Rugged and crowded, the local bus station situated somewhere in the heart of the not-so-known city in Perak is dominated by local passengers.  I blend in, but not the two blondes sporting their 45L branded backpacks.  I was too lazy to ask around so I figured why not follow them. I do that sometimes, especially in a touristy place.  They’re headed to Langkawi.

I stopped.

Decisions. Decisions. Decisions.

This isn’t my 1st time in Ipoh. In fact I just came back from Palau Pangkor.  It’s my 2nd attempt to find “my fairy tale destination” in this old bucolic province of Perak.  You know if you really want to get to see something, you have to go through hell just to see that something, right?

Or maybe, I was wrong.

First off, I’m running out of cash so I need to get some funds and according to my map the bank is like a few meters away…

Or so I thought.

Ever read the book “Why Men Don’t Listen and Girls Can’t Read Maps”?

Sometimes I am both.  Stereotypical, that is.

Ipoh is a drowsy city of Perak, Malaysia that’s splendid with old-fashioned heritage buildings and its signature good Malaysian food.  This old city was nicknamed “The Hill City” for the obvious reason – it is bounded by hills.

Walking around the heart of the city following its heritage trail is an exciting way to get to explore its vastness.  But not when you’re dead tired and bankrupt and the sky is starting to shed its tears.

Like me.

I’ve been on the road for over a week now and moving around a lot is really draining.  My heavy backpack, the bipolar weather, and some disappointments are starting to drive me nuts.

I regret not joining my Good Samaritan in Palau Pangkor, remember the old woman Ella I accidentally met in the woods?  She was headed here exactly that very same day, and she’s staying with a friend.  We left the beach the same day, but I opted to swim first than check out and get out of the town with her.  She must have left an hour before me. 

Time is precious. I wanted to savor Palau Pangkor in 60 minutes and look where it has gotten me now. I prayed I would bump into her at moment.

But there’s no miracle. We make our own miracles.

Amazing how our feet can take us anywhere.  Exhausted, I stopped walking, turned my head around and my eyes feasted on towering archaic buildings and colorful Indie boutiques.  I feel like a lost little girl dwarfed by this quaint city.

The old city with 147 heritage buildings has a flourishing blend of Asian culture.  That distinct smell of Indian spices, herbs and cuisine to the colorful and artsy sari and traditional Indian clothing on display at the shop houses brightens the street of Little India in Ipoh.

“Hi, my map says there’s a bank here, may I know how I get there from here?” I asked a Chinese looking mother wearing glasses and her wavy hair is loosely hanging on her shoulders. With her magical hands and small sweet voice, she was able to direct me to the highway with a couple of stoplights.

“Did I just cross the border? India to China?” I muttered.  You know you’re traveling alone when you start talking to yourself – a lot.

Within a few meters, it felt like being transported back in time.  Chinatown is filled with rustic shop houses, some colorful-painted with proud pastels, some pale – cream and white and mostly torn, dilapidated and forgotten.

The bank is housed in a lovely old building, another architectural heritage painted in white.  Serene and unassuming yet its massive Romanesque pillars speak of pride and power.  I went in and I can see eyes staring at the poor rugged and dirty me and my backpack.  “Grown up loves figures”, said the Little Prince.

The sky got mad for some known reason but its reasons I don’t know.  All I know is it’s getting late and my plan of finding my fairy tale castle is no longer feasible at that moment. Is it cheaper to stay in Ipoh for the night? I reached for my guidebook and searched for the closest province to find an answer.

I will ride a train in Taj Mahal and head to Penang.  That’s the plan.

The rain started pouring but I kept walking.   The vehicles filling up the streets makes the town looks busy yet the good old buildings look sad, forgotten and empty. I took a right turn to head to the train station.

In front of me is Masjid Jalan, a mosque built in 1912.  It has one minaret and a couple of protruding red orange tiered domes.

I ran to one of the tents found inside the park fronting the mosque and realized that the Birch Memorial Clock Tower is standing beside me.  It’s a square decorated tower built for J.W.W Birch, the 1st British resident of Perak, Malaysia.

After walking another few meters, I finally saw Ipoh’s Railway Station, or what the locals call their “Taj Mahal”.  The rain was so heavy that I took shelter from the massive and another beautiful stately colonial building – Ipoh Town Hall which dates back to 1914.

I was so eager to get closer to the train station.  I actually saw it on my 1st attempt to find the castle in Ipoh but didn’t know it’s the train station already.  Inspired by Moghul architecture, Ipoh Railway Station was originally built as a hospital.  To date it is the most imposing train station I’ve ever seen plus its serene color that cover its domes, pillars, and turrets.  Its manicured garden added more to its splendor.

I’m leaving Ipoh with a heavy heart, knowing I haven’t seen the castle, asking myself, “Will I ever see my fairy tale destination?”

A luxury train stopped in front of me.

Sometimes I wish life is a fairy tale maybe in my story I could ride that posh train.

At my age, I still believe in fairy tales.

Ipoh series to be continued..

This is part of my Ipoh Series and my Malaysia adventure  last April 2011.

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Earning the moniker – the Queen City of the South, Cebu city is considered as the Philippine’s oldest city and is synonymous with the word “heritage” – from the Cebu-Acapulco Galleon to Spanish and American colonization.  Perhaps the blonde lady just loves the underwater that she failed to see what lies within this bountiful city.   Moving from Cebu city to the rest of Cebu province tourists will be surprised with beaches and islands considered as among the best diving spots in the Philippines.  I’ve heard so many beautiful things about Cebu Island; in fact, most foreign tourists would skip Manila for this lively province.

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The said project is meant to celebrate the upcoming 150th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal (the Philippine’s National Hero).  It will serve as an overview of all heritage sites within the country.

Restuarants with “al-fresco” settings of the Philippine and International cuisine will be installed along the walkway on both sides of  one stop-heitage trail. One of the dishes that will be featured is Rizal’s personal favorite, “Tinolang Manok (Native Chicken) with papaya.”

Moreover, the public will have on-the-spot- historical information of the sites relating to Dr. Jose Rizal, such as Region IV, where Rizal’s house is found in Calamba, Laguna; Region IX, which houses the Shrine in Dapitan, Zamboanga Del Norte, and Region V where his 1st monument stands in Camarines Norte.

Be that as it may, domestic tourism will be promoted as Rizal Park will have its new mien and the celebration will be congested by a variety of events such as educational lectures and concerts, which shall all be launched this coming June 19.

So see you this Sunday, June 19 at Luneta Park!

Special thanks to : Ivan Cultura for the photos.  Read the post of  Batang Lakwatsero here for more of  Luneta Park Rehabilitation.

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“We are not going in circles, we are going upwards. The path is a spiral; we have already climbed many steps.”
— Hermann Hesse (Siddhartha)-

Originally, Buddhism was not a religion, but a doctrine that explained the steps to reaching Nirvana, a release from life’s misery. My curiosity about Buddhism started back in high school when  I found a classic book in my grandmother’s house ” Siddhartha” by Herman Hesse, one of my favorite books to date.  I  never expected that when I grow up, I will come face to face with a Buddhist sanctuary because I thought that traveling outside the country is only for the rich.  The world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site -> Borobudur Temple known locally as Candi Borobudur (candi means ancient temple),  is an ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site carved out of volcanic stones during the reign of the Sailendra dynasty in Central Java. The temple actually sits between two volcanoes;  Sundoro-Sumbing and Merbabu-Merapi.

Indonesia broke my practice of not joining packaged tours, it was my 1st time to join a tour  group (except when I was crossing the border in Thailand-Cambodia last year) but that’s different since I didn’t really join them tour Siem Reap during the late holidays ).  In Indonesia getting a tour package is a practical way to tour around since the tourists spots are far off from each other.  Thus, I joined Great Tours to Borobudur and Prambanan Temple.  I’m usually friendly, but I detest long conversations.  I’d rather build rapport with the locals, stay at their house, and discover something new than spend all my time talking with fellow tourists, but that’s just me you know. Needless to say, our tour group is full of  mature, humble and interesting people.

I was walking like a young kid in the heat of the sun in a manicured park filled with locals and tourists, anticipating the sight of  the  largest  Buddhist temple in the world covered with bass-reliefs and images of the old Javanese society.  Borobudur temple houses several stupas and Buddhas. I paid  Rp 135,000 (USD15) for the entrance fee, kinda hefty compared to Cambodia temples. I guess when you’ve grown to seeing temples lately you’ll get that ” temple overload” feel.  “This is it? It’s huge. But the interior is boring, it’s redundant.”,  I murmured to myself.

Little did I know that in those panels, terraces and staircases , I will learn the sacred steps to Enlightenment. The temple has 9 platforms, each representing one stage of enlightenment. It is said that 3 central elements of Buddhism are expressed here in the architectural form of the stupa, the Meru, and the mandala. The panels of Borobudur depict Mahayana Buddhism, the idea is to become a Bodhisattva, an enlightened being who rejects personal salvation and returns to life in order to help others reach Nirvana. The journey up Borobudur shows the way to become a Bodhisattva through good deeds, contemplation and meditation.

From the base called Kamadhatu, I started walking in a counterclockwise direction keeping my left shoulder away from the temple.  The temple has 9 platforms; the six lower are square in shape and the 3 upper are circular.  The base is called the Sphere of Desire, which depicts human and  his/her worldly desires and pleasures.

 The next 5 circular terraces is Rupadhatu or the Sphere of  Form depicting the pathway to freedom of  man from lust,  but still tied up with appearance and shape. The next 3 circular terraces is called Arupadhatu, the Sphere of Formlessness, and symbolizes human freed of worldly desires including the topmost stupa of  Nirvana where Buddha resides.  This stupa refers to the death of the Buddha.  It symbolizes the Buddha’s complete absorption into the highest state of mind.

“In my body and in my soul I realized that I greatly need sin, I needed lust, vanity, the striving for goods, and I needed the most shameful despair to learn how to give up resistance, to learn how to love the world, to stop comparing the world with any world that I wish for, that I imagine, with any perfection that I think up; I learned to let the world be as it is, and to love it and to belong to it gladly.”
— Hermann Hesse (Siddhartha)-

When I first laid eyes on Candi Borobudur, I based my judgment on it’s physical appearance, like a human being too tied up with appearance and shape.  But then when I was taking the steps towards the highest platform, I realized indeed it’s a long hard journey in search of ultimate truth while the outside world is blocked from sight by the balustrades.  An important lesson  I learned in Buddhism, is how freedom is to be found in letting go. I wish I’d have enough courage to let go of  my worldly desires.

And finally, there I was standing in awe at the top of temple, looking around I saw Mt. Merapi covered by clouds,  I need not convince myself that the world despite all it’s imperfection and it’s constant impending danger is a beautiful place to explore and live in.

*This is a part of  my Indonesia trip series. Click here to read more—> INDONESIA

Borobudur entrance fee:

Rp 135,000  (USD15) for foreigners

Rp 72,000 (USD8) for students

Rp 15,000 for Indonesians

The site is open to the public from 6AM to 5PM.

I used *GREAT  TOURS* for my Borobudur and Prambanan Temple tour located in front of Gang II.  Paid Rp83,00 for Borobudur and Prambanan temple tour (entrance fee not included). I highly recommend Great Tours because of their kind lady guide and  comfortable huge van. They’re not the cheapest tour though, Simple Tours which I used for my Bromo Tour offers the same tour for Rp75,000, but they start at 5am, unlike Great Tours which start at 9am just in time for my arrival in Yogyakarta.

website: greattoursjogja.com, yogyes.com/great-tour

JL. Sosrowijayan 29 Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Tel./Fax: (0274)583221

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No, this isn't Calaguas, this is Subic beach in Matnog

Huag fish sanctuary

Tikling Island another virgin beach of Matnog

Mt. Bulusan

Bulusan lake dubbed as "the Switzerland" of the Philippines

Magallanes: the site of the 1st Mass in Luzon

Parola Beach, the largest Spanish shipyard in Bicol

San Mateo hot spring in Irosin

Irosin valley view

the festivals (Padaraw Festival in Bulan)

the beautiful Bicolanas...

and so much more that I have yet to explore!  Prieto Diaz, Gubat, Castilla, Juban, Casiguran, Barcelona, Pilar, Sta. Magdalena  & Sorsogon City!  

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Gael Hilotin

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The sky is getting darker,and I felt it’s sadness.  On the other side of the mountain, another father is weeping because he is taking his son who was gunned down,  to his last destination. I know because I attended his last night and I saw his father’s pain. I just came back from their house before I embarked on this road trip. I met the kid a few years back because his father used to drive me and my close friend, his older sister, to our field site, which is my father’s homeland —> Magallanes,Sorsogon.

“Stop taking photos, it’s dangerous,” my sister warned me.  Insurgency especially in secluded areas is a major concern in this part of the region . But like I said, if your not an enemy, they won’t harm you.  The road we are traversing is unknown to many, a bumpy short cut where there’s no public transportation. Although there’s a few signs of  human existence, like a  few nipa huts along the road and a public school perched on top of the hill, as we went farther and higher through the mountains, not one soul, house or vehicle is in sight. Father said, there are even villages on the inner part of the hill. I can imagine how hard for the children and teachers to walk  kilometers after kilometers before they can get to their class more  so if the weather is not cooperating.

As I marveled at the top view of the green lush forest on each side of the road, I can’t help but ask my father ,”Don’t tell me this road is on top of the mountains because if it’s just on it’s side then how come I can see the view below on both sides!?“  He just smiled. From time to time, we had to remind my father of the steep mountain so he must keep driving  on the center of the road.  There’s some instances when my sister and I have to get off the motorcycle and walk a few meters since my father is having difficulties maneuvering his motorcycle on an uphill.

At long last, we reached a part of the road that’s cemented and the engine stopped.  Father pointed the perfect cone of  Mayon Volcano from afar.  And on it’s right, a hill is standing much closer to us where on it’s tip, the land given to him by our grandfather is his  “mana”.  My father jokingly said, “someday we’ll make it a tourist spot and a helicopter will bring us there.”

my sister Bluv and my father

After over an hour of hellish yet fun ride, we reached a village with houses lined up on the road, at that point, I know, we  have reached our father’s homeland,  Siuton , a quaint village in Magallanes, Sorsogon.

Welcome to Siuton!

The province of  Sorsogon was discovered by a group of Spanish missionaries led by Father Alonzo Jimenez in 1569.

At the mouth of Ginangra River in Siuton, there lies Gibalong, a village  that is now famed to be the place where the 1st Christian mass in Luzon was celebrated.

On the other hand, our hometown Bulan has long claimed that based on historical findings that an expedition led by Captain Luis Enriquez de Guzman and Fray Alonzo Jimenez led to the discovery of a small settlement of natives engaged in fishing and farming which is believed to be Otavi, a sitio in our hometown. For logically, the shore was the most appropriate site for the mass since it’s gonna be difficult and dangerous  for the Agustinian friars to go to the interior part of a village  just to conduct a mass and Gibalon is discovered to be an interior part of the old Ibalon village.    Gibalon‘s claim as the site where the 1st mass was held is backed up by the historical marker that read “ somewhere on this site, the Gospel of Christ was 1st preached.”

He then  took us to a refreshing  spring resort  just along the road called Bucal-Bucalan which looks like a pool of the locals of  Magallanes.  If only we weren’t pressed for time and we brought some clothes, my sister and I would’ve dipped on it’s refreshing water.

After passing by a series of rice paddies, we reached the town of Magallanes and we went straight to the port, the island which looks like a crocodile is where I spent my fieldwork in anthropology during our fieldschool in college.

Mt. Mayon can be viewed from the port of Magallanes, Sorsogon

We saw a  kid maneuvering a small pumpboat or what we call in Bicol as  “kumpit” . It’s full of  students  bound to go home in the island.

kumpit; "the bigger boat"

The boy asked us to wait because he will get a “bigger boat”, anyway it’ll just take about 5 minutes to reach Brgy. Lourdes in Bagatao. The 3 of us decided to eat  “ pinakro” at the carinderia, it’s a local  delicacy made up of  sliced banana, kamoteng kahoy and coconut milk.

pinakro

The boy returned with a “bigger boat” where only 4 of us could fit. Bagatao Island is a fishing village facing Ticao Island, it consist of 3 baranggays: St. Lourdes, where one can see the grotto , Brgy. Biga from the port of  Magallanes and Behia , the site of our anthropology field school in college. Bagatao  Island is reputed to be the biggest  Spanish shipyard in the Bicol region but was abandoned in the mid-17th century due to it’s exposure to the sea raiders.

The construction of the white lighthouse perched on the cliff in the island in 1616 served as guide for the vessels navigating through the San Bernardino Strait and Ticao Pass.  To date, historical deposits and artifacts has been stripped off  in the island and “Parola“  served as picnic grounds because of it’s white beach and coral reefs.

It’s getting late,  the boy started the engine of  the outrigger boat. And once again I’ve witnessed the breathtaking sunset  of  Behia on  my back , this time, I’m not standing on the cliff of  Behia nor sitting on it’s white sand with the locals.

And since the headlight of  my father’s motorcycle is defective, it’s dangerous for us to return to Bulan.  We went back to Siuton instead, my father decided to stay there for the night as he can’t risk our lives.

Staying there is nostalgic, I feel like a child again spending my summer days in this beautiful little town, life used to be so simple. Then  I dozed off to sleep tired yet satisfied. Sometimes I wish life is that simple.

Special thanks to papa and my sister Bluv!

ako at ang kalabaw! bow!

This my entry to Pinoy Travel Bloggers’ Blog Carnival with the theme Quaint Places.

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The ruin of the old city of Ayutthaya was  hailed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991, the Siamese kingdom that existed from 1351 to 1767 until it was invaded by the Burmese.   This was once known to be one of the richest cities in Asia if not in the world.There are several travel agencies in Khaon San Road that offers package tours to Ayutthaya including Bang Pa-in, price starts at 300B, but you could save  a few baht and explore more of the city if you commute.  To get to  Ayyuthaya from Bangkok on your own, there’s 2 options: bus or train. I took the 1st option.

I asked the metro cleaners on how to go to Northern Bus Terminal or Moh Chit and they only understood me when I mentioned Moh Chit.  In Thailand,it is better to mention the Thai name of the place when you ask a local so they can understand you better.  Luckily this time, I was not lost and reached the terminal around 30 minutes after.

I bought a ticket from one of the windows inside the building and the employee pointed me towards the waiting area fronting the buses. I had to wait for the next trip which was around 10am. I sat with some locals, and I was looking for some tourists, but found none. The bus finally arrived. I paid 60B for the ride, the bus was almost empty when we left but it is picking up passengers along the road so it is already full before we reached Ayutthaya.

On the window of the bus I saw a peak of one the stupa, but the bus didn’t stopped there and still moved farther.  I was too shy to ask the locals on the bus that time.  So I walked from the bus station to what seemed like a highway.  I have no map with me so I have no idea where the temples are, all I know is it’s best to get around here with a bike.

I was looking for a tuktuk but surprisingly, there’s none around.  I couldn’t decide whether I need to go left or right, as I’m not seeing any signs of old ruins.  I then saw a store and ask the Thai owner.  She could barely understand me because she doesn’t speak English that well she said so I showed her a picture of the old ruins on my Bangkok map. She directed me towards the right side and when her husband came out driving an expensive car, she verified the information she gave me. They both agreed I head towards the right side.

 It was a short walk but it’s so hot as it’s already 12noon, and while approaching the major road –> U Thong Road, an old temple which seems to belong to Angkor Period was unveiled to me!  I hurriedly crossed the street to get a closer look, searched for the entrance and paid 50B.  I learned later on upon reading the signage that it is Wat Rachabunara.  It was surreal.

I climbed the top of the major temple and the view below is equally amazing!There’s an exhibit inside the temple. A large amount of the golden artifacts and treasures found at Wat Ratchaburana are said to be displayed in the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.

Walking around, I noticed that the site is full of headless Buddha images except for one that’s dressed and sitting proudly in the midst of the ruins.

I spent like an hour on that place alone, that’s how hooked I was!  I’ll let the pictures here speak for you…

When the sun’s heat started to take its toll on me, I decided to cross the street and grab a cold drink and ice cream at a small cafe fronting Wat Rachabunara. Bikes for rent caught my eye and I suddenly remembered that there’s no better way to explore this charming ancient city than to bike around.  I left my I.D and paid 50B.

I biked to the next temple which is pretty close–> Wat Mahathat.  I had to leave my bike, and I don’t know how to. I forgot to lock it and good thing it wasn’t lost!   I paid another 50B for entrance to Wat Mahathat (Temple of the Great Relics) which is the symbolic center where the Buddha’s relics were enshrined.  It was also the residence of the Supreme Patriarch or leader of the Thai Buddhist monks. The temple is believed to be built during the 14th century A.D. (the early Ayutthaya period).

This site is also home to the famous Buddha head enclosed in the roots of a Bodhi tree. 

There’s not much to see inside, they’re almost the same, headless Buddha images and stupas everywhere.  I cycled around Wat Nok which is within the same block and has no entrance fee.

I passed by a little Thai spirit house under a tree by the river. These little houses are often charming miniature replica of a Thai-style house or temple. According to traditional Thai belief, the spirit house provides a home for the resident spirits of the compound. Wielding considerable power, resident spirits can play a major role in the fortune and destiny of the inhabitants of the compound. If the spirits are offended by inappropriate acts, neglect or disrespect, bad luck and misfortune befalls the owner and residents of the house. To appease and pacify the spirits, a daily offering of incense sticks, fresh flowers and food is presented.

Biking around an ancient park with rivers and trees everywhere is certainly, one of my most memorable post-birthday trips! Unfortunately, I had to leave, I didn’t get to see other equally important temples nor the King’s Summer Garden but one day I shall return. I wish I could’ve given justice to Ayutthaya, I should’ve spent more time or even stayed there overnight, I could’ve seen the light show of the temples at night.

I am thankful to my sister for suggesting that I visit Ayutthaya and there’s no cheaper way to get around the city than to go biking.  Too bad I only get to explore it half day (and knowing me, I really take time to tour and savor each place I visit so I didn’t get to explore the whole city) and I had to get back to Bangkok to get my stuff at my guesthouse in Khao San Road and catch my flight at the Bangkok later that night.  Had I known that I would miss my flight due to the heavy traffic because of the King’s birthday celebration at the Royal Avenue.  I would’ve have stayed for the night at this charming old city.  

How to get to Ayyuthaya:

Travel tips:

The temples with entry charges are usually in ruins, so there is no dress code, although visitors are still requested to refrain from blatant stupidity like clambering up the Buddha statues. Working temples tend to charge no fees and there are often no officials to check that a dress is appropriate (though it is advised to follow these customs to show respect for sacred places).

How to get to Ayutthaya:

By train

The cheapest and most scenic way of reaching Ayutthaya is by train. It regularly departs from Bangkok’s Hualamphong Train Station and stops in Ayutthaya. The trip takes about 2 – 2.5 hours depending on the type of service. Second class seats(A/C) cost 245 baht, third class is just 20 baht (!) (Reservations and seats are not guaranteed).  (Fares in April 2010) Check time table here:  (Please note that fares listed on the Thai railways site are out of date and incorrect) Also note that railway employees prefer not to sell 3rd class tickets to foreigners so if you’re on a budget; do insist with a smile.) And that some train stations (for instance Bang Khen) does not appear on the sites map, and that tickets may even be cheaper (12 baht from Bang Khen).  If you have local friends, they may have some good advice.

The railway station is not on the island but across the river a short ferry ride away. Walk across the main road and down the small street straight ahead. Ferry boats run every few minutes and cost 4 baht.

By bus

Buses operate every 20 minutes or so from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Moh Chit*) directly to Ayutthaya. First class air-con buses charge 50 baht. This trip is scheduled to be around an hour and a half, but allow at least two hours for the trip since the buses stop rather frequently and there are often jams on the roads out of/into Bangkok.

• To get to Northern Bus Terminal, take to Moh Chit BTS Station. Upon exiting gantry gates, cross the bridge on the right to go to bus-stop, and take bus service 3 or bus service 77. (Air-con buses charge 12 baht, non-air-con buses charge 7 baht.) Bus ride is about 10 – 15 minutes and the Northern Bus Terminal destination is the last stop for the bus services. However, buses do not stop in the Northern Bus Terminal, but at the bus stop across. Cross the bridge to get to the Bus Terminal.

Also you can take a minivan from the Victory Monument direct to Ayutthaya. Takes ~1 hour and costs 60baht. Buses depart every 20 minutes or so

The buses are from 4:30AM–7.15PM. For more details, please call Tel. 0 2936 2852-66 or see the website [1] and Ayutthaya Bus Terminal, Tel. 0 3533 5304.

In Ayutthaya, the central BKS bus station is on the south side of Thanon Naresuan next to the Chao Phrom Market. Songthaews to Bang Pa-In also leave from here. Some 1st-class buses to Bangkok, however, leave from the north side of the road some 500m to the west, on the other side of the khlong (canal); the queue for air-con buses is easy to spot.

From Kanchanaburi, take a local bus from the main bus station to Suphanburi for 45 baht (2 hours), then another local bus to Ayutthaya for 40 baht (1.5 hours). A taxi from Kanchanaburi costs 2000-2500 baht (2 hours).

There is also a central bus station east of town serving northern destinations. It can be reached by songthaew – ask around to find the appropriate stop.

By minibus (van)

Convenient minibus service (can get stuck in traffic, but makes no stops like regular buses) operates from the Victory Monument square in Bangkok. Take BTS Sky train to the Victory Monument station, and go right on the elevated walkway – keep on it until you cross a large road, then descend – the buses are parked at the side of the main traffic circle). The cost is usually ~70 baht, takes around 1 hour or 1 hour 20 min. It’s quite convenient since you don’t have to go to bus terminals (nearby Mochit) but the only problem is that the minibuses don’t have much space to put big bags and have to wait until the car is fully filled.

Minibuses (van) from Kanchanaburi can be arranged by guesthouses or any tour operators for around 350 baht.

Biking around the ruins is the most enjoyable and fun way to spend the day. The archaeological park is easily reachable and manageable on bike even if you aren’t very fit. The paths are paved and the distances between temples are small. You can rent a bicycle for around 50 baht per day. (As of Dec 2009) The bicycles are not necessarily well maintained, so be sure that they work properly (Wheels are firm, seats adjusted to your height and well attached, handlebars don’t slip. Good shops will give you a free bike lock as well) Free map of the city is widely available in all hotels. The park opens at 7.30 AM. It is recommended that you begin your tour early, before the tour groups arrive from Bangkok. Take a big bottle of water with you.

Bicycle rentals: Soi 2 (where the majority of tourist hotels and restaurants are located) have numerous bike rental facilities. They are all next to each other so it will be easy to shop around and find the one with the best bike for you.

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this is the jeepney stop at San Rafael

It took  about 20 minutes before I reached the jump-off point. Which is easy to recognize because there’s too many vehicles parked along the road.  Not too far from the dam is a hanging bridge leading to a small sitio.

goin' home, just in time before i click the shutter

I started walking to the site. Parallel to the walkway is a river full of rocks of all sizes and surrounded by mountains and lush green forest. Many people visit this place for a swim at the river.

I never expected that the surroundings is overflowing with sari-sari stores, small houses made of bamboo (kubo), and karaoke bars.

the Filipino game - tumbang preso

As you walk to up to the dam, you’ll see more of the riverbed with rocks all over and a few tunnels.

a short tunnel to the dam

According to Philippine Insider, the Wawa Dam was said to be constructed in 1909 by the Americans as a reservoir and pumping facility. It became a battlefield during the Japanese occupation.  One of the caves in the Wawa Dam site is historically significant-The Pamitnan cave. In April 1895, it is said that the Philippine revolutionary group KKK took refuge here. Their first cry of freedom took place here in the cave. Also, local legend has it that Bernardo Carpio, a figure in Philippine Mythology, was once lured into a trap here by the Spaniards.

The view and the surroundings is breathtaking.  It is said that there’s a campsite a few meters from the dam. But I could see the dark cloud slowly covering the mountains and the sound of the insects all over reminds me of our old home in a remote place. I had to go back as I don’t have any flashlight with me.  I was quite  scared as I was walking alone through the rugged pathway, I guess the eerie sound and the thought that someone can just play tricks on me and push me to the river made me paranoid.  I heard footsteps at my back, a drunk man behind me called my attention, it so happened that I dropped the batteries of my camera. I managed to walk towards the highway with the drunk man.

Wawa Dam is one of those tranquil places that you can escape from your busy life in Manila.  It’s great for outdoor activities, trekking, rock climbing, hiking, camping and photography while enjoying a historical site.

How to get to Wawa Dam:

You can get there by taking a jeepney from Cubao going to Montalban or FX-taxis.  This will take you to Barangay San Rafael in Montalban and from there you can take jeepneys that can take you to Barangay Wawa.
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