You could certainly be forgiven, though, for not knowing that the very first series of the 45-season(!) programme – which sees castaways on a remote island trying to survive and face challenges to win big money – was actually shot in Malaysia!
Welcome to Sabah’s Pulau Tiga, located 18km away from the coastal town of Kuala Penyu. It contains all that a beautiful island promises: gorgeous beaches, flourishing reefs – and an intriguing geological feature that draws visitors from far and wide. But more on that later…
For now, let’s begin by learning how to get there. As Pulau Tiga is a national marine park, you can’t just show up as you please.
Tourists reach the island by boarding speedboats in Kuala Penyu, specifically at the jetty adjacent to the Pulau Tiga Park administration office located on Jalan District.
The trip takes about 30 minutes, although rough seas and rain will almost always result in delays. Still, if the sun is out and the weather is fair, you can sit back and relax while the mainland grows ever more distant behind you.
Once the boat starts slowing down, look beyond the bow and you will see Pulau Tiga looming before you, coconut trees waving at you from the shore. Not to mention its most eye-catching landmark: the large seaside sign banking on its 14 episodes of fame, welcoming you to “Survivor Island”.
Tourists are welcome to spend a few luxurious nights at the Pulau Tiga Resort or the privately owned Borneo Eagle Resort. Fun fact: in 2019, the island received over 24,000 visitors, before Covid-19 put a dent in the influx. It is now back on the path of recovery!
Aside from tourists and park staff, the island hosts the occasional team of scientists, and here’s why. Before the 1890s, Pulau Tiga was not marked on any maps whatsoever – because it hadn’t existed at the time.
An earthquake in 1897 caused a volcanic eruption, which led to what would become Pulau Tiga rising from the waves. Hence, the island is relatively young in geographical terms, and its aforementioned unique feature attests to that.
An approximate 1km trail begins on the outskirts of the Pulau Tiga Resort and leads into the jungle-lush interior of the island. Made accessible with wooden planks and railings, it’s not a particularly difficult trek.
What’s at the end of the trail? Why, it’s Pulau Tiga’s natural wonder – its mud volcano! This bubbling pool of grey is apparently the result of natural gas escaping from deep beneath the earth, pushing mud and water upwards along with it.
Methane is among the gases released, so if you’d like to leave without your eyebrows singed, it’s best not to light any cigarettes in the area.
That said, this gurgling attraction is a real crowd-pleaser, especially those who believe that covering oneself in mud leads to clearer skin. Whether or not this is scientifically proven is unclear – but in any case, dirt devotees swear by it.
As for how it feels stepping into the mud, expect your movements to slow significantly. At points, it’s easier to crawl across the surface of the mud, commando-style, rather than trying to wade through it – that’s how thick it is!
While some may consider mud to be filthy – and it does have a certain earthy smell – it is cool to the touch and is actually pretty fun to wallow in. So let your hair down and bare your inner buffalo.
Once you’ve had your fill, wash off at the communal showers on the grounds of the Pulau Tiga Resort.
Other than Survivor Island, there are two other isles nearby with beautiful reefs that are worth checking out: Pulau Kalampunian Besar and Pulau Kalampunian Damit.
Beware, though, as the latter is called Pulau Ular for good reason. Sea snakes, anyone?
For more information about Pulau Tiga, check out the park’s official website here.