| Day Tours ...
Some 250,000 refugees filtered through this camp between 1975 and 1991. When the camp closed , all remaining refugees were relocated or were returned to Vietnam.
Although the almost circular island has land space of about 2km in diameter, the camp occupied only a small area. Real estate was the career to choose at the camp. After all, like anywhere - it's location, location, location! Refugees leaving the camp would sell their shacks to new arrivals or brokers from as little as US$20 to as high as US$400.
Black market also thrived in the community. Local fishermen traded with several Vietnamese who were brave enough to swim out to the fishing boats, anchored some distance from the island. With black market came gangsters, vendors, suppliers and the rest. If there was a market, there was supply. Even prostitution was not uncommon. But not everyone worked for a 'Big Brother'..not full time, that is. There were those who were employed as labourers and administrators in the offices and were paid in food parcels - the common denomination of the island's economy.
The Red Crescent Society had an administration office at the camp. A temple was built with the help of the Malaysian government, UNCHR and the red crescent society. A school, a church, a clinic, shops and a cemetery was also set up at camp.
All left abandoned now. The wooden structures are disintegrating with the years of neglect but the stories of their lives are etched, carved and preserved on slabs and in memorials left behind by the boat people..those that lived through the ordeals and unjust punishment of a war.
The Future
There are certainly a lot of plans lined up for Pulau Bidong. From a posh, island resort to a museum to house the history of the island. Fortunately, development has not commenced at Bidong as of now but intentions are to develop the island. In the near future, when the economy revs up again.plans would be put into action and with that, much of the essence would be lost.
Let us hope that whichever proposal goes through, all parties would take into consideration, the sensitivities of Bidong's historical significance and the environmental impact. Sometimes, developers become too overzealous with their development, they forget about designing dwellings that are in harmony with the environment.
end of story...back to page 1...
Kuala Terengganu & Surrounding Day Tours ~ Terengganu
|
Tours |
Hrs |
Day of Operations |
Departure |
Min adult |
Include |
Rate (Nett) |
||
AM |
PM |
Adult |
Child |
|||||
Terengganu River Safari & Heritage Trip *Itinerary |
4 |
Daily |
8.00 |
- |
2 |
Transportation, driver / guide |
209 |
105 |
Kuala Terengganu City Tour *Itinerary |
5 |
Daily |
11.00 |
- |
2 |
145 |
75 |
|
Terengganu River Safari *Itinerary |
4 |
Daily |
8.00 |
- |
2 |
189 |
95 |
|
Terengganu Countryside Tour *Itinerary |
5 |
Daily |
10.00 |
- |
2 |
149 |
75 |
|
Cemerong Waterfall & Pasir Raja Trip *Itinerary |
9 |
Daily |
8.00 |
- |
2 |
179 |
90 |
|
Sekayu Waterfall & Terrapin Conservation Centre Trip *Itinerary |
5 |
Daily |
11.00 |
- |
2 |
149 |
75 |
|
Fireflies Night Trip & Penarik Fishing Village Trip *Itinerary |
5 1/2 |
Daily |
- |
17.00 |
2 |
220 |
110 |
|
Candat Sotong/Squid Jigging Trip *Itinerary |
3 |
Daily |
- |
1800 |
6 |
239 |
239 |
|
Kenyir Lake Day Tour *Itinerary |
5 |
Daily |
10.00 |
- |
2 |
250 |
140 |
|
Rantau Abang Hidden Treasure Day Trip *Itinerary |
4 |
Daily |
- |
7.00 |
3 |
149 |
75 |
|
Kapas Island Day Tour *Itinerary |
5 1/2 |
Daily |
9.30 |
- |
2 |
215 |
108 |
|
Please Note:
~ The seat-in-coach can only be conducted with the minimum number of person/adults required
~ Pick-up and drop-off service from major hotels at Kuala Terengganu town centre
~ For other pick up and drop off services in areas other than Kuala Terengganu, please advise us. Additional surcharge will be accorded
~ Services of an English Speaking Driver / Guide
~ Touring by air-conditioned car, van or coach (depending on the group size)
~ Rates are inclusive of entrance fees where applicable
~ Child age between 4-11 years old
~ Any unused services are non-refundable, non-exchangeable and non-deductible
~ 100% cancellation charge applies for NO SHOW OR CANCELLATION within 48-hrs
~ In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the local operator reserves the right to alter, amend or withdraw the package anytime with or without prior notice.
Redemption Instructions :
~ 24 hours prior to travel date, please call our local tour representative (during working hours) to reconfirm your booking details. Pick up time is required 30 minutes prior to tour departure time.
Postponements of Trip:
* Please be advised that the trip will not be allowed to be postponed unless we are advised of any changes at least 3 working days before trip commencement date
**Please Note that there will be a non-refundable handling charge on payment made. Conditions apply.
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Accommodation and Holiday Packages to Kuala Terengganu, Merang, Marang, Kapas Island, Tenggol Island, Gemia Island, Redang Island, Lang Tengah Island, Bidong Island, Penarik, Rantau Abang, Kenyir Lake, Tanjong Jara, Dungun, Paka and Surroundings
Peninsula Malaysia Islands |
| Pulau Aur | Pulau Besar | Pulau Bidong | Pulau Duyung Besar | Pulau Gemia | Pulau Kapas | Pulau Langkawi | Pulau Lang Tengah | Pulau Pangkor | Pulau Payar | Pulau Perhentian | Pulau Pemanggil | Penang | Pulau Rawa | Pulau Redang | Pulau Sibu | Pulau Tenggol | Pulau Tioman | |
Peninsula Malaysia Coastal Beaches |
| Marang | Merang | Rantau Abang | Penarik | Port Dickson | Tanjung Jara | Cherating | |
Sabah and Sarawak ~ Borneo Islands & Coastal Beaches |
Sabah Islands ~ | Gaya Island | Kapalai | Pulau Mabul | Pulau Sipadan | Selingan Turtle Island | Mantanani Besar Island | Manukan Island | Mataking Island | Lankayan Island | Layang Layang Island | Pom Pom Island | Pulau Tiga Resort (Survivor Island) | Sabah Coastal Beaches ~ | Kinarut, Papar | Tuaran | Sarawak Coastal Beaches ~ | Damai Beach, Santubong | Kayakking with Dolphins | |
Getting There and Away
Best Time to Go
