3 Days in Siem Reap, Cambodia: What to do.

by 7:35 AM
Siem Reap, Cambodia is well known for their abundance of temples and history.
There is more than meets the eye for this former Khmer Kingdom other than temples and historical locations.
Siem Reap has also become a popular destination for volunteer work and Oversea School Trips.

But what if you are only restricted to roam around for 3 days, or  short of time but yet want to experience the true Cambodian Culture?
Within a 3 day period, one could cover so much about this majestic kingdom if planned thoroughly!

Bayon Temple
credits
Located in Angkor Thom which is a short distance away from Angkor Wat, this city is
well known as the "Intersection between heaven and Earth". Bayon is known for its huge stone faces of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, with one facing outward and keeping watch at each compass point.  There are 51 smaller towers surrounding Bayon, each with four faces of its own. If you are visiting Angkor Wat, do give Bayon Temple a visit too!
Angkor Wat

credits
Angkor Wat, one of UNESCO's World Heritage Site is probably the most well-known
historical place in Cambodia.
Filled with history and wonderful architecture, one could walk for an hour and so exploring intricate details of the city itself which was built to honor the Hindu God, Vishnu.

You can pay a total price of 50USD to visit the three temples in this area, or 25USD per temple.
Angkor National Museum
credits
Despite the criticisms in year 2007, The Angkor National Musuem took it as a sign for change and has done so during the years ahead. Now, the only Museum of Khmer Sculpture in Siem Reap has been garnering quite a number of visitors who are curious to know more about Angkor and the history of the state itself.

The Museum itself does play an important role for people who are seeking for knowledge but there is nothing more than that. If you are not a history or cultural interested junkie, we suggest you steer clear away from the Museum.
The entrance price is set to 15USD though you can get it cheaper if booked earlier.
        
Kampong Phluk
credits
Roughly an hour ride away from Siem Reap, Kampong Phluk is actually a village on sea
which is supported by stilts. Instead of cars, each house will have a wooden boat parked infront.
A boat ride here will last roughly 45 minutes and you will be taken around the vicinity of the village.
Entrance fee can cost as low from a dollar to forty, depending on your luck.


Koulen Mountain

Roughly an hour and a half drive, Koulen Mountain is located in the outskirts of Siem Reap and away from the bustling city.
For roughly 45-60USD one could get to this waterfall and take a dive.
Usually locals will just stop you at the top of the waterfall which is less impressive than the one located below. The bottom of the waterfall is accessible by a flight of stairs behind some trees. Make sure to descend to the lower waterfall to get an amazing view.

Pub Streetcredits

Fancy a little drink or a place to wind down and shop, then Pub street should probably be on your list. Located right smack in the middle of hotels and malls, this market has everything from clubs, pubs and cheap stalls which sell souvenirs and more.
Apsara Dance

credits

A traditional dance which was only practiced in royal palaces can now be seen practically everywhere in Siem Reap.

The Apsara dance differs depending on the location. There are free shows around pub street, and you can enjoy your drink while watching, or you could go to some theatres and watch their performances along with some others like shadow puppet stories and such.

Phnom Bakheng

credits

Located 1.3Km away from Angkor Wat, the site famous for it's sunset and sunrise view stands proudly overlooking other temples and sites.

Be sure to put this place in your list if you enjoy watching a great view.
Photographers and enthusiast alike often flock to this area during dawn to catch the sunrise and, personally I do have to admit that the view is amazing!

Continue Reading

Handmade Greeting cards. #2

by 2:35 AM

When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone?
Sure, we do have technology which helps us to communicate
with more ease despite the distance. But true to the quote,
"handmade/written gifts are more meaningful"
So do check out batch #2 designs!

Cards are printed in
A5 card paper and trimmed to  approximately 3.8 x 5.5.(Folded)
The greeting card will come in a C6 Brown Manilla Envelope(Untaped)

Also there has been a minor change to how we print our cards.
Back then we used 160gsm art cards and inkjet printers,
now we are using 250gsm Matte art cards and laser printers.
So cards now are stronger, less flimsy, more vibrant, clearer and won't smudge
upon contact with water!

Cards are $2.50 each!
Meetups will be done in Singapore* only
West(Jurong)
East(Bedok)
Central(Ang Mo Kio)
For Overseas, inclusive of  $4 by air mail.

 Hang on tight lads

  I think Eiffel for you

  I love you like how I love fish

 Happy birthday! I got you cake but...

 For more enquiries contact: SeekingKhairil@gmail.com
Continue Reading

Cafes you must visit in Johor Bahru

by 12:05 PM
The cafe hopping trend has been buzzing for quite awhile in Singapore, and we most probably visited plenty but have you been to the ones in our neighbouring country?

We took a two-day road trip around Johor Bahru and here are some places you should definitely visit during your free time!
Maco Vintage Cafe

Located in a rather bustling area, Maco Vintage Cafe stands out with
its large green paint job with their logo right smack in the middle of its cafe.

Maco Vintage Cafe is well known for its relaxing ambience and interior and is
definitely a spot to stop by for a relaxing rejuvenating session with yourself and or friends.

A place filled with desserts and coffee , this cafe embraces the simpler pleasures in life
and not overwhelm their customers with too many things on their menu. 



With drinks like the Vanillacino, Matcha Latte, and Rose latte
there is definitely a drink that will compliment their cakes.

With a warm cozy ambience, grab a book and or newspaper and wind down
at this cozy cafe.
14, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, 80000 Johor Bahru
Business Hour:
Everyday: 10.00AM to 10.00PM


DC Comics Superhero Cafe

Now this is definitely a cafe you don't want to miss!
Located in Puteri Harbour, this colourful cafe's menu
is all things related to DC.

With a wide array of food like Turkey Rolls and drinks like Peanut Butter Milkshake, you are definitely spoiled for choice.
Personally, I loved all the drinks, especially the Joker one due to it's uncanny resemblance to his face.


While waiting for the Baristas and cook to handle your food, you could walk around and maybe shop for merchandises here. Now we all know that Singapore has recently opened our very own DC cafe, but unlike the one located at JB, it's not halal yet (though it is still unconfirmed).


Little Red Cube, Nusajaya Puteri Harbour
Business Hour:
Weekday (Sun-Thu): 11.00AM to 8.00PM
Weekend (Fri & Sat): 11.00AM to 9.00PM 
Chaiwalla & Co. Container Cafe
Credits

A cafe hopping spree at Johor Bahru isn't entirely complete till you visit Chaiwalla.
This cafe has been setting a buzz for the cafe hoppers here in Singapore, and for the more determined
ones, they will travel all the way here just for a good cup of tea/coffee.

You can't miss the iconic two black shipping containers stacked on top of the other with
their name CHAIWALLA & CO being verily contrasting.

Credits

Well known for their coffee and tea, Chaiwalla has been mentioned by many
local Malaysians and Singaporeans. Customers can choose a beverage base of tea, milk tea, coffee or fresh milk, add flavors such as vanilla and wintermelon & toppings like pearls & Nata De Coco, plus select a sweetness level. 

Personally I loved their Thai Milk Tea. Loved it too much that I drank it without taking a picture. But here's an image of it from the net!
Credits

Lot 2810, Tan Hiok Nee Street, 80000 Johor Bahru
Business Hour:
Weekday (Sun-Thu): 12.00AM to 12.00AM
Weekend (Fri & Sat): 12.00PM to 01.00AM 



 BEV C. Cafe
Credits

This cafe has the word "Hipster" written all over it.
With rustic and abstract interior, one would want to
label your everyday cafe as pretentious, but this cafe cuts the cake
and you wouldn't even call it that cause it's that good.


Credits

Not only one can wind down and enjoy a little quality time but this cafe
is also a boutique clothing shop where you can look through during your free time in the
cafe. A point to take note that the owner is also the founder of The Girl Next Door, as to many question why the Cafe's ambience has a certain taste.
54, Jalan Tan Hiok Nee
Johor Bahru 80000, Malaysia
Business Hour:
Weekday (Tue-Fri): 01.00PM to 11.00PM
Weekend (Sat & Sun): 12.00PM to 11.00PM 


Special Mention: Steakout

Certainly, Cafes do have cakes and coffee, but is that enough to feed your hunger?
So why not stop by SteakOut for a fulfilling meal after a tiring day of Cafe Hopping?



Despite being only three months old, this restaurant is the pristine example of excellent Customer Service and food for value quality.


With just 24Rm, one could order the Rump Steak which comes with a side
of buttered corn and baked potatoes. Other dishes available would be the Sirloin Steak, Lamb chop and much more.





And if the ice cream from cafes weren't enough, Panna Cotta and Raspberry jellies are always available to satisfy your sweet tooth. Grab a spot outside and watch the world goes by as you indulge in what's on their menu.
Bandar Baru Uda (No. 24, Jalan Padi Emas 1/2),81200 Johor Bahru, Johor, MalaysiaBusiness Hour:
Everyday except Fri: 11.00AM to 12.00AM
Friday: 03.00PM to 12.00AM 
Continue Reading

14 Days in Makkah,Madinah and Jeddah

by 2:44 AM



This post will be tweaked, so that there can be a mutual understanding for all. 
The information and stories below are to my best of knowledge and experience, so I apologize if there are any misunderstandings or mistakes in this article
Staying in Saudi Arabia for 14 days was sure an eye opener.
It was indeed an enriching experience to be in the largest Country in the Arabian Peninsula. From rich cultural history, to the more modern sky scrapers, there is nothing short of beautiful of this Kingdom.
Down here, it is a norm to talk about family, friends and personal interests.
Arabs in general seem to have interest in Singaporeans, judging by how ecstatic they are
when they met me and some friends of mine.
They would start off excited and introduce us to their families and friends, and in some occasions they would bring us to some local café and have tea while we converse and exchange stories.
In short, they are very welcoming people.

In this post I will be talking about the days of pilgrimage in Makkah I had, and also my trip to
Medina and Jeddah.

Makkah:

Also known as Tanah Haram or Forbidden Soil, this place is a holy ground to all Muslims
who came here to either do Umrah or Hajj.
One common question that many asked was “Why are non-muslims prohibited from visiting Makkah?”
The answer to that is simple, it is not because they are segregating their religion from others and such, but every country has its own laws to allow entry into their territory. You can visit a country as a foreigner but you and civilians aren't allowed to enter certain premises like cantonments etc. for obvious reasons. In this particular case, the reasons aren't so obvious but valid.

Another common misconception is "Only Malays go there?” (Singapore context)
Technically Malay is just a race, but Islam is a religion. I’ve made good pals in this trip who are not Malay!
I actually met some Japanese, Turkish and German Muslims here, so with that said…

Personally Makkah is hot but the cooling breeze makes up for the heat so it’s considered hard to even perspire. Surrounding the marvellous Masjid Al-Haram are numerous pipes which are connected to the fresh well water or known as ZamZam water.
For the non-muslims I do urge that you should try the ZamZam water as it has been known to be one of the “purest” state for water, and you can ask your Muslim friends to bring you one whole tub back if you wish.

Also, Makkah has adopted some western influence and is more modern than many of us would have imagine.
They are up to trend with the café industry such as Starbucks and also fashion sense such as H&M and Uniqlo.

What is Umrah?:  

Umrah translated means “to visit”, and is commonly meant to visit Makkah to do pilgrimage thus the term is used as it is today.
In Makkah, Muslims have to recite a verse before donning the Ihram which is two white cloths, one of which covers the body from the waist down, and one that is gathered around the shoulder for men, and white covered clothing or their own native dress for women.
The Ihram is a symbol of purity and equality. It also signifies that the pilgrim is in a state of devotion.

Thereafter, they are required to make their intention at the Miqat and then they can finally perform the Tawaaf whereby they circle 7 times around the Ka’abah  on their left while reciting verses from the Holy Quran.

Once that is completed, they are required to go to Maqam Ibraheem and recite a certain verse.
After reciting, they would pray 2 Rakaats, head onto Mount Safaa and recite another verse from the Quran.
Thereafter they will descend to  Marwah and do a 7 round walk to and fro from Marwah to Mount Safaa.
After all the above has been done for men they are required to cut their hair while for the ladies, a snip or so, and that is the end for the Umrah.

Madinah: 

Translated to “The radiant city” in English, this is where many pilgrims would head to after Umrah is done to visit the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb (Pbuh).

Prophet Muhammad’s tomb (Pbuh) is located at the ever majestic Masjid Nabawi which is known for its opening and closing umbrellas surrounding it.
Unlike Makkah, the crowd here is more subtle and noise level lower. For those who are curious, the Masjid Nabawi grew in size due to construction over the years but did not cover the tomb, instead they built the Masjid around it thus they do not pray to the dead, for many misunderstood
why is there a tomb in a Masjid.

Madinah itself is not as modern as Makkah but there are plenty of shops around selling modern tech
and equipment.
But mostly shops here are a much lower scale as compared to Makkah which caters to the people from poorer countries. Due to the rising amount of Turkish visitors, the Turkey currency Lira is also accepted here.

Other than the Masjid Nabawi, one could travel down to hike up Jabal Uhud to pay respect to the martyrs that died in the Uhud war. If you travel further to the outskirts, you can look for a ride on a camel and shop for a wider array of necessities and food such as dates.

Jeddah:
Photocredits: http://www.bankerinthesun.com/2015/02/living-in-jeddah-interview-with-an-expat/
Jeddah, nicknamed “Bride of the Red sea”, it has a more western influence than the two above stated.
So local’s clothing here are much different, the food and also the items they sell at shops. (Note that they don’t sell alcohol and ciggs in Madinah and Makkah too)

Home to the prestigious King Abdul Aziz University, there are many activities to do here in Jeddah! There are plenty of malls and food houses around so you are technically spoiled for choice in terms of food. You can visit places like Balad where there are plenty of Souks(Markets) around for you to shop for historical artefacts and local dishes.

The more adrenaline junkie could try visiting out snorkelling, diving and visiting the theme parks.
While not to forget the artsy and cultural side of Jeddah, there are plenty of museums and historical sites around for you to visit, some even have artefacts dating back to World War 1, so in my opinion it is definitely a place to visit during your spare time.

In a nutshell:
It was a humbling experience to go to Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah at such a young age, also something refreshing as I wasn’t exposed to Middle Eastern Culture before this.
The food, people, and culture are so diverse that I am forever in awe.

In all, the Middle East(the places I visited) so far has been amazing and I am planning to visit the rest
if possible!

May peace be upon you!
Continue Reading

Handmade Greeting cards. #1

by 8:18 AM

When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone?
Sure, we do have technology which helps us to communicate
with more ease despite the distance. But true to the quote,
"handmade/written gifts are more meaningful"
So do check out batch #1 designs!

Cards are printed in
A5 card paper and trimmed to  approximately 3.8 x 5.5.(Folded)
The greeting card will come in a C6 Brown Manilla Envelope(Untaped)

Meetups will be done in Singapore* only
West(Jurong)
East(Bedok)
Central(Ang Mo Kio)
For Overseas, inclusive of  $4 by air mail.


 Donut Poke Me!: $2.50

 Bad Coffee, I will control your life: $2.50

I will break everything you love: $2.50

For more enquiries contact: SeekingKhairil@gmail.com
Continue Reading

Hat Of Cain. Authentic Panama Hats

by 10:01 AM
"Contrary to popular belief  Panama hats are not made in Panama but in Ecuador."

 Tucked away in a humble shophouse at Joo Chiat, Hat Of Cain gives off the old Jazzy 20's vibe that just makes you want to sit down, grab a drink and take a puff.
The old rustic wood smell, moody lights and vintage interior just somehow brings you back to the sleek & quintessential era of the Classy gambler.

Small but warm interior

How did the Panama hat become so influential?
It was said that the name “Panama Hat” was only coined during the construction of the Panama Canal where workers wore them to protect themselves from the scorching sun.
It rose to popularity in 1906 when President Theodor Roosevelt was photographed wearing a Panama hat while viewing the Panama Canal.
Since then Panamas have been worn by iconic people such as Frank Sinatra.  

No man or lady of any class was out in public without a hat. That had been true for centuries and was very much the case during the 1920s. 
Suits and ties or dresses were topped by a Panama straw hat or the shallow, flattop, stiff-brimmed hats called either boaters or skimmers, depending on the brim's width. 
Depending on the weather, fedoras and shorter brims are most favoured during the
Autumn and Winter period.

Fashion in the 1920's
This dapper and jazz styled fashion lasted up till the 1930’s where the market crashed and ended the era for this Fashion. The style was still retained by some individuals though there was a certain change to it towards the late 30’s.
Considering getting one?
Looking for something classy and that will show your individualism?
Want to give a little class to that hipster outfit you're wearing? Well, Hat Of Cain if not, is the only authentic Boutique Panama Hat Salon in Singapore which houses numerous styles ranging from the classic Fedora, to the modern hipster Pork Pie.

Personally I was attracted to the Pork Pie which is typically a round hat with a flat snappy brim.

Porkpie

Designs such as the Rolling Optimo, Havana Cuenca and Classic Fedora can also be seen here.


Having visited the shop every once in a while, I think the sleek and snappy design of a Panama hat is perfect for Men and Women.
Do give the Boutique Salon a visit for a fitting session and wind down there with a drink or so, while Bill or Kim will fill you in the details on how Panama hats are made, graded and come to be.

Hat of Cain does personalized fittings and custom-made hats. Customizing is all about the weave, colour, and size. With many ways to customize, customers are definitely spoilt for choice.
Even after your purchase, you can always stop by for a fix or snip to your hat
Talk about a warm bespoke service!

The dashing owner himself, Bill Cain.

For any enquiries you can contact them at
T: +65 88096242
E: bill.cain@hatofcain.com
E: inquiries@hatofcain.com
W. www.hatofcain.com

or follow them up at Facebook for more updates
FB: www.facebook.com/HatOfCain

Hours:
Wednesday/Thursday: 10am-2pm
Saturday: 11am-5pm
Continue Reading
Subscribe to: Posts ( Atom )
Powered by Blogger.