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Sport Fishing at Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija

My eyes were squinting when the organizers woke us up to step off the bus. We just arrived in Nueva Ecija to try sport fishing at the Pantabangan Dam after a spelunking activity in Bulacan. It was a long bus ride, about 7 hours with a lunch stopover at Liquid Coffee Bar and Resto in Microtel Cabanatuan. I still wanted to sleep but we needed to go down to check the place out.

Sport Fishing at Pantambangan Dam
Nueva Ecija

Dandi of Lakbay Norte 3 in Pantabangan Lake

Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija

Last Friday, I guested in an hour-long discussion about travel and passion by DZAR 1026 Sonshine TV-Radyo’s Byahe @ Gimik with hosts Tonyo and Jamie.

Byahe at Gimik is a radio program that talks about anything travel. Every Friday, they usually have live guests onboard and several Philippine Travel Bloggers have already been to the show. I received the invite earlier this year, but I wasn’t available as I was still pursuing my backpacking adventure across Southeast Asia.

with Byahe@Gimik hosts Tony and Jamie

In the last two years, I’ve been to Siem Reap five times. In that duration, I also lived in this quaint city for a month. The first time I stayed here, I spent three days visiting tourist spots with a couple of friends.

the famous Angkor Wat

I had no idea about this side of Cambodia except for the Angkor Wat. I was a tourist who only cared about getting as many photos posted on Facebook for other people to see that I’ve been to a world heritage site. But my perspective changed in a short span of time.

After that trip, I told myself that I’d come back once I quit my job and start my backpacking adventure. I did, after a year, and stayed longer.

near the river

Siem Reap

If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay in Siem Reap, you may want to check out Victory Guesthouse. I stayed in this hostel for over 10 days as I wanted and clean hostel available. Bousavy Guesthouse was supposedly my other target, but comparing the prices, Victory seems to have cheaper rates. Fortunately, these two guesthouses were just across each other so it wasn’t hard to find.

Victory Guesthouse
Siem Reap, Cambodia

Victory hostel in Siem Reap

This Victory Guesthouse is a good find if you plan to stay in Siem Reap. I was able to get a spacious room good for three people for only 7 USD (breakfast NOT included).

spacious fan room good for 3 persons

Today, I fed and bathed elephants that were rescued from abuse and neglect. I visited the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai and spent a day with these gentle giants. It was a beautiful experience to be with them up close.

Elephant Nature Park Day Trip by Save Elephant Foundation
Chiang Mai, Thailand
October 24, 2012

with female elephant Jampeng

after taking a bath, they covered themselves with mud for protection (from the sun and from insect bites)

I travelled from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on a Thursday night and the ride took 11 hours by bus. It wasn’t a grueling transport. I just had to deal with a couple of pesky female backpackers sitting on the back who seemed high or drunk. They kept talking to my seatmate (their friend) about how crazy the party was the other night. Their voices were so loud that everybody could hear them boisterously laughing as if they owned the bus.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai – 500 Baht (you can find cheaper tickets if you search enough)

backpackers, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

In the middle of the night, they asked one of the bus staff to turn the air conditioning off. The temperature was already unbearable and they didn’t have any jackets/blankets on, but the staff didn’t do anything. Curses flew everywhere which practically disturbed a lot of people. Funny how they previously laughed at their friend for bringing a hoodie in Southeast Asia, but they had to suffer during that cold bus ride that night.

Anyway, the trip ended early in the morning and I arrived in Chiang Mai with arms open.

A monk, eating from his bowl, early in the morning.

After checking out from the Widus Hotel Resort, we prepared for another adventure, this time an off-road 4×4 ride to Puning Hot Springs in Angeles, Pampanga.

The breakfast buffet at the resort was wonderful, if only we had more time. But it was a busy day as we had another set of activities lined up for us.

Puning Hot Springs & Sand Spa
Sitio Target, Sapang Bato
Angeles City, Pampanga

Off Road Adventure to the Puning Hot Springs

4×4 vehicles welcomed us and it was cool to see a row of them displayed as if we got to choose which one we could drive. Of course, it didn’t matter which color we rode as we were but passengers of these open-air wheels.

I’m so glad to have finally participated in the jungle trek to the Chemerung Waterfalls in Terengganu, Malaysia. It was my last week at the Tanjong Jara Resort and this nature adventure was one of the activities I wanted to do right away. I stayed in a five-star resort for two months, but I was … Read more

Unexpected Opportunities while Backpacking

After my trip to Bali, Indonesia. I didn’t know where I was headed. I wanted to do something other than work on my laptop as I felt very unhealthy being stuck in front of a computer screen. I was still in Bangkok at the time and I was contemplating on a few things until unexpected opportunities knocked on this backpacker’s life.

Substitute Teacher

There was an opening for a temporary post as an elementary English teacher for a private school in Bangkok where my friend was working. It was a short-term gig which would’ve lasted three weeks. In my mind, I was to handle a class of grade six pupils, but the picture didn’t come out clear enough because I was hesitant.

back in the old office days

I’ve had some experience training adults and I’ve hosted calibration sessions with different clients in my previous job in a call center; but this was a little different since I’d be handling youngsters.

After almost six months on the road, I travelled to the northeastern part of Malaysia for an opportunity to live in a five-star resort for two months. I had an amazing time working as a waiter during the summer season, and this break has been one of the best experiences in my backpacking adventure! bussing … Read more

Eyeing India

I’m currently in Bangkok and I’ll be heading to Chiang Mai in a few days. I’m on my eighth month of backpacking in Asia. So far, I’ve travelled to a number of countries without having a definite duration on how many days I’d stay in one place. Even if at times I’m spending more because I haven’t carefully planned what I’m going to do, I’m just glad that the freedom of decision-making is within my grasp most of the time.

One day I’m in Cambodia, the next day I’d travel to Thailand. I’d drop by a few days in Singapore, and then take a bus to Malaysia. The spontaneity of it all and how easy it is to go from country to country drives me high.

Singapore airport sky train

Of course, money plays a big role because transportation plays a big chunk in this scene. But somehow, it’s not as expensive compared to flying out from my country.

Back in the Philippines, I had a challenge getting out of the country at the immigration counter. It’s something a lot of Filipinos are worried about because immigration officers have to make sure that those who are leaving the country for the holidays have plans of returning to their home country.

After a 4×4 off-road adventure from Puning Hot Springs, we proceeded to the next station where we were treated to a sand spa and mudpack therapy.

Sand Spa & Mudpack at Puning Hot Springs
Sitio Target, Sapang Bato
Angeles City, Pampanga

pouring sand over Krishmel and James | my turn
photo by Lakwatsero

Sand Spa

I first heard about a volcanic ash spa when I read an article by a fellow blogger. I didn’t really know what to expect except for being buried alive in sand and volcanic ash. There’s also an oven below where they place coals to maintain the warm temperature. We were advised that the sand spa experience helps improve blood circulation. This only lasts for 20-30 minutes to avoid dehydration.

JourneyingJames feeling the heat.

While working in a luxury resort in Malaysia, I realized that there were so many guests who came from different parts of Europe who dropped by for the holidays. They were there for a vacation and I wondered why they had to travel very far. That’s when I realized how lucky I am because spending for rest and relaxation isn’t that far within my reach.

Palaui Island, Cagayan Valley

These guests spend a lot of money to get out of the country and experience nature. They go out of their way just to have a grand time under the sun. They also spend at least a week, too, in these places. A far cry from the normal 3 days/2 nights that I used to do when I was still working in a call center.

Cebu Osmena Peak

For a month and a half, I stayed in Bangkok, Thailand. I flew in from Singapore and arrived in in this urban city with a 30-day visa stamped on my passport, I decided to stay here longer instead of going back to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Here’s a high-level overview of what to expect about life in Bangkok as a digital nomad.
Note: Expenses mentioned are based on my experiences. Prices may vary depending on your level of comfort.

Khao San Road, Bangkok

Accommodation

We had a friend who was very generous to share her space for us to stay. So we grabbed the opportunity since we didn’t have much time to scour through other places in the city. If we searched hard enough, we could possibly find good deals in other places in Bangkok. But we didn’t because we wanted to save money and spend more on other important things such as food.

apartment in Bangkok

This meant that the hassle of searching for a place to stay was no longer a problem. My friend’s apartment costs about 5000 baht (160 USD) per month.

Sport Fishing at Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija

My Interview with DZAR 1026 Sonshine Radio’s Byahe at Gimik

Why I Keep Coming Back to Siem Reap

Where to Stay: Victory Guesthouse in Siem Reap, Cambodia

A Day at Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand

First Impressions of Chiang Mai, Thailand

Off-Road 4×4 Adventure to Puning Hot Springs in Angeles, Pampanga

Jungle Trek to Chemerung Waterfalls in Terengganu, Malaysia

Unexpected Opportunities while Backpacking

Substitute Teacher

How I Lived in a Five-Star Resort for Two Months

Eyeing India

Sand Spa & Mudpack at Puning Hot Springs in Angeles, Pampanga

Sand Spa

Holidays Out of the Country

Digital Nomad Life: One Month Plus in Bangkok, Thailand

Accommodation