• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

SilverKris

SilverKris Logo
  • Experience
  • Encounter
  • Explore
  • Exclusives
  • City Guides

Home » Experience » Heritage » Photo essay: The serenity hidden within the temples of Bagan

Photo essay: The serenity hidden within the temples of Bagan

Published May 7, 2020 | Story By SilverKris
Share on Facebook Share on X Share on Pinterest Share via Email Share on WhatsApp
Bagan photo essay

Home to Buddhist temples, pagodas and stupas, Bagan became a Unesco World Heritage site this year. More than a tourist attraction, though, photographer Dr Gilad Fiskus discovers that it is also where thousands of monks live, learn and pray.

Bagan photo essay
Between the 11th and 13th centuries, the kingdom of Bagan established Theravada Buddhism in the region, building over 10,000 temples and stupas. Unfortunately, only a fraction remain today, but Bagan is still an eminent destination for Buddhist pilgrimage.
Bagan photo essay
Every January, thousands of Buddhist monks flock to Bagan for the Ananda Pagoda Festival, where they collect alms and raise funds for their daily needs.
Bagan photo essay
With so much history and culture packed in just 104km2, it’s no surprise Bagan is a big draw for tourists. Despite the influx of visitors, the monks who live here continue their serene, unhurried pace of life.
Bagan photo essay
During the Ananda Pagoda Festival, groups of monks – young and old – line the paths leading to the eponymous temple.
Bagan photo essay
In Myanmar, boys from Buddhist families are obliged to spend some time in a monastery and become familiar with the fundamentals of the religion. This shot was taken in Shwegu Pahahita monastery, close to Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan.
Bagan photo essay
Monastic life can be challenging – at Shwegu Pahahita, it starts at 4am with prayers in the main assembly hall followed by a schedule of chores, classes, meditation and memorising of Buddhist scriptures, before ending at 10pm after an evening prayer session.
Bagan photo essay
Across Bagan, you’ll often find young monks sitting within the ancient temples reading Buddhist scriptures.
Bagan photo essay
It’s easy to stumble upon moments of serenity and contemplation in Bagan.

SilkAir flies daily between Singapore and Yangon. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com

SEE ALSO: Is Myanmar’s Mergui archipelago Asia’s last unspoilt island utopia?

This article was originally published in the October 2019 issue of Silkwinds magazine

sidebar

Most Recent

The Drift

The Drift: Exploring the secrets of Denpasar

Read More 4 min read

Branded Content

Your guide to the best kids and baby brands in...

Read More 2 min read

Branded Content

Frame of mind: Singapore’s bespoke eyewear...

Read More 2 min read

Feature

Uncovering the soul of Sydney through three...

Read More 10 min read

The Drift

The Drift: Exploring the secrets of Denpasar

Read More 4 min read

Branded Content

Your guide to the best kids and baby brands in...

Read More 2 min read

Branded Content

Frame of mind: Singapore’s bespoke eyewear...

Read More 2 min read

Feature

Uncovering the soul of Sydney through three...

Read More 10 min read

More From SilverKris

west-lake-hangzhou-silverkris-feature

Art & Culture

Why Hangzhou should be next on your bucket list

Read More 6 min read

moreton-island-brisbane-kids-silverkris-feature

Kids & Family

Why Brisbane is a kid-friendly paradise for all ages

Read More 5 min read

Georges-River-National-Park-WSI-Sydney-Silverkris

City

8 cool things to do near the new Western Sydney International Airport

Read More

the-perfumer-story-silverkris

Fashion & Shopping

Fragrance trends to know in 2026: Top scents from Singapore Airlines’ KrisShop

Read More 2 min read

west-lake-hangzhou-silverkris-feature

Art & Culture

Why Hangzhou should be next on your bucket list

Read More 6 min read

moreton-island-brisbane-kids-silverkris-feature

Kids & Family

Why Brisbane is a kid-friendly paradise for all ages

Read More 5 min read

Georges-River-National-Park-WSI-Sydney-Silverkris

City

8 cool things to do near the new Western Sydney International Airport

Read More

the-perfumer-story-silverkris

Fashion & Shopping

Fragrance trends to know in 2026: Top scents from Singapore Airlines’ KrisShop

Read More 2 min read

SilverKris Logo

Follow Us

Facebook Instagram X YouTube

Footer

  • About Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Singapore Airlines
  • KrisShop
  • KrisFlyer
  • Pelago
  • Privacy Policy
  • Conditions of Access
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy

2026 Silverkris Singapore Airlines
Made by Ink Publishing Pte Ltd, part of the Stagwell Group

Singapore Airlines Logo