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. 

Visiting the guardians at Banteay Srei

When I visited Beijing and Seoul a couple of years/months ago I said to myself that I have enough of temples for a lifetime. That's why when Olive and Rose invited me to Siem Reap I was thinking "it must be the same temples din!". 

Well, of course I was very wrong. Hahaha. Siem Reap just totally blew me away with it's awesomeness man made structures! 

Hail to the Khmer Kingdom

Together with my travel buddies Olive, Rose and Gilbert we head to Siem Reap from Phnom Penh after a grueling 6 hour road trip (note:not-advisable-to-take). And after our relaxing rest at our hotel the next day we we're ready to traverse the wide area of Siem Reap temples. First stop: Banteay Srei.

The entrance fee for this part of Siem Reap is $40.00 per person, quite expensive for a normal traveller but once you get inside the complex sulit narin ang bayad =).

Main entrance of Banteay Srei (w/ Olive)

Siem Reap (or most probably the whole Cambodia) are mostly swamp areas, hence the abundance of crocodiles and rice fields and what not, that's why Bantay Srei is surrounded by waters. This area was also covered by the foliage and turned into a jungle after the Khmer left Angkor Wat. 

Thank God for the French and local archeologist they have discovered the lost kingdom of the Khmers and gave the world the most treasured structure dedicated to Hindu and Buddhist religions. And it provides the best cultural history for the people of Cambodia as well.

One thing that strikes me the most about Banteay Srei was the intricate sculpture the've made on their temple facade. Simply amazing!

Traditional Khmer writings

Trees and foliage still are abundant in this area

As expected there we're a lot of tourist in BS, mostly Chinese and Koreans. It's a little bit crowded when all those tourist are inside BS. 

Framed Turistas

Elephants and Buddha together =)

While the rest of the gang are busy having photo-shoots and taking pictures I've noticed that the windows of traditional Khmer contains a square window with baluster inside. Nice idea i thought for my future house =) LoL!

At the center of the BS the main temple is located, which is off-limits to tourist. It's nice to take picture also of what inside the temple but the four monkey like statue guard in front looks very intimidating.

Front View

Side View =)

Though the place are like wetlands, i haven't experienced any mosquito bite while we are in Siem Reap. Though tourist must be extra careful in walking in order to avoid muds and shallow waters hahaha

Binibining Kampuchea (a.k.a. Rose)

Next on our itinerary is the mountain-like temple of Pre Rup. It's just a simple temple yet the lion statue at every corner is so awesome! The steps on the stairs are high also, same as the stairs in some part of Great Wall of China. Kakapagod umakyat!!

And I have to admit this is one of my favorite photo of all time! LoL!

RAWR!

Stairway to heaven

Again, the windows are just the same as those in BS. Olive taking the shots.

View from the top. Marvelous view!

Most of the faces of the lion statues are already gone. Most probably taken by thief or destroyed by weather. Still the statue reminds us how grandeur the temple was during its heyday.

Inside the temple. Sun directly shine on the buddha below

P.S. may bayad na $1.00 pagpasok sa loob!!!!

Overlooking the kingdom

"Kingdom come and go, but the guardians of the temple remains"

Last leg of the trip was the visit to the Khmer king's swimming pool daw.It's like a mini lake inside the complex. In fairness it does have the official signage of the king's ownership (the lion statues) and the stones at the banks have intricate design also. Good thing they re-arrange this area, such a good place to relax after the tiring day =)

Funny scene happened here in the pool area between Olive, Rose and the little girl bottled water vendor. It's so funny i think I will remind it to the girls everytime we see each other (ikaw ba naman bantaan ng bagets na "you will die if you don't buy my water!"), but i have to admit the street hawkers are really persuasive! Talk about ending our day with a hearty laugh. =).

More about Siem Reap soon!