Unforgettable Experience For Stranded Tourists In Tioman

KUANTAN (Pahang, Malaysia) Jan 17 (Bernama) -- A normal holiday to Tioman Island turned into an unforgettable experience for some 54 tourists from 18 countries after they were stranded due to rough sea conditions that caused the ferry service to be halted. They were stranded on the island since Thursday but thanks to the fast action by the Royal Malaysian Navy, all of them have safely arrived in Kuantan Tuesday, in a special operation undertaken by KD Terengganu. Tourist Moritz Langner, 25, said he was grateful that he and his wife Polina Langner, 23, could reach the mainland Tuesday as their flight to Munich, Germany is scheduled to depart early Wednesday morning. "The navy is our last chance to leave the island. Now we are hoping that we could reach KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) just in time before our flight departed," he said. Langner added they arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Jan 6 before deciding to go to Tioman Island on Jan 8. "We plan to spend about two to three days there but we were told that no ferry are allowed to take passengers as it is dangerous. We waited and was worried that we would miss our flight,” he said, adding that it was an unforgettable but definitely an interesting holiday for both of them. For France duo, Aouassi, 20, and Cha Ki, 26, who arrived at the island on last Saturday and later decided to continue their holiday in Kuala Lumpur, the navy’s operation to evacuate them out was also a comfortable experience. "The navy people are nice to us and other tourists. They asked how they could make us comfortable in the ship. But the main thing is we are safe even though the journey took very long," said Auoassi. Newlyweds, Isma Syukri Ishak and his wife, Nur Faradila Daud, both 28, from Johor will always cherish the unexpected memories of their honeymoon on the resort island after they were also stranded due to the bad weather and rough seas. Initially the couple were worried that they would need to stretch their budget for additional hotel accommodation costs but their worst fears were unfounded after they arrived safely in Kuantan. -- BERNAMA