Adventure & Sports - Singapore

Pulau Hantu

Ever heard of the islands Pulau Hantu? And ever heard about the legend of Pulau Hantu?

There were once two great warriors locked in a fierce battle at sea. Many people died and the blue seas slowly became polluted with human blood, upsetting the Jinns at the bottom of the ocean. In anger, one powerful Jinn created a whirlpool and sucked the 2 warriors into the deep sea to drown them. Not deterred, they continued their battle. Suddenly, the Jinn sprayed water on one of them, and the other warrior seeing his opponent blinded, thrust his sword into his abdomen. At the same time, the wounded warrior forced his sword into the other man. Both collapsed and died.

The gods felt it was wrong for the seas' spirits to interfere in human affairs, thus, the Jinn transformed the two warriors into islets so that their spirits can continue to live on them. As one of the warriors was smaller than the other, his islet was known as "Pulau Hantu Kecil" while the bigger one was called "Pulau Hantu Besar".


However, due to the advancements in technology, both islands have gone under 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 - 1975 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 struck out above the water at high tide is marked by dirty plant growth.

In addition, it is possible to walkacross the shallow lagoon between the two island, at low tide. However, visitors are to be aware of the tides and be on the correct side when the tide comes in.

Pulau Hantu is also a favourite location to fishing and snorkeling lovers due to its sheltered beaches and inviting waters! It is also a popular spot to campers and and day-trippers who want a special outdoor experience away from the hustle and bustle.

There is no ferry to these islands. However, visitors can conveniently chartered a fast work boat from West Coast Pier. There work boats operates 24 hours and service business on Jurong Island and ships in the habour.

Admission to the islands is free, but camping overnight will require a permit from Sentosa Leisure Group (SLG).