Surprising to many, Singapore is not just a stopover for feasting and shopping. Do you know what we also have a range of diving sites? You probably thought that we have no marine life at all, but our research has proved us wrong!
It doesn’t matter whether you are a seasoned or novice diver, check out our list of diving sites in Singapore. Get your game on for your next adventure!
1. Sisters’ Island Marine Park
Opened to the public recently, scuba divers are now able to register to explore the underwater trails at the Sisters’ Island Marine Park. A wide range of marine life has actually been found in the waters and NParks has developed a first dive trial. It’s located at Pulau Subar Laut or the Big Sister’s Island. Divers have spotted huge seafans and many seawhips along the dive trail.
How to get there: Check out the Dive Trail schedule by NParks here.
2. Pulau Hantu
A 30-minute boat ride from Singapore, Pulau Hantu is a popular diving site for local recreational divers due to its accessibility and sheltered reefs. Pulau Hantu is made up of 2 islands, Hantu Besar and Hantu Kecil. Visitors are able to walk between the islands during its low tide season.
Although Pulau Hantu is located in close vicinity to the Pulau Bukom’s refineries, divers are able to spot rich marine life and reef collection. The high density of divers has led to some coral damage. However, it is still the best and nearest spot for diving in Singapore.
How to get there: Join one of the many dive groups that organise regular trips to Pulau Hantu.
3. Kusu Island
Unlike Pulau Hantu, the reefs of Kusu Island are not as well known to recreational divers. This island is great for divers looking for a less crowded setting. Located just 5.6km from Singapore, Kusu Island houses a 8.5 hectare holiday resort. The island is home to one of the highest densities of anemones and anemonefishes known in Singapore!
How to get there: Ferries depart daily from Marina South Pier. Prices for a two-way trip are fixed at $18 for adults and $12 for children aged 1 to 12 years old.
4. Pulau Salu
Pulau Salu is a small island located to the South of Jurong Island. The coast consists of many coral formations and is a popular spot for scuba diving. Divers would be able to see sharks, barracudas and even dolphins if you’re really lucky. However, currents here can be quite strong thus you must be an experienced diver.
How to get there: There are no scheduled ferries to the island. Charter your own private boat or join dive groups that organise trips to Pulau Salu.
5. Pulau Jong
Being a tiny island, one would not expect Pulau Jong’s waters to be filled with rich marine life and reefs. Black-tip sharks and schools of parrotfishes which are rarely seen on our reefs in Singapore are often spotted in Pulau Jong. Recently, pipefish has also been found there. It’s a new sighting and record for Singapore’s waters.
Due to its location and size, Pulau Jong’s reefs can experience strong and tricky currents of up to 3 knots. There may also be choppy waters in bad weather conditions during the monsoon season. Do check the weather before heading out to dive in Pulau Jong.
How to get there: There are no scheduled ferries to the island. Charter your own private boat or join dive groups that organise trips to Pulau Jong.
6. Labrador Reef
Labrador Reef remains as our last stretch of coral reefs on the mainland. This spot is a popular destination for students, nature lovers and recreational divers who want to explore a natural shore. Even at high tide, interesting marine life is spotted here.
As Labrador is a Nature Reserve, diving there requires the prior permission of NParks. Under NParks regulations, dives are allowed at Labrador reef, but dive trainings are not to be conducted.
How to get there: Labrador Reef is located South of the mainland island.
Nothing beats the thrill of diving in our very own Singapore waters! Call all your diving kakis and make a trip down to one of these islands. They’ll definitely amaze you!
(Header image by WaikikiDive)
Also, read There Are Wild Dolphins In Singapore’s Waters? We Did The Research & Uncovered The Spots.
