Day 1 (Part 3): Jasmine Lodge

Finally we arrive at Jasmine Lodge, our home for the next 3 days. Along the way, we see a few other budget guesthouses that we read on the internet and guide books. And along the way, I keep thanking God that I did not choose to book that hostel.

The front entrance of Jasmine Lodge is already so welcoming. It's already like home. This guesthouse is made up of two buildings. The one on the left is where the lounge and the reception is on level 2. There are some rooms on this block at level 1. Our room is behind this block sharing the same corridor as the owner, Kunn and his family.

Nice and warm lounge where I only get to enjoy it for one morning for breakfast and one afternoon to recollect all my experiences from different places. Shoes are not allowed to be worn at this area. They are left at the foot of the stairs. This place is so clean, I roll myself on the floor. The family of Kunn helps to maintain this lodge.

This is me checking in after a long walk in the city. The check in is in the afternoon, so we went for a walking trail in the city after leaving our bags at the reception in the morning. Can't wait to see our room. We were so tired...


If the lounge can be so clean, I look forward to our room. We are greeted by a bright room with clean sheets and a gleaming floor. I hardly find a strand of hair on the well cleaned floor. We could see our reflection on the floor. Gosh...that's really cleaning. The en-suite bathroom is clean except for some black water spots on the white washed walls. Can't believe that we are only paying for US$18/room/night for three people. And it comes with free breakfast! Cool!

Check out Jasmine Lodge at http://www.jasminelodge.com/

Day 1 (Part 2): Lazy Siem Reap Morning...Yawn

We are expecting a van or even a car to turn up for the free airport pickup arranged by Jasmine Lodge. It turns out to be a friendly looking tuk tuk.

Thanks to the tuk tuk, we were able to experience first hand the morning traffic of Siem Reap. No one is in a hurry. Motorcycles with carrying 3 people is a common sight. The biggest crowd I've seen in Siem Reap, on a motorcycle is 3 adults and 1 child.

There are different mode of transport in Siem Reap. For us, a group of 3, tuk tuk is the best value for money. Motorcycle usually carries 1 passenger for US$1 for a short trip. Tuk Tuk is about US$1.50 - US$2 for a short trip for 3 people. If the trip is really short, US$1 will do. Another transport that is commonly used by tourists is the taxi. Too expensive to be our cup of tea...


Can't wait to see what our lodging will be like...

Day 1 (Part 1): Hello, Siem Reap!

26 Feb, 2009
I dragged my tired body from my comfortable bed. It's 3am in the morning. My sister and I are meeting our cousin at the airport to catch the 6.05am plane. As we are taking the budget airline (Jetstar), we have to settle for odd timings. I have everything all planned out. It is going to be a tiring yet fun trip. I start to have butterflies in my stomach. I say a silent prayer for a smooth and fruitful trip.

This is my first time taking the budget airline. There is no complimentary water and snack. A bottle of water cost a freaking S$3! There is a delay in the flight.

Finally at 7.30am (Siem Reap time), we touch down at the airport. I have just woken up from my short nap on the plan, feeling thirsty. After checking through the immigration, I search for the cardboard that bear my name. I have booked for a airport transfer to our lodging, Jasmine Lodge.