Bobby van Jaarsveld Explores Vietnam in the Search for Tropika’s Next Island
As the search for the ultimate island destination heats up, this week’s episode of Tropika Island Search sees fan-favourite and former contestant Bobby Van Jaarsveld jetting off to the vibrant landscapes of Vietnam. His mission? To determine if this travel hotspot has what it takes to host the highly anticipated 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure.
From world-class diving spots to the iconic Golden Bridge, Bobby shares his first impressions, unforgettable experiences, and why he believes it could be the ideal location for the next season.
First impressions always count. What was your very first thought the moment you arrived in Vietnam?
I have always wanted to visit Vietnam so my first thought after landing is that I can’t believe that I am finally ticking that box off my bucket list. It was one of the top destinations on my travel bucket list. It’s an incredibly beautiful place. The people are so friendly and there is just this amazing vibe throughout the country.
What, in your opinion, makes it the perfect island pick for the 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure?
It’s an incredibly beautiful place and it’s got everything a perfect island needs to host a competition like Tropika Island of Treasure. It’s got stunning beaches, beautiful resorts, an incredible history and a wonderful culture. It’s also the perfect playground to host challenges there.
Vietnam is becoming an incredibly popular destination for South African visitors. Why do you think so many people are flocking here?
Vietnam is an affordable destination for South African travellers so I am not surprised that so many of us are visiting at the moment. As South Africans, we also love beaches and island vibes and Vietnam has some incredible ones.
You experienced everything Vietnam had to offer during this episode – from kayaking, to exploring the local markets, visiting the temples and enjoying some street food. Tell us more about your time exploring this incredible destination.
There are so many things to do there and so many places to see. A highlight for me was definitely diving in the ocean there. I got to swim next to some incredible marine life which was definitely a highlight of my visit there. The water there and their diving facilities are world-class.
If you had 24 hours to help a friend truly experience Vietnam, what would your itinerary look like?
I am an island guy so I would be the perfect person to put this itinerary together. I would definitely visit some of the incredible temples there before visiting the famous Golden Bridge, which is a super Instagrammable spot. Then, we’d jump onto Vietnam’s famous basket boats before spending the rest of the time on the beaches and eating some delicious food.
Tell is a little bit about your experience as a contestant on Tropika Island of Treasure last season.
I loved it. It was an amazing experience and one I would do over and over again should I ever be invited back. I will, however, go back with a different gameplan next time because I really wanted to win. I underestimated just how challenging the games would be and the mind games that come with it too. I made great friends with some of my other contestants and even the crew. Everyone was so lekker and fun to work with.
Auditions for the new season are now open. What advice do you have for contestants wanting to stand out with their entry video?
Just be yourself. Be authentic. Showcase your strongpoints whether it’s your physical strength or mental strength. Oh, and just be a lekker person – that’s what is really going to grab the attention of the casting crew.
Auditions For Tropika Island of Treasure Season 12 close on 5 May 2026
While the search for the perfect island destination is about to begin, Tropika is also looking for eight smoooth members of the public to join the season 12 celebrities on the island.
Think you have what it takes to compete alongside these celebrities? Upload your audition tape to either TikTok, Facebook, X or Instagram, tagging @MyTropika and using the hashtag #Tropika. Finalists will compete for the grand prize of a shared R1 million and receive a R10,000 shopping voucher from Pep to ensure they are island-ready in style. Auditions are now open and close on 5 May 2026.
By taking viewers across continents before the main competition even begins, Tropika Island Search raises the stakes and deepens the connection fans have with the franchise. It’s not just about arriving in paradise, it’s about discovering it.
Watch Tropika Island Search every Monday from 16 March at 18:00 on S3 with a repeat every Friday at 17:00 on SABC 1.
With an incredible line-up of celebrities, the upcoming 12th season of Tropika Island of Treasure promises to be its smooothest, most unforgettable adventure yet.
Connect Tropika with on social media:
Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | TikTok | Hashtag: #Tropika
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About Tropika Island of Treasure:
Tropika Island of Treasure is a South African reality competition television series that first aired in 2008 features an equal number of South African celebrities and public contestants competing in a variety of challenges on a luxurious paradise-island location for a grand prize of a shared R1 million.
History of Tropika:
Tropika has been bringing smooothness to the world for forty years, having first launched way back in 1984. Made from a combination of fruit juice and dairy, Tropika is still the market-leading dairy fruit mix in South Africa.
In 2008 we launched Tropika Island of Treasure – an exciting reality show that sees celebrities paired up with everyday South Africans to compete to win R1 million. Together, these inspirational teams of two take part in super-cool events to prove their smooothness, and with such an incredible fan reaction, Tropika Island of Treasure is currently gearing up for its impressive eleventh season. From Mauritius to Curacao, Phuket, Mexico, Jamaica, Seychelles, and the Maldives, Tropika Island of Treasure has taken South Africa by storm, and it only promises to get better from here.
In 2016, we won the ‘Product of the Year’ Award in the Dairy Beverages category at the Innovation Awards for Tropika Long Life, showing just how much our customers love the smoooth taste of Tropika, and the convenience of being able to keep it fresh for longer.
Once again proving South Africa’s love for the smooothest drink around, in 2019 Tropika was voted as the country’s Coolest Dairy Product in the Sunday Times Generation Next Awards. An annual survey conducted by HDI Youth Consultancy, the Gen Next awards poll more than seven thousand South African youths between the ages of eight and 23 on what they find on-trend and aspirational, and we’re proud to know that they love the smoooth taste of the Tropika island life as much as we do. In 2023, the campaign also won a coveted SAFTA award for Best Reality Competition TV show in South Africa.
There’s nothing smooother than Tropika!
