Experiencing Palatial Grandeur Inside Gyeongbokgung Palace

When we visited Seoul last month, Gyeongbokgung Palace was one of our top places to visit. We've seen the palace countless times in various sageuk or Korean historical dramas and we wanted to have the opportunity to walk through its walls and experience moments to revel in its historical legacy.

Gyeongbokgung Palace, arguably Seoul's grandest and most beautiful palace

Eager and full of energy, we set off early that day for our first stop - Hanbok Girls, one of the many hanbok rental shops within the neighborhoods near the royal palaces. After all, wearing these traditional clothes gives visitors free access to any of the five grand palaces of Seoul. We also wanted to experience what would it have been like visiting the palace during the ancient Joseon Dynasty.

Gyeongbokgung Palace which means "Greatly Blessed by Heaven" was constructed in 1395, during the early days of the Joseon Dynasty. As it was the main palace of the capital city, Gyeongbokgung was extraordinary in size. It spans an area of 41 hectares with 5,792 rooms and surrounded by walls reaching 2,404 meters in length. At its height, the palace was a self-functioning unit comparable to China's Forbidden City. 

After donning our beautiful and surprisingly comfortable hanboks, we made our way inside the palace to begin our exploration. 

Bayon Temple: Face to Face with Giants

When you travel to Siem Reap, you cannot but miss the ancient temple of Bayon, else you will miss the chance to witness one of the most intriguing temples in Southeast Asia. 

Built nearly 100 years after Angkor Wat, Bayon served as the centerpiece of the sprawling Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. Unlike its more famous cousin which was built for Hinduism, Bayon was built as a Buddhist site. It was constructed at the behest of King Jayavarman VII, who broke tradition and adopted Buddhism. 

Although it is located close to Angkor Wat we decided to visit Bayon last. We have done little reading about it before the trip so we didn't have many expectations of the temple. 

From afar, Bayon looks like a jagged pile of rocks

Seeing Angkor Wat for the First Time

A lot of travelers know about and want to see Angkor Wat in person but the beauty and magnificence of the temple will hit you even just through thousands of images found online. Just like us, these photos will inspire you to make plans and fly to Cambodia. 

Angkor Wat as seen from the inside gallery

So when Air Asia offered seats to Siem Reap at 0 BIG points, we did not think twice and booked a flight to finally cross off Angkor from our bucket list. 

It was our second day in Siem Reap when we arranged to have Pin Ton pick us up at our hotel at 4:30AM. It took us a little while to get our bearings when Pin Ton stopped the tuktuk, told us to buy our One Day Passes, and to meet him back at the parking lot of Angkor Enterprise. In less than 30 minutes we were back on the road to Angkor Wat. 

When we arrived at the site it was still pitch black so we followed the phone lights through the unlit dirt paths until we reached the pontoon bridge to cross the moat to the temple. We then entered through the main gate and walked our way to one of the ponds in front of the temple. We joined several others in waiting for the sun to rise over the temple's five iconic towers and see the skies filled with vibrant colors.

Going Inside Ta Phrom Where Nature Has Taken Over

If you fancy yourself as Indiana Jones or Lara Croft, then you can't go to Siem Reap and not see Ta Phrom.

Nearly 830 years ago, almost 80,000 people called this temple and its surrounding area home. Now, it sits empty and centuries of neglect have made it host to vegetation on the roofs and in the walls. 

Located amid the forest north of the Great Lake Tonle Sap in present-day Cambodia, Ta Phrom was a thriving monastery and center of learning called Rajavihara from the 12th to the 15th century. An inscription in one of its stone foundations records that it took 79,365 people to maintain the temple including 18 priests and 615 dancers. It also records that the temple owned considerable riches including more than 500 kilograms of gold, more than 40,000 pearls, and more than 4,500 precious stones and diamonds. It must have been very impressive in its day!

But as was the case with many temples of Angkor, the site was mysteriously abandoned. It was only rediscovered in 1860 and was selected to be preserved, leaving it in much the same condition in which it was found. Exactly the main reason why in 2000, Ta Phrom was used as a location for the blockbuster film, Tomb Raider. 

Ultimate One Day Angkor Guide: The Best of Angkor

Stretching over some 400 square kilometers, even dwarfing the city of Siem Reap, Angkor Archaeological Park cannot be covered in its entirety during just one trip. Most guides recommend at least a 3-day itinerary to get the most out of the park's iconic temples. But what if you are pushed for time, is it possible to do it in one? The answer is YES.

The steep stairs leading to a lotus bud shaped tower
of Angkor Wat

We only had a day to see the temples of Angkor, so we planned, got recommendations from our driver, and put together an itinerary to visit the main sites and even avoid the worst of the crowds. 

Tickets to Angkor

For foreigners to enter Angkor Archaeological Park, an entrance ticket needs to be purchased as either One Day, Three Day or Seven Day Passes. The rates since February 2017 are USD37, USD62, and USD72 respectively.

The One Day Angkor Pass can only be purchased within the same day of your visit or the day before at 5:00PM. If you do the second option, you can already go into the park after purchasing the pass to watch the sunset from the temples. But this would cost an extra tuk tuk ride. 

The passes are exclusively issued by Angkor Enterprise located along Street 60, Krong Siem Reap. The Ticket Center is open from 5:00AM to 5:30PM daily. Cash and credit card payments are accepted. For more information, please visit the website here.

Small and Grand Circuit
There are two usual types of Angkor tours named after the groupings of the temples - the small and the grand (or big) circuit tours. 

Siem Reap: A Budget Travel Guide for Juans

Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap sits high on the list of many travelers dream destinations. And why shouldn't it be? Consumed by the jungles of Cambodia and hidden for centuries, the city of Angkor is filled with limitless beauty, mystery, and wonder. 

Whether you want to snap amazing pictures of the iconic Angkor Wat, get lost in the ruins of the massive Preah Khan, or channel the spirit of Lara Croft or Indiana Jones in the famed Ta Phrom, there is a way to see Angkor and visit Siem Reap on a budget of less than PHP8,700. Here's our guide to doing it. 

Note: Exchange rate used is PHP52.10 for every USD1.

The iconic Angkor Wat at sunrise

The atmospheric Ta Phrom popularized by Tomb Raider

A two-story pavilion in the massive Preah Khan

Flights
Cost of flights vary depending on your itinerary and where you're flying from. When booked at least three months in advance, the usual cost of round trip flights from Manila to Siem Reap via Cebu Pacific is around PHP8,500 per person. Meanwhile, the cost of round trip flights for the same period from Kuala Lumpur to Siem Reap via Air Asia is usually around PHP5,500. 

Of course, there's always the option to look out for seat sales to book the lowest possible fare. Since we found a great deal on airfares to Siem Reap and Kuala Lumpur in Air Asia's Red Hot Sale, we decided to make a dual country trip out of it. We got our round trip Kuala Lumpur to Siem Reap flight for 0 BIG points and PHP2,261.15 in taxes and fees per person.  

Airfare: PHP2,261.15 total per person 
Travel Tax: None

Siem Reap: A Travel Guide for First Timers

With its magnificent temple ruins, lush jungles, and warm hospitality, Siem Reap easily figures a spot in many travel bucket lists. This is a place that fascinates and stands as an unforgettable travel destination. One that every Juan should take the time to visit. 

But before you go, it's best to know a few of the basics. So here's our guide for first time travelers to Cambodia's center of tourism. 

Ta Som Temple in Angkor Archaeological Park

The City
What once was a quaint village, Siem Reap is now one of the fastest growing cities in Cambodia. It is known as the gateway to the World Heritage Site Angkor and is the capital of the northwest Cambodian province of the same name. It is located north of Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. 

The name Siem Reap literally means the "defeat of Siam" as a reference to a folk tale of the victory of the Khmer kingdom over the Siamese soldiers. In the early 1900s, Siem Reap was ceded to French Indochina. This coincided with the rediscovery of Angkor that stimulated tourism in the area. The city's more recent history, however, is characterized by the horrors of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Although, it was one of the last places in Cambodia to experience peace, Siem Reap has recovered remarkably quickly. In a span of a decade, the city has been revived and now welcomes more than 2 million visitors a year. 

Travel Requirements
For most tourists to Cambodia, visa is required, but for Filipinos and citizens of other ASEAN countries, visa exemptions apply. Filipinos can stay in the kingdom without the need for tourist visa for stays no longer than 21 days. Passports also need to be valid for at least six months at the time of entry.

For more details, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa information website here.

Time Difference
Cambodia Standard Time, same as Indochina Time, is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +7). This means that the Philippines is 1 hour ahead of Cambodia. Make sure to adjust your watch to ensure you do not miss your tours and return flight.

Currency
Cambodia has an unofficial dual currency system. This means that you can transact in both US Dollar and Cambodian Riel. For most tourist-oriented merchants and grocery stores within Siem Reap, prices are quoted in dollars so you don't need to be concerned about getting the local currency. Note that the lowest dollar denomination used is USD1. So for change less than USD1, you will get the equivalent in Riel. During our travel, the exchange rate was at around KHR4,100 to USD1.

The Cambodian Riel

Tip: Bring some small dollar denominations for small transactions like tuktuk rides. If you get stuck with 100s, it is easier to get change in restaurants, bars, hotels, and shops. 

Traveling to Bali: The Island of the Gods

Bali has always been on our list of places to visit. Why not? It's known as the Island of the Gods because of its deep sense of spirituality, scenic landscapes, and rich culture. 

We're fortunate enough to have recently crossed off Bali from our list. And we're excited to share our story about travelling to this popular island destination. 

The Island
Bali, the famed Island of the Gods, is one of the 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago. At 5,780 square kilometers, the island is smaller than Leyte but bigger than Cebu. 

The island is Indonesia's biggest tourist draw. In fact, around 5.70 million people visited the island in 2017. It is popular for its deeply spiritual and unique culture. Unlike the rest of Muslim Indonesia, Bali is primarily Hindu and every aspect of Balinese life is infused with religion. It is also popular for its scenic landscapes that varies from volcanic hillsides to mountains, from rugged coastlines to sandy beaches, and from lush rice terraces to elaborate temples.

Although very popular, Bali is a destination with something for everyone. 

Travel Requirements
There are around 169 countries in the world that are granted free-visa entry to Indonesia with varying length of stays. Filipinos and citizens of other ASEAN countries can stay in the country without the need for tourist visa for stays no longer than 30 days. Passports also need to be valid for at least six months at the time of entry and a return/onward ticket is required.

Time Zone
Indonesia stretches across three time zones. Bali observes the Indonesia Central Standard Time which is is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +8). This means that the Philippines and Bali are in the same time zone. 

Currency
The currency in Bali is the Indonesia Rupiah (IDR). Bring dollars or euros. There are limited money changers in Bali that accept pesos and they offer very poor rates. You may also withdraw money from your ATM for a good PHP to IDR rate. Make sure to call your bank for a travel advisory so you can withdraw abroad.

Electricity
In Indonesia, including Bali, the power sockets are type C, F, and G. Make sure to bring an adapter so you can charge your devices.

The standard voltage is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Many of today's devices such as mobile phone chargers will automatically switch to the network voltage and will work fine. However, always check your device's voltage before traveling as connecting it to the wrong voltage might damage your device. 

Getting the Flight

Two airlines fly direct to Bali from Manila - Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Flight duration is roughly four hours and usually costs between PHP5,000 to 8,000 one way. We know it's expensive, but believe us, you can get your tickets at a much lower price. You just need to be resourceful and have that little bit of luck to snag the best airfare.

We were actually in the middle of a vacation in Boracay when we booked our Bali flights through the GetGo One For Juan 10 Point Sale. We got our round trip flight for only 20 points and PHP1,573.14 in taxes and fees per person.

Tips on how we snagged this really low fare: 

1. We didn't forget our frequent flyer membership with the airline. It's a good idea to always have your membership details handy. 

2. We booked on the first day - in the wee hours of the date of the sale. The key is to always book early.

3. We were flexible. We considered other dates. Just be patient enough to go through different dates to check for seat availability. 

4. We were decisive. We booked them quickly when we saw the availability. Sometimes you just have to chase and book that cheap fare. 

5. We connected to a fast internet connection. We asked permission to use the hotel's Mac at that time. Use your charm. It gets you places. 

Update (January 2018): Air Asia is now flying direct from Manila to Bali. To check their low fares, visit the site here.

Where to Stay

Aside from transportation, accommodation expenses take the biggest bite out of your travel budget. If you know where to look you can find cozy and convenient places to stay for a fraction of the usual price. And with Bali offering various accommodation options ranging from the very basic to high-end five star resorts, you're certain to find a place that fits your budget. 

So where did we stay in Bali?

We stayed at Dewa Bharata Bungalows Legian. It is located just a few steps from JL Legian Street, about 15 minutes walking distance to Kuta Beach, and 15 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. 

Although it is a few steps from one of the liveliest and busiest parts of Bali, it is just amazing that it can be so close to the center and still be so quiet. It's a pleasant surprise to enter such a quiet, serene place directly from the busy street. 

The hotel in traditional Balinese design features a large swimming pool surrounded by a beautiful, green, and lush tropical garden. It sure brings that rural atmosphere in the heart of Kuta - a calm place to shut your eyes down after a tiring tour of Bali.

The hotel is listed in Airbnb and the rooms are offered at a much lower rate. As such, we booked our stay through the site. With free breakfast and WiFi, we only paid PHP475 nett per night. This is by far the cheapest hotel stay we've had in all our travels. Plus, the staff are friendly and helpful. 

So if you're heading to Bali, we highly recommend this place. Just like in traditional-style luxury resorts in the island, you'll also get a genuine taste of Balinese design while relaxing in an amazingly quiet environment at Dewa Bharata Bungalows Legian. 

For more information on the hotel, visit their website here.

Getting Around

Transportation options in Bali are limited to taxis, car hires, and scooters. 

We highly recommend that you plan out your transportation ahead of time rather than waiting until you arrive in Bali. We booked a car hire in advance for our tours but did not bother to book our airport transfers until arrival. 

Upon arrival at the airport, we were met by a slew of people offering taxis and car services. Be careful as these people are really pushy and will charge extremely high rates. They will avoid telling you the rates until it's too late. We were charged around PHP600 for a short and quick ride to the hotel. 

For our tours, we booked a service with Bali Travelo. It arranges car hire and private tour services for tourists in Bali. 

Why we recommend Bali Travelo:

1. Their rates are inclusive of car, fuel, driver, parking, and 10-hour service fees.  

2. They offer different types of vehicles for different group sizes.

3. They are flexible. They can customize your itinerary depending on the budget, the sites you want to visit, and the activities you want to do.

4. They are knowledgeable. They can also suggest suitable destinations and activities if you have no idea at all.

5. They only hire experienced, well-mannered, and English-speaking local drivers.

6. They don't require prepayment or cash deposits.

7. They don't charge for cancellations or changes in the reservation.

8. They will only be dealing with you through their co-founder, Made Sudiasa, so you're sure to be in good hands.

We were able to book a Suzuki APV for a tailored-fit tour of various temples in Bali for USD60. That's roughly PHP3,000 for a 10-hour private tour. This rate is actually good for up to 6 persons. So it's a great deal. 

Note: If you go on a tour within a 120-kilometer distance, the standard rate is USD40 for the same car type and capacity. It's not all bad, right?

For more information and for bookings with Bali Travelo, visit their website here or contact Made Sudiasa through Viber at +6282247564000.

Places to Visit

1. Batuan Temple

Pura Puseh Batuan was founded in 944AD making it the oldest temple in Bali. It features well-preserved and beautiful sandstone bas motifs and a grand complex of shrines. 

Across the temple is a separate large communal hall where visitors start their tour. Here you will be required to dress appropriately as a sign of respect in entering a sacred place. Sarongs and selendangs are available to be lent at Batuan for free. Entrance to the temple is also free but it is customary to give a donation after the visit. There is no minimum amount as it is based on a person's sincere donation. 

The temple is located along the main road from Denpasar to Ubud so it is easy to get to and there are ample parking spaces for your car service.

2. Kehen Temple

Pura Kehen is the state temple of the kingdom of Bangli. It is the biggest temple in East Bali and considered to be the finest and most beautiful as well. 

Located on the slopes of Mount Agung, the temple can be reached by climbing a flight of 38 stairs. Highlights inside the temple are a huge Banyan tree, an 11-roofed meru, and a carved throne dedicated to Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu, the trinity of Hinduism.

Of all the temples, we have visited, this is our favorite. We had the place all to ourselves so we had all the time to appreciate it. It's really beautiful, serene, and has this mystical feel to it.

Just like other temples, visitors here are required to dress appropriately. However, make sure to bring your own sarongs and selendangs as they are sold here at a hefty price tag. There is also an entrance fee of IDR15,000 or approximately PHP55 per person.

Pura Kehen is located around 45 kilometers from Denpasar.

3. Kerta Gosa Royal Court
Kerta Gosa is a historical landmark in the town of Klungklung. It dates back to 1686 and was used as a main place for the royal family to conduct important rituals and rites of passage. It also served as a court during the Dutch occupancy of Indonesia.

The court features spacious and open halls with unique and traditional Balinese architecture. The highlight of which are the beautifully painted ceilings found in the halls.

Entrance fee to the court is IDR12,000 or approximately PHP45 per person.

Kerta Gosa is located about 40 kilometers east of Denpasar.

4. Besakih Temple
Pura Besakih is built on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung within the village of Besakih. This huge and artistic temple complex is referred to as the Mother Temple of Hindu Bali. It has been revered as a holy place since ancient times.

Even though Besakih is considered as the holiest place in Bali, we had a terrible experience here. We were only able to reach the gate when a group of so-called Tourist Information Officers grabbed our entrance tickets and demanded for us to pay USD60 per person to enter the temple. We argued that we already paid the entrance fees but they did not budge. 

We were actually given a heads up by our driver of this scam to extort tourists. We even reported it to the police but they were not able to do anything either. Out of our frustration, we just decided to leave without even seeing the temple.

You can skip Besakih and opt for another lesser known temple. But if you really want to see the mother temple, be ready. Read through many tips published online to avoid being scammed here.

5. Bajra Sandhi Monument
Bajra Sandhi Monument is a major landmark in the heart of Denpasar City. The site is located in front of the Bali Governor's Office. 

The grand structure resembles a Hindu priest's praying bell or bajra. Housed within it is a museum that displays various historical dioramas immortalizing the soul and spirit of the Balinese people. At its topmost level is an observation platform where you can enjoy sweeping views of Denpasar. 

Entrance fee to the monument is IDR20,000 or approximately PHP75 per person.

6. Kuta Beach
Kuta is considered as Bali's most famous beach destination. Just like Boracay, this is Bali's party zone. It is close to various hotels, shops, clubs, and pubs.

Kuta Beach has plenty of quality waves for surfing enthusiasts and offers breathtaking sunsets all year round.

Kuta Beach is approximately 15 minutes away from our hotel, Dewa Bharata Bungalows Legian. 

7. Bali Rice Terraces
You will find breathtaking rice terraces all over Bali. A trip to this island is not complete without at least visiting or enjoying the dramatic panoramic views of these tiered rice paddies.

The most popular of the rice terraces in Bali are the ones located in Ubud.

There are actually a whole lot more places to visit and activities to do in Bali that will please every type of traveler. We were not able to see and do some due to shortage in time. 

Yet, even with a short visit, from the beautiful landscapes we've seen to the spellbinding charm we've experienced, we can say that Bali has surely earned the nickname, the Island of the Gods. We hope to be back someday!