Secret Buddha Garden, Hot Wheels, Mummified monk and a massive boulder.....

After moving into our lovely apartment in Koh Samui we decided to head out for the day to do some exploring. We hired a 125cc moped and off we went  in our fashionable bucket style helmets!

First stop was a place called called The Secret Buddha Garden. This place is in the Mountains and was built by a sculptor called Nim Thong suk who was also a Durian (a type of fruit) farmer. In 1976 at the age of 77 he began constructing the garden as a spiritual place for Buddhists to meditate and enjoy, he continued working on the garden up until he died age 91. 

We left the gardens and headed back down the mountain towards our next stop to see a Mummified Monk.

On route we had to go down super steep hills and at one point there was a huge warning sign at the side of the road saying -  VERY STEEP HILL - STOP AND WATER YOUR BRAKES. I asked Wout should we stop? He replied Nah - no worries - we’ll be fine!!! 


Safe to say after about 5 mins of downhill braking we were not fine and the front brake on the bike overheated and stopped working!!!! Luckily we were able to stop though and as I got off the bike a Thai lady (who was coming up the hill) stopped and said “you must water your brake and wait at least 10 minutes before you set off again” she then pointed to the side of the road where there was a water pipe which had purposefully been cut to allow the water to spray out - so there we were at the side of the road watering the brakes. Moral of the story -FOLLOW THE BLOODY SIGNS! 

When we reached the Mummified Monk temple there was a big crowd of people and it took a few minutes to catch sight of him. Much to both of our surprise there he was in his glass casket wearing what i can only describe as a pair of 'blues brothers style sunglasses'! Very interesting sight.....

Some explanation about how he came to be Mummified:

The life of Loung Pordaeng

Loung Pordaeng was born in 1894 in Koh Samui. When he was around 20 years old, he ordained as a monk, like it is customary for young boys in Thailand. After spending a period of time as a monk he disrobed, got married and started a family.

Upon reaching the age of 50 when his children had grown up, Loung Pordaeng decided to return to the temple and dedicate the rest of his life to Buddhism. He was given the name Phra Kru Samathakittikhun upon returning to the temple.

After spending some time in Bangkok where he studied meditation techniques and Buddhist scriptures, he returned to Koh Samui and spend some time in a cave meditating. After that, he returned to Wat Khunaram temple, where he became the abbot.

Loung Pordaeng excelled in meditation skills, was an excellent teacher and had many followers. When he reached the age of 79, Loung Pordaeng is said to have predicted his own death.

He instructed his followers that if his body would decay, he wanted to be cremated.

If the body would not decompose however, he wanted his body to be kept in a glass casket in the temple to serve as an inspiration for future generations to follow the teachings of the Buddha.

It is believed that the last week of Loung Pordaeng’s life, he did not eat, drink or speak to anyone while meditating. Finally, he died in 1973 at the age of 79 while meditating.

Third on the list was a place called overlap rock - the road up to here was even more steep and this time we followed the sign and parked the bike and walked up!

very very steep hill!

It was quite the fitness test walking up the almost vertical road in 32 degree heat but we persevered and we weren’t disappointed.

Path to the Overlap rock

Stunning views from the top

Last on the list was to visit the beach so we could eat our packed lunch! )Yes you heard me right we're that kind of travellers who take their home made sandwiches on day trips to save money! - How else do you think we can afford to travel?)

Anyways we get to this lovely beach and eat our cheese slice and cucumber butties then head up onto to rocks to get better views and there in the background was the infamous Grandfather Rock (http://www.kosamui.com/lamai-beach/hinta-hinyai.htm) we had heard so much about but had had no intention AT ALL to go and see - 

......that said when in ‘Rome’ so I got Wout to pose with it......! (Just for you Nicky Fasa  - hahaha!)

When it reached to time that the bike needed to be returned we realised that we had driven over 45 mins away from the bike shop and neither of us were looking forward to getting back on the bike as both of us had aching bum cheeks but we had no choice so off we went..... 

It was nice to get out and about and explore but we both agreed no more mopeds till our bruised buttocks have recovered!