Honestly, I have never been to the island. Although the boat ride there is only about an hour, I still cannot find time to go. I received an invitation (as usual) from Evelyn of Dive Down Below, a PADI 5 star dive adventure center and dive shop plus adventure travel center here in Kota Kinabalu. I dived with them once before in Gaya Island, and they have a very dedicated team of divemasters and instructors.
They are having regular visits to Survivor Island Pulau Tiga for excursion. I am here to share with you their promotional package, in which you can get further information from their website.
This paradise island surrounded by pristine tropical waters is located 6 miles offshore Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. Formed on September 21st 1897 when an earthquake on the Philippine island of Mindanao triggered a volcanic eruption just north of Borneo. The eruption of mud and rock formed a new island 20 meters wide. Over the next four decades subsequent eruptions developed two more islands which have now joined together and three islands have become one and herewith the island was named Pulau Tiga which is Malay for Island of Three !
The last eruption of the volcano was in 1941 but to this day warm mud continues to ooze from geometric vents on the island. These mud baths are safe to bath in and although not proved by science the mud bath is claimed to improve the complexion, relieve joint and muscle pain and remove toxins. If nothing else they are great fun and very relaxing !!
Pulau Tiga was made famous by CBS as the location for their Survivor Island reality based TV show. Contestants were marooned on the island while cameras followed their every move. Over a 39 day period they were faced with physical and mental challenges in an attempt not to be voted off the show, the last one standing was the Survivor of the Island and won $1 million.
The pristine natural environment of Pulau Tiga Park is protected by the Malaysian government. Harming native vegetation and animals is illegal and carries a punishment of up to three years in prison plus a hefty fine.
As a result the surrounding reefs around Pulau Tiga are in excellent condition, with myriads of hard and soft corals, whip corals, barrel sponges, schools of Tropical Fish, Sea Turtles, Rays, Cuttlefish, Nudibranchs, Lionfish, Scorpionfish and the list goes on and on.
Pulau Tiga is also home to some fascinating land based wildlife, proboscis and macaque monkeys, flying foxes, bats, monitor lizards and a plethora of birds – including megapodes, hornbills and sea eagles.
The islands fine white sandy beach provides an idyllic place to relax, swim and enjoy the peace and serenity of this uncrowned tropical paradise. Those who are a little more energetic can trek through the 7 miles of trails now carved through the rain-forest.
Close by Pulau Tiga is Snake Island – named for the many Sea Snakes that inhabit and lay their eggs on the tiny rocky uninhabited island.
Whats Included ?
We offer regular day trips to this fascinating location for divers and non divers alike. Aboard our 37ft & 35ft spacious speed boats a day trip includes return sea transfers from Kota Kinabalu ex Sutera Harbour Marina. (approx. 45mins /1 hour each way, sea conditions permitting), unlimited Snacks and Refreshments, Buffet lunch, use of Resort Facilities, Park Entry Fees, Jetty Fees, 2 x Guided Boat Dives (Diving Package) Guided Snorkeling, All Equipment and Area Orientation and Guided Trip to the Mud Volcano.
Contact Evelyn of Down Below here for more information!