Pulau Hantu

Island Small island popular for diving and coral reefs

Pulau Hantu comprises two islets south of Singapore-Hantu Besar and Kecil-popular for snorkeling, reef surveys and day trips to see coral, fish and intertidal life.

Pulau Hantu is a pair of small islets off Singapore’s southwestern coast in the Southern Islands group, known locally as Pulau Hantu Besar and Pulau Hantu Kechil. The islands are notable for shallow fringing reefs, seagrass beds and intertidal habitats that attract snorkellers and marine naturalists.

Recreational highlights include snorkelling over fringing coral and exploring intertidal flats at low tide; day trips are the usual way to visit because there are no visitor facilities on the islands. Marine visibility and wildlife sightings vary with tides and weather, making calm conditions preferable for snorkelling.

The name means “Ghost Island” in Malay. The islets are low-lying and situated off Singapore’s main island among the Southern Islands, and they are managed with limited public infrastructure to protect marine habitats.

The islets lie off Singapore’s southwestern shoreline and are accessed only by private boat or organised marine operators; there is no regular public ferry service.

  • Access: No regular public ferry service; access is by private boat or organised marine activities from Singapore's southern harbours.
  • Why go: Best for snorkelling and intertidal exploration during calm weather when visibility over fringing reefs is highest.

What to See #

  • Pulau Hantu Besar: The larger of the two islets; contains beach and intertidal areas used by day-trippers and snorkellers and is connected to the smaller islet by a shallow channel at low tide.
  • Pulau Hantu Kechil: The smaller islet located immediately southwest of the larger island; offers shallow reef areas and exposed intertidal flats at low tide.
Pulau Hantu
Pulau Hantu, Singapore (off southern coast)
1.2247, 103.7486
Landing fees and permits may apply; the islets are managed and access often regulated

How to Get to Pulau Hantu #

Accessible by private boat or organised dive/snorkel operators from Singapore’s southern marinas. Landing regulations and permit requirements vary; check Maritime and Port Authority/NParks advisories.

Tips for Visiting Pulau Hantu #

  • Check Singapore's NParks or Maritime and Port Authority notices for landing permissions and conservation rules.
  • The surrounding reefs are fragile - use designated mooring points if available and avoid anchoring on coral.
  • Snorkel early in the morning for calmer seas and clearer water.

Best Time to Visit Pulau Hantu #

Best visibility for snorkeling is typically during the drier months (February-September). Check local advisories for access.

Dry months
February-September · 25-31°C
Calmer seas and clearer water - better for snorkelling.
Monsoon months
October-January · 24-30°C
Rougher seas and more rain; visibility for snorkeling can decline.

Weather & Climate near Pulau Hantu #

Climate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

Weather

1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

February

Weather

2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

March

Weather

2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

April

Weather

2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

May

Weather

1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.1h daylight

June

Weather

1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.1h daylight

July

Weather

1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.1h daylight

August

Weather

1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.1h daylight

September

Weather

1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.0h daylight

October

Weather

1.8
UV Index
Very High
12.0h daylight

November

Weather

1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

December

Weather

1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

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