Although I never set foot on Pulau Bidong, my parents have experienced it all. They retell stories and recount memories of what it was like in Pulau Bidong during 1978-1979. Their stories are moving enough for me to tell it to the world. I see a huge interest in talking and connecting with other Pulau Bidong ex-Refugees when I googled “Pulau Bidong” so I decided to write this story of my parents to see if they can connect with their long lost neighbors of Bidong.
A picture of my parents and my brother. It was very expensive for them to take this picture ($2), but today, they are glad of having taken it!
They fled Southern Vietnam after the Vietnam War in late 1978 when they were pretty much forced to leave because of all the hatred of the Chinese people. My parents, along with their siblings got a boat, a compass, and a map, and just fled as quickly as they could, trying to find a new place where they could not be harmed. They left their house, and most of their valuables, photos, belongings, mementos, wedding photos, and all the like. The most valuable thing my mom had was a diamond ring which my dad bought for her for their wedding.
They landed in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, a couple of days later, but was told to go to Pulau Bidong where a refugee camp was set up. There were many pirates and they stole my parents siblings’ things such as their guitar, jewelery, and other valuable things. Luckily, my mom hid her wedding ring inside her pants pocket and that was not taken. Finally, after a long boat trip and with many people sick, they landed on Pulau Bidong on 10/22/1978. They were boat #91 on boat name MH 375 (Minh Hai 375). Since they were one of the first ones there, there was barely any aid and shelter so they had to build their own houses and get their own water from wells which they dug up. Food was given in rations from the supply boat. My parents recall them giving out peas and chicken inside tin cans. It was all they had to eat there.
Since they knew their time on the island may be long, they needed money to survive so they thought of some ways to make a little business selling things. My dad was the first (he believes) baker there as he traded some of his belongings for flour to make bread. He cooked the bread in a tin cookie box in which he sold to other people for them to sell for profit. Luckily, my mom was (and still is) a good cook. She was also baking, but was baking pastries. She made Banh Bia to sell for others to get away from the mediocre food they were given. But to start this little business, it cost money, she traded her wedding ring for ingredients to be able to make the pastries. But in turn, she made money back to feed her family.
They were assigned to “Section F”, which was near the helicopter pad, in the back area of the island on the beach. They recall going to the PA everyday and listening to who got to leave the camp to go to either USA, Europe, or Australia. They were always frustrated because they felt like they were never chosen. The PA also served as communication to the refugees. It told when new boats arrived, and when to pick up food. The PA also played Christmas music during Christmas time.
On May 28th, 1979, my mom gave birth to my brother, Cuong Ngo on the island. The doctor that helped them was very nice. My mom remembers that there was another mom giving birth next to her at the same time (a girl). My mom really wants to connect with the doctor to say thanks.
Many people in Pulau Bidong took care of Cuong Ngo. He was everyone’s favorite baby to take care of and to carry because he was very easy going. He gained the name of Bidong Cuong there. My mom also wants to connect with those who took care of her son.
13 months later, in 1979, my family was lucky enough to become sponsored by a Church in Alabama to come to America. And they live here today.
Specifics
My parents, An Ngo and Phuong Du were on boat #91 MH375 from Ganh Hao (Ca Mau), VN to Pulau Bidong on 10/22/1978. They lived in Section “F” near the helicopter pad (by means of the rear of the beach). They left in 1979 to USA.
My dad (An Ngo) might be the baker who provided the Bidong refugee bread as he said he was the only baker he knew on the island during late 1978. He said he put cloth on top of the bread to keep it warm and sold it for people. He would sell 2 loaves for $1. They said they kneeded the bread, cooked it, and sold it.
My mom (Phuong Du) made a pastry called Banh Bia. Her son was born on May 28th 1979 (Kevin Ngo, or Bidong Cuong). A lot of my mom’s friends took care of Kevin Ngo, aka Bidong Cuong. She wants to connect with those who knew them.
Also, if anyone knows the nurse who delivered her son, please ask us (phuong168 [at] sbcglobal.net) There was another baby girl who delivered right at the same time.
We were planning to go back to Bidong Island this Christmas time but then the tour called and said that it was Monsoon season so they were closed until March. Does anyone know of another tour that does a complete tour of the island?
My parents plan to connect with anyone they may have talked to, communicated with in Bidong Island.
Any of these names ring a bell? An Ngo, Phuong Du, Minh Canh Du, Quang Canh Du (captain of MH375 boat #91), Hong Canh Du, Hui Canh Du, they were all part of my parents siblings.
-Andrew Ngo writing for Phuong Du and An Ngo from San Leandro, California, USA.
I will update this post with more stories from what my parents can recall.
If you know of an ex-Pulau Bidong refugee, or if you are one, please put in the comments, the boat number, date of arrival, name, and email as my family would love to connect with anyone they might know.
