Phnom Kulen National Park is a densely forested protected area in the northeast of Siem Reap province. A former capital of the Khmer Empire, it is home to many remnants of the Kingdom’s ancient civilisation. Once the homes of great warriors and Kings, they now teem with wildlife.
The 798 hectare park – formally known as the Preah Jayavarman Norodom Phnom Kulen National Park – features mighty waterfall and natural springs, making it a major water source for the entire province. It is also home to five eco-tourism communities.
Prin Chhat, head of the Prey Thom Po Pel community, spoke to The Post about the decision to form the community.
“Some of us recognised the area’s potential for tourism, thanks to the wildlife, forests, waterfalls and conservation areas here. The challenge was to make everyone understand that this would increase the income of the whole community,” he explained.
Embracing sustainable change
Originally, the main occupations of the community members were logging, clearing forest for farming or even hunting.
A growing awareness of the importance of conserving the natural forest by-products of the national park led to a small number of community leaders working with local officials to petition the government for the right to formalise the Prey Thom Po Pel eco-community.
Chhat explained that at first, many people were not very happy with the idea, because they did not understand the benefits preserving the forests and were worried about losing their daily incomes from logging and hunting.
“The committee members received some threats from people who were unhappy when the community was established. After we began patrolling the forest, they were no longer able to hunt or cut wood, so they said, ‘Wait and see when we go somewhere alone and eat it!’ Now, they have changed their minds and join us in our activities,” he said.
“Many people here lacked an understanding of why this was important, but many families were in need, so we went ahead with the registration process,” he added.
After it was established, the committee guided the local people, explaining the vision and goals of the community. They gained a new understanding of the value of the natural environment, changed their minds about logging and hunting, and gradually began working together to preserve the remaining forests.
“When guests come to stay, local people run motorbike taxis, serve people and cook for them, meaning they have jobs and incomes. They stopped clearing the forest for farming and hunting, and turned to conservation,” added Chhat.
In addition to the Ministry of Environment, the community also receives support from a locally registered NGO, the Archaeology and Development Foundation. The NGO established a tourism information centre in Prey Thom Po Pel to answer the inquiries of domestic and international visitors and inform them about the services and activities that are on offer.
A myriad of natural wonders
The Prey Thom Po Pel community is surrounded by waterfalls, natural springs, dense forests and awe-inspiring cliff top viewing points.
“Our home is rich in natural resources and wildlife. There are many hidden waterfalls that most people have never seen or even heard about, and there are many other beautiful sights that cannot be found anywhere else,” explained Chhat.
The many recreational areas attract both domestic and international tourists because of the peaceful, relaxing atmosphere that comes from being surrounded by nature.
The 36-year-old community leader noted that international visitors seem particularly drawn to the many challenging hiking paths of the park. Crossing from one valley to another, they pass streams, waterfalls and several fascinating rock formations.
“Many people believe the most attractive place after the Phnom Kulen Waterfall is the Anlong Run Waterfall. Many young people like it because it is so beautiful. Once they see it, they don’t want to go anywhere else, but just sit and relax,” he said, adding “Of course there are many more hidden places which are even more beautiful, such as Peung Ngongith, Peung Lok Ta and the Anlong Kropeu Waterfall.”
The Prey Thom Po Pel community offers many services, including motorbike taxis, tour guides, food, camping services and affordable accommodation.
International tourists are very interested learning about the biodiversity and history of the area with expert guides from the community itself.
“20 international guests came to visit us recently. All of them went on different adventures, whether big or small, old or young. They said that they could see the scenery and learn a lot by walking. They also bought food from our community members,” said Chhat.
“They explained that they didn’t use motorbike taxis because they didn’t want to drive past important places without seeing and learning. They wanted to enjoy the adventure of walking with the scenery in the forest and breathing in the fresh air,” he added.
In addition to visiting the forest, breathing in the fresh air and listening to the sounds of wildlife and waterfalls, the community also features a family-run handicraft workshop that produces products like woven mats and baskets, as well as many other items.
Chhat explained that the Prey Thom Po Pel community area should be visited in all seasons because of the changes to the landscape. During the rainy season, for example, there is an abundance of wild fruits, and tourists can encounter wild animals, birds and reptiles, as well as beautiful wildflowers that adorn the large rock formations of the area.
He also called on tourists to visit and support the services offered by community members, adding that this not only improves their livelihoods, but helps to conserve the Preah Jayavarman Norodom Phnom Kulen National Park.