Dave's blog: October 2007

28-29th October 2007

Cambodia
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My colleagues organized a get-together trip to Kompot province. It was a fabulous journey which is open for anyone to join. Staff are encouraged to bring along their belove ones, spouses, and/or friends. But they need to share 20USD/person to make this trip work out. It would be used for car renting, food and beverage, and other expenses along the way; however, accommodation fee is to be on their own -- only 4USD for a small hut on the island, then they can cram in for up to 4 people a hut. Heeeheh heh! Sounds great, huh? But if you will to go, be sure to bring along anti-mosquito lotion, torch light, and other necessary things because it's somewhere on the island. To prove, I have brought some pictures back. Heh hee, at least to convince you how nice it was to go with 30 ppl. Click on the pictures to enlarge!

I hadnt taken any pictures when we started off our journey from Phnom Penh, but the top is that we were already in Kompot heading to the port, where we transited onto boats to Tonsai island.

The view at the port before we changed to the boats.

Another view, but wide shot, at the port before we left.

We sought for seats and be ready to leave. Put on the life-jacket is the most safety practice.

We were reaching the island beach. Top was one of the two other boats of my friends.

Here is the view of the sun, taken while I was on the boat in the morning. I like its reflection.

Somewhere near my small hut. I walked around just to explore and see what was there, but nothing, just rocks. Behind the huts is the jungle, but I was afraid to go in. Maybe later!!! :D

You may wonder how my hut would be like. Here! Behind the tent are the huts. 4USD/night, the tent costs 2USD, and it fits for 2 ppl only. Bring your girlfriend lah... and spend a loving night in it. Surely, you would have an unforgettable moment together.

Here is the close-up shot of the hut. See below for the insight.

The floor is made up of bamboo sticks. They have gaps in between so it's convenient to pee pee.
Hahahah ha :p

View of the sunset, taken in the early evening. Fantastic one, I'd say. Everything will turn out dark at 6.00pm! However, generator is there to provide electricity till 9pm. Pay more if you want it to be extended. All is about money lah...!

Wide shot of the sunset. Click on the picture!

It turned out really dark, so I had to put on fire. We danced, and played games there. Nice shot one, rite?

In the early morning, the weather temperature dropped low that I was lazy to take a bath, but just washed my face. However, some of my friends went bath in the sea and showered with fresh water...! Cool! Then we left the island.

Another view with sun light reflection on the sea surface!!! We headed to go up Bokor Mount.

We started off from Phnom Penh in a bus of 30 ppl, but we had to split to into 2 smaller pickups and a rusty Camry before we moved onto the top of the mountain. The road was rocky, risky, bumpy, and rough. The pickup I was on there was no mattress seat that it still left some pain on my butt. That's an experience. It takes 2hr to reach the peak!

Another one!

Along the way up, I saw this. It was an amazing view. The dead tree, attached to its string, fell off across the road.

Another view!!!

Here is the division to the Casino on the left, and to the Water Fall on the right. Pictures below!

The dreadful casino. It looks like a haunted house, I am sure you DO NOT want to be in there alone! It was also filmed in one of the Korean movies, a thriller one. But I can't remember its title!

The view in the opposite of the Casino. There is the water tank, looked like a UFO in the MIB. Hee hee!

Here is the closer look of the tank.

The wide view of it! Click it.

Side perspective view of the casino.

Another shot.

The main entrance into the haunted house! Preu sombol nas loak euy loak!!!

A very nice cliff view, just beside the casino. Standing from here, you can see nice green jungle and the cloud just in front of you.

The same thing here!

Here as well.

Also here.

See the cloud? Foggy weather! But actually it's the cloud.

Another shot here.

Leaving untouched, the casino wall turned out to be fungous. Looks like a rusty wall. A scary view when you get closer.

Another view as well.

This is called Pkhar Kroloam Pong, one of the strangest flower ever seen. Define it yourself. I've got no idea.

Hee heh ha hahah! I dunno how to describe this.

After visiting and walking round the casino, and finishing our meals, we went to the Water Fall. It took us 20min for 1km long down there because there is no transportation -- the bridges are left unattended. You'll see below.

30 of us walked and ran because it started to rain. Interesting trip, huh?!!!

We got there! See the water flowing down the rock?

Not just us were there, but some other foreigners were there as well.

Nice water fall!

Also here!

Bubble produced by the water fall, left on the rock's surface, after the water level dropped low.

Dinning hut! Up the water fall.

We were heading back. We didnt stay there long. So we had to spend another 2omin back to the cars.

The wooden bridges are damaged; some timbers were cracked open, and rusty nails show up!

Here is the full shot of the first bridge! That's why I said there is no transportation! See?

I encountered this when we were coming back down the mountain, -- like the one in deedeedoll's page -- but smaller. Dependent leaves!

Dead falling tree across the road!

Bitter taste of our trip we faced; one of our cars broke down just 10km down to the mountain foot. It also blocked other travelers coming behind. We decided to let ladies to go down first and some of us walked, 10km, while the car was being fixed! "Let's walk!" I shouted to my friends. As it got darker, we ran for some time and continued to walk just to rest ourselves. Our foot got hurt, but there was no other choice. After 2omin passed, some of us passed one another -- depended how strong and fast they were. Darker and darker was all we could see as the sun set down, and we started to hear weird sound of different creatures inhabiting there. That filled our mind with fear, but we dared not speak it out because it's a holy place we believe, and committed to reach the ground as fast as possible before it got really dark. About 7km away from where the car broke down, we started to hear car engine and saw light flashing. We were full of relief that it brighten up our day. The light beams got closer and closer. Then we stopped and climbed the pickup from behind. Wooow! That ends my description for the picture.

We got down at 6.30pm sharp and left for our homes sweet homes. On the bus, everyone looked happy and only some slept, but see below for the big difference.