Technically, i had the room for myself.

dorm room in Blissful guesthose

Place is quite relaxing, with hammocks and greens around, except that mosquitoes are a bit thick in the area (and I'm guessing almost the same perhaps for the other guesthouses).

In front of the guesthouse, a local restaurant serves the same black coffee for 1000riel.

They have several toilets/washrooms too, except that they don't have much staff to do maintenance; Somehow though, toilets are relatively clean.




This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

Where I stayed in Kampot, Cambodia

I have initially booked at Mad Monkey's in Kampot, but upon reaching Kampot, I heard it was a bit off the center; Instead, I asked around for where I can find a cheap dorm that's just a walk away.

I was pointed to the backpacker street, where I found Blissful Guesthouse for just $2.00 per night for a dorm. I was lucky too that there are only 3 beds in the dorm, and the fans for the other 2 beds aren't working; Technically, i had the room for myself.

dorm room in Blissful guesthose

Place is quite relaxing, with hammocks and greens around, except that mosquitoes are a bit thick in the area (and I'm guessing almost the same perhaps for the other guesthouses).

In front of the guesthouse, a local restaurant serves the same black coffee for 1000riel.

They have several toilets/washrooms too, except that they don't have much staff to do maintenance; Somehow though, toilets are relatively clean.




This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

Read More »

Indonesia: My first couchsurfing experience

I've read about couchsurfing from some travel blogs before, and immediately signed up right after. 

Then, I've searched on facebook and saw the groups into couchsurfing. There seems to be quite an activity going on in the country (home country PH) into couchsurfing. In fact, there is a weekly meetup every thursday night (called thirstday) in Makati, Manila.

I have been active in the forum, but as I normally get impromptu hosting from locals of places I go to, which was great enough as they are normally genuine locals like farmers, and fishermen, I never really bothered about asking for hosting through couchsurfiing.

Then i did this long term backpacking trip and realized, couchsurfing is probably a good resource.

I've joined the couchsurfing Indonesia group in facebook, and was glad to be in touch with the ambassador of the country who was kind enough to refer me to the other ambassadors of the other places in indonesia.

It was a surprise (kind of crash couchsurfing) so could only stay at Abu's place for a night. 

Then, after Bali, I moved to Surabaya and Jogjakarta after, where I stayed with Dee, the Indonesian Ambassador.

I was picked up by Dee from the train station, and then we head straight into an art gallery. 

I was intending to do the cooking, we both woke up late. We ate at the market instead, and bought some stuff we could cook late. 

He had to go to work late too, to make sure I know enough before i leave to where I'd like to go that day; More, he even lend me his bike, dropped him to his work, and said he'll just ask some of his staff to drop him home later. I went to Prambanan Temple on first full day in Jogjakarta.

On my second night, it was the couchsurfing anniversary, so I went with him in the gathering,where I met the other couchsurfers from Jogjakarta.

The following day, I visited the Borobudur Temple, and at night, one of the couchsurfers is leaving for Italy, so there was another gathering.

The following day, I went around Jogja, and at night, there was the party at Prangtitis beach, and went again with the couchsurfing group. After the party, one of the couchsurfers (who has a band) had a gig, and went there, where I got to sing with the band (first live singing i've done in my life).

Then, for the following day, I was planning to leave Jogja for Jakarta. Dee even left early from work to drop me to the train station, but unfortunately, when we went there, there were no more economy seats; The next available seats were just too expensive (more than the cost of a flight), so thought it would be better to take the bus instead inn the afternoon of the following day.

Again, for that night, we met with other couchsurfers for a planning of their next trip to somewhere in Indonesia.

The day after, Dee went home for lunch then so he could drop me to the bus stop. He was offering to refer me to some couchsurfers in Jakarta, but since I won't really spend so much time there, I said I won't really need it. I'll just hang for a few hours around, and then head to the airport. He told me how to go here, and what to see.

I stayed with Dee for the week, and I was just filled with something to do; And it was good as I just go to places without really plans.

I was probably lucky to have been hosted by an ambassador, and one who often go to Philippines too, so we had quite a conversation and sharing on how to travel to places between countries. I felt so being home in Jogjakarta (so at home that I even bath in the rain; plus, his house is next to a ricefield which makes it a lot more interesting as it gave me the feel of, not just my home in the metro, but my hometown).

In three words: Couchsurfing is Love

This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

I've read about couchsurfing from some travel blogs before, and immediately signed up right after. 

Then, I've searched on facebook and saw the groups into couchsurfing. There seems to be quite an activity going on in the country (home country PH) into couchsurfing. In fact, there is a weekly meetup every thursday night (called thirstday) in Makati, Manila.

I have been active in the forum, but as I normally get impromptu hosting from locals of places I go to, which was great enough as they are normally genuine locals like farmers, and fishermen, I never really bothered about asking for hosting through couchsurfiing.

Then i did this long term backpacking trip and realized, couchsurfing is probably a good resource.

I've joined the couchsurfing Indonesia group in facebook, and was glad to be in touch with the ambassador of the country who was kind enough to refer me to the other ambassadors of the other places in indonesia.

It was a surprise (kind of crash couchsurfing) so could only stay at Abu's place for a night. 

Then, after Bali, I moved to Surabaya and Jogjakarta after, where I stayed with Dee, the Indonesian Ambassador.

I was picked up by Dee from the train station, and then we head straight into an art gallery. 

I was intending to do the cooking, we both woke up late. We ate at the market instead, and bought some stuff we could cook late. 

He had to go to work late too, to make sure I know enough before i leave to where I'd like to go that day; More, he even lend me his bike, dropped him to his work, and said he'll just ask some of his staff to drop him home later. I went to Prambanan Temple on first full day in Jogjakarta.

On my second night, it was the couchsurfing anniversary, so I went with him in the gathering,where I met the other couchsurfers from Jogjakarta.

The following day, I visited the Borobudur Temple, and at night, one of the couchsurfers is leaving for Italy, so there was another gathering.

The following day, I went around Jogja, and at night, there was the party at Prangtitis beach, and went again with the couchsurfing group. After the party, one of the couchsurfers (who has a band) had a gig, and went there, where I got to sing with the band (first live singing i've done in my life).

Then, for the following day, I was planning to leave Jogja for Jakarta. Dee even left early from work to drop me to the train station, but unfortunately, when we went there, there were no more economy seats; The next available seats were just too expensive (more than the cost of a flight), so thought it would be better to take the bus instead inn the afternoon of the following day.

Again, for that night, we met with other couchsurfers for a planning of their next trip to somewhere in Indonesia.

The day after, Dee went home for lunch then so he could drop me to the bus stop. He was offering to refer me to some couchsurfers in Jakarta, but since I won't really spend so much time there, I said I won't really need it. I'll just hang for a few hours around, and then head to the airport. He told me how to go here, and what to see.

I stayed with Dee for the week, and I was just filled with something to do; And it was good as I just go to places without really plans.

I was probably lucky to have been hosted by an ambassador, and one who often go to Philippines too, so we had quite a conversation and sharing on how to travel to places between countries. I felt so being home in Jogjakarta (so at home that I even bath in the rain; plus, his house is next to a ricefield which makes it a lot more interesting as it gave me the feel of, not just my home in the metro, but my hometown).

In three words: Couchsurfing is Love

This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

Read More »

Dog Bite and the cost of rabies vaccine in Cambodia

Filipinos are almost everywhere nowadays, and I always look forward to meeting my fellows in every city I go to, especially those not so popular in the OFW glossary.

I was so tired to go out the first night, as I have been travelling the whole day from Singapore without any sleep. The next day, I received a message from one of the Pinoys in Phnom Penh asking me if i'd be interested in meeting the other kababayans.

So, after meeting 2 other travellers I was with back in Koh Lanta, Thailand, I went immediately to them.

A few glasses of beer and it was turning midnight. Then again, out of the group, there were about 2 who don't have work the next day and were keen on drinking some more.

I was just as keen since it's not very so often that I get to practice my tagalog. 

Meantime, one of the guys had spare gin left at home, and suggested that we proceed with drinking at their apartment instead. They've also offered to drop me back to my hostel, as the place is a little distant, and I am as novice.

We entered the room, and I was hearing some commotion on one of the bedrooms. Then, they opened the door, it was a dog.

The dog came sniffing at one by one and took a little more time on me. Then, once in a while, the dog would come back, and i'd rub his back too.

It took us about close to 2 hours to finish the bottle, and just when we thought it was quite late, and there's nothing left to drink, we said to call it a night. 

The dog came to our back, and i hugged him back again to say goodbye. Then, suddenly it bit me.

His fang sunk way too deep, and then blood came out; I washed it and we left. I think I was too drunk to worry at that time; I think I finished half the bottle of gin in the table.

I woke up a little late the following day since I was up until so late. I was feeling my arm, and read a bit about rabies; Although I was affirmed that several others were bitten before and did not get vaccine and no contraction of rabies, i thought it was not worth the risks. There's so more many places i'd like to see and I did not want to risk anything.

I looked for where it could be cheapest to get the vaccine, and there seems to be a non profit organization in Phnom Penh especially for rabies. Their center is also very close to where I stayed.

It was about 4pm, and I was hurrying to catch them before they close. There was a heavy rain, but didn't bother; Each shot was worth $26, and i will need about 4 shots all in all. There was the option of either getting 2 shots that day, or getting one, and another after 3 days. I thought the first one was ok, as it is inconvenient to be going back and forth the center for the vaccine. Plus, to finish all four shots, if i do the second option, it'll take a month, and I don't want to spend the duration of my visa in Phnom Penh. 

So, it was an instant $52 that day just for that shot. The doctor was kind enough to print details of a center in Siem Reap (where I am expecting myself to be in by the time I will need the next shot) where I can go to.

Then again, I did not go to siem reap because $20 per day to see the temples was just so much, and I heard it's too touristy. Instead, I went to Kampot, and when I got there, there is a Hospital that offers the vaccine; In fact, in their pharmacy, the vaccine itself costs only $13 (which I hoped was what the center would have charged since they claim to be a non profit organization; besides, they would have probably gotten it for a cheaper price; the difference of which they could use to cover up their operational expenses; But to charge twice, is almost as good as a profitable business).




This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

Filipinos are almost everywhere nowadays, and I always look forward to meeting my fellows in every city I go to, especially those not so popular in the OFW glossary.

I was so tired to go out the first night, as I have been travelling the whole day from Singapore without any sleep. The next day, I received a message from one of the Pinoys in Phnom Penh asking me if i'd be interested in meeting the other kababayans.

So, after meeting 2 other travellers I was with back in Koh Lanta, Thailand, I went immediately to them.

A few glasses of beer and it was turning midnight. Then again, out of the group, there were about 2 who don't have work the next day and were keen on drinking some more.

I was just as keen since it's not very so often that I get to practice my tagalog. 

Meantime, one of the guys had spare gin left at home, and suggested that we proceed with drinking at their apartment instead. They've also offered to drop me back to my hostel, as the place is a little distant, and I am as novice.

We entered the room, and I was hearing some commotion on one of the bedrooms. Then, they opened the door, it was a dog.

The dog came sniffing at one by one and took a little more time on me. Then, once in a while, the dog would come back, and i'd rub his back too.

It took us about close to 2 hours to finish the bottle, and just when we thought it was quite late, and there's nothing left to drink, we said to call it a night. 

The dog came to our back, and i hugged him back again to say goodbye. Then, suddenly it bit me.

His fang sunk way too deep, and then blood came out; I washed it and we left. I think I was too drunk to worry at that time; I think I finished half the bottle of gin in the table.

I woke up a little late the following day since I was up until so late. I was feeling my arm, and read a bit about rabies; Although I was affirmed that several others were bitten before and did not get vaccine and no contraction of rabies, i thought it was not worth the risks. There's so more many places i'd like to see and I did not want to risk anything.

I looked for where it could be cheapest to get the vaccine, and there seems to be a non profit organization in Phnom Penh especially for rabies. Their center is also very close to where I stayed.

It was about 4pm, and I was hurrying to catch them before they close. There was a heavy rain, but didn't bother; Each shot was worth $26, and i will need about 4 shots all in all. There was the option of either getting 2 shots that day, or getting one, and another after 3 days. I thought the first one was ok, as it is inconvenient to be going back and forth the center for the vaccine. Plus, to finish all four shots, if i do the second option, it'll take a month, and I don't want to spend the duration of my visa in Phnom Penh. 

So, it was an instant $52 that day just for that shot. The doctor was kind enough to print details of a center in Siem Reap (where I am expecting myself to be in by the time I will need the next shot) where I can go to.

Then again, I did not go to siem reap because $20 per day to see the temples was just so much, and I heard it's too touristy. Instead, I went to Kampot, and when I got there, there is a Hospital that offers the vaccine; In fact, in their pharmacy, the vaccine itself costs only $13 (which I hoped was what the center would have charged since they claim to be a non profit organization; besides, they would have probably gotten it for a cheaper price; the difference of which they could use to cover up their operational expenses; But to charge twice, is almost as good as a profitable business).




This post is part of the #limbonisASIA trip. See link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary

Read More »