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Pulau
Hantu 12ha, coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses, sandy shores. Swimming, diving, camping. Uniquely Singapore! The reefs of Pulau Hantu are only half an hour from the city centre by fast boat! More about our city reefs. Legends of Pulau Hantu "Hantu" is the Malay word for ghost and Pulau Hantu is aptly named as "island of ghosts". It was here that ancient Malay warriors once dueled to the death and their ghosts is said to wander the isle. Today, however, the island is a peaceful and idyllic getaway. Complete with swaying palms, surrounded by white sands and rich reefs. There is even a tiny patch of mangroves. Double Ghosts Pulau Hantu is actually made up of two islets: Hantu Besar (Big Ghost) and Hantu Kecil (Little Ghost). Hantu Besar has two swimming lagoons and a public toilet with fresh water. Both islets have shelters and picnic areas. The current island is the result of massive reclamation. Pulau Hantu Besar used to be 2ha and P. Hantu Kechil 0.4ha, surrounded by fringing reefs with a common reef flat in between. Land reclamation from 1974-75 increased land area to 12.2ha using 400,000m3 of sand, leaving a narrow strip between rock bund and edge of the reef (about 20-30m). The original bit that stuck out above water at high tide is marked by untidy plant growth, near the restrooms. At low tide, it is possible to walk across the shallow lagoon between the two islands; but not at high tide. So be aware of the tides and make sure you are on the correct side when the tide comes in. What to see and do? Despite its forbidding name, Pulau Hantu is a favourite with fishing and snorkeling enthusiasts because of its sheltered beaches, swimming lagoons and inviting waters. It is also popular with campers and day-trippers who want a unique outdoor experience away from the hustle and bustle. Marine life of Pulau Hantu Hantu has rich reefs despite its close proximity to Pulau Bukom's refineries. The reefs lie outside the sea wall. Watch the tide to ensure you are not caught on the wrong side of the sea wall when the tide comes in.  A wide variety of hard and soft corals can be found on Hantu; mushroom corals and enormous soft corals are particularly abundant. Commonly encountered animals include clown anemonefishes, anemone shrimps, giant clams and a wide variety of nudibranchs. The reefs around Hantu Besar is more extensive than those around Hantu Kecil. There is a small patch of mangroves in between Hantu Kecil and Besar, and native seashore plants line the beaches. What is the state of marine life on Pulau Hantu today? Webpages with photos of what you can see at Pulau Hantu right now. More photos of intertidal marine life on Hantu and dive photos from Debby's Hantu blog. Going to see marine life at Pulau Hantu? The Hantu Bloggers regularly dive at Pulau Hantu. Contact them for more information. The beachfleas also regularly visit Pulau Hantu. Contact Ria for more information. For the latest happenings on Hantu check out the Hantu Blog. |
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a nature event? Blue Water Volunteers walks, talks Hantu Bloggers guided dives Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research workshops for schools Creative Kids family groups field trips for schools Subaraj Rajathurai nature guide Joseph Lai nature guide |