For this week’s Skywatch Friday, here’s a glimpse of the Bayon temple at the Angkor Archaeological Park in Siem Reap last taken last year. Trees burst from the ancient stones, and the moss-covered sculptures seem even more enigmatic under the dramatic sky.
The video above shows the temple courtyard where I stood. While I opted to admire the exterior during that time (I’ve seen them already before and those slippery grounds can be treacherous!), the rain truly creates a different atmosphere than visiting during the summer season. The sound of raindrops on the ruins is strangely calming, and the clouds add a touch of drama to the landscape.
Prior to Bayon temple, I explored Preah Khan first under a sky alive with rain! You can read my post about how Preah Khan Temple awakens in the rain. The downpour only amplified the sense of adventure, making the exploration even more thrilling.
This week’s My Corner of the World and Skywatch Friday takes a detour from my usual work routine when I did a field work in our Battambang program office. My schedule is typically a whirlwind of program office meetings and fieldwork in the communes that require traveling distances, collaborating with community partners and beneficiaries for monitoring and documentation. Office days have a familiar rhythm, while fieldwork often stretches our days from dawn to dusk.
My schedule for the day wrapped up early, finding me back in the car alongside colleagues by 4pm. Just as we were settling in for the drive back to town, a brilliant suggestion from a colleague sparked a spontaneous adventure – a quick stop at Phnom Sampov! This historical and natural landmark, renowned for its resident bat population, was conveniently located on our return route. Needless to say, I was all in!
Located about 20 kilometers from our fieldwork site and 15 kilometers from the town center, Phnom Sampov offers a unique blend of history and nature. Three large caves, adorned with Buddhist shrines and statues, pierce the mountainside. One such cave is pictured below. Giant Buddha carvings grace another side, while chilling reminders of the Khmer Rouge period remain within – locals claim human skeletons can still be found inside.
But the real allure of Phnom Sampov, attracting both local and international visitors, unfolds at dusk. As day surrenders to night, a breathtaking spectacle takes flight. Thousands, if not millions, of wrinkle-lipped bats emerge from the cave, their synchronized exodus painting the twilight sky with a mesmerizing dance. The movement reminded me of a starling murmuration – the closest comparison I can offer to capture this awe-inspiring phenomenon.
My phone couldn’t quite capture the detail, but these flying mammals are breathtaking!
Clicks, squeaks, and a blur of wings – witness the nightly ballet of bats emerging from Phnom Sampov cave to hunt!
A moment of peace. Just me and this monk, after a near-Olympic sprint to dodge tourists for THIS shot. Worth the run.
So, if Battambang ever finds a place on your travel map, consider adding Phnom Sampov to your itinerary. And for those who appreciate the unexpected wonders of nature, don’t miss the chance to witness the nightly bat dance – it’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling truly batty (in the best way possible) about Battambang!
Wishing for clear skies? Me too! This week’s Skywatch Friday entry takes you to the Chroy Changvar Bridge, also known as the Japanese Bridge, overlooking the Mekong River.
While today’s forecast is filled with clouds and rain and thunderstorm threats, this photo taken last week captures a moment of serenity (before the morning rush hour commences) with a vibrant blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. The reflections dancing on the water add to the tranquility of the scene. It’s hard to imagine this is the skyline now compared to when I first set foot in Cambodia, where only the Royal Palace and other temples’ spires and trees dominated the landscape. The transformation has been rapid and quite remarkable!
