MY TRAVEL: PULAU PERHENTIAN , PULAU BIDONG & OTHERS

BY HJ ZULHEIMY MAAMOR

31/10/2026

TERENGGANU - GEM OF THE EAST COAST

A treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders, Terengganu is often fittingly referred to as the "Gem of the East Coast". Visitors will be captivated by its unspoiled landscape, dotted with quaint small towns, rustic coastal villages and verdant greenery. 

Located on the East Coast region of Peninsular Malaysia, Terengganu borders the state of Kelantan to the north and Pahang to the west and south, while the east of Terengganu is the South China Sea. 

Ref: Wikipedia - Terengganu

My first memory in Terengganu was in the 80s when I served with the Royal Malaysian Navy. While serving with KD Panah and KD Sri Negri Sembilan, RMN patrol boats, I frequently patrolled the waters of Terengganu, particularly around Bidong Island.

KD PANAH

14TH SQUADRON PATROL CRAFT

TG.GELANG, KUANTAN, PAHANG

30 MARCH 1987 - 11 OCTOBER 1987

I serve with the KD Panah, a Royal Malaysian Navy patrol craft from 14th Squadron Patrol Craft, based in Tanjung Gelang, Kuantan, Pahang.

Ships often perform patrol duties in the South China Sea, and there are times when we have rest and recreation on nearby islands such as Tioman Island, Perhentian Island, Redang Island, Pulau Kapas and so on.

RMN Jetty at Tanjung Gelang, Kuantan, Pahang

Pulau Perhentian, located 2 km off the coast of Terengganu, is made up of 2 main islands, namely the larger and more developed Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, which is popular among budget travellers. 

Access to Pulau Perhentian is by ferry or by boat from Kuala Besut, 110 km from Kuala Terengganu. 

Perhentian Island is one of the islands that we often stop by to rest after a few days of patrolling the South China Sea. This photo was taken on the night of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. To alleviate our sadness, we had fun together by dancing on the deck of the ship.

KD SRI NEGRI SEMBILAN

12TH SQUADRON PATROL CRAFT

LUMUT, PERAK

12.10.1997 - 18.3.1988

I served with KD Sri Negri Sembilan from the 12th Squadron Patrol Craft, Royal Malaysian Navy, based in Lumut, Perak.

This ship also often patrols in the South China Sea, especially around Bidong Island, Terengganu, which, at that time, housed Vietnamese refugees.

PULAU BIDONG - THE BOAT PEOPLE

An island in Kuala Nerus District of Terengganu. Pulau Bidong is accessible from the coastal town of Merang in Setiu district. 

From 1978 until 2005, Pulau Bidong was a Vietnamese refugee camp with a population reaching as many as 40,000 refugees at its peak. 

On 30 April 1975, the Vietnam War ended with the fall of Saigon to the North Vietnamese Army. In May 1975, the first boat with 47 refugees arrived in Malaysia from Vietnam. They were called "The Boat People". 

In October 1978, the Hai Hong attempted to land 2,500 refugees in Malaysia. But the Malaysian government declined to allow them to enter their territory, and the ship sat offshore. 

Pulau Bidong was closed as a refugee camp on 30 October 1991, with the last refugees departing for Vietnam on 28 August 2005. In 1999, the island was opened for tourism. 

I also have a memory to share of Pulau Bidong, where I was once involved with KD Sri Negri Sembilan, guarding along the coast of Bidong Island in 1987. And now, Bidong Island is only left with memories and traces of the history of Vietnamese refugees.

Patrolling the area of Pulau Bidong in 1987 with KD Sri Negri Sembilan. Officially opened as a refugee camp for Vietnamese refugees on 8 August 1978. About 250,000 refugees passed through Pulau Bidong from 1978 to 1991.

It is officially closed on 30 October 1991, as the remaining refugees moved to Sungai Besi Transit camp in KL and were then repatriated. Final repatriation was 28 August 2005. Today, it houses the Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Marine Research Station.

Ref: Down Memory Lane - Pulau Bidong

Pulau Bidong holds many memories, each one a testament to the resilience and spirit of those who once called it home. The island, once a refuge for thousands, now stands as a silent witness to the stories of hope, struggle, and survival.

As I reflect on my time there, I remember the vibrant community that thrived amidst adversity. The laughter of children playing on the beach, the shared meals among families, and the camaraderie among the refugees created a unique bond that transcended their circumstances.

The lush greenery and crystal-clear waters of Pulau Bidong served as a backdrop to these poignant moments, reminding us of the beauty that can exist even in the most challenging times. Each wave that lapped against the shore seemed to carry whispers of the past, echoing the dreams and aspirations of those who sought a better life.

Today, as we look back on the history of Pulau Bidong, it is essential to honour the memories and lessons learned from this chapter. The island may have transformed, but the spirit of resilience and hope remains etched in our hearts, inspiring future generations to cherish freedom and compassion.

In sharing these memories, we keep the stories alive, ensuring that the legacy of Pulau Bidong continues to resonate with all who hear it.

1994: TASIK KENYIR

Tasik Kenyir is Malaysia's largest man-made lake, 260 sq km, created when Sungai Kenyir was dammed for the Sultan Mahmud Power Station. 

The Houseboat, a standard Kenyir houseboat before the modern 2-3-storey air conditioning. 

MASJID 8 KUBAH

Located at Kampung Lapan Kotak, Jerteh, Besut, Terengganu, about 8 km from Bandar Jerteh. The official name is Masjid Al-Muttaqin, but it is better known as Masjid 8 Kubah or Masjid Russia, as the 8 onion domes are inspired by St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Russia. Built in 2017 through public donations plus an initial RM500,000 from MAIDAM (Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Melayu Terengganu). Capacity can accommodate about 500 congregants at one time.

My time in Terengganu remains an unforgettable memory. It is through experience that we grasp the essence of life: embarking on long journeys, embracing expansive vistas, and gathering countless lessons from our adventures.

PULAU LANG TENGAH

Located between Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian, about 40 km northeast of Kuala Terengganu, 22.5 km from Tanjung Merang Jetty. Accessible by ferry from Merang – Summer Bay Jetty Mangkuk is the main gateway now.

Activity: Snorkelling & diving, island hopping, etc.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

31 October 2026: 1:06 a.m.