One of my major goals for this trip was visiting Pulau Tengah, an island off the Malaysian coast where I spent months 4 through 20 of my life. Yes, my infant years were spent on a tropical island!
It was my only reason for visiting Malaysia – a single minded mission to go back to a tiny island that played such a huge role in my first two years of life. I’d seen plenty of pictures and heard more than a few tales of our escape from Vietnam, but I wanted to experience the place as an adult.
Well before my birth and after the Vietnam War ended, my family realized that, given my father’s high profile in the former South Vietnamese army along with our strong belief in capitalism, we would never have a satisfactory life in post-war (Communist) Vietnam. So the plan was an escape by sea – something tried by many but successfully completed by relatively few. In our case, it took 13 tries (I was born right before try #13) before we successfully slid past the land checkpoints, properly assembled at the mock fishing vessel, slithered past the sea patrols and most importantly, bribed the right people.
We were a determined bunch.
We headed south, not knowing where we were going to land, who would intercept us (pirates? more communist patrols? benevolent sailors?) and what would lie ahead. We just knew that the United Nations had set up refugee camps off the coast of neighboring countries and we would get there or die trying. My father had just been released from three years of “re-education” or more commonly known as forced labor camp and my entire family was blacklisted – no access to education or jobs and furthermore, we had all of our assets seized by the proletariats. I was only an infant at the time, but my family’s recollection of the escape makes my round the world trip seem like a walk in the park.
For stylistic purposes, I had to start this return journey in Vietnam. I snuck back into Vietnam for a few days for the Tet celebration, unbeknownst to just about everyone. On Lunar New Year’s Day, I went to Tan Son Nhut airport in Saigon (where my family, sans me, nearly left from in 1975, prior to the end of the war, but a last minute change of heart nixed that option) to catch my flight to Kuala Lumpur. While it would be a travesty to compare it to a middle of the night boat escape, I did get hassled by the Communist officials for my multiple entries within a short time frame. Kuala Lumpur, the amazingly well developed capital of Malaysia, surprised me. Admittedly, I had low expectations of KL and Malaysia, but the place is as efficient, well-run and as multicultural as the United States.
My mission was to get to Pulau Tengah as quickly as possible, arranging transportation as I went along. I didn’t expect it, but the Lunar New Year meant that most trains/buses/ferries were booked solid for the next few days! And more sinister, I had expected to negotiate with a local fisherman for a charter boat out to the now deserted island, which would be somewhat difficult if they were all taking a few days off.
With every mission there are unsung heroes. For Mission Pulau Tengah, there was Shana, a Malaysian (of very mixed descent) whom I first met in Ko Phi Phi, Thailand. With her help, I was able to secure one of the last seats on the bus from KL to Mersing, the nearest city to my island destination.
As a side note, if any of you believe that all Asian women are meek and soft spoken, I should introduce you to Shana – she’ll set you straight pretty quickly. This picture does not accurately capture the fire coming out of her ears.
Once on the bus to Mersing, I quickly realized why there were still seats available. The 10pm bus got into Mersing at 3:00am. Ouch.
Luckily, upon arrival, I met a fellow American traveller and we decided to split a room so we could sleep for a few hours before the ferries started running. The thought of sleeping in the bus station did not appeal to either of us. And she was smart enough to line up a few places beforehand. I was just hoping that the bus would take longer and I would be arriving right at sunrise. Wishful, but delusional thinking, in retrospect.
The next morning, on three hours of sleep, I began the painful process of finding a boat to Pulau Tengah. Being uninhabited, there is no ferry service, so I had to find a fisherman who was willing to work on a national holiday and convey to him that, yes, I wanted to explore this island and no, I wasn’t crazy. It only took me about 2 hours to nail something down, but it did not go well. Even with limited English, he was able to say “You American? American have much money.” Let’s just say that this wasn’t the best position to start negotiating and the fact that he was the only fisherman around on this holiday compounded my problems. The final price reflects all of that.
The boat wasn’t the prettiest, but it would deliver me to my goal and that was good enough.
Approaching the island, I’d like to say that sparks flew and long lost childhood memories came back, but honestly I was just amazed at how we crammed 10,000 people on such a small island.
After the departure of the Vietnamese refugees, no one saw any reason to maintain a pier on the island. That meant, for me, my chartered fishing vessel would have to anchor slightly off shore and I would have to swim in! I packed my camera into two drybags and began the swim to my former home.
The beaches on the island, however, made it all worth it. They are beyond description.
I spent a few hours circumnavigating that island by foot and while recollections of years past were not popping up, there was a strange sense of completion that came over me. A missing piece of my childhood puzzle was now underfoot.
Moreover, Pulau Tengah imprinted me so deeply that I have spent much of my vacationing life searching for places that would bring back this missing piece of my identity, without even knowing it. I think back to all of the vacation spots I’ve visited that I thought were truly fantastic and they all looked very similar to Pulau Tengah.
Below are a few comparison pictures. I am the baby in the old pictures and I tried to get to the exact same spots during my recent visit.
Hi,
interesting post. M in kl next month and thinking as doing the same. Assume you did your trip recently? Thought the island is a resort now?
Cheers,
mphan
Hi – you are referring to Pulau Sibu Tengah. This is Pulau Babi Tengah. They are often confused, even by the fisherman. My suggestion if you want to go is to get GPS coordinates of the correct island and have the fisherman take you to the coordinates you specify.
Hi, I saw your pics. taken in the North side of the island. I was there from 25May78 to Jun79, I was 8 years old. We were the first people of the North side. I think these pics. taken in front of camp L where I lived. Here is my email : paulkhue@yahoo.com. I love to see more pics. of this Island and share my memories with you. My boat number is BT 318. My dad , Nguyen Van Son, and my brothers and people of the camp L built the rest room Bridge of the North side. Thank you for sharing these beautiful pics.
Sounds really great, do you know if they have accomodation for tourists. I have heard it should be a great place but unable to find a resort (somebody mentioned the pirate bay resort) on the internet.
Cheers, David
David – that’s the other Tengah Island, a tourist haven. This is Pulau Babi Tengah. There are no resorts on the island. You can’t stay overnight unless you illegally camp.
According to Google map there is a Batu Batu Resort on Pulau Babi Tengah?
Hello, I would like to ask you a few questions about Pulau Tengah. Can you email me at nss.lasr@gmail.com
I’m Noel Silas Savarimuthu from Kuala Lumpur.
Hi,
Thank you for sharing your story. My counsin and I were there from July 1980 to March or April 1981 when they closed the camp. Your pics bring back some old memmory for me. I was 14 at that time. I remember the feeling of longing to leave that place and go to the U.S. The beach was beautiful but no one is enjoying the surround environment. I would love to be able to go back and visit the island again. Thanks again for your stories.
hi,
were u camped on north, south or middle island?
I would like to share notes with u.
Thank you
This is quite fantastic. I have also dreamt of going back there someday . I felt there same as you do . I was 11 when I arrived in Pulau Tengah. There was this part of childhood that I left here . It was a very beautiful memory but sad . I have always treasured it, I commended you for taken this leap . I wish they have a tour that I could go . I don’t know how to swim like you do (lol )to get me to the island . If you know anyone doing yours or organizing a group please email me
If the private resort on the island still in business, you book a night or two with them, or arrange a day boat ride with them (they operate the boat service to the island). They do get folks like us to their island. Be warned that the sea condition may shift the schedule.
I was one one the boat people that stayed on this island from May 1979 to June 1980. My friends and I went back for a visit last year August 2010 and were amazed to see how things have changed. It’s brought back a lot of good memories during my childhood there.
Next time, if you want to go there for a visit, please do not hesitate to contact me for info.
Cheers, Charles
Thank you for sharing your beautiful journey.
I was at the Island 08/78 to sometimes around 12/78. That bring back so much memory.
I WAS THERE WHEN I WAS 14 MY BOAT NUMBER VT404 WE WERE ON SOUTH ISLAND….
I was there from Nov 78 to Jan 79 on the north island. We were there at about the same period. I think when I landed it had 2500 people but grew very fast to 6000 when I left and growing…
Ken
I was on the island 9/78 and left 3/79. What a great memory. Thanks for sharing your interesting journey.
We were there at the same, almost same, period 🙂
Thanks for sharing your very touching story.
Especially the actual official name of the island and the coordinator, I’ve been looking for these information such a long time.
I arrived to this island in May 1978 as a 16 years old boy on the tuk tuk boat “Yet Kieu KR-11” together with 119 other souls and 1 baby was born on this island. That make our boat-family of 121 people.
Now these people are living all over the world, including Vietnam. About 5 people (crew member) were return back home to Vietnam by choice as they were forced to leave.
Hi
Tui biết chiếc Uyết Kiêu , 1 chiếc tàu bằng sắt ( tàu kéo ) ủi bãi ở Trung đảo .
Tu Nguyen,
Hi, thank you for sharing your story in this comment. I know this is an old response (eek– 8 years old!) but it caught my attention because of your information. I am trying to find out more info about this island’s boat people. I know there were many, but I believe (unless I am mistaken about my birth documents) that this was the same island I was born on. I know many babies were probably born here, but any time I’d inquire about information on their time on this island, my parents refused to answer. I think the trauma was too much for them.
Anyway, my birthdate was 13 MAR 1979. I cannot seem to find any info on the boat that’s listed on my document, so it could possibly be a clerical error or I am reading the handwriting poorly. It says “Boat no. VT 564.” Other than this document, I know nothing of this time. My family was sponsored to the US when I was only about a month old.
Hello
I’m looking for information too.
Did you get any replies?
Kim
Hi Charles,
What a great post! I am in Malaysia right now and would like to go to Babi Tengah in a week. I was also living on the island the same time as you. Can you send me an email with the coordinates please. Thanks a million.
Aly,
You can see it in the first picture, just click on it and you’ll see the larger version with a marker of where it is.
From Google Earth/Map, I can see the big island Pualu Besar next to it have a resort which you can stay there then hide a boat to take you to Palau Babi Tengah. If you go there, I’ll love to see more photos of the place. 🙂
I was there during 10/1978 to 6/1979. I would very much like to go back for visit. Can all of you who had been back share how you did it, how do you arrange transportation, contact number, or website you use?
Mainly, if I start from KL, how do get to the island? how long does it take from Mersing to Pulau Babi Tengah? Why is call Pulau Babi Tengah, we just refered to it as Pulau Tengah when we were there. How far is it from Pulau Besar?
Hi, Did you end up going there?
I was there during 11/78 to 01/79.
In 1990 very early on… I went from Singapore to Mersing and it was too late and none of the boat would take me to the island.
Will try to go there again soon, after covid.
Cheers,
Ken
Melbourne
Ticson – there is no website or contact number. This is not a resort, it’s a deserted island and accordingly, requires a bit of work to get there. You have to arrange it all yourself. From KL, go to Mersing and then find a fisherman from the port to take you to Pulau Babi Tengah. It’s about a 45 minute ride.
I would suggest getting GPS coordinates from Google Earth to make sure he is taking you to the right place. There are two islands called Pulau Tengah. The former camp is called Pulau Babi Tengah. If you just say Pulau Tengah, you’ll go to the Pulau Sibu Tengah tourist resort. You can try it, but you’ll end up on an island other than the one you’re looking for. Just because it was incorrectly referred to in the past doesn’t change its real name. 🙂
My sister was just there last week. She discovered a boulder with boats IDs, and Viet names, The surrounding is gorgeous. They are building a resort. In a couple of years it will be ready for tourists. I was 11 years old and left in 1980. Reunion is upon us!!! x)
Hi,
Thanks for sharing. We were there from 10/1978 and left on 6/1979. Our boat was VT 404 and I heard the Malaysian used our boat many years after due to it’s great condition. I wish to bring my family back someday after they finish building the resorts. The island is beautiful indeed. I was 13 then and stayed on the south side. The whole island is divided into three regions: South , Middle ( trung dao), and the North. All new boat people got in via the Middle section. Supplies were also delivered to us via this section. However, selected representatives in each campsite would have to swim out to pick up the goods and distribute back to the people at his campsite. My dad was one of them and My brother, 9 and I helped him pulled in the goods.
Hi anh chi Phan .
tôi cũng ở trên đão Tengah từ tháng 4 / 79 – 5/80 . Chiếc VT 404 được Mã Lay sử dụng làm cruiser đưa người qua lại Mersing , và đưa người mới đến cập đão . Tàu tôi số MH 6300
Baclieu
Hi Phan, I was in southern island, and worked with the US delegation,each time they came to the central island. I left in 02/1978 before you came.
Hi anh Tu,
Forgive me if I mistaken you with someone else. I’ve also met someone named Tu via my aunt’s , Le Kim Huong. She used to work as a translator then. Anh Ni, Hoa and b/s Nguyen dinh Van..Are you the one who hung out with these people then. I had beautiful memories of this island then.
hi,
huong was a kind and beautiful person.
Hi,
Is this the right Anh Tu I am refering to? If so, glad to hear from you and hope all is well.
My aunt’s mom recently passed away so she is in the area, San Jose, California. I will let her know. She asks about every one in your group. If this is an error, please accept my apology.
Have a great day.
I was in Pirate Bay many years ago,,,18-20 years ago,,, Just my group of about 8 collegues,,, stayed there for more than a week. Unforgetable,,,, not many people know about this place,,, not even the boat charters,,, all confuse saying Bai Tengah,,Sibu Tengah but what it actually I don’t know either,, I wish I can go back there again but has lost all contacts with my ex-collegues…. Hope to be able to go back there one more time….
Beautiful pictures! Thank you, Vagabundo. I guess all the camps must have been taken down by now. I too was there between 11/78 to 03/79 and stayed at the south side of the island, although it was a short period of time but had a lot of fond memories there. Thanks again.
Ha ha Bro, good to see your post. Fond memories it was! Trust all is well cous!! Hardy
Hi,
You arrived in 11/78? What’s your boat no? Mine was ML123 (from Tra Vinh) and arrived on 8 Nov 78 but quarantined outside the island for 2 days and landed on 10 Nov 78. I left in 01/79.
Ken
Melbourne
Hello,
I have posted a couple of pictures of the Boy Scout group at Pulau Tengah taken in 1979 on my Poetry Blog: http://docngu-muse.blogspot.com/2010/10/hom-qua.html.
can you email me the original size of the pictures that you posted? I would like to see if I recognize anyone in the picture. you can email me at pdbrental@gmail.com
Hello Doc Ngu, Không biết Doc năm nay bao nhiêu tuổi, riêng tôi 60 tuổi và được phép xưng tôi và tên vì chưa được biết tuổi-tcá nên khó cách xưng hô.
Tôi rất vui khi đọc được những hàng chữ của đảo Pulau Tengah năm 1979 vì tôi cũng ở đảo Pulau Tengah này vào năm 1979. Lúc đó tôi đi với chồng cùng 2 đứa con 1 tuổi và đứa con trong bụng 8 tháng và khi bị sống trong tình trạng sợ hãi nên đã không ghi hồi ký để nhớ, THẬT UỔNG. Vậy xin vui lòng cho tôi biết Doc Ngu hoặc có ai biết về chiếc tàu MT 161 vào Malaysia ngày / tháng nào không ? Xin chân thành cảm ơn. Mrs. Minhhuy.
Gần 4 thập niên trôi qua. Chúng ta những con người được mang dấu ấn của một quãng thời gian mang nhiều kỉ niệm đau thương của một kiếp người. Giờ thì lạc lõng trên những mảnh đất xa lạ.
Tôi cũng là một trong những kẻ đã trôi dạt vào hòn đảo bé nhỏ đó vào tháng 05 năm1979 trên chiếc thuyền định mệnh mang số hiệu MT161. Tôi cũng vào khoảng lớp tuổi của chị.Hiện đang sinh sống tại châu Âu. Nếu chị cùng chuyến tàu đó thì rất mong có một lần được liên lạc với gia đình anh chị.
Mến chào.
Hello, it’s been a long time since I last read these comments.
What month was this taken?
We left the island and arrived in Melbourne in Aug 1979.
Recently it was our 42th year in Australia, so we’re trying to gather more information of those years on the island when I was too young to remember.
Hi Doc Ngu,
Thanks for the pictures on your site.
I left the following comment on your site.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
Oh my gosh. I just saw this picture from an email link my younger brother sent.
I remember this day well. My older brother and I were both there! We were at “Dong Dao” (East side of the island) and Tioman was offshore. I remember playing “u” and other games on the beach then sit around and sing and ate on this day. I’m the short kid in the yellow t-shirt smack in the middle of the first pix.
I remember the scout troop got a huge boost from one of the Malaysian administrators, who was an ex-scout. I also remember 100-degree days in the white tent that we scouts had on the beach at “Trung Dao,” sitting around playing “co tuong” and pondering about the future countries and reminiscing about the country we left. And cursing the tons of canned sardines we have to eat 🙂 Also remembering the scouts working to maintain the stony steps to “Bac Dao.” And of course the extravaganza Scout entertainment night, where one of the older scouts had this idea of lighting the fire by sending a burning bundle down a wire from a nearby tree to the pile of firewood–thus setting off in a spectacular fashion a festive night.
My dad (Buu Nguyen) was elected the main rep for the refugees on the island (not sure what he did–I was ten).
Sorry I had to comment in English…would have been incomprehensible in V. but thanks for the walk down memory lane.
I’m in San Diego and now a lawyer but what a great treat to find this pix.
Hi Joe,
If my memory still serves me correctly, your Dad used to be the Chairman of the Refugee Committee at that time. He has done a lot of good things for the people on the island, and well respected by everone.
Please send my warmest regards to your Dad and the rest of your family.
Cheers, Charles
Hi Joe.
I just saw and read this article and appreciate if you could share the pictures of your dad.
Fyi, my uncle is the Police Officer who in charge the security and administrative of the camp. He may still remember those key person chosen to communicate with them.
They are two grave in the island from the family members of refugees – unnamed.
In 1987 he bought parcel of the land in the island with intention to build budget accommodation to cater for former refugees and family visited the place again.
Should you have plansto visit or organised reunion feel free to contact me.
Best regards
Najib Johari
Owner one of the Middle Island
syednajibs79@gmail.com
Mobile/WhatsApp: +60163753117
Hi Najib,
I was in south side of the island, working as interpreter for the US delegation until I left in 02/1978.
During an official visit to the refugee camp, a friend of mine working for the central government, introduced me to Police Officer in Charge.
By any chance, is that tall, handsome, young gentleman your uncle or other member of your family?
Thank you and have a good one!
phan vuong
PS. My younger brother of course is the Vagabundo guy of this blog. A very cool guy I may add 🙂
I was there from summer 1979 till summer of 1980. I also joined the scout and don’t know who is Doc Ngu. I have been given a nickname ” Ti ghe” .
Thanks for the beautiful pictures of the island. Do you have any more that you can share? I was there from August 1979 to May 1980. We lived on the South side of the island, by the volleyball court. It’s amazing to see how much vegetation has returned. If you don’t mind sharing more of your trip’s pictures, I would be very grateful. You can e-mail me at thao.tran@qepres.com.
Thanks.
i was there 06/80 to 11/80 boat # ptg oo2. know anyone on it?
Hi – it’s really interesting to read all your posts as we are currently building a small boutique resort on Pulau Tengah. And excellent to see your photos. You can keep a track of the resort’s progress on http://www.batubaturesort.com or email us at enquiries@batubaturesort.com. There are pictures of the island on the site if you want to take a look. Once we are up and running (and less busy with the development phase) we should try and compile some of your stories, photos etc. into a common place / short book to record the history of the island (70s/80s).
It’s very touching me when i read your stories . I was there from 1978 to 1980 when i was 17 years old . My boat was MT-056 ( My Tho) and i stayed on the north side ( Bac Dao). Your journey bring back so much memories .
hi,
My name is Thanh Bui. The Son of Sau Bui. Do I know you? somehow, your name sound very familiar. MT 056 was the boat that took me out of VN, Landed me on the island. The time that I spent there were wonderful. I would love share my memory about my experience with you. This is my email, minhthanh@yahoo.com
Thanh Bui
I just saw your boat number in my list at
http://www.refugeecamps.net/PTBoatlist3.html
and arrive to Tengah on May 10, 1979. Is it correct?
This list I created using Blue card when I was at the camp 1979.If you have any picture, story about your trip, how many people in the boat? when you left VN? I can update to your boat and give you a page same as http://www.refugeecamps.net/VT268.html.Thanks
Anna
Hi Michael, I was in Bac dao, camp L from 25May78 to jun79. My dad is Nguyen Van Son , my brothers and people from camp L built the rest room on the left side of camp L. I was 8 and my brothers were you age at this time. My boat was BT 318. Talk to you soon.
Hi bạn,
Tôi đã sống ở Pulua Tengah từ khoảng tháng 6/1979 đến tháng 10/1979 đi Kuala Lumpur. Tàu tôi sốTG404. Hình như chiếc MT056 đậu ở cồn Tân Long (Mỹ Tho) bên cạnh chiếc TG404, trước khi “tách bến” giữa năm 1979?
i was there from 11/78 to 02/79, stayed at the south side (Nam Dao). Our boat was HG0400 (Hau Giang). Those pictures bring back a lot of great memories. Thank you
Hi Quan Diec, I’m Liem. I think we’re from the same boat (we got towed by the Malaysian navy, abandoned, docked at an Indonesian Island for a night, left for the sea again and landed back in Malaysia, then transported to Pulau Tengah). I’d like to go back for a visit some day. Know the whereabout of other people from the same boat?
Hello Liem Lu, it’s wonderful to see your post! Yes we are on the same boat, i still remembered the time when we were in Indonesia and were forced back onto the boat where there they took the compas from us and left us on our own.
Unfortunately I have no contact with the people from our boat. My uncle’s family and I are in Ottawa, Canada. You can email me at quandiec@yahoo.ca.
Hi Liam
Nice to know you.
My uncle has bought a parcel of land in the island (refugees camp) after he retired from Police Department and in charge the camp since Feb 1978.
Should you plan to visit the island feel free to contact me.
With very little, people survived daily on the island with a smile on their face. Everyone waiting for the call/green light from the UN that were next on the list to leave the island.
There were some very rich individuals who had a cook and cleaner employed from the residents within the island.
There were good and bad people among the authorities, MRCS and UN. Residents of the island wre officially known in Malaysia as Vietnamese Illegal Immigrants (VII) . An organisation labelled Task Force VII was set up to make decisions relating to VII . The commitees representing the islands were closely monitored by the authorities and sometimes deploying trained residents themselves. The objective being to weed out any suspected Commie arriving as a fleeing refugee on a mission. Cultural festivals needed vetting and approval. Gold and US Dollars was the lingua franca for most transactions outside the norm.
How can I contact your sister V.? Could you tell her that I am looking for her. I stayed at BacDao next to L camp (Trai L).
Thank you for sharing your pictures and stories. I was there from Dec 78 to July 79. Penniless . Didnot speak English. Only a shirt, a pant – no kidding here – I lost my sandals on the boat VT-2352. All 169 people on this boat survived. I first stepped on Pulau Tengah beach with my bare feet. But I always think this island as my second bithplace. Now looking back I think the time I was on this island was the happiest time of my life – what I did all day was eat, sleep, swim, chase after the fish, rock crabs,study English, miss home ,and dream about life in America in my little tent at the northernmost end of the island. My brother was Dr. Duong-Duy-Su who helped at the island medical post . Dentist Pham-Thi-Than was chairwoman of the Vietnamese committee at the time. Malaysian police chief SuSu was a young guy who got rich very quick with secret deals with wealthy Chinese refugees on the island. Remember all those storires ? Again thanks to all who share your memories on this island.
Hi there – Having heard the stories I am keen to compile some of what is known of the island in a Google Map (e.g., http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Pulau+Babi+Tengah,+Malaysia&aq=0&sll=-6.314993,143.95555&sspn=25.387955,45.131836&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Pulau+Babi+Tengah,+Malaysia&t=h&z=14).
I was interested to know what was on the island then (during the 70-80s) and also locations of any natural features you may have noticed on the island. Did anyone notice any wildlife? Birds? Mammals?
We are working with the owners of Batu2 and are keen to keep some of the memories alive. Email Reza on info@wildasia.org if you would like to contribute to this map I will share you a link to collaborate.
Thanks, Reza
Hi, thank you so much for sharing your story … it sure bring back lots of memories. I was on the island between April 1979 and June 1980 (boat VT 268). In fact, I have a picture taken at the exact same spot as your first family photo on this post.
Hi, I was on the same boat as you. We lived on Bac Dao. We stayed for about a year and a half. I left there when I was 11 years old. I am in Canada now. How about you? I posted a paragraph on this site last year about my younger sister was on the island in the summer.
Hi Trang, It’s so good to hear from a former boat mate. Hopefully we’ll have a reunion in a near future.
I’m a few years older than you, I was 15 when I left Malaysia. I’m now in San Francisco. Drop me a note sometimes so we can catch up with each other. zousab@yahoo.com.
Thanks for the story. I use two of your pictures in one my photo albums to show my kids “where daddy was in 79,80”
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=33015&id=1769568466&l=564abbcddb
Hello –
Just an update that we finally visited the island few weeks back. It really would be good to have an idea of what the camp looked like in those days. All we found today are some old ruins – have a look at some of these pictures: https://picasaweb.google.com/rayazmi/PulauBabiTengah. We also tried to locate the boulder with the boat names on it and failed.
Anyone wanting to send us a sketch map of what they remember or describe what was there to us would be most helpful.
Thanks
Reza
hi
i would appreciate contact with Reza, Bao and cher.
my email is steadybaddie@yahoo.com.
thank you
Hi. I’ve now done a couple of things. Set-up a Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Batu-Batu-Tengah-Island/128491713889012) and created a blog (http://batubaturesort.wordpress.com/).
If any of you are interested in seeing some pictures of the development to date on PT or to generally following the development of the island – take a look (and maybe even like us or subsribe…). I’ll be posting more frequently from here on.
Cher
Hello.
I was doing some research for my parents when I stumbled on your page.
I believe you did what my mom so desperately wants to do: go back to the refugee camp they escaped to in 1978.
My brother, who was 3 at the time, died there. She longs to visit to see if his grave is still there.
What important advice could you give us that would help us plan a possible visit?
Thank you in advance.
Dear Trinh,
Please contact me at enquiries@batubaturesort.com for more information on planning a possible visit to Pulau Tengah. Batu Batu (our resort) will not be open until early 2012, but we can help you find alternative accommodation in the area / transport to Pulau Tengah. We visit the island on a weekly basis so would be happy to help.
I am afraid we have not seen any graves on the island – but if you mom remembers where it was, we can certainly help her look for it. A lot of the island is now re-forested.
Kind regards,
Cher
Hi Trinh,
Nice to know you.
My uncle was buy a parcel of the land (island) after he retire from Police Department and serve the camp. There are grave near to his land which I believe is your brother.
Should you have plans to visit the grave feel free to contact me
Najib Johari
Owner one of the Middle Island
Email: syednajibs79@gmail.com
Mobile/WhatsApp +60163753117
Hi,
Did you take any picture of Pulau Tengah now?, if you do, please let me see some to bring back my memoty about that island.
Thanks
Phuoc – if you are looking for pics please look at the batubaturesort links for recent photos (last ones taken a couple of weeks ago):
http://www.batubaturesort.com
http://www.batubaturesort.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Batu-Batu-Tengah-Island/128491713889012
As mentioned above, we are building a hotel on Pulau Tengah which we hope to open early next year.
Kind regards,
Cher
[…] I had a great email yesterday from Lang in Sydney. I hadn’t mentioned this in the blog as yet – but Pulau Tengah was home to around 100,000 Vietnamese refugees or the “boat people” from 1975-1981 when it was a UN Refugee Camp. Many Vietnamese refugees who landed up in Malaysian territories were sent to Pulau Tengah where they lived until they were allocated a new home country (mostly Australia, US, Canada, France). I had always assumed that Pulau Tengah must carry terrible memories for the refugees who spent time there – a part of their lives which they would rather not remember. HOWEVER, I have been lucky enough to be in contact recently with a few people who spent time there and realise that some have very happy memories of the place. It’s well captured in this post by “Bao” on this blog. […]
I was in pulau tengah from nov 1978 to july 1979, although it was a short period of time but it had left a large imprint in my childhood. This is the place where i can return to whenever i’m sad or depress, it always cheer me up because of the beautiful memory that i had there. If any of you that have been there and plan to go back to visit lets get together for a trip, and we can share our common experience. my contact is hpvuong@gmail.com. Also thanks the person that posted the pictures. Phil .
Hey Phuoc, I hope you the the Phuoc from Johnston Township, New Jersey. If you are, then you used to live in the Southern area of Pulau Tengah and you & I used to get together with a group of young guys (They left for Chicago) to go hill to the top of the hill to cut down big trees for cooking fire wood and building shelters. We had great times every morning up there singing and sawing trees down. As a reflection, It was terrible to destroy the entire natural forest, but we had to do it to survive. I remembered when I landed there in October 1978 there were abundant thick forests up the hill in the Northern Central Part of the Island. But I was so sad when I looked back while riding the small boat leaving for Mersing in August 1979 the entire mountain was totally bald and trees were barely left. I am sure the trees grew back after 32 years. My shelter was built by our guys at the highest ground in the Northern section near by the Special Malaysian Plain Cloth Police Outpost. Memories were great. Our daily routine was that, in the morning we went to swim down at the beach in the Northern section then we went down to the beach by the front pier to wait for our name and boat number to be called to get our daily ration of fish and vegetables in plastic bags with ice cubes. Then went had to go get water from the public well down by the central area behind the big shared shelter then carried 50 liters (25 liter jug on each hand) of water up the steps all the way up to our hut. the elevation is about 10 story high. Then almost every night we (guys and gals) used to have sweet green been soup and dance into Cha Cha Cha music played in a cassette tape. Most of these occasions were to celebrate farewell for someone’s departure the next morning to a new life in the West. I must say this type of living only happens once in a life time.
Anyone was there in the early 1978?
Hi Tu,
I was there as a baby (1.5yo). We were on the island for a few months before leaving for Australia in June 78.
My photo is on the Batu Batu blog. I will be returning to the island with my mum next year as a surprise holiday for her 🙂
Hi Lang,
I’m currently writing a report on Pulau Tengah and was wondering whether I could use your picture on the ‘Batu Batu on Pulau Tengah Blog’ for the historical section of the report?
This report will not be published for the public, but rather for internal viewing.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best Regards,
Jyunichi
Hi Anh Tu, The boat that you were in was Named Kieu. I think that it may have been my ong ngoai’s boat. I was born in August 1978 on this island and we were in America by December 1978. I am not sure how long our family was there, but possibly earlier that year. Big family: Grandma had 6 kids (my parents, and aunts and uncles), and of course all the grandkids. This is my first time looking up my past. My parents are no longer alive, but this brings back what memories that they talked about.
Hi Thao Nguyen,
Pardon the intrusion, but your comment caught my attention.
I too believe I was born on this island but in March 1979. My parents were then sponsored to the US when I was about a month old. The oldest pics I have in possession of them in America dated July 4th, 1979.
My parents, unfortunately, refuse to speak about their time on this island, so now I am searching info on my own with the 2 documents I have from that time.
That is sad to hear that your parents have passed. I am still trying to confirm if I was born on Pulau Tengah or not. According to my documents, my parents were part of boat no. “VT 564”, but I cannot find any information in regards to that boat online/google. I have contacted the UNHRC, but have yet to hear back.
I realize your comment is old, but I have just come upon this page now. I don’t even know if you’ll read this, but thanks for sharing your story. I hope you were able to find more memories of your parents.
Tàu Côn Đảo 3 từ Cần Thơ đến đảo vào khoảng tháng 3 hoặc tháng 4 năm 1978.
Hi Tu,
I was there 1978 when I was 10 year old.
I was there from 1/4/1978 to 9/15/1978. My dad was Chúa Đảo, ông Nguyễn Duy Quỳnh.
I was 14 y.o. at that time.
Nguyen Duy Quoc Anh.
(714)336-2235
Email: anhlaw95@yahoo.com
Hi VagabundoDLT & Trang Nguyen,
I am working for Cher & I am based on Pulau Tengah. I have tried to find the boulder with boats’ ID & Viet names that Trang Nguyen’s sister discovered, but still have not found the location. I shall be very grateful if any of you can guide me to the location where this boulder is. Thanks. Chew
Quote : (Trang Nguyen) My sister was just there last week. She discovered a boulder with boats IDs, and Viet names, The surrounding is gorgeous. They are building a resort. In a couple of years it will be ready for tourists. I was 11 years old and left in 1980. Reunion is upon us!!! x)
My sister Ngoc-Anh is in South Africa right now. She will be home in August. I will ask her about the location of the boulder
Thank you Trang Nguyen. I have located the boulder today together with Mr. Jyunichi Washizaki & Mr. Hakim from Dr. Reza’s Wild Asia Team. We have also located a few other boulders with writings.
Great news that you’ve found the boulders. Do take some pictures, mark with the GPS and we can post on our blog. We’ll put the link-up on here for anyone interested.
Hello all,
I’ve uploaded pictures of the boulders on the ‘Batu Batu – Tengah Island’ FB page if anyone would like to have a look.
Here’s the link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Batu-Batu-Tengah-Island/128491713889012?sk=wall
Cheers,
Jyunichi
Hi there,
Would it be possible to use 1 or 2 of the pictures from this blog for research purposes? I’m currently compiling a report about the island, and would like to use a few pictures for the ‘historical’ section.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Warm Regards,
Jyunichi
Jyunichi – please contact me at vagabundodlt@gmail.com and let me know which ones you are considering. Thanks.
Hi VagabundoDLT,
Thank you for this post. I was born October 1980 on this island. My mother was a refugee from Vietnam. I would like to know more about it, and do you have any more photos from your visitation? One day, I plan to visit my birthplace because it’s very important to find out for my mother as well. THANK YOU.
Duy
Hi …..there has been an oil spill of tioman island……I hope it doesnt affect the sea life and the beautiful islands in this area. Pulau Tengah is within striking range unfortunately. Can anyone outon the islands update us please.
Hi Zeb – can you send the article which mentions this? I’ve just been google-ing and see that there are a couple of articles on 2 tankers that collided north of Tioman – but no mention of oil spill (yet!). Will be heading to Pulau Tengah tomorrow so will know more + we have people on the island now so we’ll find out if there is a problem. Thanks. Cher
hi cher sorry for the late reply……you may want to try local sourcesfor the info ie the fisheries dept in Mersing…marine police in Mersing…but the best bet would be the Pukat Tunda fishermenin mersing. I shall endeavour to get the article for you….you are also aware that such info will be hushed up by the authorities.. ..pulau aur and pulau pemmangil or pulau tioman residents may be another good source of info. I sincerely hope my info is prooved wrong. Ta
Cher,,,,,if you are looking for old photographs during the 1st days of the refugee island please try a photo studio called Kai Mee in the heart of Mersing town next to adouble fronted chinese restaurant and next to another indian muslim restaurant called Taj mahal…..ps the owner of the photo studio was a Mr Chee Seng…..he took both official and unofficial photos thanks to his contacts with the local Police and the dodgy businessmen who traded in Gold that belonged to the refugees….Ta
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Le Ba Tam
Hi evryone, I am the captain of the boat CT1850, Leaving Bai gia, vietnam on
July 1st 1978 with 45 people on board. we arrived Tioman Island 10 days later.and being transport to Paulau Tengah refugee island. Here I am work with Dr. Hao ( Camp chief) , work with Dr Hao, I am took 4000 Vietnamese refugees moved to Nam Dao (Southern Island) since Bac Dao And Trung Dao so crownded. I am also organized a Vietnamese Scout group there..being served 7 years in South Viet Nam Army, and trained by the US during the war
i was settled in the US few months later
i am 62 now,( i am 28 then) semi retired living in west palm beach florida… my dream is one day, I’ll come back to the island
contact me at: tam_le@bellsouth.net
I am would like to hear from you guy
Tam
Hi Le Ba Tam
I just update your boat story and information in my web site . You can find your story at :
http://www.refugeecamps.net/PTBoatlist.html
http://www.refugeecamps.net/CT1850.html
You can email me at vt268tengah@gmail.com.
Anna
Hi, Anh Tam
My name is Hoa. Are you the one with two brothers named Chau and Tung and a sister named Lien? The boat number was CAT1850. Feel free to contact me at my email hoalai3838@gmail.com. Thank you and have a nice day.
Sincerely, Hoa
Tho Nguyen
My family of 4, myself, my wife and my two children were the first ones transported to Pulau Tengah from Sangai Rengit (Malaysia) when this Pulau Tengah camp was just completly built. My family was among the first 80 occupants of the camp. When we first arrived the island was so nice and quiet. We left the camp in November 1977 when the refgees count was about 700. We learned that this site became crowded with adding refugees after we left the camp.
Tho – when did you arrive? I believe at the peak, the island held 10,000 people.
Our boat of 69 peoples including 6 children landed in Sangai Rengit (Malysia) in mid May of 1977. We temporary stay at this village for about one month, then we were transferred to Pulau Tengah. So we should have arrived in Pulau Tengah in mid June 1977.
There were no local peace officers, no medical team members on the island when we first arrive. I believe refugee population of the island rised to a very high number when refugees from other camps were moved to the Pulau Tengah.
~Tho.
My web site http://www.refugeecamps.net is collect all the information about refugees. PLease visit http://www.refugeecamps.net/Tengah.html. If you can provide me the boat number, date of arrive to camp, how many people on the boat? I can put your boat story to a web page for example as
http://www.refugeecamps.net/CT1850.html.
Thank you. Contact me at vt268tengah@gmail.com
Anna
Hello Tho,
We were also in Sangai Rengit around the same time! Actually the 1st boat people to arrive there. We (119 refugees) landed sometime in early Feb 1977 and departed for Pulau B Tangah in May 1977. We left the island for Kuala Lumpur in early Jan 1978, then to the east coast USA in Feb 1978. Our original destination was Singapore. Unfortunately, Singapore government didn’t want to house the Vietnamese boat people. So, we made our way north along the coast and ended up in Sangai Rengit the morning after. There’s a small island off the coast of SR which was where we sunk our boat due to similar fear that we would be forced away. A couple boats came shortly after our arrival (one could be yours), and one of the boats intentionally ran aground… probably due to the same fear. We only have 1 family photo during our time at both camps. So, if you have photos of Sangai Rengit and/or Pulau B Tangah during that time frame, please do share. My email is dinh.hiep@gmail.com . Thank you in advance. — Hiep
VagabundoDLT
Thank you to share your pictures. I would like to post your family pictures in my future web site under Tengah Refugee camp
I am working to create a comprehensive web site which consolidates information about Refugee Camps in SE Asia. The site will be created by and for refugees. We have many stories, and much information, as well as those who want news of family and friends, etc… scattered all over the web and the world. Therefore I want to have 1 web site for all VN refugee info. To do that, I need help from many people.
Please send me (and pass this along to your friends):
boat numbers
Number of people in the boat
Date left VN
Date arrived at refugee camp, name of camp
Whatever pictures you have of the camp and the refugees
Any other details you may have
I’ve already registered the domain name for this website: http://www.refugeecamps.net and refugeecamps.info. Both will point to the same place.
I am working on the website, and have begun to visit refugee camp sites. With your help, we will be online soon.Please join us on face book at:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/237414599670326/
Or mail me at vt268tengah@gmail.com
Thanks very much for your time and help.
I will be at Tengah this March or April
Anna Bui
in indonesia pulau tengah is name of vilage,,, my vilage..
I was in Tengah from 1979 to 1980. My boat is VT 268 , 529 people. I have work in the office, secretary for Mr Chan Thong and later Mr Joseph Paul.
Please check out my web site http://www.refugeecamps.net and see the section of Tengah. I have the list of all the boat arriving to Tengah from jan 10, 1978 to April 80. If you can give me the date of arriving, I can look up for you. I will update more info for Tengah in the near future, because I still busy to update the web site with all the vietnamese refugee camps in SE asia.PLease contact me vt268tengah@gmail.com
Hi Anna,
I just had a quick look at the list of boats….couldnt find my boat number, not sure why. We were rescued and taken to the camp by an oil rigger…I would love to find out about this rigger as those people saved our lives. Our boat was sinking then.
Hi Anna Bui
I was there from early 1978 to 1979. I was about 8yrs old and we lived in middle beach (trung dao) very close to the hospital. I think my boat number VT207. If anyone on that boat please post some photo.
J’étais arrivée à PULAU TENGAH en 1978. Mon bateau est le VT 1365 qui ne figure pas sur votre liste.
Reza
I would like to ask permission to used your photos at https://picasaweb.google.com/rayazmi/PulauBabiTengah fo rthe web site
http://www.refugeecamps.net and refugeecamps.info.
Please review at http://www.refugeecamps.net/PTPhoto.html
Credit back to you and BatuBatu resort.
Thanks
Hi,
I was there from November or so of 1978 till July of 1979. I was ten year old then. Our boat number was 007, 107 people on it. We lived in Bac Dao (North Beach). We did not have any picture for memories 😦
I have a 14 year old boy and 11 year old girl now. I want to visit here this Christmas. Do you have any contact information that may help me? Can you tell me how you planned your trip?
Thank you.
Khai Duong
Khai,
I arranged the transportation as I went along. I went from Kuala Lumpur to Mersing via bus and then went to the jetty in Mersing and asked around until I could get a fisherman to take me out to the island. Make sure they take you to Pulau Babi Tengah. I would bring the GPS coordinates from the map on the post (and bring your own GPS) to ensure they take you to the right place. I would even bring a map. There is another Pulau Tengah that the tourists go to and it’s completely different. I believe I paid around $120USD for the boat and captain. Also, some of the people who have commented go there pretty often (there’s a small resort on the island), so they may be able to give you more specific information. Good luck and let me know if you have more questions.
Thanks VagabundoDLT,
Thanks for the quick response. I live in Castro Valley, Ca. It would be great if there is a tour just for the refugees to join and visit as a group. I would love to be able to visit Tengah and Bac Lieu in one single trip. Only have 2 weeks due to kids’ school.
Thanks,
Khai
Khai – I’m pretty certain there isn’t a tour available. You’ll likely be arranging this independently – but don’t fret, it’s not that difficult. After all, you did escape Vietnam, so this return trip should be a piece of cake in comparison! Perhaps you can contact the resort on the island (their link is in these comments somewhere) and see if they can help you with arranging transport.
Hello,
Our family was just in Kuala Lumpur and Pangkor Laut Island this past December. We’ve asked everyone on the island about the refugee camps Pulau Bidong and Pulau Tengah and no one knew about the islands. Can someone tell me if Pulau Tengah is closed by near Pangkok Laut Resort in Malaysia? We plan to come back this summer.
Thank you.
Allison – No, it’s on the opposite end of the country. PT is close to Mersing. Click on the map at the top of my post and you can zoom out to see its general location. Hope this helps!
Allison.Vagabundo is correct.Please visit http://www.refugeecamps.net where the camps info and travel listed.I just visit Bidong, and plan on May or June will visit again Tengah. The BatuBatu resort may finish by June.Contact me if you plan to be in these Malaysia in summer, I am living in Singapore for now, so easy to travel.
Thank you Anna Bui,
I just went to the site: http://www.batubatu.com.my/
Great information on the site above. There is even a price list for boat trip and overnight stay at resort. Thanks again to all.
Khai
Hi Khai,
My family has just returned from a short stay at Batu Batu, the resort will be stunning once it is completed in a few months. There are still a few remnants of the camps around the island but the regrowth has changed things dramatically. It took a bit of walking around the main beach before my mum got her bearings! We were very happy to find the places on the rocks that we took pictures 34 years ago. It is definitely worth staying more than one night, the owners and the staff are wonderful and your children will absolutely love it.
All the best for your return journey
Lang
Hi Khai. What year you arrived to Tengah? I was in VT268 arrived in 1979.Who is your UNHCR? Mr Chan thong or Joseph Paul?If you remember please give me your boat number? Date arrival to Tengah? How many people i the boat? I try to have complete archive of all the boat arrival to the camps. I have the list of all the boat arrived to Tengah from 1978 to 80. I am wondre if your boat list in there. Do youy have any pictures of Tengah.?Were you in “Nam Dao ” ot Bac Dao”?Contact me at vt268tengah@gmail.com
Hi Anna, I arrived in December 1978, we are one of two boats arrived together as the owners were friends and we sailed together from Vietnam to Malaysia. I can’t remember the boat number but there were about 252 people.
Love your blog regarding your overall journey around the world of which I had the privilege of living and working at some of the places you had visited. I stumble upon your blog via searching for information re: Vietnamese Boat people. As my family was one of them. I am now in the process of documenting my family history. I shall definately plan to visit Pulau Tengah shortly since I am now based in Asia. My family was in Pulau Tengah refugee camp in November 1978.
Hi there – thanks for the kind words. Definitely contact Anna Bui at vt268tengah@gmail.com She has a webpage collecting stories about the various refugee camps and their inhabitants.
Hello All,
It brings back memories to see and hear all your stories. I stayed on the island in Nam Dao from 11/79 to 5/80. My boat is DN1186.
I love see more pictures from the island at that time if any one has them. I don’t have any because me my dad and brother didn’t have any money for pictures at that time. I still remember alot about the island. I would like to go back and visit some day.
What a memory for all of us one time living on the island. BTW i was 12 at that time.
take care
Hi everyone,
I am sooooo speechless reading all these posts. Never thought that I would reconnect with this island and able to hear from people who have spent time there. Thank you for sharing. I dont remember much of our stay there, as I was a weak, sickly child. we have no photos of those days.
We arrived in Australia on August 6, 1979…so I guess we could have been at the camp about april 1979, boat VNKG2200.
Anna or anyone who has info about this boat and the people on it, or the people staying at the camp about the same time, I would love to hear about it. thanks
we were on VNKG2200, departed from Tac Rang, Rach Gia. we got robbed once by Thai pirates, but by the 3rd day, the boat got picked up by the oil rig late at night. there were 365 people on board. the owner of the boat named Minh, he’s Chinese Vietnamese, speaks Cantonese, with his wife and his mistress on board with him. he is in Canada I think, and his friend Thoai is in Australia. the boat got to Pulau Tengah on April 27th, 1979 I think around that time. Kim if you get this message contact me at mitsuoko9@yahoo.com
let me correct that. the above message was typo. there were 435 people on board and not 365 people
Hello Mit
I just add your story and boat number to the Boat list in my web site at
http://www.refugeecamps.net/PTBoatlist2.html
Click on the story next to your boat number will take to your story at
http://www.refugeecamps.net/VNKG2200.html.
I would like to update more detail, please contact me at vt268tengah@gmail.com or at refugeecamps.net
Anna
Hi Kim,
My family of ten were on the VNKG2200 left Rat Gia in April 1979. I was 15 years old. Our boat was robbed by Thai pirates a few days into the journey. We all were rescued by a Canadian oil tanker and taken to Pulau Babi Tengah. We lived on Bac Dao (North Island) from April 1979 to July 1980. If I remember correctly, there were about 250 people on board. My father’s name was Van A. Sau. He was one of the recruiter for VNKG2200. I am living in Virginia and most of my family are in California. I will try to answer any questions you might have. Dy Q. Van
correction, Mit was right. There were 435 people on VNKG2200 not 250 as I incorrectly recalled.
Hi Jamie , my name is lee chang. i just discovered my pass , after all these years. im so happy that there are so many people sharing their stories. i arrived at the island on may 16, 1979 and i was 8yr. old. my boat # vnkg0602. if any one else is familair or on the same boat as i am, please let me know, i really want to know more . thank you so much.
HI Jamie,
I was the passenger of the boat VNKG2200. There were 366 people on the boat originally, one person was sick and died during the journey, they dumped that body in the ocean. 365 people landed on the island on April 27, 1979, Uncle Minh, the owner of the VNKG 2200 moved to Calgary, Alberta Canada.
Hi Anh Sau Toi la Minh tan Quach la chu tau VNKG2200 mong anh nhan duoc tin nay lam on tra loi cho toi gap toi rat mong doi
Sorry Anh Sau day la email cua toi Vip.contractors@shaw.ca
Hello Jamie Dy Van
Sorry I only saw this message today…nearly one year past…
thanks for the info…I remember very little, but I’ll pass on this info to my parents.
I was 10 years old then, but everything is a blur…if you do have photos of the boat, or of the island or activities of kids etc…would appreciate if you can share…I remember vaguely walking up the hills, and going to collect water from a well with my brother…
and living in a place where rats were crawling all over us while we (my parents, grandma, brother, little sister and I) slept on one big wooden slat of a bed!
Hi Jamie,
I was also on VNKG2200, and was also 15 years old back in 1979!
I would love to share stories and photos with you and others about this journey to freedom.
I think still have my photo with the VNKG2200 sign taken when admitted to Pulau Tangah island…
Rgds,
Fred Nguyen
I just stumbled upon this site when I did a search for my boat – VNKG 2200. There were nine of us that left Rach Gia. Details were a bit blurry, but after searching the internet, I know now that there were 465 of us on the boat, we got robbed by Thai pirates, got rescued by an oil rig (american or canadian?), and then landed april 27, 1979. My entire family ended up in Vancouver, Canada. We’ve integrated well into Canadian society. I was only an infant when I left Vietnam, but I’m forever grateful that we made it out of Vietnam and survived the journey.
Yes a Khai-an,
We were rescued by the Canadian oil rig off the coast of Malaysia if I remember correctly. They fed us with bean cans, and that tasted awesome!
We are very thankful for the kindness the crew were to us.
Yes I also remember our boat VNKG2200 got robbed twice or 3 times by Thai pirates… luckily no one got raped.
Our family is now in Canada, although I am now in California.
Hi Fred, for VNKN2200, was it attacked by pirates really 3 times? I was 10 then, a sickly child… I thought it was once, but we were left to sink, until miraculously we were rescued. I just remember coke and apples.
I was on the VNKG2200 like you. I would love to share the story, and hear your story from this boat from Rach Gia to Pulau Tanga. Please contact me at sharper1999@gmail.com.
I am now in California, and hope to hear from you.
Cám ơn các bạn.
phú
I was also on the boat VNKG2200 from Rach Gia back in 1979. I would love to connect those that left VN at the same time, and share stories. I am currently living in California. Drop me a note!
Thanks,
Fred Nguyen
Hello Fred and Khai-An, I just saw your posts! It is lovely to finally hear from someone who were on VNKG 2200. I was a little 10 year old, and couldn’t remember much. We have no photos of the journey or the time on the island. I’m trying to collate this history for my family. My parents are getting older and frail, so it would be great to show them any photos at all about this journey. Please share if you can.
Ông chủ tàu VNKG2200 tên là ông Minh, hiện cu ngụ tại Calgary, Canada. Nếu ai cần liên lạc với ổng, viết về vip.contractors@shaw.ca.
Tôi có liên lạc với ông ta, và ổng sẽ hồi âm.
Tôi cũng đi chiếc tàu nầy VNKG2200 đến Pulau Tangah vào khoảng tháng 4 1979, ở trên đảo 4 tháng, và được chuyển đến trại tạm cư Kuala Lumpur khoản 6 tháng. Sau đó gđ chúng tôi định cư ở Vancouver, Canada.
Nếu ai cần liên lạc tôi, viết sharper1999@gmail.com.
Kính chào mọi người.
Nguyễn TP
Hello again Fred and all,
Time has flown by, and now we’ve been in Melbourne, Australia 42 years.
I’d like to find out where we stayed on the island – south or north?
My Mum now has dementia and remembers nothing.
It would be nice if I can get some photos to show her.
I was searching for this island and planning to visit one of these days, and I stumbled on this site. I was here from Nov. 79 to Apr. 79. Our boat (965H) ran into a storm and shipwrecked on some other island. I don’t remember how many days we stayed on that island, I was only 10 at the time, but the Malaysian authorities finally came and shipped us to Tengah.
After reading all these posts, it’s bringing back so many happy memories of my time on the island. I guess that’s why every time I go on vacation or plan for a vacation I always pick places similar this paradise island. I remember jumping from the pier into the ocean water, and we didn’t care that the outhouses were just down the shore. There was a beach with beautiful corals, and at low tide we would catch these small colorful fish in the corals. I went swimming just about every day, and, by the time for us to leave, I was about as dark as a Malaysian. Looking back, I only have fond memories of this island. I can’t wait return in the near future and reclaim my paradise. I hope our journey will reunite again on Pulau BabiTengah. Thank you all for sharing your stories.
Loved reading all the shared memories. I too was refugee on the leeward side of Tioman Island from early to mid 1979. Our boat was VT 270, which landed right on the beach. Looking the photos on Anna’s website, it is similar to the one in her website. I couldn’t stop crying reading all the shared memories, as I was only 8 at the time. Would like to be able to contact people on the same boat who might have been dispersed all over the world. I am now in Sydney, Aust, but have been trying to google to see if I can find any info on VBP who were on Cherating camp or Tioman Island.
Cuc Phung now Amy Lam
Hello Lam,
I was on Cherating camp AND Tioman Island (May, 1979).
I believe, I know your boat?
Lenaly,
What was your boat and where are you living now, if you don’t mind disclosing. I am trying to get in contact people, to let my parents know of updates.
Cheers
Amy
Hello Amy,
I was the cook on VT270. My nickname at that time was “Minh bep” (means Minh the cook). Is your father Lam Vi Ngo? I am deeply grateful about his leadership which took ~113 people to freedom on such an old boat without any expert on seafaring. I admire him. I also admire uncle Phung Khanh (we always called him “Phung xang”) , Mr Ma, Mr Banh, who patched the broken engine without any equipment/tool. I would like to contact your father. If possible pls send me a note on binh9lqd@gmail.com. I am currently residing in California near San Francisco.
I was there from Nov 1978 to May 1979, with my cousin who is live in San Diego with me, my boat number is PT 1095.
This PT1095 was carried about 52 people, most of them live in Chicago.
I was here between June 18, 1978 to November 28, 1978. My boat is MT 169 with total of 41 persons. Most of my distanced relatives are living in Australia but we waited to reunited with others members in USA. I’m looking for a friend, Nguyen Quoc Hoang Hung, about maybe 45-50 years old now. You went to Live with your family in St. Lawrence, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. We were able to keep in touch in early years, but lost after. If Hung happens/or any one who might know him/his family, please email me at bayhung@yahoo.com. Toi ten la Ta kiem Hung, tu My Tho, Dinh Tuong, Nam Viet Nam. Hien tai toi dang cu ngu tai nam California..Thank you/Cam on nhieu…
I was there on January 24, 1980 on SS07411A. until June 1980.
I was there from Jan 1979 to August 1980. My boat number VT1189, I was in north island. Reading your stories and pictures bring back lots of memories. Especially, all the familier boat numbers as you heard them everyday over the tanoid system. Me too, planning a visit sometime in the near furure. Anyone who know me please get intouch. BTW, I am now live in England with 4 children and very soon will have 2 grandchildren.
Hai Tran,
My name is Najib from Mersing Johor. For your information the jetty and piece of land in north is belong to my step father..i was planning to develop this area for tourist attraction and historical vacation. Should any interested parties willing to invest on area are welcome.
my mail address: syednajibs79@gmail.com.
will share a lot of picture soon
First, many thanks to Vagabundo blogger and to all had shared your thoughs.
We were there at the end of July 1978, I left the island about six months later. So much memories in that short time…
Our boat BT417 carried 114 persons were sunk on a beach somewhere in Malaysia, we were transported to the island but temporary stayed on the Yiet Kieu (which is empty and anchored) for few days. That time Bac dao & Trung dao were so croweded so we were landed and occupanted in Nam dao. In early time, it was hard to get to Trung dao for food everyday! The path was narrow, up, down and slipery!
This happened only once in my life. Once again thank Vagabundo gave a chance to bring memories back.
I have been playing number 0021 nj lottery for years, but it’s never come out.
My boat number is VNKG 0021. I was there between 1978-1979.
J’y étais aussi à PULAU TENGAH pendant cette période. Connaîtriez vous un garçon d’environ 24 ans qui s’appelle NGUYEN Huu Tri ? Il s’occupait de l’électricité sur l’île entre 1978-1979. Mail dupontloan@msn.com
Also I am speechless reading your moving and beautiful blogs and memories of a tragic and yet hopefull time in your lives…I am a Dutch guy spending a few days with my wife on pulau babi tengah in a very lovely ecofriendly upmarket resort (batu batu). Wow…yesterday we did a track around THE island. For those who wondered if THE island has recovered from logging..I can easily say YES! It now has pristine secundary forest.. Birds and butterfly’s thrive. And so do turtles and other marine life. Mostly thanks to THE way how THE one and only resort is dealing with THE island’s flora and fauna. While tracking my wife and I saw many concrete remains of old life on THE island. I wondered what THE history was and stumbled upon this beautiful page. I hope that all of you have THE means to return to pulau tengah. And wish all of you a happy life!
Mark and Corine Boskamp
My boat arrived at Pulau Tengah on 1/3/1978. We stayed there almost 10 months until September 15, 1978, to enrouting California. I was 14 y.o. at that time. Now I am 50 y.o., married and have 3 children.
My dad was the chair man of the refugee camp when we were there. His name is Nguyễn Duy Quỳnh. Ca sỉ Phương Dung and her family were there too.
Looking back, this was the best time of my life, every day was fun, playing beach volleyball, soccer, ping pong, swimming, diving, picking coconuts, etc…
I’d love to go back visiting Pulau Tengah now and to show my family this wonderful land.
Anyone out there who likes to keep in touch, please email me at anhlaw95@yahoo.com or call my cell (714)336-2235. I live in Orange County, California now.
Thanks for all of your work and effort in putting this forum.
Chao than men
Anh Nguyen
Hi Anh and all,
I took my family of four back to Pulau Babi Tengah just last month, July of 2013. The island is a private resort with 22 villas. Each villa can sleep 4-5 people max. I met the owner of the island and we talked about leasing the whole island for a few days just for the refugees reunion. He said it would be great. I took a lot of videos and pictures on this trip as well. All those who are interested in a reunion in the US or at the island, please contact me.
I can share story of my visit and photos with those who are interested through email. I even found a grave of a 3 year old boy (looks like Josed Nguyen on stone) who was borned in 1975 and passed away in 1978. He was buried by a hiking trail from Bac Tao (North Beach) to Nam Tao (South Beach) path on the mountain.
My name is Khai Duong. I live in the San Francisco area. My email is yangcenter-khai@yahoo.com.
Correction: I met the owner of the island and share some stories with him. He is a very kind gentleman with great integrity. As far as the actual reunion detail, I actually talked to one of his staff members. The staff member told me the owner will work with us and his resort would love to host a reunion if we can gather enough of a party to go there.
Even though I just went there last month, I am willing to work with all the people here to coordinate a possible reunion at the island. I would not mind going again to help lead the way for those who are not too sure on how to get from Kuala Lumpur to Mersing, then to the island. Singapore to Mersing would be a 2 1/2 hour drive vs the 5 1/2 hour bus ride from Kuala Lumpur. But the kuala Lumpur bus ride provided more memory value to me since we took that route from Mersing to Kuala Lumpur to wait for our flight to the US.
All that want to share in our memory of this special island, please feel free to contact me at yangcenter-khai@yahoo.com. I will answer all emails.
Hi Khai Duong,
My name is Minh-Long Hoàng. Our boat, Côn Đảo 3 with about 200 people, from Cần Thơ arrived in the island in March/April 1978. I left for the US in August 1978 and currently living in Washington State.
Yes, a friend and I would be interested in a reunion either in the US or at the island. I would appreciate if you can provide any info to jobnetmaster@yahoo.com.
Thanks!
Our boat is VT1303 carried 47 passengers, arrived to Pulau Tengah on 1/3/1978.
My dad is Nguyen Duy Quynh.
Our passengers who read this note, please contact me. We should have a reunion after 35 years.
Nguyen Duy Quoc Anh; (714)336-2235.
anhlaw95@yahoo.com
Hi! That boat and fisherman look awful familiar. Was his name Asni? I took a similar journey to Pulau Tengah in April 2010 – apparently just 2 months after you! In fact, when I arrived in Mersing and tried to explain to the locals why I wanted to go to the island, they told me another Vietnamese-American had recently asked to do the exact same thing. I wonder if that was you! It seemed like a really rare and odd request to them at the time, it being an uninhabited island and all.
My dad sent me your blog because of the striking similarities between our round-the-world travels (being Viet Kieu, going backpacking around the same time, for a total of 2 years, and alas, going to Pulau Tengah of all places!). I myself was not a refugee on the island, but I visited the island to trace back my family roots (my parents were there in 1978). I too tried to find the same spots where my parents had taken photos for side-by-side comparisons…whilst being eaten alive by sandflies! Did you get attacked by sandflies too?!
Thanks for sharing your story. Someday I hope to document my Pulau Tengah journey as you have. We might have some similar photos! Cheers!
Thy – sorry it took so long for me to respond to this. I don’t remember the guy’s name, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the same person. I spent some time trying to convince someone to take me (they all thought I was crazy) so it would make sense if they sent you to the same person, thinking “Damn these crazy Vietnamese Americans!)
I’m planning to visit the island next March 2015, and wonder if any one interests to come with me. Contact me through email so we can discuss and plan. Thank you.
Hi David,
I’m also planning to visit the island next year. I will contact you via email.
Cheers,
Hi David! I will try to join you in March 2015 if you go late March. Our boat arrived at Tengah Island in August 1978. I am living in Australia now.
Please inbox/ message in private so it’s easier to discuss further…but it’s great to have someone travels with have same interests. Hope to hear from you Ha soon..:))
…Ha, my email is bayhung@yahoo.com..:)
Your writing and pictures brought back many fond memories, now I want to visit this place forever changed my family’s life. Thank you for sharing. My grandfather too, was much like your dad, high position in the army, and expected to be welcomed into the new reign. We had no choice but to get out.
Hi! Thanks for sharing those picture see those picture of the island make me cry my boat number is MH 6300 I live there for 8 months never forget I was 17 at the time I will try to look for picture to share with you than you
Hi ! My name is Dao Xuan Hiep (now Jimmy Dao) with my brother Dao Xuan Hoa, brother-in-law Tran Phuc , all are now living in Houston Texas try to find the map, photo and all friends of Cherating Refugee Camp when we came there in 1979. I stayed there for four months before coming to US.
If you have any information, please email me baohiemjimmydao@yahoo.com.
Hi all,
Great to see these stories. I had no idea. I would need your help to clarify on thing. Vagabundo mentions a few times in the comment that there are 2 islands and that the Vietnamese refugee camp is different from the tourist resort one. are you referring to Batu Batu? On their website they mention it’s the same island http://batubatu.com.my/learn/the-island/ They also have your link as a partner. I’m preparing an artcile on Batu Batu and would like to be sure. Was the refugee camp on the Batu Batu island? If not, probably should inform the managers (so that they remove this info from their site).
Thanks
Jac – the tourist island I refer to is
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lang_Tengah_Island
The refugee island is Pulau Babi Tengah. With Batu Batu on Babi Tengah now, my post is a bit confusing, but of the two, I believe Lang Tengah is far more developed.
Thank you Vagabundo. It’s clear now. I will mention in on my post.
Jac, have you published your article? I was once a refugee on Babi Tengah 35 years ago and have plans to visit Batu Batu on Aug. 8.
Hello friends,
I visited Pulau Babi Tengah on July of 2013. Took a lot of pictures. Anyone in need of information is welcome to contact me at dmailbox4-b@yahoo.com. I am thinking of visiting it again.
I recently changed my email address so just updating it as well.
Hello Khai,
I just sent you an email to the above address. I don’t know if that address is still active. Hiep
Hi Hiep,
I sent you three emails, one with link to my Flickr album. Please check your spam mailbox.
Khai
Hello Khai, could you please send me the photos too? Thanks
Ovemr40 years ago my family and friends had a rattan and timber house on Babi tengah just on the landing beach ,,,.I was serving in Singapore. Happy but anxious times. I have many slides of the then unoccupied island. Don Mc Kay
Hello Don, would you be able to convert these slides to be sent via email? as I’d love to get some photos of the island then? Would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Anh Tu Vu and all,
Sorry it took longer than expected but I’ve finally published the article on my website. Thanks again Vagabundo for your clarification. This island is now a little paradise. Hard to imagine what it was back then. You can find the article here: http://www.tripinasia.com/en/batu-batu/
Thằng bé đã được đoàn tụ.
Chuyện thật khó tin, nhưng lại hiện thực. Tôi thiết nghĩ chỉ xảy ra trong thế kỷ hiện tại với chúng tôi thôi. Ai có ngờ sau 34 năm dài ròng rã nó được qua Mỹ đi diện đoàn tụ. Nó được đi không phải theo diện HO, không theo diện cha mẹ hoặc anh em bảo lãnh, hoặc theo diện nhân đạo. Nhưng như một phép mầu hay một tiếng vang vọng từ cõi vô hình mà nó đã gọi, đã yêu cầu, để cha mẹ nó, các chú nó và các anh em nó phải cất bước mấy ngàn dặm xa xôi để đưa nó về đoàn tụ với gia đình.
-Ngày 3 tháng 7 năm 2014, gia đình nó 7 người, gồm cha mẹ, 5 em nó tháp tùng có thêm 3 chú của nó đáp máy bay Singapore Airlines từ San Francisco đi Singapore. Mục đích ra đi để đưa nó về Mỹ.
Sau hơn 18 giờ bay, chúng tôi tới Singapore lúc 2 giờ sáng ngày 5 tháng 7 2014. Về khách sạn nghỉ ngơi, 6 giờ sáng cha mẹ và các em nó đã lật đật đón xe Bus đi Malaysia cho kịp chuyến xe sớm như dự định, và sẽ ra đảo nơi nó đang an nghỉ cách đây 34 năm về trước.
Ngày hôm sau 3 chúng tôi các chú của nó cũng đáp chuyến xe lúc 6 giờ sáng đi Malaysia vì chúng tôi còn phải chờ một người bạn từ Texas qua trễ hơn một ngày. Chuyến xe đưa chúng tôi từ Singapore đi thành phố Mershing của Malaysia chạy khoảng 4 tiếng. Nhìn hai bên đường của đất nước Mã Lai, chúng tôi chỉ thấy những đồi Chà Là bát ngát, nhà cửa thưa thớt, lòng chúng tôi cảm thấy chùng xuống một nỗi buồn khôn tả. Hồi tưởng lại cách nay 35 năm trên chuyến xe đã đưa gia đình chúng tôi tới đảo tỵ nạn Pulau Tengah cũng thế nầy.
Ôi! Pulau Tengah, những kỷ niệm của thời niên thiếu nơi đất khách quê người phiêu bạt vì thời cuộc.
Chúng tôi nghỉ lại Fishing Bay Resort ở Mershing thay vì ra đảo Pulau Tengah, chỉ có gia đình anh chị tôi ra đảo và ngụ lại 2 ngày, vì trên đó hiện giờ đã xây một cái Resort tên Batu Batu tọa lạc ở Nam đảo.
Hoàng hôn Mã Lai ngồi ở Fishing Bay Resort nhìn ra các hòn đảo ngoài khơi, trong đó có đảo Pulau Tengah mà chúng tôi đã tỵ nạn 9 tháng thật là đẹp, chẳng khác gì bãi biển Nha Trang, tôi thiết nghĩ còn thơ mộng và yên tĩnh hơn, vì Nha Trang là bãi biển du lịch, còn nơi đây họ cũng có du lịch nhưng không náo nhiệt như không khí quê nhà. Cách đây 35 năm chúng tôi ở ngoài đảo nhìn vào đất liền, chỉ mong sớm rời đảo đi định cư tới các đất nước đệ tam càng sớm càng tốt. Hôm nay 3 anh em chúng tôi ngồi trong đất liền cưa chai Johnny Walker 1.75L nhìn ra đảo chờ mau sáng để thăm lại chốn xưa mà lòng thật bồi hồi, xao xuyến. Rượu đã cạn từ lúc nào , mà tâm sự của 3 anh em chưa vơi. Thật là ngày trùng phùng nhiệm mầu và khó kể xiết.
“ Sàng tiền khan nguyệt quang
Nghi thị địa thưởng sương
Cử đầu vọng minh nguyệt
Đê đầu tư cố hương “
Lý Bạch đã diễn tả đúng tâm trạng chúng tôi lúc nầy, có thiếu chăng đêm nay lại không trăng. Nhưng bù lại, những gợn sóng lăn tăn đập nhẹ vào bờ làm lòng chúng tôi chùng xuống khi ký ức nhắc nhở lại những ngày tháng cũ đời tỵ nạn.
Ra đi tôi chỉ là cậu thanh niên 17 tuổi, giờ trở lại đã là 54 rồi còn gì ! Ngần nầy thời gian có biết bao người đã làm nên lịch sử, nhưng cũng có lắm người đã ra người thiên cổ.
Sáng sớm 6 giờ chúng tôi mướn ghe ra đảo. Tội nghiệp chiếc ghe chạy mới có 5 phút hộp số không sang số nữa. Buồn lắm thay nơi xứ Mã quê người, nước trời bơ vơ, chẳng lẽ thêm một lần vượt biên nữa?. Ba anh em chúng tôi ngồi nghĩ quẩn chẳng lẽ chèo, vì chung quanh chẳng có ghe nào cả. Nhưng cuối cùng chúng tôi cũng đến được đảo lúc 9 giờ sáng. Mặc dầu từ đất liền ra đảo với sức ghe nầy chỉ chạy chừng 25 phút. Chủ ghe hẹn trở lại đón chúng tôi lúc 6 giờ chiều.
Quang cảnh của đảo giờ đây đã hoàn toàn thay đổi, 35 năm về trước thật nhộn nhịp với hơn 5000 người gồm Trung Đảo với 10 barak và Bắc Đảo, sau nầy vì số lượng thuyền nhân quá đông nên phải nới thêm ra Nam Đảo. Giờ nầy chỉ còn Nam Đảo với dàn cầu tàu và một dãy hành lang bằng gỗ được xây dựng dọc theo giữa Trung Đảo khoảng từ dãy nhà vệ sinh mà chúng tôi ngày ấy xây dựng, bọc theo sườn núi cho tới Nam Đảo. Nơi đây hiện giờ là Batu Batu Resort.
Trung đảo giờ nầy hầu như đã biến mất. Mực nước lúc nầy đã lấn dần vào chân đồi, chỉ còn khoảng 1/3 đất liền ngày nào, nước đã lấn vào tới các Barak ngày nào, khoảng sân Volley Ball ngày nào đã không còn.
Bắc Đảo thì nước đã vào gần chân đồi, chỉ còn đá lởm chởm, Nam Đảo nhờ có Resort nên họ vẫn bảo trì, các Bungalow được xây dựng treo lơ lửng cạnh chân đồi và những phiến đá ngày nào vẫn hiện diện tuy mực nước đã dâng cao không còn xa bờ bao nhiêu.
Đáng ngạc nhiên thay, 2 giờ chiều người bạn Texas bị kẹt lại Tokyo cũng lần mò ra được tới đảo với chúng tôi, đó cũng là niềm ước mong của cá nhân tôi. Thế là chúng tôi cuốc xẻng đi đào mộ- Phải đưa bằng được Nó về.
“ Nó “ là người đầu tiên qua đời và an táng ở đảo Pulau Tengah vào ngày 17 tháng 5 năm 1978. Nhưng Nó cũng là người sau cùng còn sót lại theo năm tháng. Chẳng lẽ chẳng còn ai sau Nó nữa sao?
Nơi Nó an nghỉ ngày nào thật lý tưởng ( không biết thầy địa lý nào đã chọn ?) nằm thoai thoải trên sườn đồi, không có cây cối nào che phủ, đứng trên chỗ NÓ nằm chỉ thấy trời nước mênh mông, giờ vẫn vậy, có chăng chỉ là một vài gốc sim mọc lây lất đó đây che phủ nấm mồ như đã bỏ quên ngày nào.
Thế là, từng cuốc, từng xẻng chúng tôi cố gắng đào, hy vọng thật mong manh, như nhiều người vẫn nói :
“Còn gì nữa đâu, 34 năm rồi, huống gì lúc NÓ mất chỉ 3 tuổi đời, âu chỉ còn đất mà thôi.”
Lại đào, và đào nữa. Em NÓ đã 2 lần nhắc mẹ Nó : “ Sâu quá rồi mẹ ạ “. Mọi người cũng đồng lòng đầy thất vọng, thôi thì cố gắng lấy một nắm đất nơi Nó an nghỉ về cũng được, chúng ta đã cố gắng hết sức rồi! Một đứa bé không thể vùi sâu như vậy huống gì ở đây lại là đất sét.
Nhưng, đời còn chữ nhưng nữa. Mẹ Nó hầu như cũng tuyệt vọng. “ Chúng con đi vì mẹ muốn đưa anh Tùng về Mỹ, mẹ quyết định thôi” Em NÓ hỏi mẹ lần cuối cùng, và người mẹ bỗng thốt lên. “Thôi thì đã lỡ đào rồi, thêm một xẻng nữa đi” . Thế là bạn tôi xuống đào tiếp. Vừa đào vừa “ràm” : “ Cố gắng về nghe con, chứ không, nằm ở đây mãi, rán chịu “ – Một miếng sọ dừa được đưa lên, thật là sọ dừa?!? Sao sọ dừa lại lún sâu như vậy? Ông Mã Lai làm manager ở Resort bỗng thốt lên : “ It’s not a coconut, coconut ain’t like that “. – Đúng thật, sọ của Nó, đào vòng quanh lại thêm xương chân, rồi đinh đóng hòm, rồi nguyên hàm răng dưới của NÓ, còn dính lại 2 cái răng và vô số hình hài của Nó, gom hết lại được vào khoảng 2 lbs. Nhiệm mầu thay, ai không tin, đành chịu!
Hỏi rằng ai đã đi về bên kia thế giới, vậy có còn hiện hữu nữa không ? Có còn tác động đến thế trần mà chúng ta đang hiện diện nữa không? Thánh Gioan Phaolo đệ nhị đã nói : “ Ai không tin có ma quỷ, thì người đó không phải là người có đức tin. “
Ngày 15 tháng 7 năm 2014, mẹ NÓ và các em đã đưa Nó về Mỹ một cách mỹ mãn khôn lường, không phải qua việc hỏa táng theo đạo Hồi và mọi chuyện từ thủ tục tới di chuyển đều suông xẻ, như có ai đó đã an bài và sắp đặt.
NÓ đã được đoàn tụ theo như ước nguyện của Nó đã mộng báo với mẹ Nó
Ôi tình mẫu tử thật cao cả
Nguyễn thanh Tùng
Sinh : 28 tháng 9 năm 1975
Tử : 17 tháng 5 năm 1978
Trở về đoàn tụ gia đình tại Mỹ ngày 17 tháng 5 năm 2014
Viết tại Stockton ngày 8 tháng 8 năm 2014-08-22
Nguyễn Quang ( chú ruột của Nó )
Email: unitedautorepair@sbcglobal.net
Thanks for sharing Anh/Chu Quang Nguyen.. So so touching!
Hi Anh Quang Nguyen, toi ten Nguyen Duy Quoc Anh, gia dinh toi o dao PT tu ngay 12/31/1977 toi ngay 10/1/1978. Ba toi la truong trai lúc do, ong Nguyen Duy Quỳnh.
Rất vui được nghe lai nhung cau chuyen ve các than hữu o trai PT cung thoi gian va chung vui voi su doan tuu cua gia dinh anh.
Nguyen Duy Quoc Anh
(714)336-2235 Cell.
Hi! I was there from June to September 1980 as well. Thank you for your touching memory
…Cam on anh Nguyen Quang da ghi lai va chia se cuoc hanh trinh cuoi cung cua nguoi qua co, Nguyen Thanh Tung. Rat la cam dong…….xin cho phep trich bai viet nay va duoc de vao trang facebook rieng cua ca nhan toi..
Really interesting posts on Pulau Babi Tengah. I spent 8 months on the island from the summer of 1980 until it closed in the spring of 1981 with my ex-husband, David Lee. We were young American English teachers working for the UNHCR. I have such fond memories of our dear Vietnamese friends. I looked this up tonight because my daughter will be there in just a few days. I hope to return one day myself.
Leslie Anderson
Leslie Anderson – Not sure if you are monitoring this post. Did you know a UNHCR Education Advisor named Rosemary? We found a note dated August 1980 from her. Want to know more about her. Thanks.
This blog and the comments brought back so much memories. Wouldn’t it be great if we could plan a date for all of us to meet on the island to revisit our childhood there.
I arrived on Pulau Tengah believe Oct/Nov 1978 on boat 1401 (departed from Vung Tau though I lived in My Tho). I believe there were 251 people on board– added one by the time we reached the island. Was on the island for 8.5 months.
I dropped by Mersing (had the best roti and sweet & sour pork in my life there) again in 2003, hoping to tour the island. I could only get there via private boat. Unlike VagabundoDLT, I didn’t go for fear of being milk for more money once out on the sea.
Now having gone through this blog, I have to reconsider going back again.
I am considering going out again next Spring/Summer (2015) with the rest of my family and staying at the Batu Batu. I would highly recommend visiting the island. Just negotiate properly with the fisherman upfront and they are very honest. Also, you could take the Batu Batu “ferry”.
I was also on VT 1401, it would be great to re-connect with someone who was on the same boat.
Phillip Vinh Ha (Hà Thúc Vinh)
Hi everyone,
It is great to read the blogs of everyone. The descriptions of the sites- North, Middle, South and East have brought back many wonderful memories of this place in which once was Pulau Tengah Refugee Camp. I arrived this island with other survivors on December 24, 1979. Although our board PK 0694 had landed with miracle on the reef by the coast of the Pulau Auz island (60km from Mersing). The boat engine was dead many days before when we unfortunately got caught by a deadly storm right after we left Nha Trang, Vietnam on Dec 8, 1979. Local fishermen and polices found us on the island on the next day and with UNHCR helped, we had been transferred to Pulau Tengah. My family left for USA in Oct, 1980. I was 19 at that time. We lived in the section D of Trung Đảo (Middle site). During that time, I was a volunteer in working with the pharmacists to help deliver medications to the patients. I still remembered the good time to hear one of our famous singer – Chế Linh sang on the make over stage at the volley ball sandy beach area. The activities during food delivery at lunch, the interview time and the new coming of refugees have been still stayed in my mind as a priceless video of our refugee life as well as the birth of a new life in the freedom world.
Now as an electronics engineer working with multiple sites in the Southeast Asia, I got many chances to visit Malaysia. I always wonder about this place at the present time. With these blogs, yes, I’m thinking about setting up a trip to visit it. The changes of the Pulau Tengah now may not change my memory but rather add into a new chapter of our journey through life since then.
many thanks to the offering of pictures from everyone. I’ll contact via email to request some recent photos of the island from Khai Duong and others. It also a good idea for a reunion in US or contact via email or phone. If anyone was on the PK 0694 boat, please contact me at pvinhha@att.net or my cell phone at 1-818-292-3821.
I’d also like to thanks to
. Chú Lữ, a pharmacist has helped and guided me and my brothers during the stay.
. Ms. Chang who worked for UNHCR in medical help to my mother while she was rescued in the Mersing hospital for 6 months.
. Other UNHCR doctors, teachers and volunteering officials.
. Great friendship from many people who lived in the D section of Trung Đảo as well as other sections I met.
are u related to ha thuc trung
my sister used to volunteer at the hospital from july 80 to oct 80 her name is Bach Suong
Hi Van Ma, Yes, Trung is my cousin. He is now living in Texas, US. Bach Suong has contacted me few days ago. I’m happy to hear back someone from this refugee camp.
Thanks,
Vinh
Are there any records of Vietnamese refugees who have been processed through these camps? I would like to track down my mother and sister’s names.
It’s a very pleasant surprise for having discovered this site and heard all the stories about this little wonderful island that i once called home.
I was there from Sept 79 till April 80, and was a shy young man of 16 years of age and used to play for the island football team
Hi.
Glad to finally found out about this page and reading the comments of the ex-refugees of Vietnamese in Pulau Tengah. I would like to share herewith that my stepfather is one of the Pulau Tengah island owner who had bought 7 acre of the land in 1982. He was a Senior Officer in Malaysia Royal Police who in-charge for the security of Vietnamese Refugees in 1978 until the camp was closed. My stepfather had shared a lots of good and bad stories including the difficulties of managing the camp day and night. There is a grave of Vietnamese close to his land which do not no belong to unknown family till today. I have planned to organised a reunion for the group of ex-refugees to visit the island, walking down the memory lane and reminiscing it as place to remember by the next generations. And perhaps together we can develop it as Island Resort. Kindly contact me at dhiyanajib@gmail.com for further information.
HI, I was in Pulau Tengah from May 1978 to March 1979. I was 15 then. I am from Can Tho, I would love to contact friends I lost! FB Yung Pham from Dallas, Texas.
Hi, I was in Paula Tengah feb 29, 1979 to Dec13 ,1980.my boat SB001.
From Dallas Texas
Boat LA0104 (Long An 0104) arrived at Pulau Tanga on April 1979..total people on the boat were about 500 plus..Boat owners were Nghiem Xu and Si Ho…
Anyone who took this boat or know someone had taken this boat?
Thank you “To He and his wife” he is tieu chau nang…he cooked congee for us to eat when we first landed on Pulau Tanga..(Trung Dao)…he and his wife even found us a temporely house for us the sleep in for few nights…
Cam on anh chi “To He” tieng Tieu la anh lon “big brother” moi gia dinh em an chao khi gia dinh minh moi len Paula Tanga (trung dao)…va kiem nha cho gia dinh minh o tam….cam on anh chi nhieu lam…
Gia dinh em o Canada…xin lien lac:
huynhm68@yahoo.com
xin loi minh quen ten anh chi..minh chi nho keu anh la “To He” va chi la “Che”
trung dao …anh chi co quen voi “PHI LU Dieu”…
Hi, I arrived at Pulau Tengah from 1978 to 1979. Boat VT 207, I think total people on the boat were about 200 people.
I love to come back to visit the island.
https://www.batubatu.com.my
This is a link to our former Palau Tengah refugee camp at the present time. I want to visit to “relive” the feeling I had while I was there, but doubt that I can!
Hi David –
You should definitely try to visit.
Last year I went back with my entire family and stayed there a few days.
I was, of course, too young when I was there to remember much, but I could see it was an amazing experience for my family members who were old enough then. My brother slept on the beach (despite the nice and quite expensive villa!) and said it was a truly amazing experience given his memories. I’m guessing it would be the same for you
Hello everyone.This is a fascinating blog as are the comments. We are Batu Batu, the resort now on the island. As a result of many visitors who have come to our resort to recapture memories, we have created a facebook group as a place to share stories and hopefully re-connect with other refugees. The group is called Pulau Tengah UNHCR Camp 1975-1982 and here is the link https://www.facebook.com/groups/1972772092972745/ We hope to see you there soon!
Tôi và gd đến pulau tengah vào khoảng cuối năm 78 và rời dao cuối năm 79. Ba tôi là tài công trên chiếc tàu VT715. Nói về tên đảo pulau tengah này biết bao nhiều kỹ niệm tràn về ký ức buồn vui lẫn lộn và một kỹ niệm ko the quên trong cuộc đời riêng toi và tất cả những ai đã từng dưng bước trong những tháng năm là người tỵ nan.
Tôi vô đảo Pulau Tengah tháng 11 1979
trên chuyến tàu DN1186. rời đảo tháng5 1980
Tôi và bố cùng em trai ở Nam Đảo.
Biết bảo kỷ niệm của đời tỵ nạn. Mong sẽ về
lại thăm lại
Hi “vagabundodlt”,
Thank you for sharing your journey here. I know this is a very old post, but I just recently came upon it. I believe I was born on this island, but I am not 100% sure. Unfortunately, I am not on speaking terms with my parents and all I have are two pieces of paper stating my birth. I found your blog post via the refugeecamps.net website. I don’t know if they’re still active, but I’ve contacted them over this weekend.
I am seeking info about boat no. “VT 564” that is listed on my papers. I was born on 13 MAR 1979 and my parents plus myself as an infant arrived in the USA (Indiana to be precise) about a month later. I am unsure when my parents arrived on the island or the circumstances around their time on the island, but I assume it had to be sometime in mid-to-late 1978.
They refuse to speak about their experiences any time I did ask while growing up. The very little bit of detail I know about my parents’ past is that my dad was serving in the South Vietnam military and had no choice but to escape. He was 33 years old when he arrived on Pulau Tengah Refugee Camp; mother was only 21.
I’d rather not post my name on a public blog, but the doctor that tended to my birth (and I’m assuming my mother) was named “PHAM VINH DAO, MD.” The secretary-general who signed this document (unless I can’t read his signature correctly) was named “NGUYEN VAN TRANH.”
If anyone who reads these comments knows anything about this boat number (whether it exists or not; could be a clerical/human error, or me reading the handwriting horribly), I’d greatly appreciate it. Thanks for your time.
Hi Pandahlin, Sorry that I don’t see your full name, but welcome back to place of the unforgettable time from your parent and where you were born. The boat number VT 564 looks right. I used to have a link to a list of every boat arrived to this Pulau Tengah island. Your board came from a famous city name of Vung Tau in the South of VIetnam. You can search on Google Earth to see more about this place. I came to this island on Christmas Eve, 1979. I hope my info can help you to find more of your root in the great history of the Vietnamese Boat People.
Best Regards,
Vinh Ha
.
Qui aurait des informations sur le bateau KG3812 arrivé à PULAU TENGAH le 21 avril 1978?
Hi all,
My dad’s name is on one of the rocks that I have seen on the resort website. Our boat number was HG0113, if anyone out there was on the same boat i would really appreciate to hear from you.
cheers,
Man
Mình tên Viễn Trần, tìm bạn nam 18-19 tuổi làm thông dịch viên tiếng Anh ở trại tị nạn pulau tengah cuối năm 1978 đến tháng 8 1979 đi kuala lumpur tiếp tục làm thông dịch viên cho phái đoàn Mỹ. Ở trong nhà Anh Thế (Anh Thế trước làm bưu điện pulau tengah).2anh,em tháng 9 tới trại kuala lumpur được bạn kêu về cho ở. Tới 10/10/1979 2anh,em đi Mỹ trước bạn mình. Bạn tên Khôi hay Khải người Bắc khoản 18-19 tuổi. Nếu ai còn nhớ cho mình biết tên họ Anh ấy đầy đủ. Xin cám ơn thật nhiều. Số phone viễn. 626-233-5796.
Love you story! I was also on this island for 16 months from December 1978 to April 1980. I also wanted to back to Pulau Tengah for so long and finally fulfilled I wish visiting this island on March 2020, right before the COVID pandemic.