Pulau Hantu is Singapore’s most popular dive site, almost every day you’ll see dive charter operators along the Northeastern and Western reefs, for boaters the islands are not as popular due to strong currents and undesirable terrain to anchor. Pulau Hantu is nestled in amongst oil refineries and spoil grounds but is an absolute diamond in the rough if you are looking to get away from crowds and really feel like you are on a tropical island all to yourself.
General Information on Pulau Hantu
According to an ancient legend, the two small islets that makeup Palau Hantu (also known as Ghost Island) were formed when two Malay warriors both collapsed into the sea and died after a fierce duel. Despite its foreboding name, Pulau Hantu has become a favorite spot for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts – and anglers – due to its sheltered beaches and clear, turquoise waters. For those looking for a unique outdoor experience, the island also offers a variety of wildlife and undeveloped nature spots.
Highlights
Famed for its inviting, clear waters, both scuba-divers and snorkelers will be treated to a variety of sea corals, sea life (including moray eels and clownfishes), and, if you are lucky enough, even a few resident turtles.
For campers who like to rough it up, Palau Hantu is as wild as Singapore gets and, as night falls, chances are that you’ll have all of the 13-acre islands to yourselves! A camping permit will need to be obtained at seven working days in advance of your arrival.
The strong current flow and shallow coral reefs make Pulau Hantu a popular spot for fishing. As well as a unique species of angelfish, anglers can also try to catch (and release!) the elusive Barracuda that occasionally frequents these waters.
Singapore Marine Guide Organises a #boatersagainstplastic island clean up every few months, check here if you want to join in the next one
For shallow draft crafts, you can enter the water at the highest tide
Getting There
Approximate Position: 1°13’29.3″N 103°45’02.9″E
Berthing | Landing: Hantu has two jetties, the south jetty is Hantu Besar and North Jetty Hantu Kechil, both accessible for pick up and drops off only. There are also buoys scattered around the islands, almost exclusively used for dive boats. Shallow draft boats can anchor in the Middle Lagoon or Western Bay at mid to high tide only.
Shallow draft boats often go inside the Western Bay
Inside the main lagoon on the Eastern side are a lot of rocks around the mangrove
Many boats have snagged anchors around the island, use buoy if diving in the North and Eastern sections
Enter the bay/lagoon only during mid to high-tide and be sure to keep track of your tide
Do not attempt to enter or stay inside during low tides as the lagoons will run dry
Be aware of strong currents around the island.
Maps of Pulau Hantu
Pulau Hantu Western Bay
Pulau Hantu Middle Lagoon
Pulau Hantu Eastern Bay
No details available.
Pulau Hantu Middle Lagoon Mid Tide
South Entrance
Pulau Hantu Western Bay
Popular Bay
Pulau Hantu Besar Jetty
Pick up drop off only
Pulau Hantu Middle Lagoon Low Tide
South Entrance
Pulau Hantu Middle Lagoon Low Tide
South Entrance
