Showing posts with label Historical. 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.

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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] 20141224 The Mandarin House 郑家大屋 @ Macau


The Mandarin House 郑家大屋, or the Zheng's House is the home of the well known Chinese philosopher and philanthropist, Zheng Guanying 郑观应 (1842 - 1921). Among all, his materpiece i.e. 《盛世危言》 (translate: Golden Age Prophecy) which was first published on 1893 has influenced many country leader in their decision making as the prophecy has provided various transformation ideas and concepts to China back in those days.

The Mandarin House was constructed by Mr Zheng's father, Zheng Wenrui as early as in the 1869, thou history mentioned it was built in 1881. The whole courtyard sits on a 4,000m² land in the Peninsular of Macau with two main court. The uniqueness about the mandarin house is the combination of both east and west architectural design. While the exterior of the house may looked like any other Canton house, the interior is the one that blends in the western culture with the main living hall located at the first floor as opposed to ground floor in conventional Chinese houses.

The house was long abandoned and vandalized in the 90's after a developer purchased the land. After long negotiation, the Macau government successfully regained control of the Mandarin house with the proposed land swap in 2001 and refurbish work was started.

However, the restoration process was not easy with majority of the house were severely vandalised and the government has tried to recover the house to its original look as much as possible. The Mandarin House was finally opened to public in 2010.

10 Travessa de Antonio da Silva, Macau
澳門龍頭左巷10號
Telephone: (+853) 2896 8820
Opening Hours: 10:00am until 06:00pm (Entrance closed at 05:30pm)
Closed every Wednesday except for Public Holiday.

TO GO


The Mandarin House is located along the R. da Barra and R. do Padre Antonio roads with many other attractions along the road like cathedrals, cafes etc. I would suggest those who are able to travel on foot to take this route from Senado Square and stop at each attractions along the way. Clear road signs are available to guide you accordingly.

Alternatively, you may take public bus 18 or 28B to stop at the junction near the Mandarin House.



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The government has did a very good job in promoting tourism industry with clear road signs and signboards available to guide tourists and visitors accordingly, making it a very seamless experience. The entrance to the Mandarin House is free of charge and there's not many tourists to be seen here despite Christmas Eve (or maybe due to Christmas Eve?).


Brief description of each attraction is also available. You may also find a rubber stamp to mark your visit at every popular destinations.


Two cute Mandarin tortoises located at the entrance of the Mandarin House.


The entrance will lead you the side corridor of the Mandarin House. The entrance is actually at the middle of the picture above. The left is actually a small garden and the right is the building.


Some rooms are equipped with video and audio presentation to explain the history of the Mandarin House.


The traditional style of Chinese house 四合院 which means four sides with building (typically according to NSEW) with a courtyard in the middle.


The main hall entrance of the Mandarin House.


Carved wood window panel with the air well in the middle.


Notice the ceiling design that is different from conventional Chinese houses?


Filmy stairway leading up to the first floor. The design of the stairways is leaning towards western culture.


The main living hall at the first floor, as opposed to conventional ground floor. Even thou the ground are tiled, the whole floor is actually unstable due to the wood frame structure.


The study room where Mr Zheng completed most of his work.

There are a lot more pictures to share but basically these are the highlights of the Mandarin House. The government has did a lot to restore the Mandarin House to reassemble back to its original look. The combination of the east and west interior design and architecture is also one of the main highlight of this place, along with the significant historical presence.

SUMMARY


It's a good detour when you are on the way to Barra temple. Spend some time around to understand the history and to zoom into the details of the house.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆
Interesting architecture and very informative 
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆☆

Entrance Fee
Free
Opening Hours
10:00am until 06:00pm (Daily)
Entrance closed at 05:30pm
Closed every Wednesday
Wifi
Limited
Parking
Nil
Website
Macau Tourism Website

GPS: 22.188450, 113.534652
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[PLACE] 20141224 Monte Fort 大炮台 @ Macau


Monte Fort (Fortaleza do Monte), or known as Mount Fortress, is a military fortress built by the Portuguese colony during the 17th century to fend off intruders. The fort is built on the hill top with solid walls up to 9 meters, overseeing the Macau peninsular.

The fort is fortified with heavy artillery and cannons but was only fired once during the Dutch invasion in 1622 and never since.

Currently the Monte Fort has become a popular attraction in Macau with the Museum of Macau located right on top. Visitors can have a panoramic view of Macau Peninsular on top of the fort.


TO GO


The Monte Fort is located next to the Ruins of St Paul's, near to Senado Square. Visitors usually arrives at Senado Square first before continue to Ruins of St Paul's and then to the fort. 

Bus Stop nearby Monte Fort: Bus No. 7, 7A, 8, 17

Alternatively, visitors can opt for the free shuttle bus provided by the casinos nearby. The nearest casino will be the famous Grand Lisboa. The Senado Square is just about 5 minutes walking distance away from the Grand Lisboa.

Bus Stop nearby Senado Sqaure: Bus No. Bus No. 3, 4, 6 8A, 18A, 19, 26A, 33, N1A.




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Monte Fort is similar to our A' Famosa, which is also a fortress on hill. Located just next to the Ruins of St Paul's. It requires some more climb of the stone steps up hill to reach the top of the fortress. So make sure you wear the appropriate footwear.


Soon you will reach the entrance of the fortress where the cannons are all located, behind the tall and solid stone walls.




The entrance of the fortress, leading to the garden and platform on top.


Rows and rows of defunct cannons, fortifying the fortress in the older days, fending off any potential intruders.


a few of it actually aligns facing the Grand Lisboa casino from afar. Makes you feel like lighting the fuse somehow (just kidding).


From here, you get a high vantage point of the city of Macau. The peninsular is where the majority of the population resides. Despite the run down condition, these apartments can actually cost as much as those in the Hong Kong counterpart due to the lack of land.


The reflection pool surrounding the Museum of Macau.


The building, and the entrance of Museum of Macau.


Somewhere around the the museum there's an entrance down to a small dungeon where some of the remains of the fortress are exhibited.


The fortress has much more to see than the Ruins of St Paul's as you have the whole view of the peninsular from atop and also the remains of the fortress.

SUMMARY


Monte Fort is a detour from the famous Ruins of St Paul's but has much more to offer than the later. The hilltop also offers an overview of the Macau peninsular and is a good photo spot with urban landscape and seaview. The Grand Lisboa casion building is also clearly seen from here.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆☆
good vantage point, historical site
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆
Entrance Fee
Free
Opening Hours
Daily
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 22.196847, 113.542384
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[PLACE] 20141224 Ruins of St. Paul's 大三巴牌坊 @ Macau


The Ruins of St Paul's is a remaining façade of the St Paul's church that was destroyed in a fire during a typhoon in 1835. The original church was built in 1602 and completed in 1640, being one of the largest church in Asia during the days.

The ruin is now Macau's famous tourist destination and it is a must come for every visitor to Macau. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage in 2005.


TO GO


The Ruins of St Paul's is located on a hill, next to Monte Fort, near to Senado Square. Visitors usually arrives at Senado Square first before continue to Ruins of St Paul's. However, visitors can also choose to visit the ruins first via the nearby bus stop.

Bus Stop nearby Ruins of St Paul's: Bus No. 7, 7A, 8, 17

Alternatively, visitors can opt for the free shuttle bus provided by the casinos nearby. The nearest casino will be the famous Grand Lisboa. The Senado Square is just about 5 minutes walking distance away from the Grand Lisboa.

Bus Stop nearby Senado Sqaure: Bus No. Bus No. 3, 4, 6 8A, 18A, 19, 26A, 33, N1A.



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What's special about the ruins is similar to what our A' Famosa in Melaka has to offer. In fact, I think our A' Famosa has more to offer than just a remaining façade. Both shares the similarity of the Portuguese heritage. The ruins is located on a hill and requires some climb up (around 10 minutes) along the busy pedestrian streets from Senado Square. A lot of merchandise and souvenir shops are located at both sides of the streets and trying their best to get you to buy their products.


The Ruins of St Paul's is located at a very strategic location with the Senado Square, Monte Fort and Museum of Macau all within the same location. There are also a few cathedrals and temples around like the Na Tcha Temple, Yui Seng Lonh Mou Temple and Guan Di Temple around here if you are more adventurous of the spiritual type of tourist.


It was a gloomy Christmas Eve and the ruins is flocked with thousands of tourists from all around the world.


If you are into ancient heritage and architecture, you probably will be more interested in the ruins than I am.


It's quite challenging to have a clean picture without human heads obstructing your view. This is the remain of the St Paul's church, where millions of tourists will come to visit every year.


The back of the ruins lies the remaining pillar and shrine of the church, there's also some signboards at both side of the opening area showing you the original layout of the church.

There's nothing much to see after you walk passed the wall or gate. Time to move on to the Monte Fort located just beside.

SUMMARY


Although it is just a remaining brick wall, the Ruins of St Paul's is worth a visit given it's historical value, or simply for the "been here, done that" check-ins. Recommended to complete your tour with all the surrounding attractions.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆
Historical and cultural value.
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆☆
Entrance Fee
Free
Opening Hours
Daily
Wifi
Yes but limited connection.
Parking
N/A
Website
N/A

GPS: 22.197424, 113.540868
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