Bokor Mountain, discovered in 1917 by a permanent mission in charge of topographical surveys on the Elephant Mountain heights nearby Kampot, is now a mountain health resort. A beautiful two-storied structure, toughly and neatly designed, called the Palace- Hôtel, has a commanding presence, embellished with decks and Italian-style pergolas. Located 1005 meters above the sea, on the edge of the cliff which steeply overlooks the maritime coast of Cambodia, so called “Opal Coast”. Enjoying a moderate climate and an unusually picturesque location, the new resort, though still completing its organization, as being recently founded, has already deservedly won the hearts of its visitors.
Besides mildness of a nearly Mediterranean temperature, Bokor Mountain combines the advantages of both seaside and mountain alongside by stimulating effect of its saline humidity and freshness of its germ-free air, enable blood regeneration, and regain strength and health which make Bokor Mountain a suitable to persons weakened by living in a tropical climate.
The effect of this double treatment is quickly sensible, through increasing appetite, by a better blood-flow. Especially children feel, after some days in the resort a mostly appreciable change in their general condition.
Bokor As A Health Resort
“Bokor, considered as a medium-altitude resort, as being located 1000 meters above sea level, is directly exposed to prevailing seasonal winds, Southwest monsoon in summer and Northeast in winter.”
“In any season, travelers ascending to Bokor get a feeling of intense well-being: fatigue due to lowland heat disappears, breathing is easier, and vital power seem to increase. No more breathlessness, no more perspiration, and for persons who was fatigue of walking in town, then cheerfully wander on the plateau.”
“Someone who lost appetite is suddenly hungry. Another, who could not sleep anymore, feels relaxed and sleeps again. The person who feel so relieved that they spend their time to sleeping or eating. It can be asserted that almost everybody after some days they will regain lost strengths.”
However, in order that a weakened body feels long-lasting changes, they must stay at least one month. The cold season, from November to April, is highly recommended. During this period the temperature fluctuates from 24°C (75.2°F) to 14°C (57.2°F), and can sometimes drop to 12°C (53.6°F), and exceptionally under 10°C (50°F). There is no humidity at all and the coolness of this dry atmosphere is both pleasant and mostly healthy. As Bokor is situated in a monsoon, so which is the best area at least for sick people as for tourists, they will enjoy beautiful sunny periods, and try interesting mountain promenades.
As a matter of fact, Bokor is not only a health resort; picturesque landscape enthusiasts can contemplate remarkable sites. As the mountain is approached on its coastal side the ascent follows cliffs, neighboring tall tree wild forests. (To be continued)
Effect on blood flow
“At the beginning a slight increase in pulse rate can be noticed. This phenomenon disappears after some days; it is no use focusing on it. What obviously occurs due to the effect of Bokor altitude is an improvement of blood flow – skin and mucous membranes get more blood and the heart contracts more vigorously, thus organs mainly lungs are decongested. Blood cell increases and anemia resolves progressively as I have noticed on a patient who was extremely anemic. I wanted her to be cured in France, but one month in Bokor restored her health.”
Effect on breath
“It is similar to the effect on blood flow. After some days people can breathe very easily, and this apneic effect for everyone is a direct result of a better lung ventilation.”
Effect on nutrition
“The stimulating effect of climate in the lower temperature can the improvement of blood flow rapidly result in enhancing nutritious exchanges. Appetite increases progressively, and allows to repair the damage caused by anemia and malaria.”
Effect on the nervous system
“It is a stimulating effect that occurs with general condition recovery. In general persons suffering from insomnia sleep very well, and I am convinced that those who are afflicted by migraines those whose intelligence is exhausted due to excessive intellectual work shall benefit, because their nerves recover peace, they will be able to sleep again.” (To be continued)
