Day 2: A Sleepless Night and a Hasty Exit

Weather Update: Hazy, Sunny Periods Low levels of Smog. High 19c

Elevation Above Sea Level: 9 Metres

A Restless Arrival

After arriving late at my hostel, I was exhausted and just wanted to rest. However, the staff milling around just outside the door at reception made an incredible amount of noise. Despite asking them three times during the night to quiet down, they didn’t seem to care. I eventually fell asleep around 3:25 am, but the noise resumed at 5:35 am, accompanied by two howling dogs. I decided I couldn't spend three nights enduring this.

Discovering the Dirt

Upon reflection, the room hadn't been cleaned for a while. There was used soap stuck to the soap dish, and the shower was merely a hose pipe sticking out of the wall. When I pulled back the mattress, I found six inches of rubbish between the wall and the bed. I took a photo to show the booking agency what their clients are being subjected to.

Confrontation and Escape

I packed my bags and handed over $6 for the night, but the staff demanded the full amount. I took him to the room and vehemently asked if it had even been cleaned. He couldn’t speak, as the room had stains on the walls that were beyond guessable. Despite the photos making the hostel look okay, a closer inspection revealed it was just one room photographed from various angles. I left quickly, fearing they might come after me, but I managed to escape.

Booking a Better Stay

Before leaving, I booked some rooms closer to the airport for my flight on Sunday. Hopefully, this new place will offer a more peaceful and clean environment.



I asked a local where I could find a beer and was directed to a shady place called Hotel Elam. It was dark and dingy, and I quickly felt unsafe and left. Surprisingly, I walked back to my hotel faster than the tuk-tuk driver took to find the place. I treated myself at a nice restaurant 12 floors up outside in the sunshine. You can hear the planes taking off but you cannot see them because of the smog.

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