Pulau Tiga (Tiga Island - Survivor Island)

As the name implies, Pulau Tiga Park consists of three main islands – Pulau Tiga, Pulau Kalampunian Besar and Pulau Kalampunian Damit or better known as ‘Snake Island’. Covering a total area of 15,864ha., this park was gazetted in 1978 to protect its pristine natural environment, which include coral reefs, exotic marine life, native flora and fauna and other natural existence of the islands.

The only available facilities in the park are located at Pulau Tiga, the largest of the three islands. Dubbed as ‘Survivor Island’, Pulau Tiga was the main location of the popular ‘Survivor’ TV programme shot in 1999.

Also known as Snake Island, Pulau Kalampunian Damit is a small island covered in thick vegetation and is home to hundreds of the amphibious sea snakes (the Laticuda colubrine), which lays eggs on the shore of this island.

Pulau Kalampunian Besar is a small sand cay built up from unconsolidated coral fragments popular with the many species of birds including the Megapodes, the Great Crested Terns, pigeons and sea eagles.

The drier month of March to July is the best time to visit the park, although it is open throughout the year. Pulau Tiga Park is located in Kimanis Bay on the West Coast of Sabah, about 48km south of Kota Kinabalu.

There are over 130 species of fishes identified in this marine park. Best time to dive is from March to October. Average diving depth here is 10m, maximum depth is 25m. The island's dive experience boasts of regular sightings of lobsters, stingrays and various species of soft whip corals.

Pulau Tiga is the largest of the three islands that make up Pulau Tiga Park. Its beautiful landscape and pristine natural environment has attracted CBS TV Network of the USA to use this island as the main location of the popular ‘Survivor’ Programme, dubbing it the ‘Survivor Island’. This island was formed through the eruption of several mud volcanoes. The last explosion happened in 1941 and since then the volcanoes have remained relatively passive although several small mud volcanoes spewing cool, mineral rich mud can still be found near the summit of the island. The notion that this mineral rich mud is good for your skin makes mud bathing a must-do activity in this island. The island’s lush green forest serves as a soothing backdrop while the fine sand of its white beaches and the clear unpolluted water is a wonder for nature lovers. The coral reefs encircling the island invite many species of fish and other marine life to make it their home. Among the activities that can be done here include diving, non-motorised water sports, trekking, bird watching and mud bathing. The Park Headquarters is situated on the southern side of the island, not far from Pulau Tiga Resort, the only resort facility available on the island. 

Pulau Kalampunian Damit, or better known as Snake Island, is one of the three islands that make up Pulau Tiga Park. This small island is composed of sandstone, limestone and shale, and is covered in thick vegetation.

As an island it is unique, for it is a breeding site for the amphibious sea snake (sea kraits) that can be easily found resting under rocks, in cracks or on trees all over the island. They usually rest during the day and swim back into the ocean at night. Although their venom is deadly, they have a relatively small mouth and are actually very timid.

They can be dangerous only when mishandled or stepped on. The island was featured twice: first in a 1992 Oxford Film documentary film titled Eagle and the Snake and again in CBS' Survivor series shot in 1999. Its surrounding natural environment and native inhabitants are protected by the Government of Malaysia, and a special permit is required to visit it.

Dive Sites At Tiga Island

1) Dunlop Shoal
2) Larai-Larai
3) Light House

How To Get There

Located just 45km south of Kota Kinabalu. To reach Pulau Tiga, one has to take a 30-minute boat ride from Kuala Penyu, a small settlement located at the tip of the Klias Peninsula, about 2 hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu. Other ways of getting there is by chartering a speedboat from Kota Kinabalu and cruise to Pulau Tiga or fly to Labuan Island and charter a boat from there. Both journeys take about 90 minutes.
 
Accommodation :

Pulau Tiga Resort Sdn Bhd
Mailbox A236, A1103, 11th Floor
Wisma Merdeka, Jalan Tun Razak
88000 Kota Kinabalu,Sabah
Tel: +6088-240584
Fax: +6088-240415
Web: www.pulau-tiga.com
Email: sipadan@po.jaring.my