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| Dawn at Angkor Wat Temple. |
Once a year, I always go on a solo travel. But usually, within the 7, 100 islands of my country, Philippines. However, as I dig deep on being a traveler, the urge to explore other countries, alone, has seized me. I have been to other countries in Asia before, but with companions, be it my friends or my family and relatives. And so, I planned my solo trip outside the Philippines.
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| The altar at the garden of the lodge. |
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| My breakfast includes a Vegetable Omelet with Butter and Jam with Cambodian Brewed Coffee. |
As a shoestring traveler, I need to carefully plan my trip. Resources, timing, and itinerary should synchronize my objective. I look on a map. And there! I want to go to Cambodia! I want to see the temples! I want to chase waterfalls! Siem Reap is the perfect place.
A few months before my trip, I was able to book a round-trip flight for $89. It is quite cheap since I got it from a seat sale from a local airline. Then, I booked a lodge for $23 for 4 nights. The room was decent enough for my stay. It is a fan room with T/B, 2 single beds, everyday breakfast, and a two-way airport transfer. I will take care of other fees once I get there such as entrances, transportation, food, souvenirs, and of course, the travel tax that I always pay at the airport here in the Philippines (Php 1,620).
I pack my things at least a day before my flight. I used to memorize all the things I will bring along to my trip. But as I aged, I always make a checklist way before the trip. I'm always pre-occupied with other things, okay!
Although Cambodia is part of the ASEAN countries and having a Philippine passport entitles me to an X number of days without a VISA, I always make sure that I am ready for other documents, aside from my passport and a government ID, when facing the immigration. A printed bank statement of my payroll account, Company ID, and current withholding tax certificate (BIR Form 2316) comes in handy. Just in case the immigration officer asks. A printed voucher of hotel booking must also be prepared. But most of my travel, the officers would only ask my reasons for traveling, my passport, and my return flight.
I always read about the place before coming there. I customize my itinerary as much as possible. I see to it that I check on the weather and temperature to be ready and pack clothes that suits the climate. I went there on June and the temperature was 37°C. It is going to be a hot backpacking trip so I packed a number of short pants and dri-fit shirts. I also packed a couple of sarong and shawl for me to use and wrap around my legs before entering temples. I must pack light since I did not bought a check-in luggage and I intended to have a light travel.
My bag is packed. My documents are ready. My phone is on international roaming mode. I got an ATM card that is compatible to Cirrus and VISA machines. I exchange for some Dollars and Riel. I got my itinerary. I was able to download the map and routing of Cambodia in my mobile. I think, I'm all set for my first international solo trip!
I pack my things at least a day before my flight. I used to memorize all the things I will bring along to my trip. But as I aged, I always make a checklist way before the trip. I'm always pre-occupied with other things, okay!
Although Cambodia is part of the ASEAN countries and having a Philippine passport entitles me to an X number of days without a VISA, I always make sure that I am ready for other documents, aside from my passport and a government ID, when facing the immigration. A printed bank statement of my payroll account, Company ID, and current withholding tax certificate (BIR Form 2316) comes in handy. Just in case the immigration officer asks. A printed voucher of hotel booking must also be prepared. But most of my travel, the officers would only ask my reasons for traveling, my passport, and my return flight.
I always read about the place before coming there. I customize my itinerary as much as possible. I see to it that I check on the weather and temperature to be ready and pack clothes that suits the climate. I went there on June and the temperature was 37°C. It is going to be a hot backpacking trip so I packed a number of short pants and dri-fit shirts. I also packed a couple of sarong and shawl for me to use and wrap around my legs before entering temples. I must pack light since I did not bought a check-in luggage and I intended to have a light travel.
My bag is packed. My documents are ready. My phone is on international roaming mode. I got an ATM card that is compatible to Cirrus and VISA machines. I exchange for some Dollars and Riel. I got my itinerary. I was able to download the map and routing of Cambodia in my mobile. I think, I'm all set for my first international solo trip!
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| Self-timer at Angkor Wat Temple. Traveling alone can't be that bad after all. |
I will write about my travel in Cambodia and have the link here next week! In the meantime, you may want to read some on my blog on the local scene.
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