The Bokor Hill Station on the Phnom Bokor (Bokor Mountain) is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. It had been a very popular resort for the visiting elite in the 1920s, and in its heyday, a lot of French officials and rich visitors—some coming from the already then-popular seaside town of Kep—stayed there to escape the tropical heat.
The Ruins and the Views at Bokor Hill Station
There had been a grand hotel, a casino and a church—all are in ruins now. Together with the fog and clouds, the overall effect of Bokor Hill Station is eerie. It prompted a travel writer to refer to Bokor in as the “eeriest place in the world” sometime in the 1990s.
Aside from appreciating the ghostly ruins of the resort, however, Bokor Hill also offers magnificent view of the coastline, not to mention the enjoyment of the cool and sometimes biting mountain air. Visitors who would like to stay for the night can book at the guesthouse near the hill station. They offer $5-rooms and good toilets but few other amenities.
Trekking and Wildlife Observation
When one gets tired of admiring the remnants of the past, the rich habitat of Preah Monivong ‘Bokor’ National Park has other things to offer. A protected area, it is heavily forested, so one can go jungle trekking to observe the wildlife. Wild elephants had reportedly been seen, as well as tigers, and leopards, gibbons, sun bears and deer, although sightings have been rare.
However, there is a variety of flora and fauna to enjoy, as well as a number of bird species including hornbills, peafowl, thrush, buzzard, and the chestnut-headed partridge.
Trekkers will enjoy the beautiful forest and the double-tiered waterfalls called Popokvil. The upper falls is around 15 meters high while the lower is around 18 meters. If it’s not too cold, there are places perfect for swimming. It’s best to visit this during the rainy season.
Limited Access to the Park (as of January 2011)
Due to an undergoing project, however, access to the Bokor Mountain is limited to trekking and overnight stays at the hill station. The times that it is open are irregular, so for best results, it is recommended to arrange trips to Bokor with a local travel operator.
There is a US$5 entrance fee required at the park.
