Trailblazing Temples

We only spent 2 days at Siem Reap (and almost 8 hours at PP), hence our schedule is very tight. First day was spent at Banteay Srei and the neighboring temples while second day was spent at Angkor Wat and the remaining temples.

We have to get up as early as 5AM just to get the sunrise photo-op of Angkor Wat (i'll have separate blog about Angkor Wat, so much to talk about that place haha) and after that we proceed to the other temples.

We're on our way to Bayon temples!

Traditional Khmer structure which serves as side decors are these huge statues that's pulling a snake body. It's a common sight in Khmer architecture but unfortunately for this one the body is already gone.

Note: hindi po babaing ahas yung nasa picture =P

Tuk-tuk drivers in Siem Reap are so nice! When we see an photo opportunity we always asked our driver to stop and wait for us. Hahaha.

After almost an hour, we finally made it at the Bayon temples. I'm very excited about this place because  of the intriguing faces etched on the spiral cones/tower of the temples. Parang yung mga Rapa Nui statues lang ng Easter island.

See the faces?!?

Compare to Banteay Srei and Angkor Wat, this temples are more rustic and ancient. Vegetation are abundant in Bayon and i believe it's hard to roam around the temple during rainy season because it will be slippery.

The sculpture are just amazing!!

On the side of the temple are layers of blocks which i think came from the temple. It looks like the temple was re-created from the ruins and it's like a giant jigsaw puzzle of some sort.

Neat!

Parang lego puzzle lang ang peg!

Any volunteer??!

Blocked Beauty!

The famous faces can be seen up close since every one can climb up the second floor of the temple. One tourist was so overwhelmed with the structure he actually climbed the wall. Crazy!!!

(he was escorted out of the temple by the way after he climbed =P )

Some hallways of the temple are already re-created/ revised from the original form but still the effect is surreal padin! 

Gilbert and the cat

Tropa at the hallway

Tropa at the Veranda of the temple 

Same as Angkor Wat, a lot of wall carved statues of Khmer people/ gods are inscribe here in Bayon. It' so awesome that this carvings are still intact in the walls after all these times. 

Time tested talaga! Galing!!

Most of the buildings though are in crumble state na, so it's no entrance for visitors. But the carvings and sculptures are so alluring kaya i can't help it and i just need to see it kahit sandali lang #waggayahin #boybawal.

Napagod sa kakaikot =P

There were a lot of people in Bayon hence the hassle in going up and down the stairs (sometimes you have to wait for a minute before ascending the stairs) and after an hour we proceed to the next temple a few meters away from Bayon.

To the unknown temple!

I forgot the name of the temple but it is near Bayon and the Monkey temple. Also it is one of the sacred temples in Angkor Wat area, meaning no sleeveless for girls daw. Olive, our researcher whenever we travel (i have to admit olive and rose are sooo O.C. when it comes to travels!) brought with her a t-shirt and she wore it before entering the temple.

There's a guard in the entrance that checked if the tourist are properly dressed or not. Better be prepared and do your research first =P.

The "properly dressed" tourist =)

Unlike the other temples where you can use the stone stairs, here they put wooden ladder to ascend to the top. According to the information on the entrance the priest do their offering to their Gods on this temple and they ascend to the top bringing with them incense and other offerings.

Sa sobrang liit ng hagdang bato ang hirap sigurado umakyat sa taas! (Or baka they small feet kaya nakaka-akyat sila hehe)

Some columns on the top are replica or combined from the old stones nalang. No original columns remains.

Yeah I make it to the top =P

The monkey temple (?) was right beside the "i-forgot-the-name" temple, though it is only small and only one entrance and exit. Surrounded by waters I was worried that maybe there are mosquitos around  LoL!

In this area also you can buy the BEST silk shawl! Don't forget to buy one! I'm sure your wife, girlfriend, mother (or any girl love ones) would surely appreciate it.

Mysterious Temple with Moat

We finished visiting these temples before lunch time. Exhausted and thirsty we headed up to get our lunch. I must admit the restaurant around the area are a bit pricey, I suggest to bring snacks while on a trip so as not to be very hungry while eating lunch or dinner (and so as not to spend more money as well) =D.

More temples and wackiness on next post.