Tenggol island

From afar the island resembles a person perching, so stood the name 'Tenggol'. 'Tenggak' in Bahasa Malaysia means 'to perch' but is pronounced as 'tenggol' in Terengganu's local dialect. For many, many years this deserted island retained its secret whereabouts. Apart from local fishermen waiting out the weather - Pulau Tenggol was pretty much left to nature.

Then came the Vietnam War and with that came the displaced victims of war..the boat people as we called them. During the late 70's and early 80's, in their last bid to escape their oppressive government, Vietnamese refugees spent all their life savings to buy themselves space on cramped wooden boats heading for a new life in the neighbouring countries. After a gruelling journey facing the dangers of storms, pirates and marine patrols, the last thing they needed was to be sent home. Upon arriving close to the beach, the refugees would 'break' their boats by crashing them on shallow waters.

The only long stretch of beach on Pulau Tenggol is at Teluk Air Tawar and in those days, it was completely hidden from view by overhang of umbrella trees, which lined the entire beachfront. Tenggol was the perfect hideaway.

When found by the Malaysian Marine Patrol, the refugees were herded and taken to the refugee camp on Pulau Bidong, a short distance from Pulau Redang. They stayed on at P.Bidong until the disbandment of camp 1991 in Today, local fishermen still moor their boats at Pulau Tenggol to shelter from sudden tropical sea storms. The other frequent visitors to the island are the turtles. For millions of years, green turtles and hawksbill turtles driven by their instincts have returned to the same beaches they hatched from, some 30 .40.50.60 years ago, to mate and nest.Now a new breed of visitors has found this tucked-away paradise. Gazetted as part of Terengganu Marine Park, much of the reef remains intact as fishing, spearfishing, harvesting of marine life for decorative purposes and food are strictly prohibited. The superb conservation of the reef has produced the ideal playground for scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, canoeing.Now a new breed of visitors has found this tucked-away paradise. Gazetted as part of Terengganu Marine Park, much of the reef remains intact as fishing, spearfishing, harvesting of marine life for decorative purposes and food are strictly prohibited. The superb conservation of the reef has produced the ideal playground for scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, canoeing.

Pulau Tenggol is a little out of reach from the throngs of weekend holidaymakers flocking to the famed islands of P.Redang, Perhentian and Kapas. A short ride by speedboat takes you to this wondrously underrated island which offers a traveller an abundance of nature's gifts.

Tenggol is especially popular with hardcore divers, and I hear some spearfishermen haunt the area too...

The sea conditions here are slightly more unpredictable then many favourite dive arenas on the east coast and it takes a pretty experienced diver to enjoy the place. It's wild, it's dangerous and it's challenging. If you're a good diver and you're in for a rush of adrenalin, this place is for you. At your own risk, of course.....

hotel list tenggol island
1.tengo island beach resort
2Tenggol aqua resort

Rhu island

is geographically located at latitude (5.833 degrees) 5° 49' 58" North of the Equator and longitude (102.617 degrees) 102° 37' 1" East of the Prime Meridian on the Map of the world.

The locations related to Pulau Rhu, Terengganu (island) are represented by the the shortest path as the crow would fly between any two points and may not be nearest by road. For example, Pulau Rhu, Terengganu (island) is located 0 kilometre from Turtle Back Island, Terengganu (island). Pulau Rhu, Terengganu (island) is located 5.6 kilometre from Kuala Besut, Terengganu. Pulau Rhu, Terengganu (island) is located 5.9 kilometre from Kampong Kedepir, Terengganu. Pulau Rhu, Terengganu (island) is located 7.6 kilometre from Kampong Beris Chawat, Terengganu. Pulau Rhu, Terengganu (island) is located 10.4 kilometre from Kubang Bemban, Terengganu.

Perhaps Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang and some other pulau are too famous and ‘over heated’ to many people, Pulau Rhu Hentian which is only 15 nautical miles from offshore Kuala Besut is not known to most people. It is indeed a new discovered and developing island in the tourism industry in East Coast.

Because it is so close to the mainland, Pulau Rhu Hentian is accessible through Kuala Besut 20 to 30 minutes by boat. The island is not resident at the moment. This no doubt is an added value advantage for holiday seekers. The ecology system on the island and the marine life remain unspoiled due to this reason.

Though Pulau Rhu Hentian is a new born baby in the tourism industry in the country, some water activities such as swimming, snorkeling and diving are possible to be arranged through some travel agencies. Apart from this, due to the tiny size of this island enable visitor to make a 2 hours ‘orientation’ trek as a ‘get to know you’ activity.

News gathered from the state government that a resort, the Rhu Hentian Resort is being planned by the Fisheries Association of Kuala Besut as the first step to develop this little beautiful island. Perhaps by then you can add this new alternative to your itinery when planning your holiday.

rRhu island hotel list

1.rhu island resort

2.rhu perhentian island

Gemia island

Gemia island maps

Pulau Gemia is a privately owned island, about 800 metres off Kapas Island. Pulau Gemia has white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, beautiful corals and marine life as some of it’s natural pristine assets.
There's only one resort on the island named: Gem Wellness Spa & Island Resort. It's the former Gem Island Resort, In 2004 they renovated the existing chalets and they refurnished the whole resort. And it got a Spa.
The chalets (Water Villa's) themselves stand on sturdy concrete stilts, hugging the coastline, with views across the sea offering a perfect holiday escape.

There are no bus services directly to the Marang jetty. In Kuala Terengganu you can either charter a taxi or a van to take you to the Marang jetty.
There are many boat services to Pulau Gemia at the jetty in Marang. The most frequent and regular service provider is Suria Link. It takes about 15 minutes by speedboat. The office of Suria Link is where you can park your car for RM7. inclusive security. Charges are per-day basis.
The island is considered one of the most beautiful island getaways in this part of the East Coast. With patches of virgin forest covering the rocky hills in the centre, crystal-clear waters and spotless golden beaches, the resort is among the few destinations in the country still unspoilt by development.

The welcome upon arrival was very special. The people is so friendly! We had some beers and a few hours later we went to our Water Villa. The Water Villa's are so so large, but everything is tastefully decorated.
The king size bed has a mosquito net. There's an air-conditioning, which makes a little noise. and there's a van at the ceiling.

We spend many hours at the veranda with a lovely view at Pulau Kapas, which just a few hundred meters away from Pulau Gemia. We enjoyed looking at the coastline at Marang, where the jetty is leaving for this island.
under our veranda we could hear the rippling water and we looked down we saw hundreds of little crabs.
Regularly we see large shoals of fish coming by.
In the morning we saw dorsal fins of little baby-sharks in the water.

The sea in between Pulau Kapas and Pulau Gemia is also home to stunning coral gardens and other marine life. The spot is a haven for snorkelling and diving.

The resort has fitted up 4 chalets for a Spa, where Thai ladies are waiting for you to give you special spa treatment and therapies. In the package we had was an aroma therapy treatment. Also in the package deal was a bottle of red wine, which was served at dinner. The dinner was excellent, cuisine worthy.
At breakfast there was no Nasi Lemak, but we had warm croissants and fresh orange jus.
You can go snorkelling without taking the boat out. There are many things to see near the shore: corals of different shapes, colours and sizes, sea urchins, swordfishes, butterfly fishes, parrot fishes, bump head fishes, crabs, clams and lots of sea cucumbers. We even saw a clown fish, complete with its ‘house’ of sea anemone.

If you hire a boat to take you further out for snorkelling or even scuba diving or deep-sea fishing.

Those who love long walks on the beach should go to the north-eastern part of the island when the tide is low. Just remember to bring your slippers as the rocks and corals are very sharp. The rocks themselves look as if someone had mutilated them with a chain saw, but that’s just the way they’ve been formed by the elements

There are many interesting little creatures to discover, if you look close enough in the pools of water between the rocks and corals. Hermit crabs, sea snails, oysters, sea anemones (try feeding them) and, of course, more sea cucumbers.
If you have no patience for pottering around, visit the baby greenback turtles by the jetty. Pulau Gemia is part of a turtle hatchery programme. Turtle hatchlings are cared for until they’re old and strong enough to survive in the open sea.

Transfer Jetty - Resort: 9:00, 11:00, 13:00 (except Friday) en 15:00
Transfer Resort - Jetty: 9:30, 11:30, 13:30 (except Friday) en 15:30
Car Parking : RM7 a day
The resort closes from Nov 1 until end of February for the monsoon season.

The spa treatments:

• Bath therapies
• Traditional Malay therapies
• Herbal sauna
• Thai therapies
• Face spa therapies
• Body treatment therapies
• Oil Spa therapies
• Ear candling therapy
• Leg and feet therapies

Perhentian island

Perhentian maps


The two Perhentian Islands are rated as some of the most beautiful islands in the world…a virtual paradise for snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear water or just for lazing on one of the white sandy beaches waiting for the coconuts to drop.
Pulau Perhentian is located in the South China Sea 21 km from the coast of Kuala Besut, Terengganut. For hundred of years ago vessel sailing from the south coast of Peninsular Malaysia to Bangkok will stop-by for a rest and shelter at the Island. Thy all an ancient merchant carrying food, jewelry, vast and etc. As the activities of merchants, sailors and traders from the South of Chinese Sea have taken place, the island is getting popular for their 'one stop station', these Islands were named as 'Once Stop Island' so called 'Pulau Perhentian' in Malay language.


e.
It comprises of two islands; Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Both islands are surrounded by beautiful palm-fringed powdery white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise-blue sea.


The two Perhentian Islands are rated as some of the most beautiful islands in the world; a virtual paradise for snorkelling and diving in crystal-clear water or just for lazing on one of the white sandy beaches waiting for the coconuts to drop …

The two main islands are heavily forested and ringed with sandy beaches, typical of tropical islands. Accomodation for visitors are predominantly aimed at budget travellers and is mostly on the larger Pulau Perhentian Besar, which not only has wonderful beaches but also forest trails over the hills.

Both islands are separated by a very narrow sound but with strong current. The significant different between the two islands is, Perhentian Besar is more for a vocational island while the small one is an island with the mixture of vacation mood and reality life due to the fishing village, Kampung Pasir Hantu which is resided with more than 2000 villagers and completed with basic facilities apart from resorts and guesthouses.

All manner of aquatic life is visible both near and far from the beach such as turtles, sharks, coral and thousands of tropical fish. The interior is covered by jungle with a wide variety of species. You can watch monitor lizards, monkeys, geckos, flying squirrels, butterflies and many other types - sometimes right in front of your chalet. There are no roads and not many paths, so the islands are mainly peaceful and untouched - so far.
beutiful coral,beutiful fish

perhentian islan hotel list
1.bubu long beach resort
2.Perhentian tuna bay island resort
3.Arwana perhentian
4.coral view island resort
5.perhentian island resort review
6.samudra beach chalet
7.Pradise island resort
8.Perentian island hotel
9.Sharil la island resort
10.New cocohut chalet perentian island
11.Senja bay resort
12.Flora bay resort
13.Bubbles island resort
14.Watercolours resort
15.Impiana resort
16.Family vacation resort
4

Lang Tengah Island

Islands in Terengganu, along the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia are favorites among divers. Blessed with pristine white sandy beaches that promise a comeback for most tourists, Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia is a diving heaven for dive enthusiasts.

Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia is a small island only a few knows about the island. Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia is not over crowded and its coral reef is still pure with untouched beauty as it is situated in shallow waters and warmed by tropical sunshine.

Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia is a small island only 30 min away from Perhentian Island and just a few minutes from Redang Island. The aquatic life encountered here is very similar to that of Redang Island, but slightly different from that of Perhentian Island. The corals at Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia are in excellent condition since these reefs have hardly been visited by divers or snorkelers. Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia provides the perfect backdrop where you can earn your diving license.

Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia is a newly built resort at the Lang Tengah Island, situated off the coast of Kuala Terengganu in Peninsular Malaysia. Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia offers 40 rooms fronting the private long beach. At the Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, you are definitely not deprived of your comfort and safety. Rooms are equipped with queen size bed, air-conditioning and a fan with an attached bathroom. All rooms at the Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia has the view of the magnificent South China Sea. All rooms at Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia are well kept and clean and are less than 100 meters from the beach. Price rates are per person whether rooms are for twin, triple or quad sharing depending on the package.

Since the Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia is a diving spot, we offer you diving package including diving course depending on you. Apart from that, Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia also offers other activities like snorkeling and fishing trips. Lazing around at the beach is also possible but what fun is there is you are at the divers heaven surrounded by spectacular coral heaven. Scuba diving at the Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and around the island promising you a memorable experience as you swim along the aquatic life under the sea and if you are lucky, you will get to spot green turtle winging its way to the mild current. Divers may also expect to encounter giant stingrays, napoleon wrasses, reef sharks and yellow tail snappers. Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia welcome you for the diving adventure from mid March till end October.

Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia provides comfort for your holiday. The natural wonders of the Lang Tengah Island, situated off the coast of Kuala Terengganu in Peninsular Malaysia are rivaled in beauty. Get the best of the island when you are at Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. After all, its not everyday that you find yourself in paradise.

The restaurant at the Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia offers a wide range of Asian and western cuisine. Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia opens all year round and it is best to visit from March to October.

To get to Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, you can travel by land or by air. If you choose to travel by air, Malaysia Airline has daily scheduled 45 minutes flight daily from KLIA to Kuala Terengganu Airport. Once you get to Kuala Terengganu, head to Merang Jetty which is about 35 minutes drive north of Kuala Terengganu via the coastal road. The speedboat ride from Merang Jetty to Lang Tengah Island is about 40 minutes. Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia is one of the major resort I the island.

The journey to the island is indeed a beautiful experience that leaves you speechless and awed by the beauty that beholds. For the ultimate diving experience, take a trip to Redang Lang Island Resort in Lang Tengah Island in Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Lang tengah island hotel lisr
1.D Coconut
2.Blu coral island resort
3.Lang sari resort
4.Redang lang island resort

Redang Island

THE white sandy beach, crystal clear water and picturesque scene made me fall in love with Redang island. I was touched by the glory of nature on the island, surrounded by the coconut trees.
It was an unforgettable trip. We stayed at Redang Beach Resort, did all the standard activities and mingled with other guests. At night, we enjoyed the barbecue, walked along the beach and sat on the rock enjoying the night scene. Snorkelling was most enjoyable. Since it was our first experience, there was initial fear which was overcome by curiosity. It was totally delightful to see corals, sea cucumber and colourful fish like reef shark, blue spotted stingray and clown fish.
The best was when the fish bit my finger and swam all around me. It was wonderful. This was my first trip to the island and definitely won't be the last!island and definitely won't be the last!

Redang is just like the Perhentian a Marine Park. It's located 45 km off the coast of KualaTerengganu is the largest of the group of islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. The island offers crystal clear waters and numerous dive sites for the enthusiast. Sheltered within the Pulau Redang Marine Park, the waters here abound with marine life.
Redang Archipelago exists of 9 islands that abound with marvelous marine fishes, turtles and coral reefs that ensure great snorkeling and scuba-diving.
The boat trip starts from the fishing village of Merang. This is a fishing village North of Kuala Terengganu. You can get there by bus. The boat trip takes about 40 minutes. Most of the boats depart for Redang and return before noon. Each resort has its own boat transfer schedule. This may change and is dependent on the tide, sea and weather conditions.
The best time to visit Redang is between April and October. Take note that most resorts are closed during the North-east Monsoon, which blows from November to March.

Redang island is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing. This paradise-like island offers crystal clear water, pearly white shores, a colorful array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset and what could be the world's most mature coral gardens. This is your chance to see and be acquainted with the local eel, giant garoupa, black tipped shark, etc. Chance encounter with the Green turtle and Hawkbill turtle is common. There are corals of every imaginable shape, size or color. The observant are rewarded with sights of flatworm, nudibranch, shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, stonefish, lionfish and pipefish.
No fishing is allowed within a 3.2 km radius of the island as Pulau Redang. The collection of corals and other aquatic life is also prohibited. The fines and penalties are severe and each year sees reports of arrests and fines. Activities prohibited and not allowed are:

• Collecting and taking of aquatic life ( corals, shell or fishes whether living or alive ).
• Fishing without a license & Causing Pollution (3.2 km radius), i.e. littering Possession of spear fishing equipment.

The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks. The H.M.S Prince of Wales and the H.M.S Repulse were sunk here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya.

The hilly island of Redang can be fascinating in its own way. There is a moderately well trodden and marked path between Pasir Panjang and Teluk Dalam beach, about 2 km long. Sights include a small stream and pools alive with catfish, the occasional encounter with the shy kancil (little deer) and monkeys, and other jungle flora and fauna. At the end of the trek is the Berjaya Redang Beach Resort at Teluk Dalam. For the more adventurous, there are rocky cliffs and outcrops away from this beaten path that offer spectacular overhead views of Pasir Panjang below.

This fishing village "Kampung Air" on wooden stilts is located jus across the Marine Park Centre at the mouth of the Redang river. Kampung Air, which in English means 'Water Village', was built in 1976 by the Terengganu State Government and is now home to about 1200 residents, mostly comprising fishermen and their families who are believed to be descendants of one of seven Bugis siblings from Celebes, Indonesia. The village school has about 200 students, most of whom prefer to work at the resorts on Redang Island rather than continue with the fishing tradition of their forefathers. Incidentally, these local fishermen are the only ones allowed to fish within the protected waters of Redang Marine Park as they have been doing before the park regulations were enforced. If you're visiting, try Mak Teh Yam's goreng pisang (banana fritters) at the Wakil Pos.

The people that lives on Pulau Redang are descendents of Bugis settlers who came from Celebes, Indonesia long time ago. It is said that seven of the Bugis siblings batins (Batin means holy men) from Celebes travelled here to look for new places to settle down. One of them called Batin Talib decided to make Pulau Redang his new home. Till today, only two of Batin Talib's colleagues can be traced. Batin Mina is said to settled down in Pulau Perhentian, in the north. Batin Mina's sister, Batin Cik Siti settled up river on the mainland (Ulu Terengganu). Where the other four Batins went were not known.


The early settlers Batin Talib and the first settlers established their first village at Teluk Kalong, an area facing a lagoon on the east side of the island. He and his villagers then moved to a smaller island down south where they found better shelter from the prevailing wind. This small island is covered with betel nut palms (pinang). They named this island Pulau Pinang.

In the seventies there are approximately 100 families living on Pulau Pinang. As the population grow, the villagers decided to move to the river mouth at Kuala Sungei Redang. Till today there are only two inhabited islands in the Redang Archipelago. Pulau Pinang which houses the marine park centre and Pulau Redang which is the homeland to approximately 250 families. The local people on this island primarily earned their living by traditional fishing. Now most of these fishermen's are entering the tourism industry which is growing rapidly on the island. All settlers around the whole island are moved to a new village approximately
4 kilometres inland.




Redang island hotel list
1.Redang Beach Resort
2.Redang Bay Resort
3.Redang Pelangi Resort
4. Redang Laguna Resort
5.Redang reer resort
6.Redang holidy beach villa
7.Laguna redang resort
8.Coral redang island
9.Redang kalong
10.Redang mutiara
11.wisana redang
12.mozana redang

Most resorts run at least 2 daily trips to Redang using either their own boats (which usually depart from Merang jetty) or public ferries that depart from KT Shahbandar jetty. The ferry schedules for certain resorts are shown in the opposite table but you should always check with the resort for the latest schedules. Boats travel in the day for safety reasons and must provide lifejackets for passengers.

If you are travelling by coach, allow at least 1 hour 45 minutes for both land and sea transfers between Redang and KT coach station. If you are travelling by air from KT airport, you should allow a minimum of 2 and a half hours (inclusive flight check-in).

Whichever jetty you depart from for Redang, make sure you check-in at the jetty at least 30 minutes before departure. The table here shows the scheduled departure times for some of the resorts but note that departure times are subject to change due to sea and weather conditions. Rough seas, low tides and stormy weather may affect the schedule and even the number of trips. Sometimes, heavy siltation and sedimentation can make Merang jetty impassable to all but the small speedboats. So make sure you always confirm with the resort your ferry schedule and jetty.

If you miss the scheduled resort ferries, you can still get on the public ferry that plies between KT Shahbandar jetty and the Kampung jetty at Redang for about RM50 per adult one-way - you should let the resort know and arrange with them for pickup either from the Kampung jetty or from the boat itself. Alternatively, if you are in Merang, you can try buying a ticket on one of the other resort ferries (if they are not full) - just approach the resort booth or check-in area at Merang and enquire.

Ferry	From Shahbandar	From Redang
Ayu Mayang	8:45am	11am
Beach	9am, 10:30am, *3pm *Kampung jetty	11am, 6:30am, *12pm
Berjaya	10:30am, 3pm	7am, 1pm
Coral	9am, 10:30am, 3pm	7am, 11am, 1pm
Public ferry	9am, 10:30am, 3pm	7am, 11am, 1pm
Ferry	From Merang	From Redang
Bay	9:30am, 1pm	8am, 11am
Holiday	(check with resort)	9:30am, 11am
Kalong	10am, 1pm	8:30am, 12pm
Laguna	9am, 11am	7am, 12noon
Mutiara	9:30am	10am
Pelangi	9:30am	9-10am
Reef	9:30am	11am
Sari Pacifica	12noon	10am

Bidong island

Bidong Island is a small island located in the southern island of Redang.distance from the island about five miles Somerset notbefore the island became a war refugee camps viatnan.This island has put more than 10,000 refugees of war,


"face-lift" if they are to be put to use as a tourist attraction. Since all the buildingsemptiness and a strange affectionate air lingers.

Though there's little of practical value in the ruins, signboards with Vietnamese characters and names are still on display - guiding our way around the little ghost town.

The vocational school still has leftovers like television tubes, circuit boards, carpentry work-tables and tailoring guides - obviously displaying the training that UNHCR had given to refugees before sending them on to a permanent host country.

A kindergarten run by UNHCR staff looks no different than any other school. There are colorful paintings, posters and alphabets decorating the walls in the classrooms and library. Though faded by the unforgiving weather, the paintings and posters give a heartfelt feeling that there were once children learning and playing in these shacks.

Struggling past the dense weeds and mosquitoes, the narrow passage then leads deeper into the island. It seems the camp spread and scattered around every flat area of the island. This little Saigon has been turned to several villages, each with a number of long houses and its own chief.

Like a harmonious neighborhood, the "villagers" built their church adjacent to a Buddhist temple, both structures still standing today. Indeed, outside of the Philippines, Vietnam was Asia's most Catholic country due to the French colonial experience.

The flight of stairs leading to the temple from Pantai Tenggara is richly decorated with colorful plaques written with the refugees' names, social security numbers and dates they arrived. Outside the church, on a mass of cement shaped as a ship's bow, dozens of stone tablets commemorate all those who didn't make it over. Though refugees could reach Terengganu within days, the slow overcrowded boats were often attacked by pirates who, in ascending order of severity, robbed, raped, maimed and killed.

A short walk into the deep at Pantai Cina will lead to a small waterfall, said to be the favorite picnic spot of the refugees. It also served as their source of fresh water (when supplies run out) and a stopover after collecting wood at the nearby hills.

Today, the recovery is evident as the trees which were once cut down for firewood and building material have regenerated, although some scars - a reminder to visitors of the boat people - are still evident. While it has been said that the living conditions in makeshift tents for those who become refugees due to wars are deplorable, for the thousands of Vietnamese boat people who found refuge at Pulau Bidong it was, to some extent, likened to living in a tropical paradise.

The island has a spectacular backdrop ranging from various species of plants, trees and animals to clear waters surrounding it with a great view of the corals. Visitors are encouraged to join a guided tour for safety reasons because there are many "booby traps" in the form of abandoned wells about 20-metre deep dug by the Vietnamese for freshwater.

Though Bidong rarely appears in local holiday itineraries, it has been frequented either by returning Vietnamese or UNHCR volunteers. Some recent travelers claim that the island is haunted by spirits who died trying to get there - one lady recently claimed she heard something eerie issuing from one of the shop houses of the former boat people there. Whether that is fact or fiction is immaterial. If something is not done about Pulau Bidong, and soon, it will fast become nothing more than a ghost island.

The Vietnamese boat people may have faded from national consciousness, thankfully because the causes which led to such a disruptive human exodus have been dealt with. Peace and tranquility have returned to these idyllic spots in the South China Sea but Bidong will never be the same again. Similarly, some might choose to sweep this tragic story of Vietnamese refugees in Malaysia under the carpet and pretend nothing like that ever happened, but the boat people incident will always be part of Malaysia's modern history. Something should be done to retain the heritage of the boat people, once so controversially intertwined with the country's destiny. Pulau Bidong is like a gem in the South China Sea waiting for the right time for its potential to be realized.

Getting There:

Pulau Bidong is off the coast of Terengganu and accessible via the Kampung Merang jetty, a 20-minute drive from Kuala Terengganu. It takes 30 minutes to reach the island by speed boat. For details on the Bidong Island Guided Tour Package, call ping anchorage travel & tour sdn bhd