Every month, we head out to Pulau Hantu for our offshore intertidal exploration, timing it with the lowest tides. The reef slowly reveals wildlife as the water pulls back, and for a few hours, we get the massive privilege to walk through a world that’s normally hidden beneath the sea right here in Singapore.
This particular session was something special.
We started the evening with a quick briefing – the walking route, a few safety reminders and how we approach wildlife with care on these walks. Some animals can be gently observed up close, but we always prioritise their wellbeing. The goal is simple: move slowly, tread carefully and let the reef show itself.
Not long after stepping onto the sand flats, we began seeing familiar wildlife like Common Sand Stars scattered across the seabed. These starfish are abundant on our southern shores and are often the first creatures participants encounter.
In the shallow pools, tiny creatures appeared too – including this Sea Moth!
But the magic really started once we entered the lagoon.
Almost immediately, someone spotted a Tiger-tail Seahorse, anchored to a sponge with its curled tail. Seahorses are always a crowd favourite. We spent a quiet moment observing it before moving on.
Soon after, we found a tiny Broadclub Cuttlefish. Cephalopods always steal the show, and this one was no exception.
As we explored deeper into the lagoon, the diversity kept building – Spider Conches and a scattering of reef crabs moving through the coral rubble.
Near the mouth of the lagoon, a participant suddenly called out – a Blue-spotted Stingray resting on the sand. They’re relatively common here but incredibly easy to miss so everyone was thrilled to get a good look.
Plus, we also found a couple of rare nudibranchs and other sea slugs!
As the sky darkened, the reef slowly shifted into its night mode.
A Reef Octopus emerged from the rocks, effortlessly blending into its surroundings as it moved across the seabed. Under UV lights, the corals around us began to glow – a surreal sight that always surprises people seeing it for the first time.
Among the coral heads, Clown Anemonefish darted between the tentacles of their host anemones, as lively as ever.
We moved slowly the entire time, carefully picking our steps. What looks like empty coral rubble is actually full of life, and moving gently makes a BIG difference.
Luck was on our side again when we spotted a couple of Spotted-Tail Frogfish, perfectly camouflaged beside the rocks — animals that are notoriously difficult to find.
Later in the evening, a tiny Pygmy Squid drifted past us, its body flashing subtle colour changes in the dark water. And later on, even a Big-fin Reef Squid!
Eventually, it was time to head back.
Overhead, a Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea Eagle, and the ever-present Pacific Reef Heron passed by – preparing to roost for the night
And just when we thought the night was over, a couple of Blacktip Reef Sharks cruised beneath the jetty.
One final surprise came right at the end: a Yellow-lipped Sea Krait gliding across the sargassum!
Not a bad way to end a 3-hour offshore intertidal walk!
We focus on sharing about the ecology of these animals and even after so many trips out here, evenings like this are a reminder of just how much life exists along Singapore’s shores – if you slow down enough to see it.
