I certainly did not have zip lining in Angkor, Cambodia on my bingo card. And yet, there I was.
I sailed through the air, my arms outstretched. Ziplining across the top of the trees, an incredible feeling of freedom surged through me. I zoom over the treetops until my ride comes to an abrupt halt at the other end of the zipline.
When I booked my vacation to Southeast Asia, I had no idea that I would be ziplining in Cambodia. Further proof that if you just get out there, anything is possible.
An annoying occurrence while booking
My visit to Angkor Zip Lines began with a 15-minute tuk-tuk from my hotel in Siam Reap, through town and part of the Angkor World Heritage Area.
(Actually, it began with my conversation with the very helpful young woman at the front desk of my hotel. She gave me lots of information and was about to call to make my booking.
A hotel manager suddenly appeared with his phone out and offered to make the reservation for me. I said, “It’s OK, she’s got me.” He insisted, and I noticed the look on the girl’s face. Disappointment. It was obvious that there was a commission or kickback that he was trying to take.
No. That’s not gonna happen, so I refused and made the booking myself on my phone. I gave the woman a tip later for her help. I don’t care what corner of the planet I’m visiting, I hate seeing that sort of thing.)
The tuk-tuk pulled off the road, and onto a rutted dirt road. After a few hundred bumpy meters, we arrived at our destination.
I checked in at the counter. I was the only one beginning the adventure at that time. Well, that fit with one of the disappointing aspects of my adventure, but that is a different story. I watched the safety presentation and video. Yot was going to be one of my safety rangers and handed me a harness, which I stepped into. The straps went over my shoulders and around my chest. No way I was falling out.
A funky blue helmet completed my gear, and I was ready to go.
A quick drive in a tuk-tuk brought us to a large tree with a circular staircase wrapped around it. We climbed a couple of flights of stairs to the first zip line. I’m guessing 50 feet, but my guesstimates are seldom better than +/- 25%. On a good day.
Ziplining over the trees
This was a shorter zip line and lasted only a few seconds. At the other end, we climbed a few more staircases. Now I could see over the trees and enjoy the view.
Yot, the safety ranger who went first made fun of the other ranger. “He thinks he’s a monkey!”
And yes, Nuy was making a racket as he zoomed along, flapping his arms in a very un-monkey, unbirdlike manner.
Any birds watching would not have been impressed. I saw a couple of monkeys in a nearby tree, but didn’t get my camera out in time. I’m certain they were laughing.
The next two zip lines were connected by a couple of swinging rope bridges. They swayed with each step, and you had to be careful as you placed your feet. I was still harnessed to the safety cable, so I had no concerns as I paid more attention to my surroundings than my footing.
The view was stunning. I could see over the treetops, as far as the distant sandstone mountains. Those mountains were the source of the limestone that the Angkor Wat temples were made from.
Angkor Wat is one of those places that must be seen to be believed. It boggles the mind to imagine that the massive temple complex was built 1000 years ago. I had visited the temple city the day before. It was 38 degrees in the shade, and there was not much shade for most of the day. At times it felt like we could melt into the limestone, and the thought of building a temple in that heat boggled my mind.
But that was yesterday. Today the only concern I had was…nope. I can’t think of one. It’s difficult to think of any concerns when soaring over the trees in such a beautiful location.
Tranquility as I zoomed along
It’s a strange juxtaposition. I was connected to a steel lifeline suspended many meters above the forest floor. I also had a feeling of incredible relaxation and tranquility as I zoomed along.
The next zip line was the longest and fastest. There was a second line so people could race each other. Without getting a running or jumping start, that was not allowed. Your pulley wheels could come off the wire and jam, leaving you stuck, suspended over the Cambodian forest.
Even without any extra velocity, the downward trajectory and my own 190 pounds propelled me down the zip line at a thrilling speed.
An exhilarating mix of cheating death and complete freedom.
I let go of the ropes and held my arms outstretched. Lean the head back and soak it in. I was too relaxed to make any noise.
I should have more pictures of the view, but sometimes I forget I’m going to write an article and just enjoy the scenery and experience.
After we had completed all the zip lines and swing bridges, we repelled down to the ground. I was given the choice of a tuk-tuk or walk back to the office.
A walk through the forest
Since there are too many other places to visit on this earth, I doubt I will ever be back in a Cambodian forest. An easy decision to walk.
Besides, Nuy made jokes about soaring over tigers earlier, and yes, I would take a selfie with one. If it would sit still long enough.
Yot assured me that Nuy would hold the tiger while I took photos. I’m glad he offered. Then Yot said he wasn’t worried, he was a faster runner than his co-worker. Umm… sure, but what about me?
Unfortunately, there is about zero chance of that opportunity arising. Tigers have not been seen in this part of Cambodia for decades.
The walk back to the zipline center was interesting. I saw some of nature’s best handiwork. Massive spider webs with a Giant Wood Spider (two-inch-long body) devouring a dragonfly. The cone-shaped home of a stingless bee. The thorn tree that has no interest in any animals or birds climbing it or landing on it.
It was too hot to see any animals besides the occasional monkey and squirrel. I had seen many gibbons the day before at Angkor Wat. Most of the animals are sleeping in the heat of the day. Our walk had signs to learn about them. I always find this stuff interesting.
The three of us made our way back to the zipline headquarters. I enjoyed a beer and relaxed in the gardens. A very quiet, tranquil place, with only the birds to listen to. I love palm trees of all sorts, likely because I live in a snow-covered freezer for a few months every year.
Alright, It’s not that bad and the local lakes don’t even freeze anymore. But I’ve dealt with winter for 50 years, I’m a big fan of the tropics.
Like I said earlier, get out there and explore this world we live in! You never know what you’ll find, what you’ll see, and who you will meet.
Angkor Wat is the main draw to this part of Cambodia, for good reason, but there is more to discover. Fly through the forest with the wind in your face and the rush of adrenaline that comes with a cool zipline adventure.
