By Olenka Priyadarsani
In the mid-1970s, the Khmer Rouge regime ruled Cambodia Pol Pot's leadership, which has a goal to change Cambodia into an agrarian country with adopts ultra-Maoism. He moved people from cities to villages to work in the fields and kill anyone who opposes. Many innocent people, including women, children, and parents who are victims of atrocities the Khmer Rouge regime.
Ek Cheoung
Some tourists walked through Cheoung Ek mass graves on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Credit photo: AP / Heng Sinith
Located about 14 km from Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, Cheoung Ek is one of the Khmer Rouge regime was killing and burying people who considered opposing the regime of power. The prisoners are imprisoned in Tuol Sleng (read article Part 1), will be taken to Cheoung Ek to be killed.
I went to Cheoung Ek using tuk-tuk for an hour, with costs $ 7. The road to the outside of the city is very dusty, so I had to close the face with a scarf. At first glance, this place looks like a garden with shady trees. Many butterflies are also flying. The souvenir vendors offer their wares.
Tickets go into Cheoung Ek is $ 2 (although the official currency of Cambodia is the Riel, they also accept payment in U.S. dollars).
In Cheoung Ek, the most prominent building is a high tower, in which there stack of approximately 8 thousand human skulls results atrocities of Pol Pot's regime. Piles of used clothing the victims were on display in the tower. The tourists, including me, was busy taking a picture. The scene was incredible but tragic. No one was laughing and joking when taking pictures.
Done around the tower, I decided to surround the complex Cheoung Ek. In a corner, I saw a variety of killer tool that was used to kill the prisoners. Bayonets, iron chains, and various other killer equipment.
In the other corner I found a big hole with the instructions in the local language and English language which roughly reads "Here is found a pile of victims without heads". While in other places there are signs of "Here is found the victim naked woman." There are many other signs that the same terrible.
Fortunately, in contrast to Tuol Sleng, Cheoung Ek is an open field so it does not seem so terrible. The looming tower with piles of skulls still dominates this place.
Although the stomach is wrapped around, and there are several food stalls outside the complex, I do not have appetite to eat. I decided to return to the city center and spent time in the city.
Alternative attractions in Phnom Penh
Cambodia is an interesting country, with a remarkable history. Tragic, cruel, yet memorable. But when you're not a fan of history, especially relating to war and torture, there are many attractions that can be seen in Phnom Penh.
Palace of King Norodom with Silver Pagoda in it is one that you must visit. This place is very beautiful with a neat garden. Another alternative is the National Museum, which is also the storage of historic objects, but from a more ancient time than the history of the Khmer Rouge.
The Royal Palace in Cambodia, one of the interesting tourist attraction visited. Credit photo: AP / Heng Sinith
Wat Phnom, a pagoda in the middle of the city are also worth visiting. You can go up and take pictures with the existing reliefs and statues. In this place a lot of monkeys, so be careful with your stuff.
When love shopping, you should go to Russian Market or Russian Market. This place sells a variety of souvenirs, ranging from silks, jerseys, clothing, and knick-knacks. Prices in the Russian market is cheap and most importantly, easily negotiable!