BIDONG GROUP OF ISLANDS - An Overview

The Bidong group comprises six islands and outcrops with fringing reefs. Main island Bidong was declared a UN refugee camp for the Vietnamese boat people and remained under the management of UNHCR and the Malaysian Police for over a decade from the 70's to the 80's. No visitors were allowed on or around the islands.

The Vietnamese, in frantic bids to escape rule, utilized all available means to leave their country. They escaped in boats of any shape and size including barges, fishing boats, tugboats, river ferries and even in boats that were only slightly larger than the average rowboat you find on lakes in the park. It boggles the mind to know how these people, cramped by the tens and hundreds, into little crafts, mostly unsafe for the sea, crossed the South China Sea in absolute desperation to find freedom. The ideal time to escape then was the period of the northeast monsoon (December to February) when the NE winds assisted their journey towards the Malaysian peninsula. Winds mean waves, monsoonal waves. Hence many boats did not make journey's end and thousands of refugees drowned. Of these, hundreds, maybe thousands are children.

The Bidong Islands restriction has since been lifted. However, even with the withdrawal of this restriction, few divers venture there despite its proximity to the popular Redang Island. This may be due to logistical reasons of the local operators.

The Sites

BIDONG BAY

The boats we see now scattered in the bay of the main island are sunk by those who survived. Dozens of them, some in fair condition and recognizable while some are so eroded that only the engines are left sitting there upright on the shallow sandy bottom. These wrecks are resting in the calm, sheltered waters and having being there for 20 years or more, are now covered with marine growth with a good mixture of soft and hard corals. Small fishes abound, they are also home to moray eels and stingrays. This is a good site for a restful dive with lots to explore. Depths 15 to 50 feet (5 to 15 meters)

PULAU GELUK

The northern end of this island is teeming with fish of many kinds. Predominantly yellowtail fusiliers and rabbitfish, pelagics like rainbow runner, kingfish, barracuda and jacks are often sighted in schools. Bottom is rocky down to 20 meters. Depths 30 to 70 feet (10 to 20 meters)

ONE TREE ISLAND - (Batu Tengkorak)

Rocky outcrops with a narrow channel in between. Usually mild currents drift through the channel. Good fish and coral life. Surprise encounters include large kingfish, giant groupers and large schools of barracuda and jacks. Depths 20 to 60 feet (6 to 18 meters).

BIG SHARK ISLAND - (Pulau Yu Besar)

A very exposed islet east of main Bidong, it got its name from the fishermen of long ago when sharks were abundant. The northeastern point is rugged and plunges underwater to a beautiful coral garden. Excellent site for both coral and fish life. Seen often are barracuda, trevally, rainbow runner, bat fish and dozens of giant humphead parrotfish. Depths 30 to 80 feet (10 to 24 meters)

RUSH HOUR - (Pulau Karah)

The rocky western point extends down underwater for quite a distance in the channel down to 24 meters. Aptly named for the dense schools of fusiliers regularly found there. Visibility is usually good at 10 to 15 meters. Occasionally, visibility can be as low as 5 meters. Depths 15 TO 50 feet (5 to 15 meters).

KARAH SUBMERGED REEF

The straits between main island Bidong and Karah. Persistent current streams through the channel bringing rich waters to a submerged reef. Prolific coral garden based itself on large granite boulders. Good site for uncommon reef fish like the clown trigger and the reticulated angel. Predators like barracuda and jacks are found swimming over the reef. Depths 30 to 105 feet (10 to 30 meters)