Been riding motorbikes for more than a decade, Ms Malyneth has discovered many unseen gems of Cambodia and showcase to the public through a TV programme of CTV9. Supplied


Say Tola
August 8

When I first started riding this men’s motorbike, people say I acted like a tomboy. And I am not seen as a good girl since women are not expected to venture far from the kitchen.

Societal pressures: If girls want to go on an adventure, they have to be ready to listen to the grapevine and neighbourly criticism.

Ms Malyneth said it is not easy for women when it comes to answering the call of nature in the forest. And unsafe to camp alone.“Women have to be aware about the security of a place to avoid baddies.

She added, “Another incident was in Areng Valley. My team and I left the village at 6pm and so it was really dark. The motor’s headlight was not a big help. That time the road was really difficult and we fell into a hole.”

(A common belief about Asian jungles is that if a humanly voice is heard calling out your name, do not answer or even turn around. It is believed that spirits inhabit the jungle and can trap you in their realm. Always apologise before relieving yourself in the forest, before you soil the ground. Taboo areas to avoid are clearings, banana trees, banyan and bamboo groves)

Full https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50631555/w ... adventure/

"Based on Ms Malyneth’s time-tested experience, she said: “We should not walk together at the same time if we want to walk for long distances. We might be non-stop talking and it consumes our time. And walking separately enables us to help each other if there is an incident. And don’t forget to use walkie-talkies!”

Text message -
Answer your walkie-talkie... I'm scared... the spirits are calling my name because I relieved myself in a banana grove.

Kung-fu Hillbilly wrote: ↑Wed Aug 14, 2019 7:50 am women are not expected to venture far from the kitchen.

"Taboo areas to avoid are clearings, banana trees, banyan and bamboo groves)"

Living rurally I have always found the call of nature stronger than some disgruntled protestations from locals who have a spirit like habit of appearing in the most discreet of spots.

Kung-fu Hillbilly wrote: Always apologise before relieving yourself in the forest, before you soil the ground.
Full https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50631555/w ... adventure/

What amazing cultural insight. Is it also common to apologise before cutting down several hectares of forest?


Not sure about this gem either, but at least she's going out there. It's nice to see some of the younger generation being a bit more adventurous instead of being the usual cloistered types.

I would recommend people not to eat noodles because it makes heat in the body so an adventurer cannot go long distance.