Radioamateurs from Russia will be active from Cambodia 16 November - 5 December 2016 as XU7AEZ.
They will operate on HF Bands.
They will operate also from Koh Rong Sanloem Island, IOTA AS - 133.
More information will be available soon.
Koh Rong Sanloem Island : the Cambodian paradise
History
Koh Rong Sanloem is a Cambodian island set 2 hours from the Sihanoukville. The British calls this heat shaped island as Saracen Bay. The beach spans across the north coastal to Koh Rong. There are many private business across the bay with resorts and hotels offering fantastic view of the island. this belongs to the Marine Conservation Cambodia that preserve the ecology and marine life in Koh Rong.
Using the boat, Koh Rong Sanloem is accessible from Sihanoukville. It takes 30 minutes to arrive by ferry and the harbour promises great panorama of the fishing villages where the locals set their boats aside when they are not fishing at the sea. There are 3 big beaches but the minor ones are not inhabited – considered as the virgin beaches where most tourists would come across.
There are only a small number of tour agencies in the island. These operators provide touring service across the island from eco dive to seaside trip. You can also stay overnight at bungalows or resorts with the massive amount of deluxe hotels built there.
Weather
The weather at Koh Rong Sanloem is quite nice. With the prevailing winds across direction, the tropical island offers tropical climate as it is set at the Thailand Gulfstream. Hence, the weather is highly predictable. During the cold season from November to March, the climate can be dry but the clear sky with no cloud offers excellent view. The north east influences the climate during this month and the humidity is quite low too.
During the summer, the weather is nice from June to September. The strong winds bring a bit of rains and sometimes it can be very heavy. This is where the most humid season takes place. The rain comes during afternoon when the month has reach April and May. A frequent rain comes in October to November. The summer can really makes a hot day with the temperature rising up till 30 degrees of Celcius. The Koh Rong Samloem lies near the equator line.
A world’s inspiring place
The Cambodian navy owns Koh Rong Sanloem and it is an organized area with many islands surround the place. In 2014, there were massive developments by private companies because they were looking to build public places. The gorgeous island has a number of beaches with the lazy sunset. You can access some of the beaches by foot or simply by boat and watch how the glittery sun sets on the west.
The east side of this island is the Saracen Bay – a bay named after british ship. This is the first stop if you travel from Sihanoukville. As one of the mostly developed bay, the island is a popular place visited by hundreds of tourist each day. The one day trip is enough to enjoy the tour in the mainland. The white beach plus eco tents are quickly developed into tourism attractions along with huts and bungalows for romantic getaway. The accessibility gives you a good vibe as you can relax and chill out.
At the north of Koh Rong island, there is a village named MPai Bei. This fishing village is a home to Eco Sea Dive. There are several accommodations properly set in the village but there are none of them that set directly next to the beach. The eco tourism project is developed by the Marine of Cambodia. This opportunity is offered to the visitors who would like to help conserving the ecological sector and experience the beach clean-up day. This friendly tourist site gives a rural view of a village inside the island.
Things to do
Snorkelling and Scubadiving
The Koh Rong Sanloem offers world’s greatest diving site. With the Eco Sea develops the area, the mainland is a major site for scuba divers. There are plenty of site underwater as the Eco Sea purposely sunk a boat to create underwater reef. You can rent the scuba diving gear from the local providers.
Trekking and hiking
There are trails of tracks that will take you to the jungle of the island. these are traditional ways to get inline with the nature. Once you step into the jungle, you will witness great picturesque that’s somehow scatter around the island. The stunning view of uninhabited mangrove forest offers tremendous greeneries and cool atmosphere. You will have no time to get lazy on bed because the outdoor activities await.
Explore the island’s untouched areas and their gorgeous nature-formed panorama. Somehow, it is worth the hike. You can witness many jungle species as you camp in treehouse or a rustic accommodation. There are many cheap cottages made from wooden that will take you back to nature.
Island hopping
Renting a boat requires a negotiation with the owner but the amount is still affordable. From Sihanoukville, the ferry will take you approximately 45 minutes to the Saracen Bay. The bay also provides boats back to the mainland. There are also ferries that take you to Mpai Bei.
The Saracen Bay in particular, offers you a kayaking experience with moon parties by the beach and join other travellers to have fun. Many backpackers would come from Sihanoukville during the time and enjoy the cocktail while sitting on the sands. It is easy to make yourself happy at this place!
Island hopping requires a total patience because you have to hire boats and go back to shore every time you want to go to different place.
The wildlife in the ‘open’ zoo
The integral part of the paradise is definitely the animal wild life. It may not have been developed properly but this free range zoo gives you the possibility to witness hornbills, snakes, geckos (giant size) and more. Sharing the island with these animals create a large zoo that will unexpectedly let you meet those animals.
Daytime and night time entertainment
With a full range of attractions, Koh Rong Sanloem offers day and night entertainment that you should not miss. Koh rong brings you a whole load of happiness.
