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.

Connect
Accommodation and bars in Saracen Bay have reasonably good WiFi.