Krabi : Part 8 - Tiger Cave Temple

After Emerald Pool, I decided to go to Tiger Cave Temple. Most of my friends decided to go back to Ao Nang to see the night life. As for me, I wanted to do something different. Also, I read that Tiger Cave Temple is one of the must-see places in Krabi. It has a statue of Buddha on top and an amazing view of Krabi. At 4pm (Thailand time), I left the hotel. I asked the receptionist how do I get to the temple. He said - wait at the main road for the tuk-tuk. It is not a tuk-tuk but I can't remember the name. It costs me THB20 and I have to walk about 1km inside. Initially, the driver charged me THB100 but I said THB20. Once the vehicle was filled up, we were on our way. Inside the tuk-tuk, I befriended a traveller. An Englishman by the name of Neil who was previously based in China and is on his move again because his job contract has ended in China. The decision to strike up a conversation with him was one of my best decisions! He was actually heading to the bus station which was close to the Temple. When I asked him to join me to the Temple, he agreed.  

A 20-minute drive brought us to the stop along the main road. It was a T-Junction, and we turned inside towards the road that led us to the Temple. As we walked, I saw a statue on top of a hill. The Buddha Statue! I was pretty excited. So, my new friend and I got to know each other better along the walk.

The entrance to the Temple. No entrance fee needed. I love places that are free. Initially, I thought the Tiger Cave Temple is on top of the hill. But it was in fact located on the lower ground. The Temple and the Buddha are 2 different attractions. The guard told us the place will close by 7pm, and it will take about 1 hour 20 minutes to climb up and down the steps.

The Tiger Cave Temple. The history of how this temple came about. Once upon a time, a tiger lived in the cave and the villagers could hear its roar, hence, they name the cave 'Tiger Cave'. Then, a chief monk brought some Buddhist monks and nuns to the cave to practise Dharma which led the tiger to leave the cave, and the tiger has never been seen since. The end.

We left the Tiger Cave Temple and looked for the steps to the top of the hill. It was further inside, and there I saw it, the sign that states - 1237 steps to top mountain. Wow! I tried counting my steps up, and I lost count. So, I decided I will count on my way down. Sometimes, the steps were easy, sometimes, they were steep! After a certain number of steps, the numbers of steps taken were painted on the pillar, and you are more encouraged to proceed. There were a few toilet stops along the way.

The last flight of steps to the top. It took me 25 minutes to reach to the top. The view was superb. It was definitely worth the climb.

I wanted to wait for the sunset, but the clouds were overwhelming. It was 552pm Thailand time. I decided to leave when I realised there is no point waiting.

Walking down, I counted the steps. I counted to be 1271 steps! Which is about 34 steps more. I could have miscounted because I was tired. It took me 17 minutes to walk down. Not too bad. My legs hurt the next day. The thighs were in a lot of pain. Upon reaching down, I saw the Goddess of Mercy, and I prayed to her.

We reached the main street at 7pm Thailand time, and it was dark. We waited for the tuk-tuk, the bus or a taxi. We realised there was no public transportation at that time. So, we thumbed. For the first time in my travels, I hitch-hiked. And I felt really safe with Neil around. I was not afraid. I laughed. I was not worried although worried I may miss the night market. When we realised no vehicles were going to stop for us (there were lots of vehicles passing by because it is the main road), we started to walk to the nearest petrol station (because a motorist stopped next to us, left his wife there and came back with petrol). Before we reached the petrol station, we saw the Police Highway stop. The place was locked with no one around. Neil could speak a bit of Thai (and his Mandarin is way better than mine) because he stayed in Thailand for sometime with his brother, and he spoke to a lady who was collecting recyclable items. She said that there are no vehicles that are going to stop. 

Then, a pickup truck stopped behind us, and out came a lady. I told Neil - Please ask the driver if he could drop us at Krabi Town. After a few sentences exchanged, the driver and his wife decided to stop us midway, which we agreed because the distance is halved. I sat in front with the driver and his wife, while Neil sat outside. In the truck, the wife asked my origin. I told her I am a Malaysian, and we went to Tiger Cave. There was no transport back. She explained to me that at this time of hour, there is none. Then, she asked me if I would like to go the washroom. I declined, and showed her my water bottle which was almost empty indicating I have no water, hence no urge to use the washroom. She talked to her husband and I looked back at the roads. Then, the wife said - We will drop you back at Krabi Town. I could not believe my ears when I heard that. She must have taken pity on me. Coincidentally, she dropped us right in front of my hotel, because that is the heart of Krabi Town. I thanked her and her husband profusely. 

Thank you, Goddess of Mercy for making sure I am safe, and for crossing my path's and Neil's. 

Thank you, Neil for saying yes to following me to the Tiger Cave Temple and making me feel safe. 

Thank you, kind driver and his wife for dropping us back in Krabi Town.