Pulau Semakau

Pulau Semakau (or Semakau Island) is located off the Straits of Singapore, south of the main island of Singapore. What most people don’t know about this Island is that, other than it being our nation’s landfill (located at the eastern side), the Island actually has a beautiful side to it, just beside the landfill (western side of the Island).  

The Semakau Landfill is Singapore’s first and only remaining offshore landfill.

The only way to get to the island is with a permit from the National Environment Agency (NEA). Fret not, the process of obtaining a permit is easier than you think! First, you’ll need to book one of the two following  tours

Semakau Landfill tour (by NEA)

• Since November 2009 A+B Edu Tours and Travel Pte Ltd has been appointed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) as the handling agent for the Semakau Landfill Visitors Centre.

Intertidal walk

• The western shore, the beauty of Pulau Semakau Island as mentioned, is home to a diverse ecosystem consisting of mangroves, seagrass meadows, and a vast intertidal reef flat. The intertidal walks are exclusively only accessible to visitors during low tides so that visitors can safely walk across and experience what underwater is like… on land.

 Diving and snorkeling

• Diving trips and expeditions are available at the western part of Pulau Semakau, with its shallow water and diverse marine life, dive in and experience the nature of the so-called “trash Island” for what it truly is.

Approximate Position: 1°12’22.8″N 103°46’15.3″E

Berthing | Landing: The only accessible jetty is off-limits to public access. Some make-shift buoys are spotted around the north reef. Anchoring between the reefs in the south can be tricky with the current, only go inside with an experienced captain.

• Many boats have snagged anchors around the island
• Enter the reef channels during slack tide
• Do not attempt to enter or stay inside during low-tides as the dept is only about 1m
• Be aware of strong currents around the island and reefs

Leave a review of your time on the Pulau Semakau tour.