Travelfish correspondent Abigail Gilbert

Dragged up in the drizzly north of England, Abigail prefers sunnier climes these days. She’s been stoned by villagers in India, become an honorary Kenyan tribeswoman, sweet talked border guards and had close encounters with black mambas. After spending time in Africa, India, Nepal, Europe and South East Asia, Cambodia is the place that feels like home. Her motto is: “Live to tell the tale.”
Website: http://www.penhandink.com

Posts by Abigail Gilbert:

• Review: Yong Hout Guesthouse, Phnom Penh

  First published: 18 Jul 2012
  

  A few hundred metres from Phnom Penh‘s Central Market, Yong Hout‘s location makes for an interesting alternative to riverside or around Independence Monument. The unapologetically green guesthouse occupies a corner plot on Street 136 halfway between the must-see market and Norodom Boulevard. The street is lined with fashion boutiques and fruit shake stalls, and also … read the full post

• Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh

  First published: 11 Jul 2012
  

  As Mark Twain is often misquoted as saying, “rumours of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.” Fans of the Olympic Stadium are hoping that holds true for this Phnom Penh institution too. Murmurings of demolition and redevelopment abound, despite a carefully-worded reassurance from the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation, currently developing land close to the National Sports … read the full post

• Drag shows in Phnom Penh

  First published: 07 Jul 2012
  

  Visitors here sometimes expect a risque night life scene similar to that found in cities in Thailand, but Phnom Penh is emphatically not Bangkok. There are sensitivities and taboos that may seem curious in a city known for its hostess bars, even though those hostesses are more likely to play Connect 4 than demonstrate table … read the full post

• Review: Monument Hotel, Phnom Penh

  First published: 03 Jul 2012
  

  Although it’s a small hotel, there’s certain things Monument Hotel likes to do big. There’s the impossibly large entrance gate, the enormous tassled room keys and the ear to ear smiles from staff as you walk in. Even better, they don’t miss the little things that make your stay — candles at night around the … read the full post

• Review: Warung Bali

  First published: 30 Jun 2012
  

  Tucked into a difficult-to-spot shophouse on Street 178 in Phnom Penh within spitting distance of Phnom Penh’s National Museum, Warung Bali only has nine tables. So before we go any further, you have to promise not to go there when we want dinner. Deal? At first sight, hidden a few doors up from the corner of the … read the full post

• Weekend away: Otres Beach

  First published: 26 Jun 2012
  

  Going to the beach during rainy season may seem like an odd recommendation, but Otres Beach is a favourite getaway from Phnom Penh that deserves a visit any month of the year. And if you’re looking for sandy solitude, you’re more likely to get lucky when there’s some rainclouds in the sky. Otres is the shy … read the full post

• Things to do at night in Phnom Penh (with little alcohol)

  First published: 23 Jun 2012
  

  Phnom Penh has a bit of a reputation as a good drinking destination. If you do your research thoroughly, it’s possible to combine happy hours into a very happy day at various establishments — although there’s no guarantee you’ll remember it afterwards. But sometimes, we want something to do other than collecting amusingly named cocktails … read the full post

• Review: ARTillery Cafe

  First published: 20 Jun 2012
  

  Phnom Penh is full of secret places — alleys and entrances and little squares that you’re unlikely to ever notice. Most tourists never take the risk of getting lost wandering in this hidden side of the city. But if you venture down a typical alleyway on well-known Street 240 and turn the corner, you’ll find … read the full post

• Review: Laughing Fatman

  First published: 13 Jun 2012
  

  A short ramble from the riverside on Street 172 in Phnom Penh, Laughing Fatman is an old backpacker favourite in an upcoming tourist hotspot. Formerly Oh My Buddha at Lakeside, moving close to Wat Ounalom required a name change that wouldn’t upset the monks. Seems they have no problem with self-deprecation, then. Mr Fatman, aka … read the full post

• Sports bars in Phnom Penh

  First published: 11 Jun 2012
  

  Rumour has it there are one or two big events coming up in the world of sport — if riverside badminton and Khmer boxing aren’t enough for you, here’s a roundup of where you can catch all the kicking, running, jumping and throwing action on screen in Phnom Penh. Top of the league as far … read the full post