Revisit the Borneo’s Survival Island – Pulau Tiga

Kimanis Bay located on the western coast of Sabah Malaysia has several uninhabited islands and one of the most famous amongst them is the Pulau Tiga. On the 21st of September in 1897 an earthquake on Mindanao created a volcanic eruption next to Borneo which resulted in the birth of the Tiga Island National Park. Pulau Kalampunian Besar, Pulau Kalampunian Damit, and Pulau Tiga together form the Tiga islands. Did you know that the world-famous TV series Survivor was shot on this very island? Wanna explore the deserted island? Go on reading to find out everything you need to know before your adventurous trip.

A Secluded Survivor Location

The Island got its name “Survivor Island” from the TV series Survivor Borneo. Now the 1st thing one notices once you get off your boats onto the Pulau Tiga island is a signboard welcoming you to the “Survivor Island”. The island is 158 square kilometres long situated on the west coast of Sabah’s. The 1st season of the Survivor Borneo was shot on this island where 16 contestants made this island their home. During their journey, they came across one of the two tribes living on Pulau Tiga Island completely isolated from the rest of the world.

About Pulau Tiga Island

Pulau Tiga meaning the “Island Three” which indeed refers to the 3 humps observed on the landmass from the Horizon. This Island is also the youngest island situated in Malaysia’s stretch of South China Sea along Sabah’s west coast. Pictorial sceneries of the beautiful greenish-blue sea, with your toes wrapped with the white sand, would be the best way to relieve you from the stress and cheer you up for the wonderful sunset coming your way. You also have the option to go hike in the vast jungle crossing through the snake island and also camp in the deserted forest to add adventure to your trip.

What attracts the Tourists

This is one such island that offers you beautiful and scenic adventures, which is located between Kota Kinabalu and Labuan leading to numerous tourists visiting the island every year in abundance. Many solo travellers come here to Hike, campaign, and especially the fans of Survivor Borneo who come to relive the journey of all the contestants. Pulau Tiga island has got the rare mud volcanoes placed at the centre of the island giving even more reason for one to visit this place. It also has Pulau Tiga Resort or Gaya Island Resort providing you with the opportunity to stay overnight at the deserted island with utmost comfort. Pulau Tiga has the prominence for diving into the sea to explore the array of marine life for scuba diving lovers and snorkelling for the ones hesitant to go deep yet not compromise on the beauty of the coral reefs.

How to arrive here

Reaching the Survivor Island is more time consuming when compared to visiting Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. The visitors do not have a variety of options available, but depending upon the time availability and their budget, arrangements can be made

• Independent travellers will need to first reach Kuala Penyu which is 120 km away from Kota Kinabalu, post that they will have to board the ferry which takes 40 mins to reach Pulau Tiga.
• The other option is to join the day tour starting from Sabah’s capital which takes 11 hours to reach the Pulau Tiga Island. 
• The 3rd option is to hire a speedboat from Jesselton Point in Kota Kinabalu

Who doesn’t want a perfect vacation? We at PickYourTrail not only provide you with pre-created itineraries but also give you the opportunity to customize your itinerary as per your convenience. Malaysia has a lot more to offer than just Islands, let us help you plan your trip to Malaysia and make that a remarkable one!