Chambok - Homestay in Eco Tourism Community | Cambodia

On the way down to the beach at Sihanoukville we stopped off at Chambok, a community which follows Ecotourism. I asked myself, what is Ecotourism? As life without the Khmer Rouge became a reality, the people of this community, which consists of nine villages, decided they wanted to come back to this remote spot. The state decided it would not support the community, so they had to do this themselves. This meant they hunted wild animals and began cutting down lots of trees to earn money. When an NGO visited, the community was encouraged to protect their surroundings and make use of the beautiful waterfalls and Khmer culture for tourists.

We arrived late afternoon, and half the group headed for the waterfall. It was quite a hike, and I struggled with my bag and jumper, which was used as an anti mosquito measure. Eventually we clambered over the last few rocks and were presented with the above view.

It was unfortunately too late to go swimming, but it was lovely and cool sitting next to the spraying water.

With darkness approaching, we hop footed it back to the Women's Restaurant in the complex for a lovely Khmer meal. After we stuffed ourselves, we were treated to a dancing performance from the local children. When you come to Cambodia, you will get a lot of children coming up and begging. Although it is hard, you must not give them any money. They always have some older person behind them, making them beg, and they never get any of the profits. This dancing troupe was started to try and prevent the children from begging, and seems to be working. Although, I'm not sure making children dance in front of Westerners is any better than begging, but at least the children seemed happier than others I have met on this trip.

The dances were so intricate, and I have no idea how they were able to bend their fingers to make the moves. Khmer dancing is all about the technique, and can be quite slow but powerful to watch.

It was then off to the homestay. Our group was split in half, the oldies and the young uns. We entered the bamboo house and were presented with lots of beds and mosquito nets. We all got ready for bed and settled down for a good nights sleep... NOT.

If ever you want an introduction to rural Cambodian life, but want sleep too, remember to bring your earplugs. There is constant noise the whole night, crickets, dance music in the distance, babies crying, dogs barking, ROOSTERS. Oh and Adam, one of our group waking everyone up shouting 'MUM MUM' from a nightmare. Those who know me well know that I need to get a good sleep or I get cranky.

The next morning we were leaving early, but I managed to get some snaps of the place we has stayed.

Here was the house we stayed in. It was a shame, we never really got to meet the family who had given up their house for a night. The lady of the house didn't seem very confident around strangers and wanted to get on with her daily routines without being disturbed, which is fair enough.

I don't think we were able to experience all this place has to offer, but we did meet an American girl who had been learning to cook, make jewellery and had taken an Oxen cart to the local market.

Onwards to some of the best beaches I have ever set foot on!