Saturday, September 16, 2017

Hantu Island

Pulau Hantu 

Credit: Waikiki Dive


Pulau Hantu is located to the south of the main island of Singapore, off the Straits of Singapore. Pulau Hantu is actually made up of two islets: Pulau Hantu Besar (Big Ghost Island) and Pulau Hantu Kechil (Little Ghost Island), with a total area of 12.6 hectares. At low tide, it is possible to wade across the shallow lagoon between the two islands, but not at high tide.



 Pulau Hantu was where Malay warriors once dueled to the death and their ghosts are said to wander the island. 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 two warriors into the deep sea to drown them. Not deterred, they continued their battle. Suddenly, the Jinn sprayed water on one of them. The other warrior, seeing his opponent blinded, thrust his sword into his abdomen. At the same time, the wounded warrior plunged his sword into the other man. Both collapsed and died. The gods felt it was wrong for the sea 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.



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.



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