Popa Mountain Resort
A Serene and Relaxing Escape with Breathtaking Views
When it comes to vistas that tug at your heartstrings, Myanmar doesn’t fail to surprise. Mount Popa is one such stunningly beautiful postcard sight where your soul transcends into a world of ethereal charm.
With Bagan ticked off our list, we had packed our bags and were ready for a new adventure in Myanmar. Mount Popa was one of those places that had been talked about endearingly by many visitors, so Vikram and I decided to experience it first-hand. We stayed at the Eco Popa Mountain Resort for three nights and decided to visit the monastery during our stay. Needless to say, the eco-resort was a refreshing stay, and Taung Kalat Monastery one of the most amazing places to visit!
Journeying From Bagan to Mount Popa ~ A Treat for the Senses
Bagan had been a bag of delightful surprises. Charismatic sunrise and sunset views had made us fall in love with the place. There were still so many pagodas to explore and so many sunrises that I wanted to witness from the temple tops, but with heavy hearts, we knew that our journey had to go on, and so we started early from Bagan to reach Mount Popa before the sun reached its highest point in the sky. To maximise our time, we took a car that would bring us straight to the resort.
As Bagan gently faded away in the horizon, I realised that the arid lands started getting greener. Nature was more benevolent to this part of Myanmar. The roads were laced with wildflowers of different colours, cheerful springs gurgled happily on their course, and quintessential villages peeped now and then from the woody landscape. *Often called Myanmar’s Mt. Olympus, the forested landmark rises about 4500 ft. above sea level.
Fun fact: Mount Popa gets its name from the Burmese word ‘Puppa’ which means flower. Gazing at the vibrant views of the mountain, I realised why its people would want to call it a flower. There was hardly another name that could fit so well.
The Resort ~ Beauty Personified
Eco-lodges are a brilliant alternative to hotels. They are high on sustainability and encourage responsible tourism in many ways. Promoting biodiversity and fostering a love for nature, the thought of an eco-lodge made me look forward to our stay at Myanmar’s Popa Mountain Resort.
There are 55 chalets around the facility which are designed to seamlessly blend into the natural surroundings. Thoughtfully designed to include private outdoor spaces boasting stunning views of nature, the chalets are furnished with local teak decor, and fabrics and linens used display ethnic inspiration. The majority of the rooms have beautiful garden views with an additional 8 deluxe rooms facing the Taung Kalat Monastery. Our hearts were, of course, set on the mesmerising panoramas of the mountain and monastery, and so we settled on the Deluxe Mountain View Room.
Ever wondered what it is like to be surrounded by amazingly beautiful views every time you looked out of the window or had your meal or walked out the door? This is exactly what we enjoyed during the time we spent at the Eco Popa Mountain Resort. Additionally, the resort is the only place that offers uninhibited views of the sacred monastery. Just a walk around the place exploring the organic gardens and the panoramic lookouts took our breath away. And, a long soak in the infinity pool with its splendid view of the monastery tempted us to linger a little longer.
Activities at the resort include trekking, bird watching, and horseback riding. You can also enjoy a relaxing spa therapy or simply while away your time in the garden and listen to the soothing traditional music that plays in the central pavilion.
Perched majestically upon a volcanic plug, the awe-inspiring Popa Taung Kalat Monastery is a vision of beauty. Its golden stupas rise magnificently, glistening brilliantly in the golden Myanmar sun, leaving no doubt of its grandiosity.
The resort has a strategically set terrace restaurant named Sagawa {meaning welcome} which treats you to resplendent views of the monastery in the distance and delicious food, including a choice of Burmese and European cuisine. Yes, the vistas were not the only reason we loved the resort. We had our breakfast and dinner at the open terrace of the restaurant where we appreciated the cool mountain breeze of the higher elevation.
Our Villa ~ A Luxurious Stay Combined With Impressive Views
There is something very calming about the resort that automatically lets worries melt away into thin air. We felt relaxed and so much at peace at the resort that we simply didn’t want to leave at all. Every morning we would wake up to a tranquil and spectacular view of the Taung Kalat Monastery and the surrounding greenery, and in the evening we were greeted with sunsets being as poignant as those that we had witnessed in Bagan.
Our spacious Chalet was built with teak wood and was furnished with a comfortable four-poster bed which added warmth. Stone furnishings were also commonplace in the rooms here. Nestled amidst organic gardens, it had a romantic aura making it the perfect place to spend some quality time with your loved one.
A Place to Explore the Wild Nature of Myanmar
While the resort gently nudged me to throw back my hair and relax in the serenity of its atmosphere, the sleepy villages around the property beckoned me to experience their quietude and take a closer look at the cultures of Myanmar. Then there was the most obvious magnetic pull towards the monastery that we had come here for in the first place.
Among all the spectacular sights we enjoyed in Myanmar, Taung Kalat Monastery deservingly made it to the top of the list. Clad in white and gold, the monastery had an air of enigma around it, emerging tall and strong from between the lush green lands of the mountain. We decided to visit the sacred monastery bright and early on our third day at the resort. We had to brace ourselves for walking 777 steps up the mountain and brave the monkey population which cheekily adorn the passageways!
777 Steps to Heaven
Rising 1518 metres {4981 feet} above sea level, Mount Popa in the Pegu Hills watches over the Myingyan plains of central Burma. Considered one of Asia’s most popular archaeological destinations, it offers its visitors the most magical sights of the Taung Kalat Monastery with its numerous glistening gold Nat {Burmese spirits} temples and relic sites.
Glistening glamorously from afar, yet exceedingly tranquil on the inside, the monastery rewards the courageous spirits who climb up the 777 steps to reach it, with inner peacefulness and serene views of the surrounding countryside.
The way to Mount Popa had a plethora of shopping stalls to buy pretty trinkets at. These stalls followed us all the way to the point where we began our climb. We had visited many religious monuments in Myanmar to understand that we were required to wear respectable clothing. Wearing shorts or vests is not allowed and neither are shoes. Keeping the resident monkey population in mind, visitors are also required to climb the steps without hats or bags.
Although tin roofs have been added to protect visitors from the scorching sun, and while 777 steps didn’t sound like too much, we realised that with the blistering Myanmar heat draining away our energy, the steps began to seem like a lot.
The monkeys were not a problem because we were careful not to carry any food or drink with us. But they lined the stairwell as we ascended watching eagerly for something that they could lay their hands on!
Tip 1: Despite all the cleanliness that the locals try to maintain, the way to the top has copious amounts of monkey poop! Since you will be climbing barefoot, cleansing wipes will come in handy for cleaning your feet {locals wash the stairs to maintain cleanliness and may ask you for a donation as your gesture of kindness for their hard work.}
Tip 2: To avoid unwanted attention from the monkeys avoid carrying food and drink completely or be discreet.
Mount Popa Taungkalat Monastery: Of Golden Stupas and Charismatic Views
Perched prettily on top of the extinct volcano {Mount Popa} the sacred monastery crowns the mountain in white and gold. At the top, the golden stupas dazzle and the magnetism of the place makes you delay your return with many visitors staying late to watch the sunset embrace them in its mesmerism.
The panoramic view of the area surrounding the mountain is a spectacular sight, and we could see for miles ~ the small settlements on the plains, the forests, the fields, and the untouched beauty of Myanmar. All in all, I’m glad we were able to experience visiting one of the world’s man-made architectural wonders.
*If your schedule allows you time from Bagan, then head over to Mount Popa to cherish the peaceful beauty of the monastery and the views it offers.
When to go: Mount Popa is busiest with pilgrims during festivals on the full moon in May/June {Nadon}, the full moon in November/December {Nadaw}, and during Thingyan ~ Burmese New Year {April}. Visits are possible year-round, but the weather is best from October/November until March/April.
To conclude: Certain experiences can hardly be wrapped in the armature of words in a way that does them justice. My experience at Popa Mountain Resort falls in this category of experiences. Whether it was enjoying a meal with the majestic monastery in full view or lounging on our balcony watching the sun spread the last of its fading embers in the sky ~ Popa Mountain Resort is a hidden gem that will be cherished in our memories forever!
With Mount Popa ticked off our list, the next morning after breakfast we packed our bags once again to head to Inle Lake where a new set of experiences awaited us.
My trip to Myanmar has been split into several posts; you may access them here: Myanmar Travel Guide / Myanmar Packing Guide / Bagan Travel Guide / Aureum Palace Hotel / Inle Lake Travel Guide / Yangon Travel Guide / Vintage Luxury Yacht Hotel. The rest have been linked in the post above.
If you’ve been to Mount Popa or are planning to visit soon, shoot me a message, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Disclaimer: This review was done on an invitation from the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar. Due judgment and care have been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review.
Mount Popa overwhelmed me when I visited in 2015. So happy that I stumbled upon your post… the photographs of Myanmar you took are among the best I’ve seen. Real photography envy! xx
Thank you, Sanskriti!
Myanmar is a maze full of incredible colours and endless perspectives! It is a photographer’s dream!
Thank you for the visual treat! I visited Myanmar 20 years ago and have the fondest recollection of stopping at tea houses and having women put thanaka all over my face. Burmese are the friendliest and most genuine people I have met through all of my travels. Can’t wait to visit again!
Rightly said, Disha. The best thing about Myanmar is not just in the magic of its sunrises but more so in the hearts of its people… Some of my best memories while travelling here came as a result of connecting with their beautiful souls full of kindness! 🙂
Popa Mountain Resort is best portrayed as an experience… it’s picture perfect, with a spectacular view of the golden pagoda glistening atop of Mount Popa! ❤️
I agree, Srishti. Popa Mountain Resort was just so magical and a huge part of that had to do with the spectacular view!
Mount Popa Resort was the highlight of our Myanmar visit too, Tanya!
Reading a book is like travelling. It has a strong relationship with time. If you read one before it’s time, it loses its piquancy. If you happen to read one after, it also loses its piquancy. Same goes for travel.
Beautifully said. And what a spot to watch the world wake up to, eh? ❤️
Every deed has its time and travelling is also a deed…
How green is this resort! The fascinating view of the monastery looks like it could be straight from a book of fairy tales! ❤️❤️
Yes Hema, absolutely stunning!
Beautiful post. ❤️ Popa Mountain Resort seems like a captivating place to spend time at! I adore staying at resorts that provide magnificent views of nature at its best!
We returned home with so many wonderful memories, Malaika.
The stage we are in our lives deeply affects where we travel to and what we imbibe… What a magical stay this must have been, Tanya! And what amazing shots of the monastery from the distance!
We had an amazing time, Afreen! Can’t wait to return…
Fabulous views! ❤️ I was in Burma a couple of years ago, and must say that I did not come across this resort during my travel research on the country. A justifiable reason to return!
This should be on your bucket list for sure, Aishwarya!
That is such a deep and beautiful connection… I’d love to visit the Popa Taung Kalat monastery one day. And Eco Lodge Mount Popa sounds like quite the magical resort to experience!
It was truly beautiful out there, Swagata.
This quote comes to mind: The traveller of this world had blisters on their feet. The traveller of the spiritual world had blisters on their heart ~ S. Zulfiqar
Looks like an enchanting place to visit and experience – and what a view! One doesn’t necessarily associate Burma with eco-resorts – so nice to hear differently. 🙂
There’s always a certain innocence about travelling to a place that has yet to be ruined by hordes of tourists…
What a peaceful and stunning place! I adore the view! How did you decide to stay here?
I had heard about it before, Monika and since I quite enjoy getting off the trodden path, it seemed like a good decision. 🙂
Popa Mountain Resort looks serene! Graduation in everything is important to appreciate it… and having the opportunity to appreciate a swim with those views must have been amazing! Would definitely love to stay here when I visit Myanmar!
Absolutely enjoyed relaxing here, Sanjana! And we loved the vibrant colours and peaceful energy.
That view looks incredible! Your travel posts are visually and aesthetically so fulfilling, Tanya! It’s rightly said that we travel to places we’ve been at exactly the time and age we were meant to! Keep inspiring! ❤️
The setting is beyond lush, Palak!
Myanmar ~ where life is slow, the people are kind and the sunsets are inspiring! ✨
Popa Mountain Resort looks like a serene place… and that bit of extravagance would make it my sort of place to visit! The views look amazing and since I love hiking, this would without a doubt be a resort I’d be eager to experience! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Like I always say ~ edit your life frequently and ruthlessly. It’s your masterpiece after all!
So simple yet so powerful… Loved this post! Popa Mountain Resort is so fairy tale like yet so real! I would love to sit n sip tea and be lost in that view!
Myanmar is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life! ❤️ I’ll never forget the memories this country has given me, Tasnim!
Take me there… Take me there, pretty lady. ❤️ This place looks amazing… its like heaven for people who love and admire Mother Nature!
On a side note, I am always dumbstruck at your writing style and creativity!
Such a wonderful thing to say, Ramya. Many thanks!
Such a fabulous post! I am a mountain girl and this gives me a lot of warmth already… ❤️ Adding this to the bucket list!
It’s wonderful scenery and selected perspective will win you over!
“In all things of nature, there is something of the marvellous” ~ You seem like you really enjoy what you do, Tanya! More power to you!
Thank you for your enthusiastic response, Poonam.
This is so perfect! That view from the balcony of a wooden paradise above the forest hillside… ❤️ Life certainly moves at a delightfully slow pace there!
Happiness is enjoying the beauty of nature while feeling the cool breeze caress you… ❤️
Wow! There is an old deep magic and beauty of nature at Popa Mountain Resort… Where you can feel most alive and where you can meet the idyllic heaven… ✨✨✨
This paradise on the mountain with a beautiful view brings perfect harmony between mind and body, human and nature!
Beautifully done! ❤️ The nights there look more alive & more richly coloured than the day! Although, I couldn’t be happier to wake up with such a breathtaking view!
Neither would I – once again! 🙂 The view is absolutely impressive!
This is such a wonderful share! To walk in nature is to witness a thousands miracles indeed! So envious of your travels, Tanya!
It is a privileged to see the world the way we do, Shwetasree. It is also nice to be able to see it for what it is and enjoy that moment quietly. 🙂
So beautiful! ❤️❤️❤️ I love the way experiencing new cultures helps you become more balanced and humble, and comfortable with accepting yourself. Continue to shine your light upon the world, Tanya!
If we nurture our curiosity carefully that translates to time invested in the right way. The same goes for travel. If we’re respectful, mindful and gentle with the the places we visit, they continue to be joy-giving for years to come.
Wow, this is really fantastic, and such beautiful colours! Love all the details, Tanya! ❤️ And what counts, are the beautiful memories you’re bringing home from each of these enchanting places!
Thank you so much for your love, Raji!
Such an epic view! I hope my eyes can see this marvel someday! ✨
You never cease to amaze with your exceptional talent and creativity, Tanya! And then you also manage to look so lovely, always! ❤️
That’s very kind of you, Radha. Thank you, and I hope you go there someday.
I mean… each of your shots is spot on. Great work, I really appreciate what you do! And, may all your travel dreams come true this year! xx
So happy to hear that! Thank you very much, Nisha.
That view is so stunningly beautiful! ❤️ In many instances, your words spoke to me as the beauty and serenity of nature seeped through your narration… Wisdom and beauty wrapped into a post!
Thank you so much for enjoying this, Supriya! I deeply value your appreciation.
This is so incredible! I love everything about this beautiful resort: The colourful environs, the natural styled bungalows, the wooden balconies and the breathtaking view! A wonderful place to enjoy a classic vacay. ✨
You know that it’s the perfect place if you’re feeling somewhere between a dream and reality… ✨
Omg! Your captures are absolutely brilliant! ❤️ It would be my dream to visit and experience such beautiful destinations! Keep inspiring!
The intricacies are so spectacular… and I loved the happiness this place radiated, Rama!
Highhhhh on my bucket-list with such great photo opportunities! I actually wanted to visit this resort when I was in Bagan but we were short with time and it didn’t work out. How is it that there’s never enough time for everything I want to see?! Sigh.
For me, Popa Mountain Resort with its breathtaking views is a magical place that delivers vacay-perfect moments with ease… One day you have to visit, Kamala!