Friday, December 22, 2006

Day 3 (Part 1) – Beng Mealea

We decided no more sunrise and this time, so we woke up at 6:30am instead and took our time enjoying the breakfast at the hotel, that came free with the room. We all had a big portion of the American breakfast, with sausages, bacon, eggs, bread, pineapples with coffee and orange juice.



We left the hotel at 8:30am. One hour drive to Beng Mealea, which is 60km away from Siem Reap town.


We found out that Petrol in Cambodia cost USD1.00 per liter!

It was not a boring journey as we were enjoying the country side view (with lots and lots of pigs!) and more chatting with our friendly Tour Guide, Lyfath. We took this opportunity to find out from him about Cambodia ways of life and culture.

We also dropped by to a local cake shop on the way.

They have kuih kapik too but unlike Malaysia, Cambodia Kuih Kapik is sweet.


And of course, he kept telling us again...

“Tell Sek he looks like Golden Banana boss.”
“Poh has nice hair and he very smart.”

I didn’t expect much of Beng Mealea but WOW! It is definitely the BEST temple and a MUST visit. A lot of people I talked to that came to Cambodia before, never visited this temple as it is too far from town and they charge an additional USD5 per person. But its all VERY worth it.

At the entrance, I was already surrounded by kids as I took out my candies. A group of about 10 kids swarm around me, asking for candies again and again until I lost count who have actually taken the candies. So I ended up giving them to whole packet, which they ended up fighting among themselves. Lyfath then told them in a stern voice to share among themselves. Definately need to be careful when you are giving out candies.

Inside the temple, we followed the normal route provided until Lyfath asked.

“Wan go up there?”

“Huh? Climb through the rocks? Are you sure we are allowed to?”

“Yes. Normal route finish very fast. Better to climb.”


We looked at each other and decided since we came all they way here, why not! So off we go, climbing over piles and piles of fallen rocks and ruins. The climb was very challenging but we all had so much fun.

Yeay! We made it to the top!


Lyfath then say, "Let's go over to the other side."


Oh boy but what the heck so off we go again.

The other side of the temple, easier than the first climb.

We even had time to post for photos in between climbs.

Watch your steps....and your head too!

Over piles and piles of rocks..... Hey, I overtook the Tour Leader! Hehe....
Oh yeah, Liszu is officially our Tour Leader now, a name given by Lyfath.


Finally, some more solid grounds to post for photo!

A Cambodia lady joined us to help us with the climb. Lucky there were Lyfath and the Cambodia lady, else we do not think we could make it through all those rocks!

The Cambodia lady and her cute son.

5 minutes away from the ruins is supposed to be the King's swimming pool.... but where is the water?


On the way to the King's Swimming Pool, we also caught 2 male insects fighting over 1 female insect. We didnt stay back to see who won the battle though.

Just 1km away from Beng Mealea, Lyfath brought us to the place where the stones of the temple were cut in the olden days. I still have no idea how they managed to cut through all these rocks thousands of years ago!

We didn’t really wanna leave the place but we have Tonle Sap to visit. So stay tune for Day 3 (Part 2) for Tonle Sap.......

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

The Tour Leader glided over the fallen slabs without assistance :p

Anonymous said...

Gosh,, so dangerous.. Luckily all of you safety climb up and down.