timer_metaslider_50011(); div.nav-links { }, We welcome all levels, from beginners to pros! Check out more PADI Courses and specialty courses we offer athttps://gs-diving.com/padi-courses/, GS-DIVING Pte Ltd There a number of different sites to choose from. It is also a good place to test out your new gear, practice your skills, and to get photography tips from the other divers. Hence, relish the beautiful experience of nature and wildlife on your next vacation. If thats the case, engaging a professional from The Dive Company or Orpheus Dive would be your best bet, although itd rack up more costs. While this activity is best suitable for couples, one could also enjoy island walking with their friends and family as well. Speak to your buddy or dive guide prior to the dive if you have concerns. There are also various species of reef fish living in the hard coral colonies closer to the shore. Always seek professional advice, follow the local law, and consult a doctor for medical advice. Hantu Island lies just off Bukom Island (Pulau Bukom) to the south of Singapore, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) southwest of Sentosa Island. Our internationally mixed dive crew is a line-up of highly qualified and experienced PADI, SDI, TDI and NAUI Instructors and Divemasters, all fully certified in emergency first response procedures. The current can get strong so it is not recommended to venture north into the channel that separates Pulau Hantu and Pulau Bukom. Cover image adapted from (L-R): @marlindivers, @theboatshopasia. Firstly, Pulau hantu is an island,you most definitely cannot walk or travel by car to it. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing are the big draws here. before: function(slider) { While not diving I hold a corporate finance position in a multi-national company. It is a macro lovers dream and it only 45 minutes by boat, from Singapore. Both islets have shelters, and theres a public bathroom on Big Ghost Island (Pulau Hantu Besar). Finally after more than 2 years, We are resuming our weekly dive trips back to Tioman. The sinister name, translated to Ghost Island in Malay, terrified me because I was born a scaredy-cat. . It will stay on the site for 3 hours which is enough to get 2 dives in. Hp: +65 9800 0539 downscale_only: false, }, Drop Everything And Head To These 9 Islands Near Australia Now, Lazarus Island: A Handy Guide To Singapores Best-Kept Secret, 12 Indonesian Islands That Will Take Your Breath Away In 2022, Spend The Day In Pasir Ris Park: Activities, Best Time To Visit And More, Christmas In Singapore: 11 Wonderful Places To Visit To Catch The Celebrations In 2022, Greenland In Winter: A Pocket Guide To Know Where To Head And What To Do, 20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2022 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle, 10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Drivers Nightmare, 101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2022. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'downtoscuba_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',124,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-downtoscuba_com-banner-1-0')};if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'downtoscuba_com-banner-1','ezslot_10',124,'0','1'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-downtoscuba_com-banner-1-0_1')};.banner-1-multi-124{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:0!important;margin-right:0!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}There are no means of public transportation from Singapore to reach this island, so the only way is through private charter. If this is something up your alley, you can book a dive from $135 with Klook. You might also need to fork out a little more just to rent equipment from wetsuits to fins this can start at $60 per day. window.setTimeout(timer_metaslider_50011, 1) : metaslider_50011(window.jQuery); var metaslider_50011 = function($) { The sites are considered to be easy sites with a maximum depth of 15 m/50 ft and little current, so an Open Water certification should be enough. I dont blame you if youve never pulled up a map of Pulau Hantu since there are plenty of other. layer.css('cursor', 'pointer').on('click', function(e) { While public ferries run to Bukom from Pasir Panjang, there is no service to Hantu. Love this? If you are traveling in your personal vehicle or you have hired a taxi then you can reach the island via Keppel Road from Vivocity. Located half an hour away from Singapore by boat, Pulau Hantu has rich reefs despite its proximity to Singapore. We advise you to not make any other travel arrangements before that, In the event that you do not receive an email from us, please check your Spam folder or notify us via email, Full refunds will be issued for cancellations made at least 7 days prior to the activity. And if you havent already tabbed out of this article to Google the island, here are two main things that might surprise you: First, whats up with the two islands? This is easily done. A two-dive day trip costs S$110 including tanks and transport. Because of the jetty, I have always felt that the bio-diversity of Hantu North is higher than that of Hantu West. Hantu West is as the name suggests, located at the western side of the island. Must Read: 6 Easy Tips To Travel To Singapore On Budget. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'downtoscuba_com-box-4','ezslot_4',121,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-downtoscuba_com-box-4-0')};So whats the catch? You might also need to fork out a little more just to rent equipment from wetsuits to fins this can start at $60 per day. Those with a bigger budget allocated for excursions and activities can even charter a private boat to bring them to the island for a day. Ltd. What are the nearest attractions to Pulau Hantu (Ghost Island)? Email: gary@gs-diving.com, 2018GS-DIVING Pte. Pulau Hantu Island is united of two islets those are Pulau Hantu Kechali and Pulau Hantu Besar. But if you have never dived in low visibility it does take some getting used to. } All content on this website is copyright by Down to Scuba unless otherwise stated. A pair of tiny islets southwest of Sentosa, Ghost Island (Pulau Hantu) takes its name from a pair of mythical warriors who died locked in a mortal combat. Those who would rather not get wet, fret not. Now I dont have the similar courage of my colleague Jin Heok who went ghost hunting at Pasir Ris Park, but I did have the power of the Internet to aid my research. But the middle portion of it is so shallow that during high tide the seas will rise and cover it completely, making it disappear to seem like there are two separate islands. Aside from the aforementioned land tour, there are even. $('#metaslider_50011').metaslider_scale_layers({ Mauritius Holiday Starting at Rs 65,000/-. 6 Easy Tips To Travel To Singapore On Budget, 27 Surreal Places To Take Short Trips From Singapore. $('#metaslider_50011 .msHtmlOverlay').each(function() { We advise you book early with us. Fancy a good night's sleep after a tiring day? This island is famous for camping, you can do camping here and there are pleasant toilets with fresh water on this island. downscale_only: false, If you are traveling by local buses then first you have to land at Vivocity (14141*), Telok Blangah Road. Not world class, but you will get wet.Published/Last edited or updated: 31st January, 2017. Hantu Besar reefs are more extensive than Hantu Kecil. From the Vivocity taxi stand you can either rent a taxi or if you want to take Sentosa Express then you need to proceed to level 3 of Vivocity. controlNav:false, $(e.target).closest('a').length) { When to take the boat to Pulau Hantu? Singapore isnt exactly known for its nature reserves or national parks. DivingPulau Hantu! Ltd. A Singapore PADI, SDI & TDI Dive Centre. If youre not a scuba diver but would like to learn you can get your PADI Open Water Certification in Singapore with one of the local dive centres like Sunny Cove. A 2 dive night trip is 120 SGD or about 85 USD. Pulau Hantu - Singapores Very Own. Current usually isnt a challenge, and the boat captain will pick the site to dive depending on current and tide. and makes for a great stopover! For more information, visithttps://www.padi.com/courses/assistant-instructor. Secondly, there are definitely no pizza/BBQ restaurants on it and lastly, there is no ferry service to it, you have to charter a boat. Its a macro photographers dream. A wide variety of corals can be found on Pulau Hantu, and mushroom corals are particularly abundant in the waters surrounding the islands. window.setTimeout(timer_metaslider_50011, 100) : !jQuery.isReady ? Heres what I found out about the Island of Ghosts. The outer area of the seawall is covered with coral reefs. }); pauseOnHover:true, One is named the Pulau Hantu Kechil and other is known as PulauHantuBesar. $('#metaslider_50011').metaslider_scale_layers({ One became Big Ghost Island (Pulau Hantu Besar) and the other Little Ghost Island (Pulau Hantu Kecil). font-style: normal; As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. }); History tells of how the island used to be an ancient site where Malay warriors would battle for their lives, and their ghosts would roam the island for generations to come. Singapore: optimal mix of aquatic recreation and petrochemical storage. 15147 Km from your location Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Suggested Read: 6 Best Experiences At River Safari Singapore That Will Change The Way You See The World. animationSpeed:600, Hire a boat on the West Coast Pier or join a dive trip. 35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2022 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation! The adventure junkies can dive deep in the water by experiencing snorkeling in Pulau Hantu with sea turtles, whale sharks, and also swimming lagoons if there is a clear visibility. You can walk across the lagoon between the two islands at low tide. Delivered every Monday. All rights reserved 2012 2022 TheSmartLocal.com, Growing up, Ive always been weary yet slightly fascinated by. window.open(layer.attr('data-link'), layer.attr('data-target')); Alas, the island is best known as one of. You can also find several resident seahorses living beside the jetty. }); Our opinions remain our own. Sundays and Public Holidays: CLOSED, Copyright 2008 - 2022 The Dive Company Pte. 95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2022 For A Romantic Escape! Inexperienced divers would probably want a guide to accompany them in case of low visibility. There are also snorkelling adventures if scuba diving is too intense. Pulau Tioman Dive Trips are in partnership with. slideshow:false, Hantu North is as the name suggests, located at the northern side of the island. There are no shops or cafs on the islands. 7.97% of people who visit Singapore include Pulau Hantu in their plan, 32.46% of people start their Pulau Hantu visit around 09 AM - 10 AM, People usually take around 2 Hrs 30 Minutes to see Pulau Hantu, 91.46% of people prefer to travel by car while visiting Pulau Hantu. A multi-trip package (10 minimum) is available but check with the operator on the latest deals. Growing up, Ive always been weary yet slightly fascinated by Pulau Hantu. $('#metaslider_50011').flexslider({ }); $(window).resize(function(){ However, you should be a conscious diver and never touch or provoke marine life.The Hypselodoris Bullockii nudibranch. itemMargin:0 Photo by Kevin Li / Fun in Blue. However, you can always join the regular charter (Dolphin Explorer) that takes weekend divers twice daily (three times if there are enough divers for a night dive) from the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club every Saturday and Sunday. Sat:12:00 pm-5:00 pm Our top 10 other sights and activities in and around Downtown Singapore, An impressive collection of art and artifacts from, You really do see them in a different light. You can either take a taxi from Vivocity taxi stand or take a Sentosa express from level 3 of Vivocity. This place is very famous for fishing as it is a very great experience if you go out fishing here. Macro photographers thrill to gaudily colored sea slugs and nudibranchs, while seahorses, cuttlefish, pipefish, and Spanish dancers, named for their scarlet mantles which twirl like a flamenco dancers skirt, can also be seen. Its a macro photographers dream. div.nav-links a:hover { Check out where to stay in Singapore and book an accommodation of your choice. Alas, the island is best known as one of Singapores few diving spots. There are also land tours you can go on, although the entire tour encompasses pit stops at other islands off the Western coast of Singapore. Wear swimming shoes to protect against coral and keep an eye on the tide to avoid being stranded. These boats are for free time Trips and not comfort. Photo by Kevin Li / Fun in Blue. line-height: 23px; } The diversity of marine life here is startling. The islands proximity to industrial activities combined with the silty ocean floor means that visibility is very poor. Did I mention that almost every diver at Hantu is also a photographer due to the amazing macro life? }); This place is exceptionally beautiful in every way. Patches of mangroves are also present. The boat is equipped with 2 showers but you need to bring your own towels. There are no charges for the entrance to the island. Read More: DIN vs Yoke Tanks Which is Safer? Some of the diverse marine life you can see at Pulau Hantu Pulau Hantus marine life tends to be on the small size, so if you were hoping to see manta rays or reef sharks youre better off diving in Thailand. Common sea life that can also be found include the clown fish or anemonefish, damselfishes, wrasses and angelfish. At last check, a 2 dive day trip is 105 SGD or about 75 USD. margin-top: 5px; When diving in Singapore, the water temperature is a cozy 28-30 Celsius / 86F, so wetsuits are not really needed. The sinister name, translated to Ghost Island in Malay, terrified me because I was born a scaredy-cat. Overseas Dive travels are organized by Ambience Paradise Travels TA 03443, Pulau Tioman Dive Trips are in partnership with Discovery Tours & Travel Pte Ltd (TA: 00590). Why havent you heard of this dive site transiting through Singapore on your way to other world-famous sites in the Coral Triangle? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'downtoscuba_com-leader-1','ezslot_5',126,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-downtoscuba_com-leader-1-0')};There are no rules against using pointers and gloves. orig_width: 300 1. Non-divers can tag along for S$90 and can rent a snorkel for a few dollars more. It is not advisable to dive on the outer edge (western side) of the outer reef as the currents here are unpredictable. } There are two islets to the south of Singapores main island named Palau Hantu or Ghost Islands. A wide variety of corals can be found on Pulau Hantu. var slider = !window.jQuery ? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'downtoscuba_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_11',125,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-downtoscuba_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')};The site is mainly a macro site where you can spot various nudibranchs,cuttlefish, octopus, crabs, bivalve, snails, Shawn the Sheep nudibranchs, frogfish, and toadfish if you have keen eyesight. Hantu Island will mainly be of interest to experienced scuba divers with an interest in muck diving and/or macro photography. Read More: Tips to Get Started with Underwater Photography.The Noble Volute sea snail. $(this).css('display', 'block'); var timer_metaslider_50011 = function() { Most recently in August 2015, we even saw a sawblade shrimp, which is a very rare find. The island is made of two islets and both the islets have shelters and picnic areas. padding: .2em .6em .3em; Further Read: 8 Islands near Singapore That Make A Quick Weekend Escape. var layer = $(this); }); In Singapore, eating is practically a national pastime, and the best place to experience the depth and diversity of the nation's melting pot gastronomic scene is at a hawker center. On good days, however, youll be seeing all types of diverse creatures from nudibranchs to slugs. Pulau Hantu may be Singapores most popular dive site, but by no means are the conditions perfect. Bad days could mean youre only seeing 1-2M ahead of you. My goal is to use my images and videos to show the people the awesomeness of nature, and inspire people to live in harmony with nature. Today we are diving in Singapore on Pulau Hantu. Find tickets & tours worldwide. PADI certified divers can join The Hantu Bloggers a non-profit group that raises awareness about Singapores coral reefs. The operator whose product is featured here may pay Viator more. Tanks & weights However, you will be rewarded with nudibranchs, seahorses, the occasional frogfish, and even a resident hawksbill if you can get over diving in pea soup!Amazing macro life in Singapore. There are also. margin-right: 4px; Located half an hour away from Singapore by boat, Pulau Hantu Pulau Hantu has rich reefs despite its proximity to Singapore. 219 Kallang Bahru, #04-00 Chutex Building, Singapore 339348, The opinions expressed by our users do not reflect the official position of TheSmartLocal.com or its staff. While Pulau Hantu isnt heavily-visited like its eastern counterpart, Pulau Ubin, there are still people who do a day trip to the island for various purposes. padding: 0 20px 10px; 6 Best Experiences At River Safari Singapore That Will Change The Way You See The World, 8 Islands near Singapore That Make A Quick Weekend Escape. Pulau Hantu is the most commonly dived site in Singapore. }); init: function(slider) { Travelfish Pty Ltd ACN 107 758 985. All rights reserved. Located just 30 minutes away from Singapores Southern coast, its a lot closer and more affordable than the popular Tioman Island. Located just 30 minutes away from Singapores Southern coast, its a lot closer and more affordable than the popular Tioman Island. You can see ample diversity in many types of corals like hard corals and soft corals, mushroom corals. Image credit: @nellson_lim. While there are a lot of hotels to stay in near the islands like Shangri-Las Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa, Santa Grand Hotel West Coast, Siloso Beach Resort Sentosa, and more, stay assured to spend one of the best holidays on this island. But all the land reclamation in the area has also made visibility underwater really low. After the classroom training and a pool dive, theyll take you to Pulau Hantu for a weekend of scuba diving (or, if you prefer, to prettier Pulau Tioman in Malaysia). if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'downtoscuba_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',127,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-downtoscuba_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')};Singapore is world famous for its huge selection of lodging. Pulau Hantu Island is positioned in the direction of the south of Singapore. In any case, its more or less debunked that Pulau Hantu is far from the ghostly island that its name would have you believe. reverse:false, No, Im not about to reveal that Singapore is Southeast Asias most underrated dive destination, nor that it really compares with some of the best. You can see distinctive species of fishes and sea animals in this place. While it is possible to dive at the Sisters Islands Marine Park, special permission needs to be secured ahead of time from National Parks Board of Singapore. You can also take a fast work boat from west coast pier to Pulau Hantu. We choose the dive sites based on the weather and tidal flow. There is a small patch of mangroves between Pulau Hantu Kecil and Pulau Hantu Besar, where native seashore plants also line their beaches. Besides Pulau Hantu, Sisters Island Marine Park (Pulau Subar Laut) offers a couple of dive trails, with coral and sea fans, as well as a shallow wreck suitable for more advanced divers. I dont blame you if youve never pulled up a map of Pulau Hantu since there are plenty of other pulaus taking up our attention like Ubin and Tekong. 60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2022. You can also witness the diversity of animals like anemone shrimps, giant clams Nudibranchs. var cloned = el.clone(); $(this).css('display', 'block'); And if you havent already tabbed out of this article to Google the island, here are two main things that might surprise you: Its actually made up of two islets Hantu Besar and Hantu Kecil, meaning Big and Little Ghost respectively, Theres also another story about how two warriors were fiercely locked in a duel, only to be transformed into the bigger and smaller islands by a powerful, Id be worried if there was still anyone using Pulau Hantu as a makeshift colosseum today. Diving has really opening my eyes to the beauty of the natural world, and made me realize that she needs all the help that she can get at the moment. Too bad they didnt name it Pulau Houdini. Registered Singapore Travel Agent Number: 02151, Contact: Gary Lim }); 'ing a fantastic scuba diving vacation' %}. orig_width: 300 font-size: 13px; Up to 2 boat dives display: inline -block; If you ever visit this place then you should surely try fishing. Pulau Hantu is very appealing dive location it has rising corals little critters from all over, from Nudibranchs to morale eels, to clownfishes and you can even witness big turtles if you are fortunate enough. With a passion for unusual destinations, she has camped alongside Komodo dragons and shook hands with soldiers in North Korea. Now I dont have the similar courage of my colleague Jin Heok who went ghost hunting at. Drop by The Dive Company to make payment, Note: It is preferable to register at least 1-2 weeks in advance, Light snack on boat This geographical phenomenon might also be why the island bears a supernatural name. Ferry service: Ticket for Adult $15, Child (1-12) $12. There are also fresh fruits, coffee, tea, and bottled water (but do bring your own bottle to reduce plastic waste) provided on board. The region with its variety of coral reefs has plenty of marine wildlife. The boat is fitted with DIN and Yoke tanks. As well as visiting the Pulau Hantu (Ghost Island), check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: City Sightseeing Tours in Asia & the Pacific, How to Experience iLight Marina Bay in Singapore, Things to do in Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast. easing:"linear", if( ! animation:'slide', The busses which will take you to the Island are busses with no 166, 30, 97, 100, 145, 65, 93, 143, 10, 855, 80, 188, 93, 30, and 131. Contact Us +65 9800 0539 , +65 9337 7872 gary@gs-diving.com. About 30 minutes south of Singapore by boat, Pulau Hantu is fringed by small coral reefs that are home to a wide variety of marine life. Adventure Cove Waterpark: A Guide To Help You Taste Thrill In Singapore Like Never Before! On a good day you can expect a visibility of a few metres, but on a particularly bad day I was barely able to see my dive buddys yellow flipper in front of my face! Pulau Hantu is an uninhabited island situated to the south of the main island nation of Singapore. We dive Hantu all year round, every weekend, morning and afternoon. Dive among the sea fans, sponge corl, soft coral and anemone that have made this a sanctuary. If you are really lucky, you will be able to spot the endangered pink Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the Straits. But I do recommend wearing at least a full-length rash guard to protect you against hydroid stings. If this is something up your alley, you can book a dive from. Well, theres technically only one island. The Bornella Stellifer Nudibranch. background-color: #009688; The name is Malay for Ghost Island and gets its namesake from the phenomenon that parts of the island and its reef emerge at low tide and disappear at high tide. The waters around Hantu Island are far from clear, and visiting after rain can reduce visibility to just 36 feet (12 meters). Take your pick from budget to high-end hotels. Although visibility at Pulau Hantu can be a challenge on some days, you can expect that the average viz is between 3-4 metres. 90 Eu Tong Seng Street, C.I.D.C, Blk A, #01-03, Singapore, 059811, Singapore, Meet at the carpark for our staff and we will direct you to the dive boat, With a PADI Travel account, you can favourite dive operators to come back to later on any device or computer, Scuba equipment rental (full set) Photo by Kevin Li / Fun in Blue. The max depth is about 13-15 meters (43 50 feet) depending on the tide with a bottom that is sandy.