I was nervous, anxious more than ever before taking this trip to Myanmar. There were so many questions, so many worries pacing through my almost dizzy head. But the moment I stepped into Myanmar, my irrational worries were subdued by an overwhelming sense of calmness. Whether it was the sleepless night across two airports or the stark change in the landscape that made me feel this way, I still haven’t figured out. Either way, from my first taxi ride from the airport, I gained my first impressions of Myanmar - my first real, authentic impressions. I had spent lot of time reading about this place, researching about the locals and here I was, relying on my own eyes and not someone’s words. It is a great country with beautiful dusty orange- brown landscape spread across miles. The locals are simple, friendly, beautiful and naturally photogenic. Besides the kindest and most gracious locals, the breathtaking views and historical sites are in abundance here. Temples are a pure joy for thy virtuous souls. History and culture here are almost inseparable. Myanmar is unknown in a lot of ways, undiscovered, mysterious to many. A trip to this country guarantees countless surreal experience seeing so many majestic temples on the horizon. You will find yourself just staring at the historical relics or the amazing natives who will be as curious about you.
We had taken two flights from Manila to Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Lumpur to Yangon and were up for a 12 hour bus transit en route to Bagan. Our stay in Yangon had been largely transitory, a necessary stopover to Bagan, and our final departure point out of Myanmar when the trip was over. Our trip majorly comprised of 3 days stay in the ancient city of Bagan.
Day 1- The best way to start this trip was by catching a beautiful sunrise at the Shweleiktoo Temple, a sight resplendent enough to dwell under its magnificence for hours. Soft shades of tangerine rise up like flames from behind the temple until the temple shines in its gold-tinted glory. After a quick bite at the The Moon Vegetarian Restaurant we headed to Ananda temple that houses over a thousand stone images and sculptures, but its highlight is definitely the four massive standing Buddhas, each facing the north, south, east and west. We then went to the temple which is visible from nearly every vantage point around Bagan- That Byin Nyu Temple and also visited Shwegugyi Temple. The best part about exploring all these temples was the great view they offer. You’ll either be bathed in the orange glow of the Burmese afternoon sun or in contrast steeped in shadow from within the halls and corridors of the ancient temples.
Day 2- We made it a ritual to start our day watching a sunrise. This time it was at the Shwesandaw Paya. The climb to the top is steep. So my only advice would be hold-on to the railing and don’t look down! Don’t miss the massive reclining Buddha here. Gubyaukgi Temple (Myinkaba), Nagayon Temple, and a few other temples in between would be the best way to spend your early afternoon. Lunch at Starbeam Bistro was pleasant and then we continued our ride to Dhamma Yan Gyi Temple and Sulamani Temple. With long, narrow corridors and an extremely high ceiling, Dhamma Yan Gyi Temple is considered the largest temple in Bagan. To me this is one of my favourite temples because of its imposing structure from the outside, and even more majestic and imposing hallways inside. The massive mural of the reclining Buddha found along inner walls of Sulamani Temple is one of the exquisite highlights of this trip.
Day 3- Rent a bike and ride to Htilominlo Temple and Shweleiktoo Temple and visit a few more temples along the way. Spend the day exploring temples and the city on foot.
We stayed at the Bagan Thande Hotel which has an excellent location, relaxing, spacious surrounds and a bit of an old, British colonial charm. It was a bit of a splurging for a backpacker's budget, but completely worth it! An al fresco buffet breakfast was set up every morning at the restaurant by the riverfront, which served a fair variety of options. Bicycle and horse cart rentals are also available outside the hotel. We hired the services of Aung Aung for a horse cart and we highly recommend him. This is the best way to travel through the city and when the lanes get narrower, what better than long walks on flip flops and a Canon strapped on one shoulder. Evenings were well spent watching the sunset by the riverside. Every night at the same outdoor restaurant, they stage a traditional Burmese puppet show for guests.
After three days in Bagan, we went back to Yangon for one final day before our flight back to Kuala Lumpur early the next morning. We decide to spend as much of this single day out in the city. We started with Sule Pagoda which unlike the isolated pagodas and temples in Bagan, seemed to be right at the center of busy city. Our next stop was Bogyoke Market, where we bought a few trinkets and souvenirs for ourselves and loved ones back home. Bambi Hot & Cold Drink was pretty much a welcome oasis where the line of shops ended and the food stalls began. While exploring the market area, we came across a small painting gallery by following some stairs. Simple. Beautiful. Unique.
After Bogyoke Market we took a cab to Shwedagon Pagoda, our last stop for this trip. On our way to the guest our cab driver abruptly stopped and pointed to the other side of the road, where the National League for Democracy headquarters was. Before coming here we have researched about the political history of this place and the political party led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Seeing this place of such great importance right in front of us was intriguing. We stayed at the Garden Home BnB in Yangon. It has an ideal location, friendly and accommodating staff. The area is quiet and peaceful. Exactly what one needs on a holiday! Our room also came with a delicious breakfast, served at the garden restaurant. There are limited food options around the area of Garden Home BNB, and the restaurant/bar within the guesthouse also has very little choices in its menu. If you're planning to stay here, make sure to grab a bite while you're out in the town before heading back to Garden Home BNB.
In this sun-laced country, it’s not the heat but the locals' bright smiles and warm of their humble hearts that stand out. Monks in bright red robes with thousand-old Buddhist temples in the background is a sight you’ll be greeted with at every nook and corner of this place. Women with thanaka on their cheeks and children offering you flowers with a smile that reaches their eyes, this is a place to find little stories of strangers you’ve never met before and may never meet again. But being in the same place, at the same time is what makes them a part of your life, a part of your journey. A journey so exotic, it ceasing will only leave a deep wish for return. Whether you are looking for singles holiday or family holidays, Myanmar is perfect for both!
Travel Tips-
Bring US dollars in mint condition. Make sure they do not have any marks or folds otherwise you won't be able to exchange them for kyat.
Wear comfortable clothes but be respectful of the Buddhist dress code especially if you are planning to visit the Buddhist temples.
You’ll be walking around barefoot in the Buddhist temples and leaving your footwear by the entrance. Sandals or flip flops are probably the way to go.
Afternoons can get really hot! It's best to chill or relax in your hotel or B&B at these times. Start early so you can be back to your hotel during afternoon. A dip at the pool or lazing at the riverside is your best bet.
Prepare for a lot of rice. Food options are as of yet limited in Myanmar.
When taking a taxi, negotiate for the price first. Taxis in Myanmar don’t have meters. Ask your guest house staff for an approximation of the cab fare for your intended destination.
Bring a flashlight, especially if you’re planning to explore Bagan in the early morning or late in the afternoon into the night. Power outages are also still fairly common in Yangon, so you never know when a flashlight can come in handy there as well.
Wear an anti-mosquito bracelet. Our Parakito bracelets worked wonders!
For more details on this trip, you can visit http://www.filipinainflipflops.com/
