Just a short trip from Kuala Lumpur, Cambodia’s idyllic Koh Russey offers a tempting tropical escape at Jati Resort, where understated luxury meets barefoot island tranquillity. And there’s an extra reason to go NOW: special ExpatGo vouchers are available for a very low price, but they expire October 31.
For Kuala Lumpur residents looking for an easy tropical escape, Cambodia may not be the first destination that comes to mind. But just off the southern coast, Koh Russey offers precisely the sort of relaxed island retreat that can be surprisingly difficult to find without a long journey or complicated transfers.
At the heart of it is Jati Resort, a stylish beachfront property that opened in 2025 on the island’s northeastern coast. Surrounded by casuarina and coconut trees, with the sea stretching out in front and Sihanoukville visible across the water, Jati manages to feel both polished and wonderfully peaceful.
ISLAND LUXURY WITHOUT THE FUSS
The resort’s villas combine contemporary design with subtle touches inspired by Cambodian craftsmanship. Spacious terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable beds, open-plan wardrobes, and thoughtfully designed bathrooms create a sense of residential ease, while the low-impact setting preserves much of the island’s natural character.
For us, however, one of Jati’s biggest strengths was its people. The staff were consistently warm, friendly, and capable, from serving cold beers on the beach and accommodating breakfast requests to explaining the spa treatments and even joining us for a doubles game of pickleball. That genuine Cambodian hospitality added considerably to the experience.
Food is another highlight. Dining at Jati draws on coastal Cambodian flavours alongside international favourites, with an emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients. Bai Sor offers generous breakfasts, while lunch and dinner bring together seafood, salads, grilled dishes, and plenty of regional character. We particularly enjoyed an evening devoted almost entirely to Khmer dishes – a memorable introduction to the local cuisine.
Then there are the activities. Jati offers an unusually comprehensive selection, with many included in the stay. Guests can go snorkeling, paddleboarding, cycling, play tennis, badminton or pickleball, take to the basketball or volleyball courts, or even have a go in the resort’s own boxing ring. There’s also a fully equipped gym, with a miniature golf course adding to the lineup.
The result is a resort where doing absolutely nothing is perfectly acceptable, but finding something to do is equally easy.
Best of all, Koh Russey is remarkably convenient from Kuala Lumpur. Its proximity to Sihanoukville Airport and swift transfers make Jati particularly appealing for a weekend escape or short tropical break, without sacrificing the feeling of having properly got away from it all.
And now there’s another reason to consider a visit. ExpatGo readers can take advantage of a special discounted offer at Jati Resort, but the vouchers expire October 31, 2026. If a Cambodian island escape sounds tempting, this is a good time to take a closer look.
AirAsia offers daily flights between KLIA Terminal 2 and Sihanoukville International Airport.
TO LEARN MORE, READ THE FULL ARTICLE ABOUT JATI RESORT HERE.
