The camp was established after the Indonesian government granted the UNHCR permission to use Galang Island as a temporary processing site for refugees.
The facility was fully equipped with its own post office, newspaper, radio station, and banking services operated by the refugees themselves.
A monument named 'Nhan-Dao' stands at the site, which literally translates to 'Humanity' in Vietnamese.
The site features a boat used by refugees during their perilous escape across the South China Sea, which is now on public display.
After the camp was closed in 1996, the Indonesian government converted the site into a tourism destination and historical monument.
Many of the original wooden dwellings were built by the refugees using repurposed materials found on the island.
Ex Camp Vietnam, situated on Galang Island, served as a United Nations-sanctioned refugee processing center between 1979 and 1996. It hosted over 250,000 'boat people' fleeing post-war Vietnam, earning it the nickname 'Camp of the Boat People.' The site remains largely preserved with original structures including barracks, communal kitchens, schools, and hospitals. Visitors can explore the administrative buildings, a Vietnamese-style temple, and a church constructed by the refugees. The site also contains a cemetery where approximately 500 individuals who passed away during their stay are buried. Exhibits include rusted artifacts, personal belongings, and old photographs documenting the daily life and medical struggles of the refugees. It stands as a significant historical site reflecting the humanitarian crisis and regional displacement of the late 20th century.
The restored wooden church and the Vietnamese temple offer the most visually compelling historical contrast.
Hire a local guide at the entrance to provide necessary context for the various abandoned structures.
Bring insect repellent, as the camp is located in a tropical area with dense vegetation.
Carry plenty of drinking water, as facilities within the expansive, sun-exposed compound are limited.
Do not enter dilapidated buildings that are marked as restricted or structurally unsound.
Maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor, as this is a memorial site for deceased refugees.
