Siem Reap, Cambodia (2013) Day 4: Part 1 - Angkor Grand Circuit

Date Visited: 4th March 2013

Most people came to Siem Reap just to visit the well-known Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple and Ta Prohm but there are actually quite number of temples worth for you to spend some time for visit. Almost all the temples we visited on the forth day were less crowded with low traffic of tourists, hence it is good for us because not just we had peaceful time to wander around, we don't even have to worry our photos with any expectation of photobomb.

Pre Rub

#1: The reddish colour Pre Rub temple 

Pre Rub is a temple mountain with a combination of reddish colour bricks, carvings and sandstone construction. Pre Rub is quite high and it is kinda tricky to get on the top due to its tricky and uneven stairs. But once we got on the top of this temple, the climb is worth the climb as the view from the top was simple amazing. 

 

#2: View from the top of Pre Rub

Most reviewers said the best time to visit Pre Rub is sunset to get most colorful photos but then bear in mind, it might the busiest time for visit as well.

East Mebon

#3: East Mebon

Located not far away from Pre Rub is East Mebon, a medium-sized temple, rising three levels and crowned by five towers. This temple was mainly dedicated to the God of Hindu, Shiva and honours the parents of the king. Looking from its size, it's slightly smaller than Pre Rub. The most interesting about East Mebon is the large standing stone of elephants at the corners and lions alongside the steps which were still well intact apparently.

#4: East Mebon is well-known for its two meter high free standing stone elephant at the corner

Ta Som

#5: 

Ta Som is another relatively small and classic temple we visited but the uniqueness of this temple is it seems like combination of both famous Ta Prohm and Bayon Temple. It's quite fascinating especially when we saw the giant tree growling out of the ruins temple at the final gate of the temple. 

#6:

Neak Pean

#7:

This monument of Neak Pean or the entwined naga is an artificial island with a Buddhist temple on a circular island. It was originally designed for medical purposes and during the ancient times, this was believed to be one of their hospitals. This temple is accessible by a pretty long wooden pathway across a swamped area and upon reached there, we were quite disappointed as Neak Pean was surrounded by fence and one nnot just couldn't get nearer, but couldn't see the structure from different angles.

#8: The wooden pathway across a swamped area - The only thing I enjoyed here

Preah Khan Temple
 

#9

The final temple we visited of the day - Preah Khan Temple. Preah Khan is another temple similar to Ta Prohm, where it has been left largely unrestored, with numerous trees and other plants growing among the ruin temples.

#10

#11: Playful is my middle name

This tour runs through Preah Khan, Preah Neak Pean to the Eastern Mebon and other temple monuments of Ta Som & Preah Rup is known as Angkor Grand Circuit. It is actually an extention of the Small Circuit Tour (Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm and more).  

Foodie Friday: October Coffee House, Kota Kinabalu

Lifestyle cafes in Kota Kinabalu are springing up like mushrooms after the rain. There are more and more options of these cafes opened lately and honestly to say, it's kinda hard for me to chase up sometimes. Just when you notice there was one just newly opened in Lido Plaza, but the reality there are three cafes within the vicinity. And so far, I have only been to few of them and hopefully more to come in future.

Out of few cafes I visited previously, October Coffee House is the one recommended by majority of the netizens. They said October Coffee House serves the best and finest coffee in Kota Kinabalu town and without hesitation, I decided to give a try.

Up to date, October Coffee House has three outlets located at three different location; first one in Peak Vista, second one located in Wisma Merdeka Food Court but only for take-away and for the latest one located in Jalan Gaya.

October Coffee House - Peak Vista
The Peak Vista
Lorong Puncak 1, Tanjung Lipat,
88400 Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah.
Opening Hours: 11am until 10 pm (Closed on every Wednesday)

#1: Menu written on the blackboard

#2: Love the way they decorated these colourful mugs

#3: Pastries

For the very first time my visit to this coffee house, I dated both bloggers Cutebun aka Sherrie Pui as well as popular and well-known travel blogger from Korea, Runaway Juno for this coffee session. Luckily we went there earlier cause the place always packed.

#4: Hot cafe mocha

#5: Bruschetta topped with creamy cheese and tomatoes

Initially when I asked the staff about Bruschetta, they told me these grilled bread served with  minced beef but since I can't have beef, I asked whether can I have without the beef, the staff smiled and said ok! Even without the minced beef, oh my goodness, these bruschetta still taste so delicious. I can't wait for more.

I love almost everything about this coffee house except for one, it's really hard to find parking especially during peak hours. 

October Coffee House - Jalan Gaya

Jalan K.K. Bypass, 

Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 

88000 Kota Kinabalu, 

Sabah

During the Chinese New Year holidays, one of my BFF came back from Singapore and hence, we decided to do cafe hopping. We noticed the latest October Coffee House outlet is located right in the middle on Kota Kinabalu town and straight away we went there right after our dinner.

#6: Instead displayed on blackboard, this outlet's menu is printed mug-shaped wood

#7: The mugs tree

#8:

#9: Browse the menu, make your choice, order and pay at the counter

#10: Meals for four of us

#10:  Caramel Macchiato

#11: Green Tea Latte

#12: French Toast

#13: Chocolate moist cake

#14: Cheese cake

UPDATED ON 5 APRIL 2015

 

#15: Bonding time with my mom on Good Friday holiday. Their green tea latte is awesomely good and look at their pretty cute coffee art. Meow :3

And for your information, based on the survey done by Sabateats.com for Favourite Coffee Cafe in Kota Kinabalu, October Coffee House ranked as the No. 1 best coffee in town. They even beat the international coffeehouse chain such as Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Well done, October Coffee House!

Now, I can't wait to return to this October Coffee House for more.

Reasons Why I Revisit Taiwan for Third Times

Hello blog readers! I just came back from my recent trip to Taiwan!

Instagram @dtdianateo 

Before I embarked my journey to Taiwan, my dad asked me, "How many times already you've been Taiwan?". I know I went not once but twice before but I love to return Taiwan again for more. Frankly speaking, comparing to almost all South East Asia countries I've been with East Asia countries, I prefer the latter one. Countries like Japan, South Korea and Taiwan especially, never failed to amaze me eventhough I went more than once. 

Customised 9D8N Taiwan Itinerary by yours truly

Forget about the language barrier, here are few of the reasons why I love Taiwan so much that I went back for third times:

1) Colourful & Unique Themed Accommodation

The experiences of staying in minsu and motel are completely different and unique comparing staying in a conventional hotel. I love the way how majority of these accommodation in Taiwan are decorated in varierty and colourful themes and decor to light up the atmosphere. Check out my post on Minsu (民宿) I Stayed in Taiwan

Our room on the first night for recent trip - Superman!

2) 7-Eleven & Family Mart Almost Have Everything

If we can't figure out what and where to eat, convenience stores would always be our choice. Their convenience stores, especially 7-Eleven are like everywhere within our sight. Just grab whatever you want, from bento to spaghetti, we never worry of being hungry whenever we're in Taiwan. Not just foods, you can even buy stamps, purchase train tickets, photocopy documents in the middle of odd hours. Absolutely convenient! Check out my old post on 7-Eleven in Taiwan.

3) Creative Postcards

I love postcards so much and majority countries I went would probably with photo captured from the camera as cover. Unlike in Taiwan, they are not only printed in typical hard cover cards but their postcards are designed and printed on wood, fabrics and even metal license plate.

4) Chop & Stamp Like A Child

When I was in Taiwan, I felt like I was like a young gal. I bought a mini notepad, solely just to collect all those cute chop and stamps whenever I saw around Taiwan. Even Boyfie joined me for this so-called childish activities. Majority of these stamps can be found in train stations, information counters and shops selling postcards. I was indeed a happy gal whenever I saw them.

5) Night Markets

Imagine enormous variety of authentic Taiwanese food, tasty snacks and drinks popped up from no where when the day turns to night. A visit to Taiwan is incomplete without a visit to any of their night markets, which believed there are more than three hundred of them. Almost every nights, I spent most of my night time wandered around the night markets, regardless in which townships including Kenting. Check out my old post on Taiwan's Night Markets & Foods.

Ruiefong Night Market in Kaohsiung

6) Milk Tea Overdosed

Coffee or tea? Of course, I choose the latter as I'm not a coffee lover. I rarely visit Starbucks or Coffee Bean but when comes to order any drinks, tea would always be on top of my choice. I had milk tea in Taiwan more than I drank mineral waters. Imagine milk tea for breakfast, lunch and even during the dinner time. But no worries, milk tea in Taiwan is definitely less sugar and yet, they are so tasty and delicious. Most importantly, there are even cheap. I got a bottle of milk tea from 7-Eleven for only NT$19, that's like less than 2.50 in Ringgit Malaysia. 

7) Sushi For Only NT$10

I'm huge fan of Japanese cuisines and I could have sushi almost every week. Surprisingly in Taiwan, the sushi there is only selling as low as NT$10, roughly around RM1.20 for a fresh piece, including the salmon one. Tell me, how could I ever resist from having them? For cheap sushi, do check out Sushi Take-Out or even at the 7-Eleven stores.

8) Bookstores, Watson, Carrefour Open for 24 Hours
It's like the city of Taipei never sleep. I knew there are few bookstores open for 24/7 but only until my recent trip, I was surprised when I asked the security guard of Watson what time does the shop close and he told me it's opens for 24/7. Even Carrefour in Ximending too.


9) Celebrated My Birthday
Two years ago, Boyfie had his birthday celebration in Taiwan, Two years later, I want mine in Taiwan too. I don't mind for not having a birthday cake, even a small piece but as long as I could celebrate abroad is what I wish for my birthday wishes every single year.

Actually there are even more reasons than the above of why I love Taiwan so much. Seriously, I don't mind going back Taiwan for the 4th time. Anyone been to Taiwan more than once?

Last but not least, thanks to Malaysia Airlines for the amazing flight to Taiwan. We flew directly from Kota Kinabalu to Taipei for return only RM650. Thanks for the upgraded to Business class too! #mas #malaysiaarilines

Siem Reap, Cambodia (2013) Day 3: Apsara Dance

Date Visited: 3rd March 2013

On the third day we woke up in Siem Reap, it was a drizzly morning and we informed our driver to cancel our plan for sightseeing cause majority of them are involved outdoor. After we had our scrumptious breakfast provided by the guest house, we went back to our slumberland again to continue our sweet dreams. 

Once we awoke, the rain stopped and we took tuk-tuk to a nearby shopping complex for lunch. Did nothing much on that day except for lunch and scouted around for souvenir shopping.

Because we have plenty of time to spend in Siem Reap, our guest house suggested to watch traditional Khmer Apsara Dance. The show is performed daily in a large-sized dining hall which I believe can accommodate more than hundreds of people at the same time. The walk-in price for the show is US$12 but we got the discounted ticket from our guest house for only US$8 per pax (approx. to RM26), which comes along with buffet feast, which we think it was pretty affordable and great bargain. 

#1: The Apsara Dance show was held at Angkor Mondial Restaurant. Our guest house even arranged tuk-tuk to pick us up from the guest house to the restaurant itself.

#2: Buffet feast with wide selection of Asian foods and few western foods to choose from

The ancient art of Apsara Dance is commonly seen as depicted on the walls of Angkor’s temples. Traditional Khmer dance is better described as 'dance-drama' it is not merely dance but also meant to convey a story or message. The dance performances are start differently at different venue but mostly around 7:30 pm or 8:00 pm and lasting about 45 minutes to an hour in all. Consisting 4 to 5 dances, Apsara Dance show is a show not to be missed for those who to know more about Cambodian culture and dance.

#3: The classical dance of Apsara Dance

 

#4:

#5: Theatrical Folk Dance which known as the 'Fishing Dance'

#6: Photo session with the dancers

Overall, I found the show was fairly fascinating and interesting especially with the graceful and elegant movements of Apsara dancers, although I didn't quite understand most of the show and dance was about. Food wise, nothing to shout out but pretty enough to satisfy our hungry tummy.

[Credit To: Canby Publications]

Sharing Saturday: Seven Great Reasons To Travel With An Auditor

NOTE: Eventually, I came across this article shared by Kaki Berangan and being as ex auditor myself, I found out majority of the points here are indeed so true. After granted permission from the owner herself - Phebe Bay, hereby are the "Seven Great Reasons To Travel with An Auditor". 

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Mention the word “auditor” and the image of a number-loving office worker punching numbers into the calculator until the wee hours of the night comes into mind. You would think that the hectic schedules of auditors would make them less than ideal travel partners, compared to marketing folks who have the chance to wine and dine all over the world while pushing out their regional marketing campaigns.

But I had the good fortune of travelling with two auditors on multiple trips, and I must say, they’re a big asset to travel with. If you have the chance, do acquire them immediately.

With my unqualified opinion on this topic, I hereby present you, seven great reasons to travel with an auditor.

1. Travel with an auditor and you’ll never fear getting cheated by money changers. 

I’m not sure about you, but I’m a klutz when it comes to counting foreign currency denomination bills. It takes me a good three minutes to re-count the amount of money the moneychanger has given me, and it has been proven that my auditor travelling buddies effectively take half the time.

2. Travel with an auditor and you’ll never get lost in timezones and miss your train. 

The Trans Siberian passes through 8 different timezones, and it was challenging trying to figure out the train timetables. Thankfully, in Irkutsk (a city in Russia), my auditor companion was quick to spot that the train timings were in Moscow time, which was five hours behind. With a quick snap of fingers, he was able to determine the train departure time rather instinctively. Trust me, you do not want to reach the train station only to find out that your train will be departing five hours later.

Deloitte – With credits: thetimes.co.uk

3. Travel with an auditor because they are excellent luggage packers. 

You never have to worry about not being able to pack everything in your luggage. It’s a #truestory. I discovered this by accident. Be it packing SGD300 worth of Laneige products, a flower vase and a pair of boots into a mid-sized luggage, or two bulky down winter coats and two sleeping bags in a 40 litre backpack, you name it, The Auditor will always find a way to fit it in.

A 40 litre backpack with two down coats and two sleeping bags

4. Travel with an auditor because they always come prepared 

If you’re the forgetful type who is always leaving your charger, adapter and toothpaste behind, The Auditor is bound to have one of those. My Friend S brought Leatherman knife on the Trans Siberian train journey, which acted as a can-opener, nail clipper, apple peeler and bread knife.

PwC – With credits: http://www.businessweek.com/careers/first_jobs/2008/3.htm

5. Travel with an auditor because they would have nailed down the planning for the trip way in advance. 

I’m a little bit embarrassed to say this, but most of my planning done for trips is on the plane. When the plane is 41,000 feet in the air, I’ll pop open my little guidebook and start ticking off the places I want to go. I was so hands off that several years ago, I’d wait until I got to my destination before deciding on where to stay for the night.

Therefore, my astonishment was only natural when Friend H suggested using an excel sheet to plan for our trip to Korea. Using her very nifty screenshot tool, screenshots of airline tickets, hotel bookings and sights soon populated the spreadsheet a matter of minutes. I still remembered gaping with a half-open mouth when she formatted the cells to look like those found in the balance sheet of financial statements.

An example on an auditor’s excel sheet used for planning trips ; )

Friend S took things to a whole new level. I guessed he had to because it was planning for the Trans Siberian, and planning was paramount. Just like Friend H, he used a spreadsheet, only this time it had several more tabs, of a calendar, budget list, hotel, transport and sight-seeing. The budget list even contained currency conversion rates for each column, much to my convenience

6. Travel with an auditor because they have an uncanny ability to decipher the characters of non-English letters. 

It’s a strange observation but the two auditors I travelled with breezed through the reading of Korean characters and the Russian Cyrillic alphabets quite easily. While I was staring at the metro signboard trying to make out the characters, I received a “come Phebe, let’s go” in a matter of seconds. It’s all very effective. I’m guessing this attention to detail comes from the time spent scrutinising the profit and loss statements of clients.

KPMG – With credits: www.peopledaily.com.cn

7.  Auditors are a hardy lot 

It’s a broad assumption, but I guess that anyone who can work consecutive 2am nights for months is hardy in his own right. He/she probably has the mental and physical stamina to deal with a crisis, or at least be well-adjusted not to breakdown, cry or whine, or demand to return home immediately when in a difficult situation. If you’re thinking of travelling extensively in China, I’ll suggest you acquire an auditor who has worked on China jobs to go with you. If that’s not possible, sit down with him/her for a pep talk. It will be very helpful.

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Practical reasons aside, I can think of a whole lot of reasons why you should travel with auditors. Maybe it’s good fortune that my auditor friends are sensible, fun “assets”, and travelling with them sheds a different light on the destination as well. That being said, it’s not always easy, for me and for them, (especially when my slew of unfolded clothes and underwear starts to intrude their space). It’s always a give and take. But a worthwhile one indeed.

Have you travelled with an auditor before? Did you have an unqualified or adverse opinion? Or have disclaimers to make? Do share your thoughts in the comment box below ; )

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Right after this post of her was posted, another auditor friend of her shares another seven more reasons to bring an auditor on your next holiday. That makes "Fourteen Great Reasons To Travel With An Auditor". So, what do you think?

1) Make sure the budget of the trip is well plan
2) They probably gather a lot of “prior year” experience into the trip
3) They will understand the trip first before “execution”
4) They probably able to argue/bargain their way out in getting discount from store owner because they are thick skin enough
5) They will make sure you don’t get cheated because they probably carry a calculator along with them and also, they probably know who is trying to tell stories(heard too much of it)
6) Good ways of getting cabs along the streets
7) Not very fussy when it comes to food or endure long hours without food (We have probably tasted the worst food in industrial parks)

This article was written by Phebe Bay from The Travelling Squid  

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