Legend says that once there were two sisters Minah and Linah, who have a very strong bond that cannot be separated by anyone. One day the chief of pirates spotted and fell in love with Linah. At dawn, despite of the plea of the sisters who are clinging to each other, the chief pirate took Linah and was forced to leave with the pirates. Out of desperation Minah swam after the boat but was drowned, the sorrow of the death of her sister led Linah to dive into the stormy water. The next day the villagers saw islands on the same spot that the two sisters had drowned.

The two islands are known as Big Sister Island or Subar Luat, this island is about 3.9 hectares and the Little Sister Island or Subar Darat, about 1.7 hectares. These two islands are separated by deep narrow channel; the currents are too strong which makes it unfeasible to swim from one island to another.

The Sisters Island has 19 huts to shelter visitors as well as barbecue in the tables. With nice pristine beaches and lagoons to swim in, experienced divers would surely enjoy the abundant marine life offered by this island.

Pulau Hantu

At the south west of Pulau Bukum lies the enchanted ghost island known as Pulau Hantu. Pulau Hantu has a total land area of 12.6 hectares and actually composed of two islets the Pulau Hantu Besar (Big Ghost Island) and the Pulau Hantu Kechil (Little Ghost Island).

The island was called "ghost" because at one time it was a small sand bar that tend to be submerged at high tide. Its appearance and disappearance led it to it to be called "ghost". Though legend says that once there were two great warriors locked in a fierce battle at the sea, the battle led to the death of many people and thus the blue sea slowly became polluted with human blood. Upsetting the Jinn at the bottom of the ocean, the Jinn created a whirlpool and sucked the two warriors into the deep. The warriors were not discouraged, the Jinn sprayed water on one of them, one of the warrior seen his opponent blinded and thrust his sword into his abdomen. At the same time, the wounded warrior forced his sword to his rival. Both warriors died.

The Jinn felt guilty on interfering in human affairs and thus transformed the two warriors into islets so that their spirits can continue to live on them.

At present, the Pulau Hantu is one of the most frequented islands in Singapore. This island is famous for fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling. It provides a great outdoor experience to day trippers and campers. Despite its chronic visibility, the island is known for diving and open sea training due to its proximity and abundance of coral reefs and amazing marine life.

Getting to the islands:

Kusu, St. John and Sisters Island are accessible by ferry. Ferries are available from Marina South Pier daily. Tickets can be purchased at the Marina South Pier. For the ferry charge and schedule visit the www.islandcruise.com.sg. Another way to reach the islands is by charter. Charters can be hired along the Marina South Pier and the rates are usually negotiable. Charter boat is the fastest way to reach the islands.

Since there are no regular ferries to Pulau Hantu it is advisable to go by charter. Charter boats are available at the West Coast Ferry Terminal. You can negotiate with the operators the rate of the charter boats which depend on their availability and diesel prices.