Koh Rung Sanloem
Koh Rung Sanloem, or Koh Rong Sanloem, is an island off the coast of Cambodia. The closest port is Sihanoukville.
Understand
Koh Rong Sanloem is Koh Rong's stunning sister island.
It is a peaceful relaxing destination with breathtaking scenery – clean white beaches, clear turquoise ocean waters, and a tropical jungle wilderness. It is often called an ‘island paradise’ by tourists.
If you want to lie back, unwind, and admire the magnificent views the island of Sanloem is a fine holiday destination.
Get in
Koh Rong Sanloem can be reached easily by boat from Sihanoukville. There are multiple ferry services to Saracen Bay, M'pai Bai and Sandy Beach: Cambodia Island Speedferry, GTVC, Buva Sea. All of them depart from the GTVC pier close to Sihanoukville Autonomous sea port. The time to reach the island will wary from 45 minutes to 2 hours and is dependent on the route of the ferry. Ferries service two islands on the same go. Ticket prices are fixed by government at US$22 roundtrip and $12 for one way. There is a supply boat departing from pier 52 (aka Bora pier) at 14:30 (January 2024) which can also accept passengers, price is US$5 one way. You can buy tickets on the spot. Stops in Sarracen beach, M'bay, and Koh Rong. Travel time between 90 min and 2 hr 30 min.
Get around
Some beaches on this island can be reached by foot, but others can only be reached by taxi boat. From Sarracen beach you can follow the signs and walk to: Sunset beach, Lazy Beach and Military Beach. Also the stone carved place. You can not walk to M'bai beach. It is a relatively small island, but still big enough to get lost on if you were to embark on a jungle trek.
See
The island is famous for its beautiful beaches. On the western side there are 3 beaches: Military Beach (aka Twilight Beach), Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach. On the south side is Sandy Beach and on the east side facing the mainland is Saracen Bay. From the French era there is a lighthouse situated on the high flat mountain top with breathtaking views to all directions.
Do
Koh Rong Sanloem is the cradle of Cambodian diving. It's where all the dive companies based in Sihanoukville generally head when they take divers out. It also serves as mid-way point for dive trips heading all the way out to Condor Reef.
- Stay overnight in one of the tourist bungalows.
- Jungle trek on various routes across the island to Sunset beach, Lazy beach, the lighthouse and M'Pai Bai village, etc. Bring plenty of water, mosquito repellent and sturdy shoes if in wet season. There is chance to see lizards, monkeys, hornbills white belly sea eagles.
- Sunset Rock is a wonderful place to watch the sun set over the ocean, if you are willing to trek over some boulders to get there.
- Snorkel M'Pai Bai Corals & Night Swim with Floro-Plancton in M'Pai Bay.
In Saracen Bay there are many activities available: snorkeling, kayaks and jungle trekking.
Buy
There are minimarts located in Saracen Bay and M'pai Bai selling basic conveniences such as soap, cigarettes, mosquito repellent, noodles, beer, and soft drinks.
There is no ATM on the island, however, many businesses accept credit cards and also permit cash withdrawals.
Eat
M'Pai Bai village has one place left after Corona pandemic. It is right of the main pier called Bong's.
Saracen Bay has various restaurants serving all kinds of cuisine.
Drink
Many locations available in Saracen Bay area, M'Pai Bai only location left is Bong's.
Sleep
- 1 Chill Inn, 1 Beach St, M'Pai Bay (boat from Sihanoukville or Koh Rong), ☏ +855 86 86 05 22, chillinncambo@gmail.com. In the traditional fishing village of M'Pai Bay on north coast of Koh Rong Samloem. Beach bar and guesthouse, dorm rooms available. The soundtrack in the bar features funky tunes.
- EcoSea Dive (on the northern part of the island). Offers overnight trips where you stay in their primitive bungalows. The overnight stay is severely discounted for divers. Snorkellers and people just looking to get away pay more for their stay.
- 2 Mad Monkey Hostel, Koh Rong Samloem Lighthouse, ☏ +855 69 901 076, krs@madmonkeyhostels.com. Check-in: 12:00, check-out: 11:00. A little separate from the main pier, but all ferries go to it with no extra charge. It is the only hostel in the vicinity and thus is secluded from the other hostels on the island. The beers cost US$1 per can. They have hammocks and swings in the sea. Bioluminescent planktons can be seen at night if you go 30-40 meters into the water. Prices starting from US$10 per night per person.
- 3 Samloem Laguna Resort, Koh Rong Sanloem Village (5 minutes walk from Preah Sihanouk pier), ☏ +855 10 820 795, booking@samloemlaguna.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Eco-friendly hotel with private beach, horse riding and tennis. 5 minutes walk from Preah Sihanouk pier. Strong WiFi, 24h electricity, tasty food and various drinks. from 30$.
Connect
Accommodation and bars in Saracen Bay have reasonably good WiFi.