| As you drive into the National Park -
the name 'Kirirum' means 'mountain of joy' - you enter a
world of cool forests, mountain lakes and streams and a totally
different ecology from the flat agricultural land that surrounds Phnom
Penh. The visit takes you up a 700-metres high mountain through an
enchanting forest full of pine trees with orchid flowers. It is an ideal
spot to glimpse some of the Kingdom's unique birdlife and birdwatchers
even come from overseas to view the birds. Almost all its large mammals
have been completely lost to hunters. It's one of the few national
parks to have a community tourism programme running at Chambok on the
border of the park, and attractions include a 40m-high waterfall,
traditional oxcart rides and nature walks. |
In 1945, it was established
as a popular resort for the wealthy and was favoured by King Sihanouk as
a retreat in the sixties. It is the most accessible of all of
Cambodia’s national parks. The three waterfalls in Kirirum are
merely a few rapids in the rivers on the plateau. They cool down the air
and are a favourite place for Cambodians to picnic.
The national park
is well maintained.
Near the main entrance is the luxury Kirirom
Hillside Resort featuring attractions such as a zoo, dino park,
spa, swimming pool, two restaurants with a wide choice of traditional
Khmer and international dishes, a fitness centre and facilities for
conferences and banquets. |
