Tourism & Adventure: A beautiful day of discovery on Koh Ach Seh
- Voyageuse Passion
- Oct 29, 2025
- 5 min read
For our last activity with the Kep West team, we travelled to Koh Ach Seh, an island located just a few dozen minutes by boat from Kep. It is here that Marine Conservation Cambodia has set up one of its bases.
Our arrival is greeted by the gentle lapping of turquoise waves and the warm smiles of the MCC team. The organization, which is dedicated to protecting Cambodia's fragile marine ecosystems, welcomes us with open arms. Tanguy Frénéat, the project manager, invites us to join him and explains the work carried out by MCC in the region, then shares his passionate commitment to his mission.
Marine Conservation Cambodia
Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC) is actively engaged in protecting and restoring marine ecosystems around Koh Ach Seh, a small, uninhabited island in the south of Kep Province, Cambodia. Situated approximately 13 kilometres from the town of Kep, the island is a focal point for MCC's conservation initiatives, encompassing the management of 13 additional island reefs and approximately 30 square kilometres of seagrass beds within the coastal waters of Kep.
One of the MCC's key initiatives on this island involves deploying Conservation and Anti-Trawling Structures (CATS). These concrete blocks are placed on the seabed in strategic locations to prevent illegal trawling, a destructive practice that damages coral reefs, seagrass beds and marine biodiversity. The CATS act as artificial reefs and physical barriers, capturing trawl nets and deterring illegal fishermen from entering protected areas. Since their deployment, these structures have promoted the rapid recovery of shellfish populations and other marine life, thereby contributing to the restoration of biodiversity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of local fisheries.
'The artificial reefs created by the MCC attract rare and vulnerable species to the area, improving marine habitats that resemble natural ecosystems.'
So far, more than 200 concrete blocks have been deployed, and plans are in place to install an additional 5,000 reefs over the next five years in other coastal provinces, including Kampot, Preah Sihanouk and Koh Kong.
This expansion will sustainably restore Cambodia's marine resources, benefiting both biodiversity and local fishing communities in the long term," says Tanguy.
He then shows us around the facilities, including the simple bungalows where the project's staff and volunteers live. He also takes us to the communal area, which is a large, exotic pavilion that serves as a meeting room. Standing in front of photos, diagrams and samples, Tanguy continues his explanation: 'In addition to habitat restoration, the MCC base in Koh Ach Seh provides a unique environment for marine research, monitoring and training.' The island's shallow, calm reefs provide safe diving conditions, enabling the MCC team and volunteers to carry out underwater research and conservation work without having to travel long distances by boat. Volunteers also contribute to sustainable conservation projects, gaining hands-on experience in protecting marine ecosystems and witnessing the return of endangered species such as dolphins and dugongs.'
Our son's eyes sparkle with curiosity as he looks at photos of the creatures that live in reefs and learns how important it is to preserve these underwater gardens. We are impressed by the scale of the project, and delighted to see that conservation efforts are having such a positive impact. The MCC's work in Koh Ach Seh demonstrates a holistic approach to marine conservation, incorporating habitat restoration, anti-poaching initiatives, scientific research and community involvement. The Cambodian fisheries administration widely recognises their efforts, and they have formed partnerships with national and international organisations. This makes Koh Ach Seh a vital sanctuary for marine life and a model for conservation in the region
Remains of war
Following the presentation, Tanguy invites us to explore the island. We head towards the first observation post, which is located a few dozen metres from the camp. En route, we pass bunkers that were used during the war. Koh Ach Seh played an important strategic role in the war between Cambodia and Vietnam. The Khmer Rouge used it as a military outpost because it was the island furthest from the Cambodian coast in the region and close to Vietnam.
This made it a critical surveillance and defence point during the conflict. Remnants of this period can still be seen today in the form of old military bunkers and fruit trees, which were planted by the Khmer Rouge to feed their troops. The island's military importance was linked to its location near the Cambodian-Vietnamese border, where it served as an isolated but vital outpost for Cambodian forces. Its isolation and natural cover made it ideal for this purpose, while its proximity to the town of Kep ensured logistical support.
An educational swim
From the observation post, the view is obviously splendid, but it is the prospect of swimming and watching the fish that really excites us. We head to the other side of the island. A second observation post, located much higher up, allows us to admire this splendid landscape once again. Tanguy explains that this is where they watch dolphins and dugongs, and also keep an eye out for fishing boats that venture into the sanctuary.
When we arrive at the beach, we slip into the warm, turquoise sea and are immediately greeted by an incredible array of marine life. We quickly spot several shoals of fish and marvel at the intricate patterns of shells scattered across the sandy seabed. This is an experience that is both exciting and peaceful: exciting because of the vibrant sea creatures that seem to welcome us into their domain and peaceful because of the serene silence that surrounds us beneath the surface. This is a perfect spot for snorkellers, offering an ideal environment in which to deepen your knowledge of marine biodiversity and create precious memories. It's a blend of adventure, education and natural beauty.
Robinson Luxury
After an hour of swimming, we returned to camp for a unique culinary experience. The chefs at Kep West did a great job. They had set up a barbecue, which allowed us to grill some seafood ourselves while enjoying cold beers. We were seated at an elegantly set table facing the sea and enjoyed our superb lunch with Tanguy and the children of Paul Ferber, the creator and charismatic leader of the MCC project.
The menu for this 'luxury Robinson' lunch features crab tartare, fish, meat and local vegetables, all artfully and passionately prepared by the incredible team of chef Chuon Sokheng from Kep West.
During the meal, Paul's children talk about their love of the sea, which they share with their father, and express their excitement about spending their holiday on this island.
An island unlike any other
After this delicious meal, we decide to go for another swim from the main beach. It's a little windier, but the experience is just as exhilarating. Quickly noticing my son's reckless attitude, Paul's children rush over to give him some advice and precautions to take when swimming in protected waters. We also spot a few schools of fish, albeit fleetingly as the water is a little choppy, but the experience is just as exhilarating.
Unfortunately, it's time to head back to Kep. My son is thrilled by the atmosphere and the wonderful discovery, but he's reluctant to leave and has asked us to stay for a few more days. We promise him that we will come back very soon to visit this truly unique island again. As the sun sets over Koh Ach Seh, casting a golden glow over the island, we leave with hearts full of gratitude and inspiration.
This day was much more than just a visit: it was a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals and organizations can have on protecting our planet's natural treasures. Even better, our experience with Marine Conservation Cambodia was a living example of how passion and perseverance can bring about real change. It's a story we'll carry with us and one that will make us appreciate even more the delicate beauty of the ocean and the urgent need to preserve it.
Comments