It turned out that the power won’t be come back within the night. So we spent the entire night in the dark. I felt a little cheated of my money since I didn’t get to use their cable TV that night. But then again, it wasn’t really their fault there was no power. Power or no power, I still managed to get a good night’s sleep.
This time we really woke up early, this is going to be our last chance to catch the sun rise at Angkor Wat. Having missed it the first two times, we made sure to make it this time. It was also a little embarassing to keep asking our driver to keep coming at five in the morning when we never make it on time. At least this time we really made sure to wake up early.
We quickly did our morning routine and rushed down stairs. The sky was already starting to brighten but the sun had not risen yet. Our driver was already there waiting for us again. I guess he was relieved to finally see us this time. We quickly made our way to Angkor Wat. For a while there I was thinking that we may not make it since Angkor Wat was huge and we might not make it in time to the spot we wanted.
As expected there was already a crowd at gate of Angkor Wat. People were already streaming into the temple. Fortunately, the people aren’t as numerous as crowd you see in the afternoon. Nevertheless, there is still a crowd, but it was manageable. We quickly made our way across the moat and into the first enclosure. This is really a long walk, I was thinking, why does it have to be so huge?
The size of the temple though really worked to everyone’s advantange. Even though there is already a crowd at the pool with water. The size of the place really made it possible to have space for everyone. I got a spot near the edge of the pool hoping to catch a bit of reflection on the water. Seems like other people also have the same idea.
The sun will be rising behind the temple, I wasn’t sure exactly where but it was definitely behind it. A few hundred people waiting there can’t possibly be wrong. I was getting my camera ready when there was a commotion behind me. Someone just proposed marriage to their partner! It was a very unlikely spot for a proposal but it was still very sweet.
Moments later another commotion to my right, but this time it was from the tourists waiting for the sunrise. The sun was finally coming up behind the temple! It was coming up from the far left of the temple, and my spot will only capture the trees on that side. So I quickly moved out and set up in another spot where hopefully the sun will have a better view.
The sun really came up very fast, I was taking shots one after the other and continuously adjusting my settings. I didn’t have a filter with me unfortunately, but I would have wanted to darken the sky a little bit. A few a few moments it was already over, the sun was too high up and it was too bright for me to be taking pictures of it, lest my CCD would die on me.
We then proceeded to explore more of Angkor Wat, this time without the huge crowd. Sad as it may seem, it seems like the best time to visit Angkor Wat is early morning, way before the main crowd comes. It is very true, since in some parts of the temple, there were hardly any people there. This is how you experience Angkor Wat.
I climbed the steep stairs of the inner enclosure and just sat there admiring the scenery. You can see that the crowds are already starting to come. We are fortunate to have come so early. Even when I sat at the far end of the temple you can already see crowds come in from the other direction.
It was really worth the effort to see the sunrise here. The colors of the sky and the temple are really a sight to behold. Add to the fact that there are relatively lesser people early in the morning. But alas, the crowd is already getting to me so we made our way back to the entrance. But lo and behold, there was a VIP just coming in – it was the Sultan of Brunei! I hardly ever see country leaders but I was lucky enough to see him. He was wearing a simple Polo shirt and is escorted by his hosts. I was kidding that he might like Angkor Wat so much that he might just buy it from the Cambodians.
After our brief encounter with royalty we continued on our way to our driver who was again fast asleep. And for the last time we bid Angkor Wat farewell.
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