Attractions in Pulau Hantu Singapore
best diving sites in Singapore
🏝️ Pulau Hantu (Singapore)
Pulau Hantu is one of Singapore’s most fascinating offshore islands, known for its rich marine biodiversity, dive sites, mangroves, and local folklore. Unlike Lazarus or St John’s, Pulau Hantu is more rugged, less developed, and especially popular with divers and nature enthusiasts.
“Pulau Hantu” literally means “Ghost Island” in Malay — but despite the name, it is a beautiful and peaceful natural island.
📍 Location & Geography
- Located southwest of mainland Singapore
- Near major petrochemical facilities on Jurong Island
- About 10 km from the mainland
- Part of Singapore’s Southern Islands
Pulau Hantu consists of two islets:
- Pulau Hantu Besar (Big Hantu)
- Pulau Hantu Kechil (Small Hantu)
They are connected by a sandbar during low tide.
Total size: Approximately 12 hectares
👻 Origin of the Name
The name “Pulau Hantu” (Ghost Island) comes from Malay folklore.
Legend says two powerful warriors fought each other in the area and both died. After their deaths, strange lights and spirits were said to appear on the island.
Despite its name, today it is known more for biodiversity than ghosts.
🌊 Marine Life & Diving
Pulau Hantu is one of Singapore’s most popular shore dive sites.
It features:
🪸 Coral Reefs
- Hard corals
- Soft corals
- Sea fans
🐟 Marine Species
- Clownfish
- Seahorses
- Nudibranchs
- Reef sharks (occasionally)
- Stingrays
- Octopus
- Anemones
Despite Singapore’s busy shipping lanes, Pulau Hantu has surprisingly rich marine life.
It is often used for:
- Open water dive training
- Night dives
- Underwater photography
Visibility varies depending on weather and tides.
🌿 Ecosystems
Pulau Hantu has diverse coastal habitats:
✔ Coral reefs
✔ Mangroves
✔ Seagrass meadows
✔ Rocky shores
At low tide, intertidal exploration reveals:
- Sea stars
- Hermit crabs
- Giant clams
- Brittle stars
It is one of Singapore’s best places for biodiversity observation.
🏖 Island Facilities
Pulau Hantu is minimally developed.
Available on Pulau Hantu Besar:
✔ Basic shelter
✔ Toilets
✔ Camping area (permit required)
✔ Small jetty
Not available:
❌ Restaurants
❌ Shops
❌ Electricity
❌ Lifeguards
Visitors must bring all supplies.
🏕 Camping
Camping is allowed on Pulau Hantu Besar with:
- NParks permit
- Designated camping areas only
- No open fires
- No BBQ pits
- Leave-no-trace policy
Camping here is more rustic compared to St John’s Island.
🚤 How to Get There
There is no public ferry like St John’s or Lazarus.
Access options:
- Chartered boat (most common)
- Dive operator boat
- Private boat
Most visitors go with dive groups.
Travel time:
~20–30 minutes from West Coast Pier (depending on boat).
🌅 Best Time to Visit
✔ Low tide (for intertidal walk)
✔ Calm sea days
✔ Weekdays for quiet experience
Avoid:
- Strong monsoon season
- Rough sea conditions
📸 Photography Highlights
- Mangrove roots
- Coral tide pools
- Industrial skyline contrast (Jurong Island in background)
- Sunset over open sea
- Night sky (minimal light pollution)
It offers a unique mix of natural beauty and industrial Singapore skyline.
🐢 Wildlife on Land
Land wildlife includes:
- Monitor lizards
- Coastal birds
- Butterflies
- Occasionally snakes
Mangrove areas support small crabs and mudskippers.
📊 Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Ghost Island |
| Components | Big & Small Hantu |
| Size | ~12 hectares |
| Famous For | Diving & biodiversity |
| Camping | Yes (permit required) |
| Access | Charter boat only |
| Managed By | NParks |
🧭 Comparison with Other Southern Islands
| Island | Best For |
|---|---|
| Lazarus | Beach relaxation |
| St John’s | History & camping |
| Kusu | Religious pilgrimage |
| Sisters’ Islands | Marine park & conservation |
| Pulau Hantu | Diving & wild nature |
Pulau Hantu feels the most “raw” and untouched among them.
🌟 Why Visit Pulau Hantu?
- One of Singapore’s best dive sites
- Rich coral ecosystem
- Remote and peaceful
- Unique folklore
- Rare combination of industry backdrop and marine life
It’s ideal for:
✔ Divers
✔ Marine enthusiasts
✔ Nature campers
✔ Intertidal explorers
Not ideal for:
❌ Casual beachgoers
❌ Families looking for facilities
❌ Those expecting amenities
