Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda – The Golden Rock, as it is known to foreigners, is a large natural rock, covered in gold, which stabilizes itself on the edge of a natural rock pillar. Legend was that a powerful hermit thousands of years ago put this rock on the pillar before his death, so that his followers could worship the rock in his place after his death. Nobody knows if the legend is true or not, but Kyaikhtiyo remains one of most sacred places in Myanmar. Many Buddhists, not only Burmese, but also Chinese, Thais, Laos and many other foreigners, believe the Rock holds magical power. Although the Rock lies at the edge of the rocky pillar, it does not fall down. It is claimed to be rockable from side to side a few centimeters. A small pagoda was built on top of the Rock. The Golden Rock of Kyaikhtiyo is open to visitors during the dry season, mainly during the cool season. It can be reached from Yangon (Rangoon) by bus or by car.