The humidity in this region was aptly illustrated by the heavy dew that formed overnight even without any significant drop in temperature. We awoke to find our washing put outside last night to dry, now drenched rather than dry.
As small commuter boats and fishing craft go up and down the river, our unit sways gently back and forth in the wash the boats create and it’s a very relaxing feeling.
We had breakfast at 07:30 and decided that before the heat of the day struck, we’d go for a paddle around the island that is directly opposite the lodge. We had a two-person kayak and took a leisurely pace doing the 3.5 km circumnavigation in just over half an hour. At the northern end of the island we passed another floating resort with about ten bamboo units but it appeared to be vacant.
The island is called Koh Andet and has ten houses and forty residents a number of whom work in the resort. Most of the elderly in the village are refugees from the Pol Pot regime.
The island also houses the water processing and filtration plant for the resort. Sewerage is treated through a septic system with an emphasis on low environmental impact. We were very impressed with the Lodge’s efforts to minimise waste and their use of biodegradable bags made from cassava starch rather than plastics. This has been achieved through a partnership with “Cleanbodia” a facility providing innovative solutions to achieve waste minimising.
Other features of the resort pertaining to sustainability are the use of non-rotting floors made from a composite of wood and recycled plastic; and a move to achieve a 75% reliance on solar power for electricity.
For the first time in nearly four weeks we spent the afternoon just sitting in the sun, relaxing, reading and sleeping. When it became oppressively hot in the middle of the day, we retired to our “tent” and enjoyed the shade and cooling effect of the electric fans inside.
Orchid, Four Rivers Floating Lodge
Tomorrow we are intending to do a boat and kayaking trip into a mangrove area to observe the wildlife and possibly to visit a local village. Although it’s exceedingly unlikely that we’ll see such things, the region we’re in has been known for sightings of tigers, a rare ‘fishing’ cat and another feline somewhat like a small leopard.