A short hop from Kuala Lumpur brings travellers to Koh Russey, where Jati Resort offers a refined, quietly luxurious island getaway just minutes from the mainland.

If you’re anything like us, Cambodia is probably not the first country that comes to mind when you think of luxe holiday travel to regional tropical islands. (You may not have even been aware that Cambodia actually has islands.) But hear us out! For Kuala Lumpur travellers looking for a genuine island retreat without the long transfers or complicated logistics, Jati Resort presents an impressively convenient and wonderfully enjoyable option – with a price tag that we can guarantee you’ll find pleasantly surprising!

The journey begins with a short flight (about an hour and 40 minutes) from KL to Sihanoukville with AirAsia, followed by a quick 10-minute drive from the small airport to the resort’s dedicated pavilion and jetty. From there, a sleek speedboat carries guests across the narrow strait to Koh Russey (also known as Bamboo Island) in a mere seven or eight minutes.

The easy transition from city bustle to tranquil island setting happens so swiftly that it feels rather improbable, and yet, this incredible accessibility has become one of Jati’s most appealing advantages for those of us in Kuala Lumpur. Just think, in a little over two hours, you can be on this little-known tropical island enjoying a lovely upscale resort with all the offerings you expect.

A TOUCH OF BAREFOOT LUXURY

Jati Resort, which was newly built in 2025, occupies a generous stretch of Koh Russey’s northeastern coastline, giving guests broad views of the sea framed by natural greenery, with the skyline of mainland Sihanoukville in the distance. Even with its polished villas and beachfront facilities, the property maintains a remarkably low-impact footprint.

Much of the island’s interior remains untouched, lending a sense of seclusion that has become increasingly rare in the region. Paths curve gently through stands of casuarina and coconut trees, and the overall atmosphere encourages guests to slow their pace, breathe deeply, and savour the calm.

Jati Resort blends contemporary design with subtle nods to Cambodian craftsmanship. Clean lines, open spaces, and warm timber accents define the aesthetic, resulting in an environment that feels refined without coming across as ostentatious. Villas come with stylish furnishings, spacious terraces, exceptionally comfortable beds, and interiors that strike a pleasing balance between style and practicality. Floor-to-ceiling windows draw in natural light, while thoughtful touches such as large “open-plan” wardrobes, well-laid-out bathrooms, and carefully chosen fixtures and design elements enhance the sense of both comfort and almost-residential ease. There’s a large flat-screen TV in the living room, but admittedly, we never turned it on; there was just too much else to see and do!

The villas are not outlandishly large – at least not the one-bedroom versions – but they’re plenty spacious enough, and they’re also beautifully designed and well kitted-out. The only thing we missed was a nice soaking tub; only some of the larger villas have those! For those who want their own pool, Jati has a number of villas (one- and two-bedroom) with private pools. Our 104-sq meter oceanfront villa had a pool, which we enjoyed several times.

The resort’s main pool area forms one of its most beguiling social hubs, offering sea views and an inviting place to unwind throughout the day. Again, we found the size and design to mirror that of the resort itself: spacious and refined, without being over-the-top or falsely indulgent. The pool itself is large and attractive, and loungers and daybeds dot the perimeter, including a few which are in shallow parts of the pool. As this area is only steps away from the resort’s beachside restaurant, service at the pool is sufficiently attentive yet relaxed, and the staff maintain a friendly, unforced manner that quickly sets the tone for “chill time” spent poolside.

We figure that many of Jati’s guests spend their post-breakfast mornings exploring the beach or cycling the island’s trails, then return in the afternoon for a swim, a drink, perhaps some sports, or simply a quiet moment spent reading or just taking in the sunset (which takes place quite early here – a little before 6pm).

It must be noted that, for us, an undeniable highlight of Jati Resort was the staff. At every turn, we found them to be gracious, friendly, and capable, whether it was serving up some ice-cold beers by the beach, navigating our special orders at breakfast, walking us through the comprehensive spa menu, or engaging us in a doubles match of pickleball. We absolutely love the warmth and sincerity of Cambodian hospitality and felt that Jati’s entire staff reflected this ethos marvellously.

RESORT DINING

We were also thoroughly impressed with the F&B program at the resort. Dining at Jati emphasizes freshness and regional character. Menus draw inspiration from coastal Cambodian flavours alongside international favourites, with a clear focus on quality ingredients. Breakfasts at Bai Sor are generous and varied, while lunches and dinners showcase seafood, vibrant salads, and flavourful grilled dishes. (We enjoyed a fabulous dinner which comprised solely local Khmer dishes here one night, and what a fine memory that became!)

The beachside restaurant, appropriately called the Beach Club, boasts a particularly pleasant setting, and lingering over a meal with the sound of waves nearby becomes a highlight for many visitors. It certainly did for us. We enjoyed not only the great food, but also the cold beer on tap (never unwelcome on a sunny day) – and some very nice local brews are available by the bottle or can, as well.

And honestly speaking, we really appreciated the reasonable prices of both the food and drinks… certainly not typically the case at island resorts. As an example, a frosty glass of draught Anchor beer at the Beach Club was just $3 when we visited, while delectable dishes like a Wagyu beef burger with aged cheddar and thick-cut fries was just $14, and authentic brick oven pizzas ranged from $12 to $17. We felt that these prices were more than fair for an upmarket island resort, and the quality of the food was never less than superb. We also liked that prices on the menu were all “nett” – so no unpleasant surprises at check-out! (Like many places in Cambodia, Jati uses the US dollar.)

In Koko – among Phnom Penh’s most beloved steakhouses, with an outlet operating at Jati as one of the resort’s restaurants – guests will find an impressively stocked Le Manoulis wine cellar, with bottles starting at just $37 (many more are in the $100-300 range, and a fair few higher than that).

The spacious wine cellar is, like the steakhouse in which it’s located, a resort outlet of a well-known name in Phnom Penh, and wine aficionados will be astounded at the selection and quality of wines available. For most bottles, the price is written plainly and quite largely right on the bottle, so just stroll in, poke around, and pick out a winner. We really enjoyed Koko’s, and though it’s not inexpensive, we found the prices to be completely reasonable – in fact, likely a bit less than what you’d expect to pay in any comparable steakhouse in KL. (As an example, a 250g dry-aged Australian ribeye was priced at just $38 during our visit.)

Banyan Bar and in-villa dining complete the island’s culinary options. Dining often plays an important role in any memorable holiday, and trust us when we say you’ll love the food at Jati!

ACTIVITIES AND WELLNESS

One thing that Jati excels at is ensuring guests are only as relaxed as they choose to be. We love our downtime, but we couldn’t resist the resort’s outstanding palette of land- and water-based activities that is, frankly speaking, unmatched by pretty much any other resort in the region. Most of these are offered on a complimentary basis, from snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding to racquet sports and boxing. And yes, there’s an actual boxing ring onsite! Moreover, the racquet sports courts – covering tennis, badminton, and pickleball – are absolutely outstanding. Volleyball on the beach? A round of hoops on the basketball court? Cycling around the island? You’re covered, and it’s all complimentary. There’s also a fully equipped gym, just in case all the activities aren’t enough for you. Suffice it to say, we got in plenty of exercise in between our periods of rest and relaxation!

Jati is clearly not content to rest on its laurels, so there’s also a forthcoming miniature golf course, whose construction was just underway when we visited, and it’s slated to be ready by early to mid-2026.

Wellness makes up another important part of the experience. The resort’s Bamboo Spa, is impeccably designed and provides a range of surprisingly affordable treatments, many Khmer-inspired, that incorporate natural oils and traditional techniques. (On our visit, a 90-minute traditional Khmer massage was only $70 nett, an absolute steal.) Guests can also join yoga sessions, enjoy a quiet meditation on the beach, use the steam and sauna facilities, or simply take advantage of the island’s natural surroundings, which lend themselves to leisurely morning walks and gentle outdoor exercise. The resort feels purpose-built for both rest and recreation, and even a short visit leaves most travellers feeling quite recharged.

Though Koh Russey is not a large island (about 1.4 sq km), it offers opportunities for light exploration. Guests can wander across the island to the western shore, cycle along shaded paths, or book boat excursions to nearby islands. Those interested in local culture often combine their stay with a day trip to the mainland for markets, temples, or a seafood lunch at one of the coastal restaurants.

The main regional hub, Sihanoukville, is a bustling, chaotic city, and parts of it also feel quite unfinished, as the large-scale Chinese-fuelled construction boom of the late 2010s was interrupted by the pandemic – and much of it was not really resumed when things got back to normal. The city began catering overwhelmingly to mainland Chinese in tandem with the rampant construction, but in the aftermath of the pandemic and subsequent pull-out of at least some of the Chinese investors, we’ve seen reports that some Russian interests are now moving in to fill the vacuum. It’s not inaccurate to say that Sihanoukville has a bit of an unsavoury reputation as a result of what has happened there in the last decade. Most of the locals have been displaced, dozens if not hundreds of casinos have cropped up, and it’s nothing like the laid-back coastal Cambodian town on the backpacker trail that it once was.

We had a brief visit to the city one morning, and though we enjoyed the markets, the overall vibe of Sihanoukville is a bit unpleasant and at striking odds with the laid-back, pleasurable aura present on the nearby islands, including Jati Resort’s Koh Russey. Plainly speaking, we think many guests will find themselves content to remain on the island for the duration of their holiday, as the combination of scenery, comfort, and a warm and friendly staff makes stepping off the property feel almost unnecessary. Visit if you’re curious about the city or its many casinos, large and small, but we’d advise doing some cursory travel research first, and manage your expectations accordingly. In this part of Cambodia, we feel that the offshore islands are where the best travel experiences are to be found.

In that context, Jati Resort succeeds by offering a polished, delightful island escape without the long travel times that often accompany such destinations. Its proximity to Sihanoukville Airport, paired with the swift transfers, creates a sense of effortless travel, an appealing trait for weekend breaks or quick getaways from Kuala Lumpur. More importantly, the resort delivers a consistent level of quality that keeps the experience grounded and enjoyable throughout. With its lush surroundings, welcoming team, and well-considered facilities, it stands out as an ideal choice for those seeking tranquillity, warm hospitality, and a touch of understated luxury by the sea. We are already looking forward to a return visit!

To learn more about Jati Resort and start your own island escape planning, just visit their comprehensive website HERE.

Malaysian nationals are welcomed visa-free to Cambodia as fellow ASEAN members. Most other nationals will need a visa. The easiest way is to pre-purchase the visa online at www.evisa.gov.kh.
This is the official government portal, and we feel it’s the best and most secure. 

ExpatGO’s parent company, TEG Media, has a limited number of discounted vouchers for stays in Jati Resort’s lovely 88-sq meter Garden Villas, inclusive of breakfast for two and roundtrip speedboat transfers between the mainland and the resort’s island. (You may also top-up directly with the resort if you’d like to experience the Beachfront Pool Villa instead.) For full details on these vouchers, which are valid for stays through October 2026, just drop a line to anne@tegmedia.my.
Terms and conditions apply.