Bayon Temple is my favourite ruin of all. It’s got faces everywhere! I went a little frantic trying to capture all of them.
I spent the whole of today finalizing our trip to Istanbul/Selcuk/Pamukkale. We’re going in October. The airbnb place we booked looks amazing. I’m in love! I can’t wait. It’s gonna be the first time I step on European soil too š
Me, I had some trouble understanding what Angkor Wat consisted of. Once you start doing your research, you quickly realize how many ruins/temples there are THERE! There’s Angkor Wat but there’s also a hundred others. Angkor Wat is the largest temple of all so it immediately gets main-attraction-status. I had no idea before this so I hope this gives anyone who’s planning to visit, a clearer picture.
First, this map is useful, save it. I wish I had it earlier than halfway through our day at the ruins. With the map, you clearly see where what is. The green ‘line’ is referred to as the Big Circuit. The red ‘line’ is the Small Circuit. And Angkor Wat plus Angkor Thom makes up the Grand Circuit. (For the record, we only did the Grand & Small Circuits.)
In my opinion, you can do all three circuits if you start your day really early at 4.30am. Catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat and proceed onto the other circuits. If you’re a regular guy or girl like me, hire a tuk tuk for the entire day. Some people rent bicycles and cycle. Gotta say the grounds are v–a–s–t though. It’s a lot to cover unless you have super quads/super lungs/super health/fitness… you get it.
We were one of the many early birds that arrived at 5ish a.m.. The skies were gloomy so we didn’t get much of a sunrise. In fact, we got drizzles! But dampen our spirits it did not, we welcomed daylight and forged on.
In this photo, I’m standing on the steps of Angkor Wat, looking toward the entrance
Now we are inside!
Apsaras on the walls
Inside looking up; inside looking out
Walking out of Angkor Wat
This one might have been used as a library
Looking back at Angkor Wat
Getting one last photo of it before heading for Angkor Thom
An Instagram friend recommended dusk at Angkor Wat too. I totally would have considered that if I had known!
Today’s my birthday and I am now 28. Definitely feeling older this time. Over the weekend, my friends threw me a nice nighttime-picnic by the beach and ended the night with sparklers and a MINION BIRTHDAY CAKE! And earlier today, Ben & I went to River Safari to check out PANDAS! Overall, a happy dumpling right now.
I shall leave you with some photos that have nothing to do with birthdays but! they look nice to me so here’s hoping you like them too. The first half are of someone’s bonsai plants and the second half are of shopfronts I took while walking through Haji Lane and Kandahar Street.
Now to get ready for dinner.
Some time ago, I came across Katie’s visit to Kampong Buangkok. It is Singapore’s remaining kampong (or village) and one of those things I’d wanted to do since forever. Initially, I thought it was gonna be a bit of a trek to get there (think Pulau Ubin) but who knew, it’s just across the road from a petrol kiosk! I included directions on how to get there at the end of the post too.
As with most things associated with the olden days, once you step into the kampong, time really stands still.
Can’t help but adore the colours these homeowners picked out
This is the original road sign from the heydays!
See how there are modern apartment buildings in the background? This was like a vortex to the future and I’m standing in the past. Imagination much?
TV trivia: The new show “Mata Mata” on Ch5 filmed some of their scenes here. I recognized this blue door!
Imagination still rolling… mmm rainbow, gay pride? That ode would be really cool if it were true.
This lone chair-swing is right outside the entrance to the kampong. It looked morbid and gave off suicidal vibes, at first. Partly induced because we didn’t see a single soul inside the kampong. But we could hear the tv on in some houses, so people were probably indoors because it was afternoon and hot.
The kampong is also pretty near our future home (in Sengkang) so hopefully it will still be around then. I’d love to re-visit again and see if anything changes or if time really stands still there. If you’re thinking of going and you’re driving, get to Gerald Drive off Yio Chu Kang Rd. Turn left and you’ll see the first house with the address 8 Lorong Buangkok on your right. Go forth another 100m and on your left, you’ll see a makeshift sign that says Surau Kampong Lorong Buangkok. Park and begin!!
Mmm, cafes. Can’t ignore the growing cafe culture here. There’s always a new place to check out, no matter how many I’ve checked off my list. #firstworldproblems. You can’t like them all, some cafes just aren’t for you. Like the vibe’s just not right. These two cafes are my favourites right now. I’ve returned to have coffee and food at both places, which on my terms is a big deal because apparently I’m always saying, “Hmmm, how about we try this new place? -insert suggestion-“.
Also I never want to leave when I’m there. First cafe up is D.O.C..
Department of Caffeine (D.O.C.)
What’s great? Good vibes aside, the food holds its own, alongside their coffee. I know zilch about coffee beans, but I know I like the ones they use here. Their lattes are great! I liked their pulled-pork sandwich. The cakes were good and homey too. Really nice space, friendly people. It also looks like they run a real kitchen, which would explain why the food’s good. My instincts go crazy when I see a toaster or oven that belongs in a home and not a food establishment. It always adds up, gotta have the right equipment for the right job!
The next cafe, I’m happy to say, is in the West. Two exits away from me on the PIE! Happy clam is me.
What’s great? It is GORGEOUS from the outside and super chill inside. Opened by the same guys who operates Smitten Coffee, Necessary Provisions is like their cooler big brother from another mother or something. They make me want to paint my walls black. Their baked goods are delicious. If anything is a problem, it’s that you will be spoilt for choice. And end up overeating. Their lattes are not my go-to order, I love their milk & iced espresso cubes drink much more. I made a video of how to drink it if you’re curious! They open till late on weekdays and even later on weekends, 10pm and 12am respectively. Another reason why this place is cool, since most cafes shut by evening. I have to drop by for dinner next!
Hi! Iām Melly. I share photos of my life & my handcrafted goods here. I live in Singapore & currently shooting with an Olympus Pen-F.
