An Escape Close-by, for the Marooned in Mind
An Escape Close-by, for the Marooned in Mind
Taing Rinith
29th May, 2023
A fan of Robinsonade masterpieces like Lord of the Flies or the movie, Castaway, might fancy being marooned on a desert island, devouring fruit and the fish they catch and, of course, trekking through the tropical jungle.
Cambodia is home to many barely inhabited islands in its rivers and seas. So, nature can always provide a safe haven for fulfilling such passions for escape. While most of the busy folk in Phnom Penh have little time to get away far from the city on weekends, here is a great alternative close-by.
On a satellite map, Anlong Chen appears as a green crescent isle in the Bassac River, a tributary stream of the Tonle Sap and the Mekong rivers. The island supports no man-made resorts, mountains or sacred temples. Yet, for nature-lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, the island has everything to offer – simplicity and plenty of green.
To get to Anlong Chen from the heart of Phnom Penh, head south on National Highway 2 for about 40 minutes and then turn onto Road 21A in Kandal province. Road 21A is very busy and usually full of large trucks and is also very dusty, so take care to drive with mask and goggles.
After twenty minutes along 21A, you will reach Svay Rolum commune. Watch out for the ferry pier on the left, and board one of six boats to Anlong Chen island.
Unlike the ferries that ply on Tonle Sap or Mekong River, the ferries to Anlong Chen are smaller but very romantic in their way. The boats are just wide enough for a car plus a few motorcycles. The scenery on the river shows you a view of fishing boats.
It’s a great inspiration for photography and painting. You can also experience two different sides to life in Cambodia – the intrusion of urban areas on the mainland into the countryside due to rapid development, contrasting with the peaceful and unspoilt way of life on the tip of a long island in the river.
For keen anglers, the river bank near the pier is bountiful. On a good day, you can land big catfish, climbing perch fish or even eels. So bringing along a small stove will come in really handy for cooking lunch – because there’s nothing tastier than catching a fresh meal in the wild, with fish sauce, chili and chilled beer.
The friendly local fishermen are always happy to join and share their way of life with you. This very spot on Anlong Chen is also ideal to view sunsets on the river.
If you do not prefer killing wild fish for food, there are a few eating houses that serve local meat dishes and fresh vegetables you can pick up and carry along to make a picnic during your journey.
Although Anlong Chen is practically unknown to foreign travel bloggers or writers, that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few things that are quite remarkable about it. Many people come here simply to go hiking and to enjoy idyllic cycling around the island. For others, the key attraction is the fresh air from the river and the greenery that covers most of the island.
Notice that the local folk enjoy their quiet country life, free from all pollution and traffic noise. There is no public market.
Once in a while you will run into a vendor on bicycle or motorbike, selling everything from clothes to cookware.
Many households prepare most of their meals with the fish they catch from the river along with home-grown vegetables.
In fact, Anlong Chen is more well-known for its native crops – and especially fruit trees – instead of being a tourist destination. From its fertile soil, delicious vegetable and fruits spring up without need for chemical fertilisers. However, the isle is particularly famous for its sweet and succulent longan fruits, a tropical member of the soapberry family.
Longan trees, with their juicy fruit redolent with a musky, sweet taste, can be found everywhere around the island. They grow in plantations, along the road and in front of local homes.
Longans from island farmers cost around $2 per kilogramme. But there are many local folk who are kind enough to offer travellers some fruit for free. Among those is 43-year-old Pouk Vanny.
“Buddha teaches us to be kind, and giving away a few kilos of longans does not make me poor,” Vanny says.
“I love seeing the happy faces of travellers. Plus, I am only growing them as a hobby.”
Heading to the southern part of the island, you will reach Anlong Chen Primary School, the only school here. A huge Bodhi tree, planted some two decades ago, provides shade for the entire school compound and offers travellers a cozy place to take a break and rest.
At the school, a few vendors ply food and drinks, and there is a merry-go-round and a trampoline nearby, which will definitely please the children.
Reminisce about your own childhood if you wish. Sometimes, traveling for simplicity is the best, as is true of nature, serenity and, of course, the companionship of friendly local people.
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/501298227/ ... d-in-mind/
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