The word “island” usually evokes images of beautiful sandy beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, palm trees, beach parties and dreamy vacations. But, there are many islands that are very far from this “traditional” view. In fact, some can be so dangerous that no one would dare to even step on the shore. So, let’s find out more about such islands.
Saba Island
There is nothing like the incredible sea life, stunning beaches, exquisite culture, beautiful music and warmth of the Caribbean Islands. The Caribbean is recognized worldwide as the ultimate tropical getaway as it has everything a traveler would dream of –from tasty cuisine to adventurous hiking opportunities.
While Harbour Island in the Bahamas is famous for its pink-sandy beaches, Saba Island, a five square-mile island found in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, is known for being a remote and dangerous yet exotic destination.
Nicknamed as the “Unspoiled Queen” of the Caribbean, Saba Island is home to exceptional climbing, hiking and scuba diving. However, these adrenaline-rush activities are certainly not for the faint-hearted ones. The island may be very beautiful, exotic and the perfect destination for adventure seekers, but it is also considered as one of the most dangerous islands in the world.
Why?
Saba Island is basically a volcanic island with very steep sections. Although street crime and petty theft might not be a big concern, parched shrubs, bone-piercing winds and steep hills and slopes on all corners of the island might be one.
In addition, the tiny island is considered dangerous because it has been hit by many hurricanes in the last 50 years. Saba Island might a hiker’s and diver’s paradise but it’s not safe to head there during summer.
Bikini Island
Sometimes known as Eschscholtz Atoll, Bikini Island is nothing like its name. As a coral island in the Pacific Ocean, Bikini Island was once targeted by the United States, where 23 nuclear devices were detonated, including 20 hydrogen bombs. It is one of the most shocking examples of a nuclear test sites. Although the island is surrounded with crystal-clear lagoon, the island is considered dangerous due to its high level of radiation. The atomic bombs that were detonated on the island had completely destroyed its flora and fauna and there is still some military remains today. Several studies carried out on the island have shown that its water, air and soil are still contaminated since the level of radiation is still very high and exceeds the normal by ten thousand times. People living on the island are not only exposed to the high rate of radiation, but also suffer from genetic diseases and mutations.
United Nations may have deemed the island as a World Heritage Site in 2010, but it still holds the title of one of the most life-threatening islands on the globe and the second reason for this is due to a high concentration of sharks.
Ramree Island
Myanmar is a country known for its great ethnic diversity, thousands of Buddhist temples as well as its abundance of white sandy beaches. However, unlike the culturally rich and diverse Myanmar, when you talk about Ramree Island, you think of vacations turning into nightmares.
Ramree Island isn’t known for its stunning beaches or wild party scenes. Instead, it was used several times as a site for military battles. In fact, during World War II, following an offensive and strategic British attack, a large number of Japanese soldiers were dragged into the swampy area of the island. As a result, 500 Japanese soldiers were devoured by crocodiles. This incident was even recognized by the International Guinness Book of Records as the largest attack of a crocodile tribe on humans.
The island of Ramree is said to be an open tourist destination. However, it is impossible to overlook the story of the Ramree Island crocodile massacre.