This is part of my series on Egypt:
East Bank of Luxor: https://jimmy1photo.wixsite.com/blog/post/east-bank-luxor-egypt
West Bank of Luxor: https://jimmy1photo.wixsite.com/blog/post/west-bank-luxor-egypt
Dendera and Abydos - Day Trip from Luxor: https://jimmy1photo.wixsite.com/blog/post/dendera-and-abydos-day-trip
Edfu and Kom Ombo Day Trip - Between Luxor and Aswan: https://jimmy1photo.wixsite.com/blog/post/edfu-and-kom-ombo-day-trip
Philae and Abu Simbel - Aswan: This page.
Egyptian Pyramids: https://jimmy1photo.wixsite.com/blog/post/egyptian-pyramids
Tips for Visiting Egypt: https://jimmy1photo.wixsite.com/blog/post/tips-for-visiting-egypt
Philae is in Aswan. Abu Simbel is 3.5 hours by car from Aswan. Both temples were relocated, due to Aswan Dam reservoir that would have submerged these sites.
Philae Temple
Philae Temple was originally situated on Philae island. When Aswan dam was built, Philae island was going to be submerged. Philae temple was relocated to Agilkia Island.
To get to the temple, you have to hire a boat. Of course the skies the limit in these situations. Boat operators will ask for something outrageously high. There were 3 in my family. At the dock, we grouped up with couple European tourists and another tourist from south Asia. So we negotiated 1.5 hour round trip, for 6 people, for 600 Egyptian Pounds. So 100 Egyptian Pounds per person, which is only around $3 or $4 USD. It took 5 minutes to negotiate and result was quite reasonable. Obviously this is round trip, so do not pay until you return to the dock.
This is definitely a must visit for photographers. Very beautiful in the watery backdrop. And the boat ride and the temple were relaxing.
This is on the boat approaching Philae Temple:
This is the dock on Agilkia island:
This is the outer courtyard to the main temple pylon:
Cute cat guarding the pylon:
After the pylon, there is inner courtyard before entrance to temple:
There are many cats on the island. Bunch of kittens sleeping inside the temple:
Another cat outside the temple:
There are several other temples to explore on the island:
Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is 3 to 3.5 hours from Aswan. We hired private car with driver that picked us up at 6am, so we can get to Abu Simbel by 9am. If you used group tour, they will pick up at hotel at 4:30am. And they will stop at gift shop and restaurant on the way to Abu Simbel.
Abu Simbel is different than other Egyptian sites that we visited. Instead of being free standing, it was cut into rocks. The complex was going to be submerged by reservoir water due to Aswan Dam. So it was moved 65 meters higher and 200 meters back. The statues are massive and it was an engineering feet to make this relocation.
This is the main temple, with 4 colossal statues (20 meters / 66 feet high) of Ramesses II.
You can enter the temple. It is quite small inside and very crowded with many tourists. Since this temple is carved into the rock face, it is very dark inside. There is natural light in the main entrance chamber and opportunity to take photos. And need to shoot up to avoid all the other tourists:
Off on the side is the Small Temple of Hathor and Nefertari. Here, the Small Temple is to the right, and the Main Temple is further behind:
You can also enter the Small Temple. It is even smaller inside.
Abu Simbel is a long day trip. And I noticed after the trip, I only had a few photos. The reason is that photo opportunities are limited; just facades to the 2 temples. It is very difficult to take photos inside the temples as they were too dark.
Was it worth the visit? I think so. The temple and the statues are massive. And worthwhile seeing them in person.