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Pulau Hantu

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.

Pulau Hantu Singapore Marine guide Map Diving, boating and camping

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. 

Both Jetties Kechil and Besar can be used to drop off and pick up if needed
<10m Boats with the draft less than 0.8 with outboards can choose to go inside the Main Lagoon or Western Bay, also anchor outside if preferable but ensure depth appropriate
10m-15m Boats with draft over 0.8 can anchor outside the lagoon in the South of the main lagoon or Western Bay
15m-25m Boats can anchor outside the lagoon in the South of the main lagoon
Anchoring outside, we recommend a captain stay onboard in case of anchor drag
Anchoring inside, we recommend a captain stay close to the boat to ensure no beaching

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.

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Destinations
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Maps of Pulau Hantu

Pulau Hantu Western Bay

Pulau Hantu Middle Lagoon

Pulau Hantu Eastern Bay

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Pulau Hantu Singapore Drone shot from Eastern side looking over Islands of Singapore

Pulau Hantu Middle Lagoon Mid Tide

South Entrance

Boat at the Entrance to big lagoon of Palau Hantu Singapore

Pulau Hantu Western Bay

Popular Bay

Yacht about to cruise into the Western Bay of Pulau Hantu tropical island Singapore

Pulau Hantu Besar Jetty

Pick up drop off only

Southern Jetty of Pulau Hantu Pulau Besar Ferry drop off and pick up boats can also drop off

Pulau Hantu Middle Lagoon Low Tide

South Entrance

Low tide entrance to the big lagoon at Pulau Hantu Singapore MCY yacht

Pulau Hantu Middle Lagoon Low Tide

South Entrance

Pulau Hantu North entrance wake board surfing boat nautique Singapore

Other boating destinations

Check out the other boating destinations of Singapore

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St John's Island - Pulau Sudong - Pulau Sarimbun - St Johns Island Singapore boating yachting location anchorage southern islands
Pulau Jong Singapore Boat destination diving
Pulau Semakau - Singapore Marine guide Kusu Island giant turtles

Stories about Pulau Hantu