The Cambodia Coastal Visitors Guide 52nd

islands

33

things to do on the islands

koh rong

The largest and most developed of the islands is KOH RONG , located 40-50 minutes by express ferry or 2.5 hours

Most visitors to Cambodia's islands are happy to do lit- tle more than relax and sunbathe on the gorgeous beaches. If you're looking for something more adven- turous, there are many activities to keep you busy on the islands. The waters off the islands offer dozens of good SCUBA DIVING opportunities. The rocky reefs sur- rounding Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem and Koh Kon, support corals and abundant colorful sea and fish life. Visibility is best during the dry season from October to June, and most of the dive sites, especially at the near- by islands, are comparatively shallow, to around 15 meters. The more distant Koh Tang, Koh Prins and Poulou Wai offer the best diving locations, superior vis- ibility as well as deeper dive sites. (See page 19.) There are several DIVE OUTFITS (see page 19) locat- ed in Sihanoukville as well as on Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem offering everything from fun dive to cer- tification. The dive outfits can also help organize trips to the more distant islands including Koh Tang and Koh Prins and even Condor Reef. You'll find ample SNORKELING opportunities on all of the islands, and most of the bungalows have snorkel equipment to rent for under $5. It's also sometimes possible to tag along on one of the diving trips that leave if you'd like to snorkel further afield. Although most of the islands aren't very big, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem are big enough to offer multi- day TREKKING opportunities, and there are a few marked paths for shorter trips. Inquire at your guest- house for more details. BIRD WATCHING opportunities abound, especially on the smaller islands of Koh Ta Kiev and Koh Thmei, which is home to over 150 species. ISLAND-HOPPING DAY CRUISES and PARTY CRUISES are available from Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem, but it's best to organize from the mainland if you're looking for something other than a day trip. The island hopping cruises are the same as from the mainland: two or three islands, a bar- becue lunch, some snorkling and fishing and a chance to visit a couple of the smaller, less inhabit- ed islands. Those who enjoy FISHING will find lots to do on the islands, from spear fishing on Koh Ta Kiev to overnight boat trips. And you can get in some casu- al fishing on the island hopping day cruises. Most have basic equipment. Fishing trips can be orga- nized from Sihanoukville or the big islands, though you have a better selection in Sihanoukville.

by standard ferry (see page 52.) This island is one of the most beautiful in the archipelago, with miles of white sand beaches, gently swaying palms and trop- ical fruit orchards. It also has one of the most ‘devel- oped’ beaches - Koh Toch - at least in terms of the number of bungalows, guesthouses and restaurants. Koh Rong offers dozens of guesthouses and bunga- lows and more are springing up every day, ranging from dormitories and inexpensive home stays to flashpacker accommodations and fancier, well-appointed family- sized bungalows. KOH TOCH BEACH at the southeastern tip of the island is where most of the accommodations are sit- uated, and it's the busiest part of the island, with nightly beach barbecues, music and fire dancers into the wee hours, not to mention the Full Moon Parties. If this isn't your cup of tea, there are more secluded options located around the island including Long Beach on the sunset side of the island offering a few rustic bungalows. For those looking for something a little more luxuri- ous, just off of Koh Rong are two private islands known as SONG SAA (‘sweethearts’) that are home to an all-inclusive five-star resort, the first of its kind in Cambodia. Dine & Drinking... Most of the island is fairly remote with few options out- side your guesthouse—luckily, most of the guest hous- es on Koh Rong have surprisingly tasty fare and offer both Khmer and Western dishes. Busy Koh Toch Beach offers the greatest range of dining options. The variety of choices is astonish- ing, and several restaurants also offer inexpen- sive but uninspired barbeques on the beach every night. For more local eating options, in Koh Toch village there are several Cambodian-owned restaurants offering simple but delicious dishes that make for a simple, economical breakfast, such as bai sach chrouk (pork and rice) and kuy teav (noodle soup) as well as the ubiquitous fried rice and noodles. Evenings, you'll find happy hour and drink specials at most places, with beer prices not substantially higher than on the mainland. Da Matti? Italian restaurant and reggae bar on the floating dock at Koh Toch Beach. A chill island vibe, great breeze, good Italian food, wine and drinks. Place for a good meal and to hang out into the evening. Koh Rong, Koh Toch Beach

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