05/01/2022
BENG MEALEA, ONE OF THE MOST
BEAUTIFUL JUNGLE TEMPLES IN THE WORLD
It’s a rare opportunity to see Beng Mealea temple in all its glory. It takes a significant wet season to bring on the spectacular displays of mosses and lichens that completely cover the ruins. 2013 was an exceptional year, with standing water filling the internal courtyards and lime green mosses centimeters thick covering almost every surface.
However, the opportunity to capture such an event could not remain forever as water erodes the foundations of what is left standing and this temple too had to be protected by improved drainage.
These stunning portrayals of Beng Mealea are only a few of a series of spectacular photographs at a moment in time that may never be witnessed again. The flooding of Beng Mealea Temple. Beattie’s fine art photography of this magnificent temple captures the true essence of Beng Mealea like no other photographer can. The humidity, the rare glimpses of sunrise penetrating the canopy and the mist, water dripping from the trees into rich black water devoid of sunlight, rickety bridges and walkways. No Hollywood movie set could ever have done justice to this beautiful moment.
‘This is an exceptional photo shoot.’ said Beattie. ‘It takes a great deal of effort to capture images such as these. I am proud to be able to bring the rare beauty and color of this temple into the light of day for the world to enjoy. One can only imagine the treasures hidden amongst the rubble of the central Prasat.’ pondered Beattie. ‘At this time in its recent history, in this condition, I could not imagine a more beautiful temple in the world for those seeking temple ruins in a more natural jungle atmosphere.’ You can find the Beng Mealea postcard on most Wild Cambodia Press display stands.
