Song Saa Private Island
Two Cambodian islands joined by a footbridge, with a marine reserve created between them.
Song Saa occupies Koh Ouen and Koh Bong in the Koh Rong archipelago off Sihanoukville, joined by a wooden footbridge. One property occupies both islands, and the water between them was established by the owners as Cambodia's first marine reserve. The second island is left largely undeveloped — forest, a beach and little else — which is unusual for a two-island property, where the temptation is to build on both.
Twenty-four villas over water, on the beach and in the jungle are built in reclaimed timber, much of it from old fishing boats and village houses. The Song Saa Foundation works on the reef and with the communities of the surrounding islands, and the property can be taken whole. The name means sweethearts in Khmer, after the pair of islands.
The reserve was a first for the country. Song Saa did not open beside protection — it created it, and the model has since been used elsewhere in Cambodian waters.
One island left alone. Holding two islands and building on one is a decision that costs money and is visible from every villa on the other side of the bridge.
Who it is not for
Song Saa is wrong for travellers expecting Maldivian water clarity — this is the Gulf of Thailand, and visibility varies sharply by season. It is wrong for guests who need a short, easy journey, since Sihanoukville is a connection beyond Phnom Penh. And it is wrong for those wanting a large resort's facilities at twenty-four villas. Those wanting clarity should look at Misool or Bawah.
Sources
- songsaa.com — twenty-four villas, Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, Song Saa Foundation
- Marine reserve status, villa count and seasonal visibility unverified. Confirm before publication.
Booking
Private Island Resorts arranges each stay on request, quoting the rates available for the island and dates. No benefit should be assumed unless it is confirmed in writing for the individual reservation.
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