Bidong Island 'Little Saigon from Kuala Terengganu
1 day
About this activity
Pulau Bidong's unusual past as a refugee camp has become a quiet tourist draw for many former Vietnamese boat people.
Meet & Greet at Hotel Lobby and transfer to Marang Jetty. Depart to Bidong Island by speedboat. Visit the Village left by Vietnsmese Boat People ‘Little Saigon’
It was a refugee camp , they "lived in makeshift huts two and three stories high made of salvaged timbers from wrecked boats, plastic sheets, tin cans, and corrugated iron sheets." Latrines and wells were inadequate; tropical rainstorms sent rivers of filthy water through the camp; all food and clean water had to be imported from the mainland. Water was rationed at one gallon per day per person. Doctors were abundant, but medicine was in short supply. Sanitation was nearly non-existent and hepatitis was rampant. But the refugee population was well organized and many small businesses and an efficient food and water distribution system was set up.
After a brief commentary, proceed for snorkeling boat trip.
After Tour proceed back by boat to main land Kuala Terengganu.
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Meet & Greet at Hotel Lobby and transfer to Marang Jetty. Depart to Bidong Island by speedboat. Visit the Village left by Vietnsmese Boat People ‘Little Saigon’
It was a refugee camp , they "lived in makeshift huts two and three stories high made of salvaged timbers from wrecked boats, plastic sheets, tin cans, and corrugated iron sheets." Latrines and wells were inadequate; tropical rainstorms sent rivers of filthy water through the camp; all food and clean water had to be imported from the mainland. Water was rationed at one gallon per day per person. Doctors were abundant, but medicine was in short supply. Sanitation was nearly non-existent and hepatitis was rampant. But the refugee population was well organized and many small businesses and an efficient food and water distribution system was set up.
After a brief commentary, proceed for snorkeling boat trip.
After Tour proceed back by boat to main land Kuala Terengganu.
Included
- Driver
- Guide English Speaking
- Return Hotel Transfer Kuala Terengganu
- Air-Condition Mini Van
- Packed Lunch
- Snorkeling Boat Trip
- Boat Transfer to Merang Jetty
- Snorkeling mask,Snokel,Life Jacket
- Lunch
Not included
- Outdoor Emergency Survival First Aid Kit & Personal Medication
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Bring along:
- Sunscreen Lotion
- Hat / Cap
- Extra Bottle Water
- Comfortable Sandals
- Towel Please read the following and why we recommend to visit Bidong Island; COMING back to Bidong, I was reminded once again of the powerful forces of nature and how lucky we were to have survived that journey in a leaky boat 10.5m long with 61 people on board. I was reminded of the dark-skinned Malay men in sarong in two boats who were so kind to give us water and food to carry on. Yes, I met them again last March. They are the heroes and the angels in my heart. I will never forget those images for the rest of my life. On this trip, I was also reminded that most people are good people. It was a beautiful feeling to realise that people whom I had never known or met would extend a helping hand and set aside an island for our temporary housing needs. – Daniel Nguyen, former Pulau Bidong boat person
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Features
Tourism
80%
Cultural
55%
Original
30%
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