Cambodian Island Program Book

Where in Cambodia will I be?

You will be living on an extraordinarily beautiful, isolated island in the Gulf of Thailand.

The Accommodation

Comfortable village huts or in a dormitory on the pier.

The Food

Delicious but limited to noodles, locally grown vegetables and fish. There is fruit.

Getting to the Island

We meet you in Phnom Penh and take you to the bus station for your journey Sihanhoukville. You will be met in Sihanhoukville and taken by local boat to the nearby island. 

What will my day be like?

You will wake early and grow to love the village rooster! You dive in a fabulous location with the purpose of regenerating the reef and the marine environment from which the villagers get their source of protein.

Other Activities

Much of your time will be spent with the local villagers. You will get to experience the tastes and variety of local food.  

• The island offers secluded beaches for leisure days;


• You can enjoy some beach football, beach volleyball, snorkeling and swimming;


• If you have the time optional activities are available such as visiting the Killing Fields museum, the Royal Palace, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or the central market in Phnom Penh.!

Weather on the Cambodian Islands

The months of November to January are dry in Cambodia. Humidity levels are low and there is little rainfall. Daytime temperatures are mild, while the nights are cool. The hot months are April to May, with temperatures from 30°C (86°F) to (more often) 40°C (104°F). In July, monsoons bring rain and humidity that last until October.

What NOT to bring?

Think about your favourite clothes, shoes, and handbags — and then discard those thoughts! Think practical, comfortable, and easy to wash. On an isolated island you won’t require precious garments or flashy jewellery!
It’s about sun protection, easy wear, and no hassle. 

What To Bring

 Critical Items: Pack these items in your carry on luggage

1. Passport with at least 6 months validity from date of return
2. Copy of your travel insurance policy, showing your name as policy holder, the policy number and the 24/7 emergency contact number
3. 30+ sunscreen and lip-balm

 Suggested Items

1. Government issued ID (such as driver’s license)
2. Heavy duty insect repellant (with highest DEET content available in your home country)
3. International contact number for your Travel / Credit card provider if you are bringing a travel card with you.

 Medical

1. All required medications (pack in hand luggage)
2. Immodium or similar medication for upset stomachs
3. Basic pain killers

 Critical Items: Pack these items in your carry on luggage

1. Females are asked not to wear singlets, low-cut tops or short shorts. Spaghetti strap tops are also unacceptable. You will be working in a rural village where cultural sensitivities have to be respected. You may be asked to leave the project site if your dress is not acceptable
2. Knee length shorts
3. A hat to protect your head and face from the sun
4. Working gloves – western hands are often soft and not used to construction work or handling vegetation.
5. Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho
6. A sweater / hoodie for the evenings
7. Long-sleeved top and long pants to avoid insect bites during the evenings
8. Wellington/gum boots for May-August, when conditions can be muddy (not essential)
9. Comfortable walking or hiking shoes, waterproof if possible but runners / sneakers are acceptable
10. Swimsuit
11. Sandals or flip-flops for relaxing of a night
12. Laundry for around $1 per kilo

Flights

You will arrive at and depart from Phnom Penh International Airport. Provided you have given us your arrival and departure time there will be some one there to meet you and to assist you back to the airport on departure day.

Travel Insurance

In the unlikely event that you need emergency treatment, no western hospital in the countries where we operate will treat you unless you show a copy of a valid travel insurance policy in your name, matching the name on your passport. Without admission to a western hospital you will be treated in a local hospital. We work in developing countries and medical training, hygiene and conditions at local hospitals is generally of a low standard. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Frequently asked questions

Will there be mosquito nets?

Yes

May I wear singlets (tank tops), shorts, and bikinis?

No, but if you head off to a secluded spot for a BBQ on our own you can wear your usual western style clothing and bathing costume.

Do I need bedding?

No!

Do I need vaccinations?

Ask your doctor

Do I need insurance?

Yes

May I bring a suitcase?

We recommend a backpack

Will I be met at the airport?

We will collect you on the day you arrive (provided you have given us your arrival time and flight number!)

Do I need to arrange transport for my departure flight?

We will drop you off at the airport on the day of departure.

Will there be wifi?

Not all the time. Wifi on the island is very poor and intermittent.

Will I have electricity and adaptors?

Not all the time, but often enough to charge your cameras, phones, and iPods.

Isn’t Cambodia dangerous?

Cambodia (a predominantly Buddhist country) has very little civil unrest.

Will there be big insects or dangerous animals?

Sometimes you have to be concerned with the small insects. We suggest mosquito repellant with a high DEET factor be worn 24/7 Mosquito nets are provided.

May I bring toys and other small gifts?

Yes!

What could I bring with me to donate to the village?

Children’s clothes and shoes. Early childhood-development and educational materials such as books, crayons, and pencils. Sports equipment. Running shoes and clothes.

Safety

Safety Every aspect of your program has safety as its highest priority. We organize your program from start to finish. If you arrive at the airport on the day the program commences, there will be a Tribe representative to meet you. You will be living in a shared, clean, hygienic, and safe accommodation. You will have constant access to safe drinking water.