Pulau Tiga National Park

Pulau Tiga National Park is a protected group of small islands off the west coast of Sabah, Malaysia, known for active mud volcanoes and coastal forest. The park consists of three islands and is managed for conservation and low-impact recreation.

The islands are best known for easily accessed mud volcanoes, several sandy beaches and nearshore snorkeling sites. Short coastal trails and sheltered bays give visitors opportunities for beach swimming, wildlife viewing and snorkeling close to shore. Facilities are basic and concentrated on the main island where day visitors and overnight guests typically land.

The landforms were produced by mud and gas eruptions rather than classic volcanic lava flows, which created the characteristic mud volcanoes and island shapes. The site later became designated as a national park and developed for controlled visitor access while protecting fragile coastal habitats.

The park sits off Sabah’s west coast in the South China Sea, west of the Sabah mainland. The islands lie within shallow coastal waters and are reached by boat from nearby Sabah coastal towns.

• Three islands: Comprises three small islands, which give the park its name and define the area available for visitors, with most facilities on the largest island.
• TV filming: Was the filming location for the first US season of the TV series Survivor in 2000, which brought international attention to the islands.

What to See #

• Pulau Tiga (main island): Covers the main inhabited and visited landmass where trails and visitor facilities are concentrated, and includes coastal beaches used for swimming and snorkeling.
• Mud volcanoes: Localized mud volcanoes formed from gas and wet sediment are the park's geological highlight and are accessible on short walks from beach areas.
• Beaches and snorkeling sites: Shallow reefs and sheltered bays around the islands provide snorkeling and basic dive access to coral and reef fish close to shore.