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Region: Southern Thailand> Province: Surat Thani> Location: Ko Samui » Big Buddha Beach
Shambala
Very popular
23/2 Moo 4 Big Buddha Beach, Ko Samui
Surat Thani Province
Tel: (077) 425 330
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Description
A very popular spot with a steady stream of backpackers filtering through, Shambala is a good choice in part due to its fine beachfront location but also due to a very relaxed restaurant and layabout area -- the latter strewn with axe-pillow and shaded from the sea-breeze by hanging sarongs. The bungalows are clean and some are very well-appointed. The restaurant is very good but the gardens are a tad wild.
Bungalow fan private b'room
500 THB (low season)
500 THB (high season)
Upto 800B
Added to Travelfish on: 15th September, 2004
Last visited or updated on: 3rd July, 2006
Guest feedback
Good Location - 
By RuthStephenson ( total comments: 5 
) Stayed here 8/2007
This was a great place to stay for a short time to wind down after a flight from Bangkok if you plan to move on to Koh Phangan after 1 or 2 days - walking distance to the ferry. If you're after a really quiet relaxing holiday, move on after 1 night. The food was not too bad, though there are other nicer restaurants along the beach, and the gardens were interesting. The bungalow was comfortable, clean and airy and the staff easy enough to deal with. The setting was quiet enough at night for a decent sleep.
Mixed feelings - 
By sonjaundmicha ( total comments: 4 ) Stayed here 3/2007
We only stayed for two nights because we were told that the place was full afterwards. However, we overheard a telephone call later during which new reservations were taken.
Please note that different prices are demanded from different travellers. We were charged 1000 Baht/night, whereas as other people only paid 800 Baht/night for the same bungalow.
When Shambala arranged a taxi to another resort, they initially suggested it would cost 300-400 Baht, after calling a taxi,they wanted us to pay 500 Baht for the ride. After we argued that we only wanted to pay 400 Baht, they and the taxi agreed on this price (we should have argued for a cheaper room price as well!).
The bungalows are a bit dirty, the towels provided very old and generally the place is a bit run down.
Nevertheless, the food is okay, the beach is quite nice (however, mind the dog ****) and the water is not very clear.
Great cocktail bar is nearby which is called Elemental (they provide accomodation as well) which we unfortunately only discovered on our last day).
shabby shambala - 
By gecko ( total comments: 8 ) Stayed here 7/2006
We stayed almost a week and liked it more after a few days but our initial reaction was one of disappointment. It felt a little run down, the gardens were scruffy and there was rubbish around the broken steps and road. The bar on the beach is no longer in use. Their website led us to believe we would have a sea view and sea breeze when we had niether despite paying for the more expensive bungalows. However, having breakfast on the deck was great (the restaurant has no sea view either) and it does feel relaxed and laid back but we were expecting more. The water is not that clear but the beach is nice and quiet.
Just lovely - 
By nicolaculican ( total comments: 3 ) Stayed here 12/2004
I highly highly recommend this place. The setting, the bungalows, the food and the staff are all fantastic. Spent my Xmas here and it was bliss. The beach is also lovely and quiet -- and if you want a bit of life then you can quickly get to Bo Phut and Chaweng
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