King Island (Koh Sdach)

The islands of Koh Sdiek or King Island (as it is translated) are still largely unexplored by tourists. This is mainly due to the security situation as the area has been used as a stepping stone for smugglers for many years. The main island, and those islands close to the main island, is mostly fine and safe for tourists to spend a few relaxing days or a week.

Found in the middle of the south coast in between Koh Kong and Sihanoukville, Koh S’diek is among a group of about 14 islands and is the main stopover point for the ferries traveling between these two points.

There are two guest houses on the island. They can be found by turning left down the main road once you get off the ferry. The first one you come to will appear friendly as long as you cannot speak Khmer, otherwise the complaints form the landlords better half may cause problems. The second guest house is smaller but more welcoming and is run by an old, rather large Chinese lady and her granddaughter. Mind your step as you walk in as the Chinese lady may be receiving one of her daily massages from her granddaughter.

The snorkeling on Koh S’diek is definitely worthwhile – unless you’ve just come from the Great Barrier Reef or the Maldives. There are many juveniles of rare species which can be spotted there – including the Barramundi Cod. There are several spots you can go including one which is accessible straight from the main island.

To get there follow the main road as it parallels the beach. When the road takes a sharp right to go up the hill to the Wat, continue on straight through all the fishermen’s huts. Go past all the huts until you see only one house left down the other end of the beach. Go past this house (watch out for the dogs) and then go inland and over to the other side of the island (about 200m). Then keep heading along the beach away from the settlement over to get as close as you can to a small island you will see a little offshore.

The snorkeling in between these islands is great, but best to do it on a high slack tide as the current can get quite strong as it goes over the reef.

How to get there: From Phnom Penh catch a taxi to Srei Abul or Sihanoukville. This will depend on whether you prefer to travel by boat or by road. If you prefer road then go to Sihanoukville, if by sea then go to Srei Abul. Then catch the ferry to Koh Kong. The first stop the ferry get’s to is Koh S’Diek.

An easier way is to catch a small boat around to the smaller island from the main port. This should not cost more than US$3.00.

Then you will have the island all to yourself. Be wary of stone fish in the shallow waters!

It is best to take US dollars or Thai baht with you as these are generally more accepted. You will find the shops are chock-a-block with all sorts of goods (probably due to the high rate of smuggling) but restaurants are difficult to find and close early. The best one is run by the wife of the local police sergeant that can be found at the head of the main road next to the main village square.