Pulau Hantu Island

Address: Pulau Hantu, Singapore (off southern coast)

Admission: Landing fees and permits may apply; the islets are managed and access often regulated

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.

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.

• 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.