Koh Rong Island

As our trip nears an end, we have lots of time and little cash so instead of getting the $20, 45 min ferry journey to the island we had to get the 2.5 hr, $10 slow boat over.

Koh Rong Island has only been a big backpacker destination for the last 18 months. The island is 61km around with 4 villages, the main tourist one is very underdeveloped. Pollution is a big problem and food hygiene is questionable. The nicer accommodation options use "concrete walls" as a marketing tool on their signs out the front! Our first night was in a dirty dorm room above a noisy bar - hence we had a few drinks and a dance before we could go to bed. I made the boys move to another hostel this morning. You're probably thinking why did we come? It's a beautiful island, the beaches have the whitest sand and clear blue water (away from the polluted areas). The people are very friendly and make the most of what they have. Tourism is now a big part of their lives. It's nice to see a place like this before it becomes mainstream.

After a morning sunbaking on the beach, we went on a boat tour snorkeling, fishing and watching the sunset over "long beach" on the other side of the island.