Is east left or right?
Koh Rong Sanloem 7th to 10th
Koh Rong Sanloem 7th to 10th

Koh Rong Sanloem 7th to 10th

Disembarking from the boat we stepped onto another beautiful sandy beach, instead of the bustling isolated beach club of Nest, we were greeted by a long relaxed beach with a dabbling of hotels, restaurants, and bars. We were in store for a few chill days here. We’d also been given a hostel recommendation so began our beach front walk towards our new home.

It still cracks me up to think, I hop out of this boat quite excited for the walk. Steve seemed less enthusiastic, I couldn’t work out why. I even said ‘lets just walk it’ immediately after landing on the beach. At this point Steve, who is hungover to almost being unwell, has just disembarked from the two hour voyage across a very choppy sea, sat on wooden benches, within a narrow boat powered by noisy twin rear-mounted car engines across a very choppy sea. I can’t think why Steve might have needed a second…

Onederz (a name that baffled me when I tried to search for it), our hostel, had a huge relaxed communal area on the beach front. Tables, pool tables, ceiling fans, and the shade of a fern tree. Even better, the dorms were clean and not in a swamp (with AC) – it was all looking good for us.

The first day, we chill out and get in the sea a couple of times (although I’m still nursing my sunburn from my fake sun cream). Early on we also found my favourite eatery on the beach. Literally next door, it was a statistical wonder we stumbled across it. He enticed us in by offering us a fried egg atop veg and rice for $2.5. Without much (any) consultation with Steve, I ordered one of those and sat down . 

I proceeded to eat this exact meal for 3 out of four proceeding meals, and again in the following days.

The south(ish) facing beach curved round the loose bay, and we ended our first night with a sunset stroll taking in the beautiful colours. The sunset didn’t disappoint, washing the beach scene in bold blues and purples, and vibrant reds and oranges. 

Grateful for a night of not drinking we turned in.

I turned in especially early, with a plan to rise for sunrise. It was beautiful at 5.30, nobody else stirred until 6.30. I just sat and watched the day start, people walking their dogs, and locals going to work or running their errands (most commonly by boat, although some opted for the scooter across the sand). 

Over the next couple of days, Steve and I embrace the relaxed beach lifestyle. Logging some serious beach time, amongst the occasional meal and beer. One evening in particular was interesting. Steve and I were planning on heading to a bar next door where the party was supposedly going to be that night. However, before we leave we get trapped by a tropical storm. Anyway, the night turns into a very wholesome lock-in type affair. The whole hostel was in the bar, playing pool, and cards. Some of us were even drinking a fair few of the very cheap beers.

One daytime we hiked around the island, including to the lighthouse across the island somewhat. Steve made some interesting fashion choices, improvising a hat to protect him from the sun. At the lighthouse, there was “$1usd per person” spray painted on the side, and true enough a local emerged for us to pay the toll and climb the stairs. The climb was 6 consecutive ladders, but worth it for the view.

One other night, Steve and I ended up playing a fairly intense game of cards with some friends we met on Koh Rong. Luke and Ems (we would bump into these two again and again over the next few weeks.) The game was Cambio, with which I was familiar with but by no means a master of. I lost pretty horrifically, cementing my lack of mastery.

Sadly after a few days of relaxing bliss it was time to move on, and continue the adventure.

I will think back fondly on our time on the beach.

Steve and I's sunset walk

Image 1 of 10

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *