PlacestoGoBoating

PLACES TO GO

Singapore is not just a miserable island by itself. There are several islands surrounding Singapore that provides good boating grounds, just like Hong Kong.

The northeast side sees Pulao Ubin, which is well known for the last natural beach for Singapore, several types of residential fishes and crabs. Also, Pulao Tekong, a military training ground that is out of bounds to civilians, has many hidden fishing secrets for those into fishings. In the south, apart from the much talked about Pulau Hantu for years, we have the St John island, Lazarus island which are favorites nowadays for many boaters seeking a quick getaway on the nice bays and lagoons.

Kusu Island is a lot more famous because of religions reasons. Every September, tens of thousands of Singaporeans will come to Kusu Island to pray in a Chinese temple as well as Malay shrine for good fortune.

Kusu island first become world famous in 1616 when Don Jose Va, Spanish Governor for Philippines, lead his wooden ship formations thru this unknown channel. His flagship ran into deep troubles in the waters just next to Kusu Island. (He must be cursing and swearing in amigo, but that was more than 300 years ago!). In 1806, James Horsburgh renamed this island as Goa Island. In 1819, Daniel Ross, Maritime surveyor for Sir Stamford Raffles, the father of Singapore, recognized the importance of Kusu island and setup all signaling and routes thru this island into Singapore.

Today, Kusu Island is a good place to come alongside for boaters and even fishing kakis. But comparatively, St John Island and Lazarus Island are recent boaters' heaven. Instead of being deserted islands, the Singapore government has done a lot of work for St John and Lazarus Islands since the 70s. Infra structures have been done and you can rent a cheap and comfortable rest house in St John Island for recreational purposes. The islands are safe, scenic and full of sheltered anchoring opportunities.

Between St John and Lazarus, there is an amazing causeway built some time before 2003 by the Singapore government. The causeway is a unique fishing ground because it provides a location which fishing kaki can take full advantage of the fast flowing waters between tidal differences. The water will flow violently between two directions and have good concentration of fishes. The target fishes on the cause way are Queen fish, Todak, half beak, barracuda, which lurks at the surfaces. If you dare to take the risks of snag lines, bottom fishing provides various opportunities for groupers, barramundi, trout, and even Ang Chor.

Just like everywhere in Singapore, St John coastline is mostly man made. So if you see a beach, don’t believe it was there 100 years ago. If you see a mangrove, don’t believe it was there 50 years ago. Boating amongst St John and Lazarus Islands are great time out for boaters. If you feel stressed about work, or not happy about anything, go there to enjoy the open air, bright sun. It is great place for family outing, or bring your loved one to a romantic time away from the busy city. The beauty of St John is it is just less than 5 minutes boat ride away from some marinas.

PULAU HANTU

Pulau Hantu, an island recognised by most divers and boaters as Singapore’s most popular Southern Island, known for its sheltered and biologically diverse reefs. There's even a Hantu Blog dedicated to the underwater beauty of Pulau Hantu. If you're into diving, read the blog here www.pulauhantu.org

"Hantu" is the Malay word for ghost and Pulau Hantu is aptly named as "island of ghosts". It was here that ancient Malay warriors once dueled to the death and their ghosts is said to wander the isle. Today, however, the island is a peaceful and idyllic getaway. Complete with swaying palms, surrounded by white sands and rich reefs. There is even a tiny patch of mangroves.

Pulau Hantu is actually made up of two islets: Hantu Besar (Big Ghost) and Hantu Kecil (Little Ghost). Hantu Besar has two swimming lagoons and a public toilet with fresh water. Both islets have shelters and picnic areas. The current island is the result of massive reclamation. Pulau Hantu Besar used to be 2ha and P. Hantu Kechil 0.4ha, surrounded by fringing reefs with a common reef flat in between. Land reclamation from 1974-75 increased land area to 12.2ha using 400,000m3 of sand, leaving a narrow strip between rock bund and edge of the reef (about 20-30m). The original bit that stuck out above water at high tide is marked by untidy plant growth, near the restrooms.

At high tide, average depth inside the lagoon is about 4 - 8 feet so it is possible for boats as large as 40 to 50 footer to come into the lagoon for a few hours of great anchorage for a quiet and peaceful afternoon.

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 day-trip boaters who want a unique outdoor experience away from the hustle and bustle

So the next time you just need a quiet getaway, trying skipping Lazarus and head for Pulau Hantu

BOATING IN S'PORE