Pulau Tiga, Volcanic island in Sabah, Malaysia
Pulau Tiga is a volcanic island in Kimanis Bay off the coast of Sabah that spans approximately 607 hectares and features several active mud volcanoes. The coastline is characterized by sandy beaches, while the interior displays the typical terrain of a tropical volcanic landmass.
The island was formed on September 21, 1897, following a volcanic eruption triggered by an earthquake near Mindanao. This eruption created three distinct landmasses that compose the present-day island formation.
The island gained fame as the filming location for the first season of the American television series Survivor: Borneo. This global exposure transformed it into a notable landmark in popular culture history.
The island is best reached from the port in Kuala Penyu or from Kota Kinabalu, with boat journeys taking approximately 18 kilometers. Visitors should charter speedboats or book pre-arranged tours to organize their crossing to the island.
The island contains several natural mud volcanoes where visitors can bathe in mineral-rich mud, a rare experience in this region. These geothermal features are a primary reason travelers visit the location.
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