SURVIVOR ISLAND (PULAU TIGA)

Survivor Island was made famous by the American Series "Survivor"as its first episode was filmed right here. This island has since then become well known. It is actually a Marine Park of Sabah and is rich in all its nature biodiversity, both on the island and in the sea.

Recently, I have brought several group of Taiwanese to stay overnight on the island. It is indeed surprising that the Tawainese are getting more adventurous and nature conscious too but it definitely a good sign. However, there were still some who join the tour without any knowledge of what is awaiting them on the island. So, I always take the precaution to warn them the following:

WHAT NOT TO EXPECT :

• No luxurious comfort of a nice resort. No mirror, no wardrobe, no fridge, no coffee/tea making in room, no hot shower (standard rooms), no hair dryer in the rooms/chalets. However, Superior rooms do have air con, coffee/tea making in room and hot shower.
• No porter service, so do not bring unnecessary amenities or belonging.
• Of course, no 5 star service as well.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• 30 minutes boat transfer and sometimes bumpy ride from the mainland to Pulau Tiga.
• Free flow of tea/coffe/milo making at the restaurant/lounge until 11pm.
• Jungle trek for 30 minutes attired in swim wear to the Mud Volcano area and dip inside for for a natural mud spa. Therafter, trek back again in MUD before jumping into the sea for a wash and swim. Do not bring too much things.
• Enroute to and fro the mud volcano meet the familiar resident of the island, the huge monitor lizards crossing your path
• Or notice the mud/earth mound along the way? They are actually the nests of the Megapodes(a type of bird) who actually meow like a cat! Inside the nests are actually the eggs waiting to be hatched.
• Or beware of the inquisitive long tail macaques along the trail.
• At night, watch the busy rats running around.
• Catch the sight of Gecko (huge lizards) on the wall or ceiling while they make sounds like puppies yupping.
• Do not worry too much about the funny noises on the roof of your chalets at night. They are actually fruits, seeds, twigs and sometimes even branches falling from the trees.
• Do not worry too much of the poisonous sea snakes (cousin of cobras) on the Snake Island while you look for the sight of them curling under rocks and crevices. Learn why it is quite impossible for them to bite you.
• Take fantastic photos at the Sand Spit and learn why it has become what it is today.
• Enjoy your snorkelling at the Asmara Beach area, admiring the colourful corals.
• After a simple buffet lunch, enjoy a cup of coffee while waiting for your boat transfer back to the mainland.
• At last, you have SURVIVED PULAU TIGA !

So, after all these, still planning to visit this SURVIVOR ISLAND ? In my next posting, will share with you how to there!