Besides boasting a renowned name and beautiful white sand beaches there are many wonders of natural beauty hidden within the islands close to the coastal town of Sihanoukville. One such island is Bamboo Island (Koh Russei), where picturesque beaches and the fresh sea air soothes tourist’s souls, sends them into a state of relaxation and melts their cares away.
You won't find TV or web or even roads on Bamboo Island but what you'll find is warm, blue, crystal-clear water, excellent for swimming, soft golden sandy beaches, lush natural surroundings, and plenty of peace and tranquility that you won’t encounter in several other so-called ‘relaxed’ destinations. This is serenity at its best.
You’ll find footpaths throughout the island, so you'll be able to explore the jungle covered interior. There’s a volleyball net on the beach.
How To Get There
The one and a half hour trip to Koh Russei from Ochheuteal Beach only costs $20 per round trip for teams of one to three guests. Teams of four or more pay only $6 per person. The boat ride takes about half an hour and once there you'll find that only about 30 individuals live on the island.
A ferry departs from Ochheuteal Beach at 10:10 A.M and departs from the island at 4:10 P.M. the traverse takes roughly 30 minutes.
Accommodations
A few days on Bamboo Island, off Sihanoukville coast, comes extremely recommended. On its north-facing crescent beach Bamboo Island has 3 cottage resorts, 2 restaurants and 2 bars and is incredibly, very laid back. Unlike on the more frenetic land, there are no hawkers and the bungalows are right on the caesarians-lined beach itself. There are some day-trippers but come nightfall the island is much deserted. Electricity is provided by 2 generators for the early hours of the evening but then it's back to the moon and the stars for light.
When To Go
The best time to go to islands is during the monsoon season. Between Nov and Feb, northerly winds obtain and can create the group more difficult to navigate.
What To Do
Bamboo Island is a paradise for quiet journey to the nature, so there are not many things to do on. You can swim all day, go on a fishing boat, read in a hammock, or play volleyball with the fishermen; variety of shirtless sarong-wrapped anglers play during the day. There are also bonfires and barbecues at night. The restaurants have a full menu, giving the usual beach fare like omelets, French fries, curries and soups. This is a usual 3 Island Boat tour discovering Koh Ta Kiev, Koh Craloh, and Koh Russei. Koh Ta Kiev is the larger island and ideal for snorkeling.
Travel Tips
At Bamboo Island, all bungalows have fans and mosquito nets. Bathrooms and cold water showers are shared. The generator runs when it's dark and goes off about 11pm.
When visit there, you should take the following: insect repellent, coils, soap, sun block, toilet tissue, any snacks you fancy, additional liquor if you have a big group, a hammock, a bed linen, and a first aid kit might be a good plan.
