Traffic circle near verdent green Pine Forest of Kirirom National Park
Kirirom National Park,Forest,Lakes and waterfalls
Kirirom National Park lies 120 km west of Phnom Penh in the Kampong Speu province. From Sihanoukville about a 2 hour drive. The Kirirom National Park covers an area of 35.000 hectares (350 km²). The Kirirom National Park is a mountain plateau, elevation 800 m above sea level, known for its green pine forest-covered hills, beautiful water falls and lakes.
Kirirom National Park-Mountains,Lakes and verdant green Pine Forest
The high elevation and coolness of the green pine forest made it a favorite summer retreat for King Sihanouk in the 1960’s. The King and royal retinue would travel by elephants through the pine forest down to the picturesque lakes below the Villa.
Three Chimney Stacks-Last remnants of King Sihanouk’s Villa-Kirirom National Park
Remnants of the past
A narrow track through rough vegetation leads into the spot where King Sihanouk’s villa once stood. The villa, roads and other infrastructures destroyed during the Khmer Rouge era. Following the track in, not a lot to see, all that remains of the villa today is a set of three chimneys stacks on a foundation, and some rotting wood planking from a deck. There is however a fabulous view of the Cardamom range, green pine forest and lakes below from this vantage point. The scent of the soft green pine needles and the quietness of the pine forest is a refreshing experience.Worth the short trek in.
Kirirom National Forest – Pileated Gibbon
The Kirirom National Park has ranger-guided tours and walking tracks to experience through the verdant green pine forest. Wildlife you may experience include elephant, tiger, pileated gibbon, banteng, gaur and sun bear. Though today sightings are rare. How lucky was I to see a gibbon in a tree at the resort. Perhaps the Pileated Gibbon is not as rare as a tiger or elephant although it is on the endangered species list in Cambodia and Thailand?
Castle-like-frontage-Kirirom Hillside Resort below Kirirom National Park
Kirirom Hillside Resort
Next was a lunch stop. A big surprise in what seemed a fairly remote spot is the Kirirom Hillside Resort just below the entrance to the National Park. The immediate impression is one of a castle with turrets, and some wild animal (not live) roaming the outside, including a kangaroo. Once inside the grounds, the resort has a delightful large open restaurant overlooking the swimming pools. Service was a bit slow on the day, but this met we had time to stroll around the lovely grounds of the resort. Our lunchtime menu proved a delicious meal – fresh, hot and tasty cuisine.
Restaurant overlooks the swimming pools at Kirirom Hillside Resort.
Real live Gibbon, Kirirom Hillside Resort-Kirirom National Park
Pileated Gibbon – Endangered Species
Spotted a live, wild animal in a tree at the resort. A beautiful black furry monkey with creamy-white markings on its face, hands and feet. I found out he is a male Pileated Gibbon, an attractive animal, a visitor from the National Park. The female gibbon in contrast is white or creamy color with a black head and belly. The Gibbon feed on green leaves and fruit. Beautiful creatures, on the endangered species list. I guess you may sight more of these at home in the National Park, but felt I was very lucky to see this one.
Secluded Self-contained Bungalows,green manicured gardens with statues
Green shrubbery and spacious grounds
The resort has spacious grounds with some very attractive bungalows in a quite area offering comfort and privacy, green manicured gardens and roman statues. There is a sauna and several restaurants to choose from. The resort also caters for budget travelers.
Self-contained bungalows in a secluded area-pristine green gardens
The turrets and castle-like appearance of the resort designed to attract families with children. The Kirirom Hillside Resort offers many activities such as biking, horse-riding and kayaking. Families and tourists come from Phnom Penh to enjoy the coolness of the mountain plateau, and the verdant green pine forest of the Kirirom National Park in the hot summer months.
- fast and furious ride on a bamboo train cambodia
- traditional music pich nil cambodia
- spirit houses pich nil mountain pass
- golden lions of Sihanoukville beach resort town
- Highway to Sihanoukville town deep-sea port and beach resorts
- durian tropical fruit Kampot-landmark old bridge
- plantations of black pepper-salt and pepper Kampot
- Beachhouse at Kep – Seaside resort
- Caves of kampong trach kampot caves
- Tonle (lake) Bati – Hindu Temple of Phnom Chisor
- Temple of Ta Prohm Takeo
- A Mekong cruise on the mighty Mekong River
- Killing fields – Cambodia – a chilling experience
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Phnom Penh Cambodia
- Lotus Blanc- Phnom Penh- Restaurant
- Artifacts – National Museum of Cambodia Phnom Penh
- Emerald Buddha Silver Pagoda Phnom Penh
- Royal Palace Throne Hall Phnom Penh
- Cambodia 2011 Phnom Penh city
- Snapshot of Cambodia Kampuchea
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