khmer sources

Besides boasting a famous name and beautiful white sand beaches there are many wonders of natural beauty hidden in the islands near the coastal city of Sihanoukville. One such island is Koh Russey, where picturesque beaches and the fresh sea air soothes tourists souls, sends them into a state of relaxation and melts their cares away.

Tourists who visit the eggshell colored sands at the southern end of the island will immediately notice the absence of human footprints. Until last year, neither fishermen nor visitors were allowed to walk on this mysterious coastline because it was occupied by a Royal Navy base. Only military personnel had the chance to enjoy these exotic beaches.

But now the winds of peace have reached every corner of Cambodia, controls have begun to disappear and the land .New policies have been made, allowing pleasure boats transporting tourists from many nations to tie up near Koh Russey.
The presence of visitors has created business opportunities for the local people. One entrepreneur, Mr. Kuy Sun, said that he began renting land near Koh Russey seashore six months ago. He now operates a restaurant and a five-room guesthouse for those who are interested in staying on the island overnight. For only $5 a night guests can rent a small bamboo bungalow. "Before the rainy season there were a lot of guests taking their holidays here." He said. "Now, it is starting to get quiet."
Mr. Kuy Sun also runs a transport service for tourists. The one and a half hour trip to Koh Russey from Ochheuteal only costs $20 per round trip for groups of one to three guests. Groups of four or more pay only $6 per person.

"In the future, I plan to run visitors to Koh Russey three times per day, and I hope to lower the costs. We will continue to improve our service and comfort in order to attract more tourists to the region. We also have plans to enlarge our guesthouse, by installing five more rooms." Added Mr. Sun.

Twenty-four year-old boat captain Phoan also takes tourists to the islands around Sihanoukville. "At least two or three foreign clients per week hire my boat to transport them to Koh Russey. Many of the islands near Sihanoukville have beautiful sand beaches. Some of them have large beaches and some have small ones. Each has its own unique personality and beauty."
Royal Navy sailor, Sin Prin is stationed at the Koh Russey base. he says, "We have only recently allowed tourists to come to Koh Russey. In the past only government soldiers received permission to catch fish and take holidays here because of the Kompong Som Navy base. Now we have opened the island up so that all types of people can have an opportunity to spend their holidays here. Sometimes, guests ask me to bring them up on the island so they can see the big artillery pieces kept there."

Mr. Prin stated, "Visitors often ask me to guide them through the unexplored paths that are deep in the jungle so they can take pictures of the lanscape. They always say they love the nature here very much."
"The southern part of the island has a long sand coastline. But it doesn’t attract many visitors because they are too lazy to walk the islands 900 meter width." he said. "The most beautiful beach on the island is a secluded 600 meter long stretch of pure white sand. It features two smooth natural stairs which lead down to the water. Sea waves break on the coast, and combine with the song of birds in the nearby trees to form a relaxing symphony."

Mr. Prak Thorn, a senior naval officer, stationed at Koh Russey base said, "I feel very happy to welcome tourists who wish to visit the island’s interior or its lovely beaches. Guests won’t be harassed by soldiers, and we can guarantee their safety."

"I want to see multicolored tourist bungalows here, instead of the drab olive color of the military camps of the past". We want to convert our navy base into a site for tourists. We also want to teach the armed forces based here to become tour guides." said Prak Thorn. "I believe the beautiful nature and picturesque coastline on this island can attract tourists and fulfill their wishes and needs." he added.
The tourists who do venture out to the island do so to see its beauty. Mr. Jam Kelly, a tourist from the UK said, "I like the environment here. The beach is clean, the sand is white, and there is no noise. It is possible to go camping here, which is fun and relaxing for tourists. I believe that if the natural beauty remains protected, this location has great tourist potential."

Mr. Kelly’s girlfriend, who sat on the sand, beside him, said, "many people like the places which are already built up. But lots of people are still interested in the unspoiled nature, which they have here. If someone tried to build a huge guesthouse, hotel or restaurant it would destroy much of the island’s natural beauty. I think it would make more sense to promote camping here."

Sihanoukville Tourism Department Director Mr. Teng Huy said, "Many tourists already know about Sihanoukville, and they praise its natural sand beaches. But they are unaware that we have many islands which are hiding out in the sea. These fantastic islands are waiting to welcome them. I believe that all who stroll along the coast on Koh Takeav, Koh Russey, or any the other islands will be overwhelmed by their natural beauty. The islands can fulfill all of the tourists’ wishes."