Mingalaba! Myanmar has always been one of the countries that many are curious about. Little is known outside this Golden Land, and we have only heard about it through certain news coverage or social networks, most of which have been negative. Personally, I have to confess that I was a little skeptical before my recent trip to the Union of Myanmar. It has really been an eye-opener, and has since became one of my favorite destinations in the region that I will definitely go back for more!
We arrived at Yangon International Airport some 4 hours behind schedule due to some technical problems with our flight, which had to return to Bangkok International Airport halfway through the journey. After staying a night at Sedona Hotel in the old capital, we left early the following morning for the Golden Rock of Kyaikhtiyo, one of Myanmar’s most sacred and magical places some 160 km southeast of Yangon. Situated deep in the woods, the journey took over 3 hours via bus, and open-top lorry to get to the terminal, where you can choose to sit on the stretcher, or take an hour walk up to the summit, enjoying the scenery along the way. I decided to take the slower, yet fulfilling route.
Once you arrived at the foot of the hill, you’re most likely be greeted by local kids, who have good eyes to spot tourists, that “volunteer” to become your “personal bodyguard” during your trip to the Golden Rock. You’re welcome to give them token of your appreciation when you arrive safely back down.
With the sunsetting, the Golden Rock sits magically on the cliff, with hundreds of pilgrims gathering, some were staying overnight, for early prayers the next morning. I could feel their faith. Both young and old gather to chant their prayers. This is a rare sight even from countries such as Thailand, where temples are more readily related to the older generations. In Myanmar, however, this is commonplace.
There were even more pilgrims crossing the mountains the next morning to say their prayers to the Golden Rock.
It is interesting to see how the people will adapt to future changes and development as the country prepares its role as ASEAN leader in 2012, as well as becoming a more open society to the world.
From Kyaikhtiyo, we headed back to Yangon and over to another highlight of Myanmar, the 2,500 years old Shwedagon Pagoda, which enshrines strands of Buddha’s hair and other holy relics. The site consists of hundreds of temples, stupas and statues of the past, while the summit of the pagoda has been decorated with diamonds, ruby and gold that have been offered to the Shwedagon Pagoda by companies and people both locals and foreigners.
Entering the Shwedagon Pagoda through the South Gate, as it’s believed to be the most auspicious, you’ll be greeted with an elevator tower, that will take you up to the great pagoda. Entrance fee is USD5.00.
As we visited Shwedagon Pagoda on a Buddhist Holy Day, the place was full of Buddhists coming to pay homage to the great pagoda. It was bustling with people even at 8pm.
Before we called it a night, we stopped for dinner at Sabai@Inya Thai Restaurant located along the luxury Inya Lake. The restaurant is well known to both locals and tourists alike and serve some pretty good authentic Thai delicacies. Another surprise for us.
We flew out of Yangon to Mandalay for more fascinating stops early the next morning.
More of these fascinating photos can be found at our Facebook page.
