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The Killing Cave: A Memorial at Phnom Sampov

Reflect on Cambodia's poignant history at the Killing Cave, a memorial site amidst the natural beauty of Phnom Sampov near Battambang.

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The Killing Cave, located on Phnom Sampov near Battambang, Cambodia, is a poignant reminder of the Khmer Rouge regime. Once a site of unspeakable atrocities, where victims were thrown to their deaths, it now stands as a memorial with a reclining Buddha, a glass-walled ossuary filled with human remains, and a chicken-wire cage holding bones, offering a somber reflection on Cambodia's dark past.

A brief summary to The Killing Cave

  • ភ្នំសំពៅ, KH

Local tips

  • Dress respectfully when visiting the Killing Cave, as it is a memorial site.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the Bat Cave to witness the evening bat exodus.
  • Be aware of monkeys on the mountain; secure your belongings.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the site.
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Getting There

  • Tuk-tuk

    From Battambang city center, take a tuk-tuk to Phnom Sampov. Negotiate a round-trip fare, typically $8-12. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes. The tuk-tuk will drop you at the base of Phnom Sampov. From there, you can walk or hire a motorcycle taxi (motodop) to ascend further. Expect to pay around $1-$2 for a ride closer to the summit.

  • Motorbike Taxi

    Hire a motorcycle taxi (motodop) from Battambang for a quicker journey. Expect to pay around $5-$8 for a round trip to the base of Phnom Sampov. From there, you can either walk up the mountain or negotiate with another motodop to take you closer to the summit for an additional $1-$2. Be sure to agree on the price beforehand.

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Discover more about The Killing Cave

The Killing Cave at Phnom Sampov is a chilling testament to the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime between 1975 and 1979. Located approximately 12 kilometers southwest of Battambang, this site is part of a network of caves on Phnom Sampov mountain that were used as execution grounds. Victims, often educated individuals, were brutally murdered at the cave's entrance and thrown into the daylight shaft. Today, the cave houses a memorial to those who lost their lives, including a large golden reclining Buddha and a glass-covered cabinet displaying human skulls and bones. A memorial assembled from cyclone fencing and chicken wire also contains human bones. Phnom Sampov itself, also known as Ship Mountain due to its distinctive shape, is a significant religious site with temples, shrines and stupas. Visitors can explore other caves, pagodas, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The mountain is also home to a large colony of macaques and the famed Bat Cave, where millions of bats emerge at dusk, creating a spectacular natural display. The Killing Cave serves as a place of remembrance, urging reflection on the past while being surrounded by the beauty of the Cambodian landscape.

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