Climb a zip line in the middle of the rainforest, cross suspension bridges 30 metres above the ground while admiring the wild flora and fauna: these are the activities proposed by Angkor Zipline, whose trail is located right in the heart of the archaeological park.
After making a final check of the bindings and repeating the safety instructions, Thavut leapt into the void, suspended from the steel cable. In the space of a few seconds, his silhouette diminishes as the pulley, emitting a discreet roar, carries him to the other end of the zip line. This is how it is done every time, as required by procedure: the guides, working in pairs, open and close the walk, guaranteeing maximum safety. Throughout the route and the interview, Khem, who is also accompanying us, will insist on the strict application of the rules designed to prevent the slightest accident.
At a height of several dozen metres, suspended from a cable or crossing a bridge worthy of the best adventure films, the seriousness of the team and the quality of the equipment are reassuring and allow you to concentrate on a single, unique apprehension: that of facing the void.
In harmony with the environment
With his helmet screwed on his head and his snap hook clicking, Khem describes the history of Angkor Zipline, how such a concept came about, the development of the routes and the difficulties encountered in building structures that spare nature. “Have you noticed how our installations are secured? Look closely: you won't see a single nail. Platforms, ladders, suspension cables: nothing damages the trees. All our infrastructure, which covers 6 hectares, blends into the vegetation and causes no damage to the environment. Along with safety, this is the other aspect that we place at the top of our list of concerns”.
A wilderness that must remain so
Right in the heart of the Angkor jungle, with all its endemic plant and animal species, safeguarding and preserving nature takes on a very special significance. In the vast building that welcomes the public, almost everything is made of wood, most of it recycled. Electricity is supplied by solar panels and plastic is banned.
“As soon as we have new seeds or cuttings, we plant them in our garden,” explains Khem, who manages the site and has been working there for nearly 10 years.
Partnerships have been forged with a number of associations, including the Wildlife Alliance, which is responsible for reintroducing a pair of gibbons into the surrounding forest. These primates, who have since given birth to three babies, are real social network darlings, often approaching the facilities and can sometimes be observed. When they're not there, all sorts of birds of prey, owls and hornbills can be seen, the drawings of which form the company's logo. “We are incredibly lucky to be able to observe such specimens. However, there are some basic rules to be observed in the presence of these animals and insects. To avoid disturbing their ecosystem, of course, but also for safety reasons. These wild species are not cuddly toys, and their teeth are sharp! Beware of the cute gibbon or otter that you might want to approach thoughtlessly”.
Combining fun with education
Khem and his team monitor the evolution of these wild species using night cameras scattered around the area, which also serve to protect against potential smugglers. Animals, but also precious wood, can be a source of trafficking.
“To combat this, we need to educate our customers, but also the villages around us. It's vital to make the younger generation aware of the beauty, usefulness and fragility of the world around us.”
“To this end, we organise educational programmes in schools and pagodas in the area, and we are involved in the vast reforestation programme initiated by the APSARA Authority. And, of course, our guides will be happy to discuss nature with anyone who wants to learn more about all aspects of flora and fauna. If, by some misfortune, no wild species turn up, visitors can always fall back on the small menagerie next door, where chickens and rabbits thrive. We'll remember these rabbits for a long time to come! We took in a couple and in just a few weeks we were literally overrun. And how voracious they were! Since then, we've fenced off the enclosure and the trees that grow there. Otherwise, there would hardly be any forest left!”
Visitors return
For a few weeks now, the site manager has been smiling again, on the verge of forgetting the dramatic drop in visitor numbers that the company has had to contend with over the last two years. Despite the early hour, many people are getting ready to don helmets and harnesses, under the watchful eye of the staff, who have been reduced from around fifty to just 20. While customers used to come from all over the world, the temporary closure of the borders has led to an upsurge in local visitors.
“We had to make a lot of effort to achieve this, but we were able to do so thanks to social networking. It was through Facebook, Instagram and YouTube that we gained the visibility that enabled us to survive.”
“Slowly but surely, the increase in international flights means that we can expect an increase in visitor numbers over the coming months. We also hope, in line with the wishes of many players in the tourism sector as well as the municipality, that Siem Reap will become the focus of longer stays. It's a province full of activities, and not just about the splendour of its temples”.
The same pleasure every time
Provided you don't suffer from vertigo, are taller than 1 metre and weigh no more than 125 kilos, the 2 routes in the peaks are designed for everyone, attracting couples, families, solo adventurers and even company committees. Not forgetting children, including the sick and isolated: an agreement with the Children's Hospital means that sessions can be organised with young patients, who can leave their rooms to conquer the summits.
The sensations are guaranteed, thanks in particular to a 300-metre-long zip line that not only delights customers: “I've done this course a thousand times! confides Khem, laughing. Almost every day, to test the quality of the equipment and spot any defects. And it's always the same pleasure. The same, I hope, that everyone who visits us experiences”.
Texte et photos Rémi Abad
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