13th AUGUST 2019 ~ The first attraction visited in Phnom Penh was the National Museum of Cambodia which was very near to the hotel I was staying in. The building looked majestic and its grand architecture should attract visitors even before entering the exhibition hall.
the ticket booth
The ticket to the museum was actually quite expensive. It cost USD10 which was equivalent to approximately RM40.00. But then, it would be the experience that money couldn't buy.
I spent some time just walking around the place and admiring the design and construct of a Khmer traditional house and it was worth the time and effort.
13th AUGUST 2019 ~ The initial plan was to take a Grab Car from the Phnom Penh International Airport to the city centre so as to save money. However, I arrived quite early and while I was wandering around the airport, I saw the sign which showed there was a shuttle train station nearby. I searched and found what I was looking for - and was on cloud nine.
The fare was USD2.50 which was about 10 000 Riel (equivalent to RM10) one way. To me, this should be quite reasonable. You might be charged much more if you take a taxi.
There was this terminal which was air-conditioned and comfortable for passengers to sit and wait for the train to come.
When the train finally arrived, I was amused to see it. It was much bigger and bulkier (and more traditional) than the one we have in Malaysia, and it was just ONE big coach. There was this portable stairs that would be needed so people could get into or out of the train. Without the portable stairs, people would have to literally jump down from the coach.
The service was not popular (maybe not yet) as I was the only passenger, having the whole coach to myself. The service was only launched in April this year so this should be considered as quite new.
Another interesting thing was the train tracks were actually on the streets so this made this vehicle more like a tram than a train. It moved at a slow pace but it was better than to get stuck in the bad traffic congestion of Phnom Penh. So when train was moving, traffic on the road would either have to slow down or stopped to give way. And the train would keep honking all the way to the destination, continuously to alert others on the road or nearby, guess you have to bear with it. The journey from the airport to Phnom Penh Train Station took about 30 minutes.
At first I was seated in a position in which the train was moving forward to the city and then it stopped at one point, and suddenly I was moving backwards. I thought it was going back to the airport but actually it had to change direction to get on the track to the city centre. Just imagine a "Y" shaped track for the shuttle route.
There were more people when I took the train on my way back to the airport. There were Japanese students and teachers so the journey was merrier.
Here is a timetable of the train schedule if you are looking for one - which I took from the terminal in August 2019. You better check online, just in case there are any changes.
The ride both ways were quite short but I tremendously enjoyed it as I as I caught my first glimpse of the lifestyle of the real people of Phnom Penh through the train windows. And here are two videos (uploaded on Youtube) which I managed to record when I was on board.
I made another trip back to Cambodia during the mid term school break on 13th-16th August 2019, and I embarked on this adventure solo (as usual). The first time in Cambodia was three years ago when I visited Siem Reap which was famous for its Angkor Wat. [READ HERE] This time however I was about to explore its capital city, Phnom Penh. I initially told myself I should not expect much but being able to travel again to another country would already make me happy. After doing some research on the Internet, mostly by reading travel blogs, Phnom Penh should be a safe place for people to travel solo.
Geographically speaking, Phnom Penh is situated where two important rivers in Indochina meet - the Tonle Sap and Mekong. The country and the city has a very sad and gleamed history and it is still on its way in rebuilding its economy. I could see constructions of high rise building was in progress when I was there. At the same time, I could also observe people of the low income group working hard on the streets day and night. I felt safe there, and I could walk from one point to the other in the city at night without feeling worried. Another thing, unlike other Indochina countries, I did not come across the red light district, or women on the streets offering sex service or any lady boys.
The currency used is Riel. However, the locals would be happy if business transaction is done using the USD. From the museum entrance tickets to the street vendor selling coconut water by the roadside, USD is widely accepted - and they expect tourists to use USD instead of Riel. You could still use your Riel but you would have to tell you are paying in their currency, and this should be cheaper actually. It was quite difficult to get Cambodian Riel from money changers at home and I only managed to change at CIMB counters at KLIA2. The rate was like USD1 = 4000 Riel, and for my convenience I always bear in my mind Riel 10 000 = RM10 to make my life easier.
As for my transportation in Phnom Penh, I should personally thank whoever created Grab service as it has made my life so much easier, especially when I am traveling. Instead of just having a grab car service, there are also other options like Grab Bike (motorcycle), Grab Tuktuk and the other one which I already forgot the name, a coach which is pulled by a motorcycle. I was happily touring the city with the help of my Grab apps so I was never worried to be scammed by the riders.
What about halal food in Phnom Penh? I am so used to travel with instant noodles, instant rice and cream buns packed from home, finding halal food is never an issue for me. My classic answer will be: you can google for the information. However, most of the restaurants which offer halal food are Indian restaurants. There should be halal food outlets somewhere in the city, especially around the mosque area but I did not go hunting for Cambodian authentic dishes. I tried its local food twice, one for breakfast and the other one for dinner. If you are unlucky, you would have to eat at a restaurant whose owner would mark up the prices for Muslim tourists.
Basically, I had a great time in Phnom Penh. I never compare places I have visited as they are all unique in their own way. If you think you want to widen your horizon, especially on Cambodia which was once a war-torn country and its people, just pack your back and go. And it should be a safe for a solo traveler. I am happy I could say it loud: been there, done that. And it is already time to plan for another trip for the near school break. Just hope I could finish my travelogue posts on my trip to Cambodia by then.
31st AUGUST 2019 ~ Another ex-student of SMK Taman Universiti [SPM batch 2009] tied the knot today. Ms. Siti Maryam Johar invited me to her wedding reception held at Taman Sri Pulai Community Hall.
I still managed to meet two ex-students who were there, Miss Kanageswari and Miss Nurhidayah Mohd. Rafi. How these people have grown up to be fine and beautiful young ladies.
I also met the bride's brother, Mr. Mustaqim Johar, SPM batch 2011 - if I am not mistaken.
Thanks Ms. Siti Maryam for inviting. Wishing the bride and groom a happy and joyful wedded life, now and forever.
