About Koh Rong Samloem

The smaller Koh Rong island is located south of Koh Rong and can be reached by speedboat from Serendipity pier in Sihanoukville in 40 minutes or from Koh Tui Beach on Koh Rong in about 20 minutes.

The highest peak on Koh Rong Samloem is up to 200m in altitude and covered with dense rain forest. White sandy beaches and coral reefs surround the island with its beautiful big Saracen Bay that opens to the east. The water is shallow, warm and clear with a turquoise to bright blue color. The only small village "Samloem Village" lays in the north of the bay near to the Starfish Bay. The island is developing rapidly. In the last years new small bungalow resorts with modern and comfortable bungalows have been built, especially along Saracen Bay beach. The quality and also the prices for staying overnight have increased a lot. But there are still cheaper alternatives with just simple wooden huts, mainly at Starfish Bay, Ghose Beach, Lazy Beach and Sunset Beach on the western coast. The best diving spots are in the north of the island.

The quality of many bungalows is not high, just for basic needs. But there are also modern bungalows available now with WLAN and 24 hours electric power. Mobil phone signals are also available.

The Island Beach Club at Saracen Bay offers bicycles and jungle treckings. But it is possible, to do the treckings on own risk. One is advised not to leave the small jungle pathways. A nice little tour leads from Saracen Bay to the lighthouse on the southernmost tip of the island (90 minutes), another one to the western beaches (60 minutes).

Everyday at noon two party boats arrive in Saracen Bay. They are offering day trips from Sihanoukville to Koh Rong Samloem, where guests can enjoy lunchtime, swimming and bathing or just the party music on the boat. The wooden boats normaly leave at 2 p.m. and silence returns back to Saracen Bay. It is the only activity in Saracen Bay where peace and stillness dominates the days.

When the sun shines and the sky is blue, the water of Saracen Bay shimmers turquoise blue, and when the day is windless, the bay appears to be a big lake. The shallow bay is ideal for kids to play savely in the water. The only downside are the biting sand flies.

Koh Rong Samloem is probably one of the last Robinson islands although the beach is now crowded with new bungalow resorts. But the atmosphere and the beach feeling is extremely relaxed.