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Enter Mad Monkey Hostel Backpacker Resort on Koh Rong Samloem! It’s the ideal accommodation for backpackers on a budget who still wish to experience the ‘paradise island’ vibes you’d generally pay an arm and a leg for elsewhere.
A little slice of what the Mad Monkey Koh Rong Samloem has awaiting your arrival…
‘Paradise’ is no overstatement when it comes to Koh Rong Samloem.
Like much of Southeast Asia, think pristine beaches and secluded stretches of azure waters. But there’s something special about this particular Cambodian island. It’s still relatively new to tourism, and its beauty feels quite raw. Those who’ve been will know what we’re talking about, and those who haven’t been – should go ASAP.
About Koh Rong Samloem
Koh Rong Samloem is the little brother of the better-known, neighbouring island Koh Rong. KRS has only recently taken off as a popular paradise stop-off in Southeast Asia for backpackers and honeymooners alike.
And it’s about time.
Koh Rong Samloem is like many of the islands in Southeast Asia in that it’ll make you want to drop everything and embrace the #islandlife for the rest of your days!
The island’s terrain is relatively unexplored and untouched, so a short venture into the surrounding jungle can actually result in you getting lost and having to panic-hike through the undergrowth to get back before dark.*
Because of this we’d recommend taking someone who knows the area with you on any adventures. But isn’t it refreshing to know that there are still unexplored places like this in existence on earth?
*(Disclaimer: this may or may not have actually happened to me and several new acquaintances on more than one occasion. Great way to make new friends, however?!)
Untouched Sands: Koh Rong Samloem Beaches
Mad Monkey’s Koh Rong Samloem accommodation is our own little slice of beachside heaven, and we’re proud to present it as a $10/night backpacker paradise in, well…paradise!
Koh Rong Samloem is definitely more untouched than Koh Rong. There’s no better way to explain what a stunning and authentic island experience KRS offers than a good picture or two. Or three. Or ten.
You really do get the best of both worlds at Mad Monkey Koh Rong Samloem…
Budget accommodation on a luxuriously beautiful island; young, like-minded backpackers to share it with, and a ton of stunning scenery and sunshine to take in while you’re at it. All around the tiny 9km island you’ll find different glimpses of island life. From scenery to serenity, from fantastic flora to ferocious** fauna, it’s all here!
(**Nothing too ferocious actually, I’m just a sucker for alliteration).
Other Koh Rong Samloem Accommodation Options
As you can see from the photos and video above, Koh Rong Samloem is certainly not a destination you want to be missing out on during your escapades around Cambodia.
We’ll hold the Mad Monkey door open for you for as long as possible. However, in case we are fully booked or you’re looking to splash a bit more cash on your slumber palace, there are a couple of other great Koh Rong Samloem accomodation options.
Paradise Villas
Another Paradise tucked away in paradise.
Paradise Villas was one of the first dwellings to set up on the Koh Rong Samloem accommodation scene. As you may have guessed this mini resort is made up of a load of swanky villas.
The owner of Paradise Villas, Rudy, move to Cambodia after surviving a severe injury the 2004 tsunami while in Sri Lanka. With his recovery, came this gorgeous development on Koh Rong Samloem.
The villas are cuddled up right next to the beach (some with sea views and some with garden views) and each come with a private terrace for the coastline chilling sessions.
Pillow talk…
Delightful double beds in every villa accompanied by the all important mosquito net! There’s also secluded outdoor bathrooms fit with scintillating saltwater showers. Bathe in the tropical ambience.
Of course as it’s Koh Rong Samloem accomodation, there’s no wifi. However, there is electricity from 6am to 6pm, so plenty of time to juice up your goodies.
Paradise Villas is another exceptional place to catch some zzzz’s. Prices for their villas range from $25 to $80 a night depending on the season.
Leng Meng Beach Bungalows
Leng Meng is another gem thats slap bang in the middle of the white sands of Saracen Bay.
It’s made up of an entourage of 14 bungalows that put their neighbouring resorts to shame.
At Leng Meng, the bungalow builders have certainly paid attention to the finer details. Small gaps at the top of the walls keep the shack very nicely ventilated, but screens have also been put in place to prevent mosquitos flying in for their evening snack.
All of the bungalows are on the beach, and all of them come with a sea view. Win. Win. Each comes fitted with extra mosquito nets for the one or two double beds and there’s electricity running from 6pm to midnight; which means you’ll be able to have the fan running when you cosy up in bed.
Feeling peckish…
The resort’s restaurant whips up some very tasty dishes too, featuring some extra special locally caught seafood. The chefs have of course mastered the art of Cambodian cuisine, and have begun to delve into the European food realms as well.
Prices for the Leng Meng bungalow pleasure range from $40 to $60 a night depending on season.
Sol Beach Resort
If the last two options aren’t maxing out your budget enough, then Sol Beach Resort is the one for you.
Another Saracen Bay institute, Sol Beach stakes a claim to be the most flashy Koh Rong Samloem accommodation option.
The resort is made up of a swarm of villas that can sleep up to 6 people.
Bells and whistles…
The villas are of course located right on the sea front and are hooked up with air conditioning, electronic safes and 24 hours of electricity. What’s more, their restaurant is one of the few places on the island you can connect to wifi. Check those football scores, fire of some emails and do some good ol’ instagram stalking.
All these pleasures of course come with a price…
A two person villa ranges from $140 to $180 per night depending on the season.
When in Koh Rong Samloem…
What To Do on Koh Rong Samloem
Okay, so you’re Koh Rong Samloem accommodation is sorted. Now, what to do once you arrive?
Again, Mad Monkey has you covered. We’re more than just a hostel – we foster an environment that helps you make the absolute most of your stay, no matter what you’re looking for.
Snorkeling & Fishing Tour
So you’ve had your fill of perfect sunsets, chill time, and cold beers in Mad Monkey’s social open-air bar and restaurant. It’s time for some activity. Why not go snorkeling?
Or Fishing?
Or BOTH?
Mad Monkey runs a daily Snorkeling & Fishing trips. Our private boat will take you out around the island to some of our favourite hidden spots. You’ll swim in crystal clear waters with our masks and snorkels at your disposal.
Later, you’ll fish off the side of the boat in the traditional Khmer style. We’ll take you to a private beach, and a team will help you grill up your catch over the fire. Many guests tell us this tour is the highlight of their stay – come see what all the fuss is about!
You can book your spot on the tour in person at the hostel with any of our staff.
Day Trip to Saracen Bay
To get to other parts of Koh Rong Samloem from Mad Monkey, you can order a private water taxi or hop on our Mad Monkey boat that heads over to the main pier 3x a day for free!
The boat will take you to Saracen Bay, the island’s main beach. Here you can enjoy some restaurants and resorts, and get your fix of WiFi (we have no internet at Mad Monkey, but guests find this leads to making stronger connections, if you will…!).
It’s also possible to trek to Saracen Beach overland, but the path is unmarked and the jungle can be dangerous, so be sure to go with someone who knows what they’re doing. The exercise is a great way way to shake off any sluggishness after a good streak of lazy beach days!
Sunset Beach
A further 40-minute trek from Saracen Bay will bring you through the jungle to Sunset Beach on the other side of the island. Again, you’ll be met by stunning views.
This time they’re accompanied by some bigger waves and a sense that maybe, just maybe, you might never ever leave this place….Be warned though that if you plan on getting a boat back instead of trekking, the last boat leaves Saracen Bay at 3pm!
Fire Show on Koh Rong Samloem
Some of the local staff at our budget Koh Rong Samloem accommodation have perfected the art of fire acrobatics. They now perform a show twice a week down on the beach for guests’ enjoyment! You might catch glimpses of them practicing during the day, but nothing can prepare you for the night time show.
With a backdrop of stars and a cozy cluster of new hostel-friends to enjoy it with, get ready for some pumping tunes, tense moments, and heated atmosphere as you sip a cool beer while you watch them do their thing! This usually followed by a trip into the ocean to view the phosphorescent plankton glow in the water beneath you…
Plankton Power! Koh Rong Samloem Bioluminesence
This leads us on to the plankton. Koh Rong Samloem is a gem amongst the islands of Southeast Asia as it’s one of the only places in the area where you can swim with and view bioluminescent plankton after dark. Trust us when we say that this is one experience you definitely won’t want to miss!
It’s damn near impossible to get a good picture of these little guys however- it’s something you really just have to experience for yourself!
Koh Rong Samloem Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving in Cambodia is not as famously mind-blowing as the dive sites in the Philippines, but it exists! There are definitely some underwater areas worth exploring, and they’re all conveniently located not too far from our Koh Rong Samloem hostel.
Some great diving schools operate from Sunset Beach on the other side of the island, and our reps at Mad Monkey will gladly direct you to the best options. More on this here.
How To Get to Koh Rong Samloem
The BIG question…
So many people get confused over the best way to reach Koh Rong Samloem. Most places on the island are accessible via ferries which depart from the various ports in Sihanoukville.
Mad Monkey Koh Rong Samloem is accessible via the ferry which leaves from the port at Sihanoukville. We work with Speed Ferry Cambodia, whose ferries leave 3 times a day and link up with Mad Monkey’s private boat directly at Saracen Bay.
Most Speed Ferry boats depart from Sihanoukville’s main pier at the end of Serendipity Road, but sometimes (depending on weather and/or availability) the company will collect you there in a bus and take you to another pier slightly further out of town.
Just be sure to arrive early, show a ferry operator your ticket, and ask where the boat to Mad Monkey on Koh Rong Samloem is leaving from. Ask a few people to be sure, and you’ll end up in the right place.
Speed Ferry Cambodia will take to you straight the pier at Saracen Bay, where Mad Monkey’s own private boat (pictured below) will pick you up and take you around the Bay to our own private corner of the island.
What Backpackers on Koh Rong Samloem Need To Know
Now that you’ve made it here, what else do you need to know!?
There is no Wi-Fi on the island. There are also no ATMs. Because of this we recommend taking out enough cash to cover your stay before leaving the mainland.
The initial reactions to our lack of WiFi vary. Social media addicts freak out sometimes, whereas those who like to get off the grid rejoice. By the end of their stay, though, all guests tell us how much they appreciated the digital detox.
If an emergency comes up, you can hop over to Saracen Bay to connect at a cafe. Otherwise, though, we highly recommend embracing the opportunity to get off your screen and get to know the people around you on a deeper level.
Sit back, relax, or play some Cards Against Humanity. What Happens on the island, stays on the island…
Of course there are several other resources for finding affordable Koh Rong Samloem accommodation, and also for things to do on the island. Here are some of our favourites:
- Travelfish – Things to Do in Koh Rong Samloem
- Culture Trip – Top 10 Things to Do in Koh Rong Samloem
- Adventure in You – Where to Stay in Koh Rong Samloem
- Don’t Forget To Move – Paradise on a Budget – Koh Rong Samloem Guide
If you have any questions left about Mad Monkey Koh Rong Samloem, connect with us on Facebook!
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