When your home is a temple

Some of the temples you see in Cambodia are marvels of intrinsic details, but sometimes the cohabitants are, too. Like this one at Phnom Sampov/Phnom Sampeau near Battambang.

The monkeys at most of these temple sites around Asia are peaceful, knowing they are safe and have access to food and water. But they are also nosy and cheeky, and any seasoned traveller know to keep their belongings, food and water well contained or hidden around these rascals.

No feeding or fighting
Even if they are small, they are strong and have sharp teeth. So there is no use try picking a fight.

And never, ever feed the monkeys. It reduces their ability to hunt and gather their own food, leading to malnutrition and they become more aggressive in close contact with humans.

Small gene pools
Another challenge for these monkeys are the limited numbers of members in each family group in each temple. That is causing some problems with inbreeding due to small gene pools.

We are talking severe Habsburger jaw and bulbous lips, to use a European reference to tragedy and disaster when science is absent. I have observed this inbreeding problem to become lesser over the last few years in Cambodia, as the caretaking of these cultural heritage sites improves. Including for the animals.

But the monkeys also ad personality and scale to these photos. So I would miss having them around, if they where to disappear.


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Top gold itinerary in the Battambang hillside

The pagoda complex surrounding Wat Sampeou at the top of Phnom Sampov/Sampeou, "Ship Mountain" is concentrated variations of temple beauty. Before you get to the outlook points with a fantastic view to the surrounding Cambodian countryside outside Battambang.

Phnom Sampov is a cluster of hills northwest of Battambang city in the west of Cambodia. It takes about 30-40 minutes to get there from the city.

Walk up to the hill tops via the steep walkway or stairs or get a driver to drive you there. This hilltop is worth a visit either way.

But beware of the Macaque monkeys. These longtail Macaques are overly friendly because they expect to get, or steal, food from the visitors. Even if they are small animals, they are strong and can be ferocious.

There are several pagodas and temples on different sites in these hills.

Real Bat caves
Phnom Sampov is well known for the extensive caves under the hills. They each carry their own uses, cultural and religious significance and stories. Both of tradition, nature, happiness and deep tragedy.

By sunset, get down from the hills after some late afternoon shots of the warm sunset making the countryside soft and warm. Then, find a seat near the bat cave, and see thousands of bats leave for the nights hunt. The bat caves are near the entrance to the hills.

After seen the bats off, its time to go back to Battambang for the night. Enjoy food at one of the open-air restaurants near the river in the old French colonial city.

https://drzinasia.wordpress.com/2021/04/21/top-gold-2/

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