BAGAN (Myanmar), (Bernama) -- No visit to Myanmar, formerly known as
Burma, can be considered complete unless one has been to Bagan, a land
famous for its panoramic beauty, ancient pagodas and temples, and
consequently a key tourist draw.
Once known as Pagan, Bagan was the capital of the first kingdom that was founded in mid-to-late 9th century, and then unified various regions between the 9th and 13th century, a union that finally came to constitute the country that we all know as modern Myanmar.
Once known as Pagan, Bagan was the capital of the first kingdom that was founded in mid-to-late 9th century, and then unified various regions between the 9th and 13th century, a union that finally came to constitute the country that we all know as modern Myanmar.
At the height of the kingdom's popularity, there were more than 10,000 pagodas, temples and Buddhist monasteries in Bagan, though only 4,000 of these buildings are left now, the rest destroyed during wars or earthquakes.
The Bagan Archaeology Zone is undeniably an extraordinary tourist attraction at par with other major attractions in the region, including the Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the Candi Borobudur Buddhist temple in Indonesia. Beautiful pagodas and other historical structures punctuate the land throughout, signifying how Buddhism has been practiced over centuries.
Ever since the Myanmar government opened the country's doors to foreign tourists two years ago, tourism got a big boost and number of foreign tourists to the site has been steadily on a rise.
The cool and pleasant season between October and February is the best time to visit Bagan.
For those interested in archaeology, Bagan is definitely a rich treasure trove for exploration and an inspiring destination where every pagoda has a history of its own and more than its share of myths as well.
PANORAMIC BAGAN
This writer challenging ten-hour ride from the capital city of Yangon to this ancient city was unforgettable, but then those memories are overshadowed by the time she spent here holidaying, savouring more than a millennium of history, myths, tales, religiosity, traditions, and the march of the culture. It is one holiday that will always remain deeply etched in her memory.
Geography-wise, Bagan is situated 683km from Yangon, and with its transportation system still evolving, one ends up spending far longer to reach here.
The lack of means of transportation, coupled with difficulty in finding sufficient information about accommodation and alternative transportation, all pose an obstacle to tourism and enthusiastic explorers and students of history and archeology.
This writer opted for a bus ride to Bagan. The vehicle left Yangon at 7.00pm local time and arrived at the small town of Nyaung U in Bagan at around 5.00am the next day. This was followed by a ride on a "taxi" which was actually a horse-drawn carriage. It was now headed to what was going to be the writer abode - the Winner Guest House.
However, since dawn was about to break and the writer did not want to miss watching the sun rise, she requested the taxi driver to go straight to a nearby pagoda so that she could capture the moment.
Needless to say, sunrises and sunsets against the backdrop of the pagodas in Bagan are divinely gorgeous sights that one must not lose an opportunity to appreciate.
According to Xixi, 24, who was piloting the horse carriage, the best time to catch the sunrise in Bagan is between 4.00am and 6.00am, while sunsets are best seen between 5.30pm and 7.00pm local time.
Unlike in Malaysia, where the sun is really up by only around 7:00am, it gets pretty bright in Bagan after 6:00am and the nights get darker even before seven in the evening in Myanmar, the timings being roughly one-and-a-half hour behind Malaysia.
EACH PAGODA IS UNIQUE
This writer purchased a ticket for US$15 to enter the Bagan Archaeology Zone to start exploring the pagodas that dot the city of Bagan. Her ride was a bicycle rented for 1,000 kyatt. This rent amount was roughly equivalent to RM3.35 for the entire day.
The Shwezigon pagoda with its central golden stupa is said to be the first one to be built in Bagan in the year 1087.
Apart from the pagodas with their the traditional Burmese rooftops, the Shwezigon also houses stone stupas that are still holding out steady in the face of natural elements and watching centuries pass by. Also, there are other whitewashed buildings, all joining in to form a dazzling display of colours against the bright, blue sky.
The pagoda is located on the right side of Jalan Bagan, which is close to the northern side of the Nyaung U town and not too far from the town's bus terminal.
Another sight to behold is the picturesque Shwesandaw Phaya pagoda which is said to offer some of the best experiences to capture during sunsets and sunrises.
The tallest pagoda in Bagan is Thatbyinnyu, its name derived from a Sanskrit word which means omniscient or having complete knowledge.
At 66 metres of height, it is one of the largest and most ancient pagodas with its very own special attractions and winding passageways.
TIPS ON GETTING TO BAGAN
For those wishing to reach Bagan by road from Yangon, there are express buses that link the region with the city. Tickets cost between US$15 and US$30.
For those preferring to fly, Air Bagan offers flights from the International Yangon Airport to the Nyaung U Airport in Bagan.
The weather in Bagan is relatively hot during the day but evenings are cool; naturally, it would be better to carry a good sunblock lotion for protection during the day.
Visitors should also not be shocked by the occasional electricity blackouts, especially during the night due to the insufficient power supply.
Tourists are also advised to remove their slippers or shoes before entering the pagodas as they are places of worship for the Buddhist people in Bagan.
Souvenirs in Bagan are aplenty and can be found being sold around any corner. You can pick up paintings, postcards, wooden and metal artefacts and so much more produced by the locals here, whose livelihood depends on such markets.
The dusty roads that connect each pagoda to the other, meanwhile, are something unique as they are not tarred.
Moving around is quite easy and most vehicles such as horse carriages, trucks, motorcycles, cars or even vans can be rented through the hotels.
For Muslims, halal food may be quite difficult to find but there are plenty of vegetarian stalls that offer some alternative meals, while the best bet would be to pack in the usual noodles, canned food or serunding from home.
source: Bernama
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