“Ghost Island” is not the most inviting name, is it? But that’s precisely what Pulau Keppel was once known as. Today, standing here, you would never guess its spooky past.
Pulau Keppel is a small private island in Singapore. It sits in Keppel Bay, nestled between Singapore’s main island and Sentosa. This island boasts a rich history. It has transformed from a shipyard to a luxurious waterfront haven.
In the mid-19th century, Pulau Keppel prospered. This was thanks to the development of Keppel Harbour. The island became a hub for shipbuilding and ship repair. Keppel Shipyard operated here until 2000. Before 1983, the island was called Pulau Hantu. Pulau Hantu means “Ghost Island” in Malay. The name was considered disagreeable. The government approved a change to Keppel Island.
The island underwent a waterfront luxury development in 2008. The Keppel Bay Bridge connected it to the mainland. This bridge is 250 meters long. It also carries essential services like electricity and water.
The waterway near Pulau Keppel has a long history. As far back as the 13th century, wooden ships sailed here. They traveled from the Straits of Malacca to the South China Sea. Captain Henry Keppel played a significant role in the area’s development. He discovered the deep-water anchorage in 1848. This discovery was crucial for Singapore’s natural harbor. The harbor was initially called “New Harbour”. In 1900, it was renamed Keppel Harbour in his honor.
Pulau Keppel has seen many changes. In the mid-20th century, it was a bustling shipyard. Ships from around the world came here for repair and refueling. Today, the shipyard has moved to Tuas. Now Pulau Keppel features high-end restaurants and a marina for yachts. Luxury waterfront condominiums stand where seamen once worked.
The Marina at Keppel Bay offers stunning views. It’s a place to relax and enjoy the waterfront. The area retains its unique charm as a nature and recreational enclave.
The docks of Keppel Bay were once vital to Singapore’s maritime industry. Dock No. 1 was the first graving dock built in 1859. Later, King’s Dock became the largest dock east of the Suez Canal. Queen’s Dock followed, further enhancing the bay’s capabilities. Today, these docks have blended into modern Singapore.
Condominiums like Caribbean at Keppel Bay and Reflections at Keppel Bay pay tribute to the area’s past. The names themselves evoke the seafaring history of Pulau Keppel. So next time you’re enjoying a meal or admiring the yachts, remember the vibrant past of this island. It has transformed from a “Ghost Island” to a gem of modern Singapore.