There are two kinds of challenges. One is a "reward challenge," in which castaways competed for luxuries, such as a phone call home or a hot shower. The second is an immunity challenge, in which castaways competed for the most valuable prize--immunity from being voted off the island at Tribal Council. The winning team of an immunity challenge did not have to vote one of its own off at the end of the episode, while the losing team did. Occasionally, the reward and immunity challenges were combined: winners received both a reward and immunity from having to vote.
Episode 1: Quest for Fire
A symbolic race for fire held on the Sand Spit, an s-shaped sand bar located one mile off Pulau Tiga. The object was to alternately float and carry a cauldron of fire from a position 50 yards offshore to the finish line, which was delineated by a 20-foot high Fire Spirit. In addition, teams had to light a succession of torches between start and finish, with the winner being the first to light all their torches and the Fire Spirit.
Winning Tribe Gets: Immunity and 50 waterproof matches
Winning Tribe: Pagong |