Executive summary by Darmansjah
Why Go Now? Revel in the animation of colossal figurines snaking down the streets of the gateway to the Angkor region during the Giant Puppet Parade on 22 February. The animal puppets – kaleidoscopic, brightly lit, and of cultural and ecological themes – will be maneuvered by adults and children to the beats of drums and trumpets from the Old Market area to Royal independence Gardens. Organized by the Giant Puppet Project ,th largest local community arts scheme for under privileged children in Cambodia, the programme utilizes this artistic channel to groom the senses of self-esteem of over 600 children and to tutor them on important issues pertaining to health, education and the environment.
The chief gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park, the ancient Khmer City encompasses a multitude of phenomenal temples worthy of repeated visits. Do away with fancy dinners at posh diners and instead honour your romance with a picnic at Angkor Wat this Valentine’s Day for a quiet but novel celebration. If, however, you would like a more mainstream experience, many hotels offer Valentine’s Day packages featuring fine dining options and couple spas.
How Do I Make It happen?Singapore Airlines operates direct flights from Singapore and from Kuala lUmppur to Siem Reap international airport. Shinta Mani Resort, situated between The Royal Gardens and Old Market area, is a newly renovated stylish boutique hotel with high ceilings andfloor-to-ceiling windows. Its spa allows for outdoor massage treatments that are of traditional Khmer restorative rituals (from US$166, shintamani.com/resort).