In the Malay language, "Pulau" means "island" and "Hantu" means "ghost". "Pulau Hantu" means "ghost island". However, that does not mean that visitors will find ghosts.
According to some, it was called "ghost" because at one time, it was a small sand bar that tended to be submerged at high tide. The disappearance and reappearance led to it being called "ghost". Ever since stone and concrete embankments were built up, the island does not behave like a ghost anymore. Some facilities, including toilets and fresh water on tap are available on the island. However, there is no electric power.
It is located south-west of Pulau Bukom which housed the Shell Oil refinery. It is a very popular site for openwater training because of its proximity. Many schools conducts their classes here. The best site is the reefs located at the western shoreline of the island.
There are two islands at Pulau Hantu - 'Pulau Hantu Besar' and 'Pulau Hantu Kechil'. These are just across from each other and are slightly bigger than Sisters' Island. There is a large mangrove swamp but coconut plams and trees have been planted everywhere making it shady. Visitors can spend a whole afternoon exploring the swamp and at low tide, watch hermit crabs digging and mud skippers jumping from one mudflat to another, or even spot a starfish buried in the ground. Popular with divers, the seabed around the island is shallow and flat and safe as a training and recreational area for newcomers. Migratory birds like cranes, herons and magpies can be seen here during certain times of the year.
Download Map: Pulau Hantu
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