After leaving Siem Reap I took a bus overnight to Sihanoukville and transferred out to Koh Rong to start my EFR (emergency first responder) and Rescue diver course. The EFR course went pretty fast, a review from life guarding and something good to take with me to Australia. The rescue diver course and search patterns started today with another 2 days of practical skills to go. The course is pretty easy, but it should make diving in AU pretty fun and hopefully there will be a dive club at UQ I can join in.
Koh rong is a beautitful island. almost all the accomodation and restuarants are located within 2km of the two piers, but the island itself is rather massive. The sunset last night was amazing, with the white sand beaches, warm water and wonderful fish dinners I could stay for a while. There are also some chances to explore, a 7k beach on the west side of the island, a few islands near by that should be swimmable and some trekking options. Its not the cheapest place, but it is a beautiful island.
Unfortunately this means that there are several guesthouses under construction and seemingly more in the planning stage. There are also plans to build an airport on the island, although delayed, that would most likely ruin the feel it has now. Most of the foreigners who are working here think it would be the worst thing to happen to the island. For those seeking a getaway, I would agree. It is becoming harder and harder to find those relaxed getaways, without spending thousands on private boats or other transport. All these damn rich foreigners keep inspiring the locals to build more hotels and spas. And backpackers keep opening their own bars to draw more people in.
The diving in Thailand is supposed to be much better as far as wildlife and visability, but also more expensive. It will be interesting to compare. I will also have to finally get up to the great barrier reef after I arrive in AU.
I think I am going to spend a little more time on the bike. There is a narrow strip of Thailand, about 2k wide that runs along the coast for almost 80k, pinched between the Gulf of Thailand and Cambodia. There are also several towns with resorts listed on the maps, hoping for some cheap places as well, at least every 25-50k. So unlike the flat hot wasteland of northern cambodia, i might actually be able to find some food and a place to stay, without having to do 150k a day. Worst case, trat the destination, is only 120+k from the border, an unpleasant but doable ride. From there I need to move with some purpose to Koh lanta to drop the bike and then get down to Penang to be there in time to meet Jayci from the states and prep for the race. Koh rong has been great for running, although it seems there is only one real track.
There are several trails that lead into the jungle across the island. I have been advised to only take the one to 7k beach (heavily marked). But I have already come across several others that look interesting. So if i dont write for a while, I might have disappeared into the jungle...lets hope that doesnt happen.
Koh rong is a beautitful island. almost all the accomodation and restuarants are located within 2km of the two piers, but the island itself is rather massive. The sunset last night was amazing, with the white sand beaches, warm water and wonderful fish dinners I could stay for a while. There are also some chances to explore, a 7k beach on the west side of the island, a few islands near by that should be swimmable and some trekking options. Its not the cheapest place, but it is a beautiful island.
Unfortunately this means that there are several guesthouses under construction and seemingly more in the planning stage. There are also plans to build an airport on the island, although delayed, that would most likely ruin the feel it has now. Most of the foreigners who are working here think it would be the worst thing to happen to the island. For those seeking a getaway, I would agree. It is becoming harder and harder to find those relaxed getaways, without spending thousands on private boats or other transport. All these damn rich foreigners keep inspiring the locals to build more hotels and spas. And backpackers keep opening their own bars to draw more people in.
The diving in Thailand is supposed to be much better as far as wildlife and visability, but also more expensive. It will be interesting to compare. I will also have to finally get up to the great barrier reef after I arrive in AU.
I think I am going to spend a little more time on the bike. There is a narrow strip of Thailand, about 2k wide that runs along the coast for almost 80k, pinched between the Gulf of Thailand and Cambodia. There are also several towns with resorts listed on the maps, hoping for some cheap places as well, at least every 25-50k. So unlike the flat hot wasteland of northern cambodia, i might actually be able to find some food and a place to stay, without having to do 150k a day. Worst case, trat the destination, is only 120+k from the border, an unpleasant but doable ride. From there I need to move with some purpose to Koh lanta to drop the bike and then get down to Penang to be there in time to meet Jayci from the states and prep for the race. Koh rong has been great for running, although it seems there is only one real track.
There are several trails that lead into the jungle across the island. I have been advised to only take the one to 7k beach (heavily marked). But I have already come across several others that look interesting. So if i dont write for a while, I might have disappeared into the jungle...lets hope that doesnt happen.
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