Pulau Tiga Park is located north of Kuala Penyu, opposite the swampy Klias Peninsula. The island became famous when it was used as the location for the first Survivor reality TV series which aired in the US in the year 2000.
The island is named after three hills which can be seen as you approach the island. Pulau Tiga has interesting flora and fauna, nice beaches and a rich marine life that offers good snorkeling and diving opportunities. The island also has a few mud volcanoes which are popular recreational spots for visitors.
There are a number of nature trails on the island, each offering different trekking experiences in terms of views, flora, fauna and trail difficulty.
Pulau Tiga was designated a forest reserve in 1933 and gazetted as a national park in 1978. The park covers 158 square kilometres, the bulk of which is sea. It includes three islands – Pulau Tiga, Pulau Kalampunian Besar and Pulau Kalampunian Damit. Kalampunian Damit is a breeding ground for a species of sea snake called the banded sea krait. Kalampunian Damit attracts these snakes in huge numbers and not surprisingly is better known as Snake Island.
Wildlife
Pulau Tiga is known for its ground dwelling megapodes. These chicken-sized birds are found in the forest where they bury their eggs in mounds of earth and sand. Other wildlife often spotted on the island includes Pied hornbills, long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, skinks and a range of birdlife, including sea eagles and shorebirds. There is rich marine life in the waters offshore from the islands, included marine turtles.
Accommodation at Pulau Tiga
The only accommodation in the park is located on Palau Tiga which has two resorts. Pulau Tiga Resort is 2-3 star chalet development. It offers standard and superior rooms. Borneo Adventure offer two and three day Pulau Tiga packages that include transfer, accommodation and meals.
Borneo Eagle Resort is boutique hotel offering 13 one-bedroom luxurious villas facing the ocean. The villas range in size from 171-287 square metres.
Getting to Pulau Tiga
Pulau Tiga is located 18 km from the mainland. It is accessed via a 40 minute boat ride from the Kuala Penyu jetty, which in turn is a 2 hour drive from Kota Kinabalu.
