Borneo Survivor Island

Pulau Tiga is one of a group of small secluded islands off the western coast of Sabah, which became well known through the first Survivor television series and since then dubbed the name ‘Survivor Island’.

It is said that the island has been formed by the eruptions of several mud volcanoes together with the combination of subterranean gas and the expulsion of muddy sediments that had made up the island today. Pulau Tiga is well known for its beautiful marine life and the warm oozing mud volcanic bath which is belief to be good for the skins, many would enjoy a good mud spa before jumping into the warm beautiful sea water to rinse off.

For those that enjoys a good nature walks, there is a trail system of 50 meter intervals, that leads to various points of interest such as the Pagong and Tagi beaches, where the beaches are beautiful and a great spot for sunset watching. Pulau Tiga is well protected, it is a nature reserve for the very rare megapode, a chicken-like creature that produces a cat-like sound.  Due to the island being well acclaim for its richness and wildlife importance, the Sabah Park management has stationed its rangers on the islands to preserve the reefs and rainforest.  Though it is never guaranteed, however there is always a good opportunity to see some wildlife, numerous birds species, a variety of reptiles and amphibians.

While when you are in Pulau Tiga, it is not a complete trip without making a stop at the Snake Island, it is a den for the sea krait, a type of sea snake that is twice as poisonous as the King Cobra.  The sea krait comes to the shores to lay eggs and can usually be seen coiled in a tangled mass under boulders or among tree roots.

Though to some these amphibious snakes are just to close for comfort, peculiarly these snakes are timid and have the habit to scamper away when approached.  Pulau Tiga, or Survivor Island as fits to its name indeed had been an outback adventure, never ceased to overwhelmed its visitors with its stunning marine life, pristine rainforest and amazing wildlife.