Tag Archives: siem reap

Dawn Of A Lifetime

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If you are an ASEAN citizen, a visit to the nearby Angkor Archaeological complex in Cambodia ought be on your bucket list. Not just any visit though. Go to the temple at 6 am. Sit cross-legged under a shady Bodhi tree in front of the moat. Put your camera down. Treat your eyes to the most magical breaking of dawn as how the Hindu kings saw it in the early 12th century. Then take a picture.

To get there so early in the morning, you should make arrangement for transport the day before and obtain your multiple-entry pass before hand. A tripod is not necessary but handy. There will be a lot of climbing and walking to do, so carry a lightweight one if you must. See also the sunset pic from a nearby area, in my gallery.

Dawn Of A Lifetime

Sunset Hill, Cambodia

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The temple ruins on top of the Hill of Phnom Bakheng in the Angkor Archaeological Park was once accessible only by riding on elephants. Today there are proper tracks and tourists climb up there in the evening hoping to catch its fabled sunset from this ancient vantage point. I chose a different angle and photographed it from the ground. Those are not magical objects flying about in the air. Those are leaves on a puddle. What you are seeing is another reflection of a great landmark, upside-down 🙂

Sunset Hill, Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Never Cast A Stone at Angkor Wat

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I have been to Angkor Wat several times, over the years. A new phenomenon is taking over the ancient stone temples.

On my last trip there, I was trying to beat the clock and catch the fabled sunset. Climbing up the near-vertical steps of the magnificent ruins, I felt both breathless and exhilarated.

The Ruins Of Angkor

The Ruins Of Angkor Wat

Halfway up, I even imagined myself as Angelina Jolie and wanted to adopt a Cambodian baby. Then, as I reached the peak, there were… well… a million other tourists already up there. That’s alright. I made it in time.

Suddenly, a macha shouted at me from above; “Dei! You from Malaysia ah?” Before I could even answer, another stranger (an elderly Chinese woman next to me) volunteered;  “Myself Ipoh Mali!” That’s sweet. Malaysians can sniff out a fellow Malaysian, wherever they may be.

Malaysia Mali!

Malaysia Mali!

With the advent of affordable air travel, Malaysians are flying directly to Siem Reap by the plane loads, thanks to another macha.   But most just stay for a night and never really explore the rest of the beautiful country. I will share with you some of my detours into unknown territory over the next few postings.

But if you are ever in Angkor Wat, remember this. Cast a stone and you’ll hit a Malaysian…