Showing posts with label Temple. Show all posts

[PLACE] 20150114 Temple of Dawn - Wat Arun @ Bangkok


Wat Arun, or also known as the Temple of Dawn has a history that stretches way back into the seventeenth century and has undergone various restoration. It is a Buddhist temple which a central prang which measures more than 200 feet along with four smaller satellite prang which was built later in the nineteenth century during the reign of King Rama II. It is situated by the river bank of Chao Phraya River and is visible from far due to its height.

In addition to the history, the highlight of Wat Arun would be the architecture and the steep climb to the top platform of the central prang. The central prang has 3 levels in total and encrusted with colourful tiles and porcelain. Well, most of it are broken pieces of porcelain. The main challenge will be climbing up to the platform where many tourist may halt due to fear of height. The stairs are indeed very steep but climbable with the help of railings and ropes.

An entrance fee of 50 Baht is chargeable for foreigners and the temple opens until 5:30pm. Wat Arun is a favourite spot for photography enthusiast with its unique architecture and the landscape. Capturing a picture during the dawn or the sunset with the magical colours of the sky enhances the mysterious feel, whether from near or afar.

There's some rooftop bars and cafe at the opposite side of Wat Arun, at the Tha Tian Pier which gives you a very good vantage point for photoshooting. However, despite the nice weather during the day, the sunset did not give much colours to my photo. Perhaps next time.

Wat Arun, west side of Chao Phraya River, opposite Tha Tian Pier (Pier 8)
Nearest BTS Stations: Nil
Telephone: +66 2891 2978
Opening Hours: 08:00am until 5:30pm

TO GO


There are a few methods to get to Wat Arun and unfortunately there's no direct assess by BTS nor MRT. While taking cab or tuk tuk is the most convenient way, you may still be able to reach Wat Arun if you have to take the BTS. 

Take the Silom Line (Dark Green) and disembark at Saphan Taksin Station. Walk towards Exit 2 towards the Central Pier, you may then purchase the boat ticket from the ticket counter for 40 Baht per pax and then take the Chao Phraya tourist boat. Get off at Pier 8 - Tha Tian Pier. Wat Arun is located at the opposite bank hence you need to take another cross river shuttle for another 3 Baht per pax per trip.

Wat Arun is right after Wat Pho in my itinerary, due to the proximity of both temples. Would recommend to visit both together.

ATTRACTION



I travelled across the Chao Phraya River after visiting Wat Pho with a fee of 3 Baht per pax per trip. Buddhist monks get to transit for free as there are many temples around this area. It is hard to shoot into the sun without blowing out the mid tone and highlights.



However, when you shoot with the sun at your back, the wonderful colours of the bright sky and the temple shines. Wat Arun is one of the prettiest temples around Bangkok even without the vivid colour structures or roof, thanks to its detailed glass and porcelain. The prangs have a base of devils or monkeys statues that supports the upper structure.


The temple is undergoing restoration work during my visit, which cause quite a disappointment for photoshooting due to the scaffoldings. This is the only satellite prang that is not covered by the scaffoldings.


The straight and steep climb at the central prang. The ascend and descend shares the same stairs as other three entrances are closed. I'm not sure whether there is a limit of numbers that are allowed at one time. Proper attire is advised to pay respect to the sacred grounds, and you probably also do not want to wear too short for the climb as well.


The climb will lead you to the first platform or terrace, which is bigger and wider and able to accommodate more people. The adventurous ones will probably continue to climb further to the second terrace or platform, which is steeper and narrower than the first.


You can judge the steepness of the stairs from this picture. Also notice the ascend of each stair is much taller than our usual steps.


From the top, you will be able to have an overview of the surroundings, including the Chao Phraya River, which you also can observe the Wat Pho and Grand Palace from here.


The details of the porcelain and sculptures of the prang that makes Thai architecture so unique, with the trace of Indian and Chinese structures.


The top of the central prang, where the Hindu God, Indra riding on Erawan. Each of the details on the temple has its meanings that relates to Buddhism and Hinduism. It is an interest blend of both teachings.


 The scaffolding put me off to shoot an overview of Wat Arun unfortunately. I tried to wait for the sunset but the colours just fade quickly behind the clouds without much contrast. The image above is already enhanced in Lightroom but is only able to bring out some colours. Maybe next time, Wat Arun.

You may also consider visiting Wat Pho after Wat Arun but be mindful of the closing hours.


SUMMARY


A very unique and historical site of the beauty lies on the detail and the structure of the temple. Advised to come in the morning before the crowd, or before sunset for a nice picture. Dress code is applicable and the steep climb is not for the fainted heart.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆☆
unique, historical, and challenging
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆

Entrance Fee
50 Baht
Opening Hours
08:00am until 5:30pm
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 13.743600, 100.489049
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[PLACE] 20150114 Wat Pho - Sleeping Buddha @ Pranakorn, Bangkok


Wat Pho ("Wat" means temple in Thai) is one of the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok and is well known for its largest Buddha statue, which is the Sleeping Buddha or also known as Reclining Buddha. The giant sleeping Buddha statue is 160 feet long and covered with gold leaves.

Wat Pho is just 10 minutes walk away from the Grand Palace and its often the next destination for tourists to drop by. An entrance fee of 100 Baht is chargeable on foreigners and entitled for a bottle of mineral water. Besides the reclining Buddha, Wat Pho has other halls within its compound with more than 1,000 Buddha statues, big and small.

Another highlight of Wat Pho will be the detailed architectural of its structures and building where very strong presence of Thai culture is observed in the design and carvings. Dress code applies for female tourist and sarongs or scarf are available for those who wears shorts or sleeveless clothes, especially when entering the prayer halls.

Guided tour is available with price ranging from 200 Baht to 400 Baht, depending on size of crowd and season, can be negotiated. The tour guide will be able to brief you on the history and details of the temple if you are interested to engage their service. Traditional Thai massage service is also available here and Wat Pho is the origin of Thai massage as there was a massage school established here in the older days.

Wat Pho, Pranakorn, Bangkok
Nearest BTS Stations: Nil
Telephone: N/A
Opening Hours: 08:00am until 06:30pm

TO GO


There are a few methods to get to Wat Pho and unfortunately there's no direct assess by BTS nor MRT. While taking cab or tuk tuk is the most convenient way, you may still be able to reach Wat Pho if you have to take the BTS.

Take the Silom Line (Dark Green) and disembark at Saphan Taksin Station. Walk towards Exit 2 towards the Central Pier, you may then purchase the boat ticket from the ticket counter for 40 Baht per pax and then take the Chao Phraya tourist boat. Get off at Pier 8 - Tha Tian Pier. Wat Pho is located right at the exit of the pier, towards the right side.


ATTRACTION



The weather was just awesome for the day with clear blue sky, with the help of my CPL filter as well. The picture above is the rear of the hall where the reclining Buddha is located.


Visitors are required to wear proper attire (no shorts or sleeveless shirt) and to remove your footwear and carry along when you are entering the hall. The reclining Buddha statue is so huge and long that you will require a ultra wide angle lens to fit in everything within the narrow space.


The Buddha's feet with 108 auspicious symbols of Buddha. It seems like a normal picture, but you definitely unable to capture the same image with normal cameras as the picture above is taken with an angle as wide as 10mm (16mm equivalent for 35mm format).


Other highlight of Wat Pho will definitely be the amazing structures of the temple roofs.


Some parts of the temple consist of ancient schools for various disciplines including art, culture as well as Thai massage.


The vibrant colours and the unique texture of the roofs is infused deeply with the Thai culture.





There's a huge prayer hall located right at the centre of the temple which offers a place for visitors to either pray or just to sit down and feel the atmosphere and the serenity of the temple.

You can also consider to visit Wat Arun after Wat Pho as it is just at the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River.

SUMMARY


Overall, Wat Pho is worth a visit with the main attraction of the reclining Buddha, as well as other thousands of Buddha images, accompanied by fascinating Thai architecture of the structures and buildings. It is just a short walk away from the Grand Palace and can be an alternative destination if you are planning your itinerary.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆
Main highlight will be the reclining Buddha but other attractions also worth a visit
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆☆

Entrance Fee
100 Baht for foreigner (inclusive of complementary bottle of mineral water)
Free for locals
Opening Hours
08:00am until 6:30pm (Daily)
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 13.746374, 100.491235
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[PLACE] 20141222 Baiyun Mountain 白云山 @ Baiyun, Guangzhou


Located north-east of Guangzhou City, the Baiyun mountain range is a famous tourist spot since ancient time. The name Baiyun 白云, which literally means "White Cloud" well describes the scenery above that covers in mist and clouds especially during damp seasons.

The mountain range span across an area of 28km² with more than 30 high and low peaks. The highest peak, which is the Moxing Summit is at 382 meters above sea level. There are many scenic spots like Yuntai Garden 云台花园, Mingchungu 鸣春谷, Moxingling 摩星岭, Mingzhulou 明珠楼, Yunxi Ecological Park 云溪生态公园 etc in the Baiyun Mountain area.

Similar to Luhu Park and Yuntai Garden, the entrance of Baiyun Mountain is accessible via public transportation like cab and buses but not the Metro. At the entrance, public can choose to either take the cable car to the first summit or hike up the hiking trail via foot. Alternatively, you may also drive up the using the mountain roads.

The cable car ticketing counter is next to Yuntai Garden with total journey of 1.6km with approximately 15 minutes travelling time ascending about 200 meters. You get to see the hiking trail and trees along the cable car pathway.

Entrance fee is chargeable at RMB5 (RM2.80) per pax. Return ticket for cable car is RMB40 (RMB25 up, RMB15 down). The entrance fee for the respective scenic spots are charged separately. There's also a shuttle service for those who prefer to walk less. Each shuttle service cost RMB8 to RMB10 from location to location.

Guangyuan Middle Rd, Baiyun, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
广州市白云区广园中路
Nearest Metro Stations: Nil
Telephone: +86 020 3722 2222
Opening Hours: 06:00am until 05:00pm (to be verified)

TO GO


 Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

Unfortunately, there's no direct Metro station for Baiyun area. Alternative transportation includes public buses and cabs. There are many buses travelling through this route including bus number 175, 179, 199, 218, 223 or the tourist bus No. 1 from Zhongshanba Terminal. Depending where you are coming from, do check out the bus routes via Google Map before you travel. Typical cost of an air-conditioned bus cost about RMB2 to RMB3.

There's one Baiyun Park Metro Station, but that's at the West Gate and further away from the Cable Car Terminal. You can choose to take a bus from that Metro Station to the Southeast Gate.


There are a few gates for Baiyun Mountain range, but do head to the South Gate where the cable car terminal is located, next to Yuntai Garden.




ATTRACTION



I continue my journey to Baiyun Mountain after my detour to Yuntai Garden. The cable car terminal is just next to the garden's entrance. Luckily there's not many visitors during my visit and I don't have to wait at all for my cable car. The return ticket costs RMB40 (RM23) which includes some free vouchers for pictures but never fall for any "free" things in China. Just discard the vouchers will do.


The 12 minutes ride across the 1.6km path has a bit more to offer other than convenience with the colourful trees underneath coupled with hiking trails and mountain roads.


I also spotted this temple known as Nengren Temple 能仁寺 along the hiking trail when reaching the top. 


There's this square after the exit from the terminal, saying "Baiyun Mountain Welcomes You (白云山欢迎您)". Many tourist will have a picture here for safekeeping.


Above the square there's a platform known as "Dusk View Spot (晚望)", which actually means the area for sunset and nightview because the sun will set at this direction usually around 6pm.


This is the view of the platform. It is actually a very wide space with trees and huts around. The Guangzhou City is towards the right side with a very wide opening.


This is the actual view from the platform. Unfortunately it is mid noon and the sun is no where near settings. As you can see from this picture, the buildings are actually quite far away from the mountains and with no large landscapes or signature buildings, the view is actually just...normal. From here, you will get to see the cable car at the bottom right side of the picture. (Pardon my picture with the vignetting and patching due to the CPL filter).


In between the platform and the square, there's an intermediate space showcasing statues of Confucius and the also the a few of the famous 中国二十四孝 (24 touching stories of filial children) stories.


During my visit, there's this Transformer exhibition going on, which has a lot of replica Transformers installed with some mechanical arms for movement. This is useful to attract local crowd but nothing special for foreign tourists because Transformers is not the main reason I'm here.


Walked along the streets further up away from the square you will see the number of visitors getting less. From here onwards will involve a lot of physical walking, unless you opt for the shuttle service which comes at a fee. There's a junction after you walked some distance where you need to choose which path to follow. The path on the left involves more walking at a longer distance while the right path involves more stair climbing at a shorter distance. Both routes will eventually lead to the peak.


I took the shorter route, which means I have to climb more stairs. Not long after that I reach this spot known as the Nine Dragon Spring (九龙泉) but unfortunately it is closed for renovation and recovery. I only get to take the picture of this small little spring before moving on.


There are many interesting spots and vantage points along the way, some of which I do not know what meaning does it bring. Nevertheless, my next destination is Moxingling, which is the highest peak, which also means that I need to keep on climbing.


Stairs.. more stairs!! But luckily the stairs are covered with trees and the air is refreshing. To be honest, I didn't felt tired at all after all the climb, perhaps it is due to the weather? or the fresh air? or maybe the spiritual energy around the mountain that fuels me up. I did saw many visitors giving up halfway, panting and resting after the long climb, but I just kept going.


There's also some interesting corridors along the stairs, which makes your whole journey less boring because you kept seeing new things.


Half way up I stumbled upon this small little house which writes 轩墨仙, which is actually a spot where ancient writers and scholars gather. There are some exhibits of calligraphy and books inside.


I didn't spend much time here and left after I took a few pictures. The journey up continues with more stairs and stairs.


Eventually I reach a spot that meets the crowd who took the longer route via slope. There's a bee farm and a military camp at this area which is also known as the 观云阁 (literally means Cloud Observing Pavilion).


However, the pavilion is closed during my visit and there's nothing much to observe from there to be honest.


The climb up to slope continues with another 200 meters more to go. 


Lazy people or the elderly can opt for the electrical shutter car.


I have been continuously climbing for close to 30 minutes and I thought I finally reached my destination, Moxingling. My.. my I was wrong. To read more, please continue to my next post about Moxingling.

SUMMARY

Baiyun Mountain is a very scenic place, filled with lush greenery and vegetation. It provides various vantage points overseeing different angle of Guangzhou City. If you are a nature lover and a hiking fan, would suggest you to spend a day here to explore all the different peaks at Baiyun Mountain range.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆☆
Very scenic and refreshing place. Close to nature.
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆☆
Cleanliness is well kept
Entrance Fee
Varies according to area
Baiyun Mountain: RMB5
Cable Car Return Ticket: RMB40
Mingchungu: RMB10
Xinghai Park: RMB5
Others: RMB3 to RMB10
Opening Hours
06:00am until 05:00pm (to be verified)
Wifi
N/A
Parking
Yes
Website
Baiyun Website - English Version

GPS:
Cable Car Terminal: 23.157015, 113.295640
Baiyun Square: 23.171753, 113.300479
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[PLACE] 20141218 Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin 嗇色园黄大仙祠 @ Wong Tai Sin


Sik Sik Yuen (嗇色园) or better known as Wong Tai Sin Temple (黄大仙祠) is a well known Taoist temple in Hong Kong that the local believed that "every wish you made will come true".

Often we heard in TVB dramas that the women, especially the elderly will go to the Wong Tai Sin Temple for fortune telling. It makes you wonder, what is so special about this temple that many TVB dramas like to mention it? Is it really that magically that every wish you make sincerely will come true? Well, at least the locals do believe so.

For such popularity, you probably thought that the temple is a very old temple with long history. Well, reality just proved me wrong as the Wong Tai Sin Temple is relatively new and was built in the 20th century. It was completely opened to public only in the 1950's. If you are interested in the history and the story behind the temple, do visit the Wikipedia link.

TO GO

The temple is so famous that it got the whole area named after it, including the MTR station. You just need to take the Kwun Tong Line (Green) and drop off at Wong Tai Sin station. Exit B2 will lead you directly to the entrance of the temple. You won't be wrong when you are approached by hagglers trying to sell you joss sticks and candles.

ATTRACTION



I visited this temple right after my breakfast in the morning. Despite it is a weekday, the temple is flocked with tourists, majority from the mainland China where tours after tours arriving at the entrance. Temple guards are busy trying to maintain the order and doing crowd control but seemed fallen into deaf ears due to the huge number of visitors. To allow a better flow of crowd, the guards disallowed tourist to take pictures after the entrance as it will obstruct traffic severely. However, there will always be a small number of them who are ignorant and selfish.


Joss sticks, candles and all sorts of offerings are available for sale at the side of the temple.


The entrance stone arch clearly written Sik Sik Yuen (嗇色园) and I have to tilt my camera higher to avoid the sea of human heads. Visitors are required to turn left after the entrance where they will be stone staircase leading towards the main altar. There's a square before the main altar after you have climbed up the stairs with 12 black stone statues representing the 12 animal Zodiac.


It is very hard to get a good picture of the main altar entrance without having people in between due to the huge crowd. The tourists will not hesitate to bump you away from your position just to take over your spot. You will have to be firm and fast to have a good snap.


After a short climb from the entrance you will reach the main altar where you will see a wide space for visitors to pray as well as to "shake for your lucky stick" or known as "qiu qian" (求签). Sticks representing different fate will be placed in bamboo containers, or nowadys just in empty containers. After your prayers, you will hold the container and shake gently until one stick falls out. That stick, will represent your fate for the wish that you made. You will need to remember the marking of the stick and then ask the fortune teller to help you "decode" the meaning of the stick. 


However, the main altar is not opened to public and visitors are only allowed to pray in front of the main altar. Besides the main altar, there are a few other temples within the compound and there's also a garden right beside. Do spend some time to explore around the area.




Three Saints Hall (三圣堂) offers prayers to three deities known as Lu DongBin, Guan Yin and Guan Di.


Moon Elder, or known as the Love God is at the side of the main altar and many singles will come here to wish for a good companion.


SUMMARY


Whether you have a wish or don't have a wish, Wong Tai Sin Temple is a must come for at least once to experience the Taoism culture of the Hong Kong locals. The temple is well maintained despite the high number of visitors. While you are here, you may also opt to visit the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden which I have skipped during my trip due to time constraint.


Attraction
☆☆☆☆
Taoism culture
Cleanliness
 ☆☆☆☆☆
Entrance Fee
Free (non-obligatory donation box available) 
Opening Hours
07:00am until 5:30pm (Daily)
Wifi
N/A 
Parking
Minimal 
Website
http://www.siksikyuen.org.hk/

GPS: 22.342386, 114.194293
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