Eastern Cambodia - Cambodia - page 582

COMMUNITY HOMESTAYS IN MONDULKIRI
WWF has recently helped two villages in Mondulkiri's Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary launch pro-
jects geared towards giving tourists a glimpse into traditional Bunong lifestyles.
About 55km north of Sen Monorom on the road to Koh Nhek, the village of Dei Ey offers
homestays, traditional meals, walking with elephants owned by the local Bunong, and trekking. Cul-
tural activies such as resin collecting and honey making are also on the docket. Prices for a two-day
trip start at US$135 for one person and go down substantially with each added person. Included are
transport, meals cooked by Bunong, guides and accommodation in the Dei Ey Community Lodge.
WWF has launched a similar program in Sre Y , about 30km northwest of Sen Monorom. Day trips
here involve walking with elephants, followed by a trek to a waterfall, then returning to Sen Monorom
on mountain bikes.
Contact Nimith at WWF for details on both projects, which can also be booked through tour operat-
ors in Sen Monorom. Portions of the proceeds from these initiatives go into a community fund de-
signed to improve local livelihoods and protect the forest.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Sen Monorom
073 / POP 10,000
The provincial capital of Mondulkiri, Sen Monorom is really an overgrown village; a
charming community set in the spot where the famous hills meet. In the centre of town are
two lakes, leading some dreamers to call it 'the Switzerland of Cambodia'. The area
around Sen Monorom is peppered with minority villages and picturesque waterfalls, mak-
ing it the ideal place to spend some time. Many of the Bunong people from nearby vil-
lages come here to trade, the distinctive baskets they carry on their backs making them
easy to distinguish from the immigrant lowlanders. Set at more than 800m, when the
winds blow it's notably cooler than the rest of Cambodia, so bring warm clothing.