Off the Grid, Kep Cambodia


Photographer Jun V Lao
Marine Conservation Cambodia specializes in Sea Horse conservation and warding off illegal Vietnamese fishing boats in Kep Cambodia
One of the strangest things about working and living in Cambodia is the amount of holidays one gets in a year. (lots of holidays at the first six months). Had a five day break a month ago and wanted to try diving the Cambodian coast again (dove Sihanoukville once in 2010, a three day/ ten dive adventure). Made several inquiries with dive shops around Sihanoukville and stumbled upon Marine Conservation Cambodia, a site I remember to have passed by frequently when I was new to diving (found it way cool).
Sent out an email inquiry about being a volunteer photographer over the long work holiday and after a quick conversation with Paul Ferber, the founder and brainchild of MCC, found myself headed to Kep, which was now his new base of operations. Kep intrigued  me since from Paul's description, his new office was teeming with macro marine life. It also had an interesting past as it used to be the coastal town where the affluent Khmer's used to build summer homes, till Pol Pot got to power and grabbed everything... but that my friends is another story...

Photographer Jun V Lao
interacting with the local kids
Getting to Kep was an easy 3 hour, 140km ride by car from Phnom Penh. Upon reaching the Kep Pier, it took another 45 minute boat ride to reach Paul's island. The base of Marine Conservation Cambodia was a surprisingly pleasant "Off the Grid" experience. There was hardly any mobile signal save for walking to the tip of his pier. The island was smack in the middle of Cambodian and Vietnamese waters which made for an interesting adventure where upon arrival, Paul had just chased off illegal Vietnamese fishing trawlers which have been making the waters turbid as the nets plowed through the shallow sandy areas.

It was time to do my dives and tried to find seahorses, which was documented to be quite prolific off Cambodian coastlines. It was quite unfortunate though I arrived  when the Vietnamese trawlers decided to draw their nets causing water visibility to drop to a meter at best. Another interesting fact about waters around Kep is that the coasts are a flat 5 meters deep through and through. Did a 2 hour dive despite the almost zero vis conditions and found the usual muck dive subjects which were Crabs, Sea moths, Dragonets, Flounders but didn't manage to see Seahorses. Because of the turbidity, decided to focus taking images of what happens around Paul's island topside.




What I found really fascinating about Marine Conservation Cambodia's operation is it provides a need which is seemingly overlooked by mainstream tourism operators. Eco tourism makes for a more interesting holiday but not everyone has the knowledge nor passion to set the stage to excite and nurture future ocean heroes. There were no Television sets, electricity was only opened from sunset to an hour past midnight but board games, interesting conversations and Paul's insane yet fun stories make for a warm and delightful stay.

Photographer Jun V Lao PaparazSea
 young ocean explorers gearing up at the dive shack

When I arrived, there were ten female teens from different countries and a young guy from New York, all coming to live the island life and learn more about how to protect and keep our oceans healthy for future generations. Personally, diving took a backseat and it was back to Sea Camp for me which I found highly enjoyable. Below is a photo essay of  what its like to be an ocean volunteer for Marine Conservation Cambodia.


Photographer Jun V Lao PaparazSea
gearing up is fun
Photographer Jun V Lao PaparazSea
Elow from MMC
sunset beach volleyball keep the guys and gals sexy

Photographer, Jun V Lao, Paparazsea
 learning from one another
a program designed for future ocean heroes
The kitchen, serving a fusion of Khmer and French cuisine
pleasantly genuine island style accommodations

fakers, stay away or Mr T will get you


Photographer Jun V Lao, PaparazSea
see the milky way at midnight

staring at the stars
Photography PaparazSeaPhotographer Jun V Lao
Left: Meet Paul, founder of Marine Conservation Cambodia
(and yes, that shooting star..photo to the right... was real)

Jun V Lao Photography, Kep Cambodia, Marine Conversation Cambodia
Paul Ferber in the news UK Telegraph
National Geographic feature

for more information about Marine Conservation Cambodia
contact Paul Ferber +855-1671-5444






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4 Komentar
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In the luxurious reality of today, living off-the grid might sound like a true scene of apocalypse, but the beauty of its self-sustenance makes one connect more with nature and natural living or perhaps just, living. See more http://survival-mastery.com/basics/how-to-live-off-the-grid.html

Balas
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hey Jonsmith, really cool post, cheers, commented my insights as well, cheers

Balas
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Hey bro, you still in PP, when you dropping by again,. V

Balas
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Back in ph man...thanks for dropping by..hope all is well there

Balas