The 8 Lighthouses Of Singapore That Still Stand
Lighthouses have long been a symbol of hope and guidance for ships sailing the seas. Despite being a small island nation, Singapore has a rich maritime history and is home to a number of lighthouses. In this article, we will explore the lighthouses in Singapore and where to find them.
Jun 02, 20239196 Shares129524 Views
Lighthouses have long been a symbol of hope and guidance for ships sailing the seas. Despite being a small island nation, Singapore has a rich maritime history and is home to a number of lighthouses. In this article, we will explore the lighthouses in Singapore and where to find them.
Fort Canning Lighthouse
The Fort Canning Lighthouse is one of the few remaining lighthouses in Singapore and is located on top of Fort Canning Hill. It was built in 1903 and was used as a navigational aid for ships entering the Singapore Harbour. The lighthouse has a unique octagonal shape and is painted white with black trimmings.
The Fort Canning Lighthouse is not open to the public, but visitors can admire its beauty from afar. The lighthouse is often used as a backdrop for photos and is a popular spot for tourists to take pictures. The hill also offers stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding areas.
Raffles Lighthouse
The Raffles Lighthouse is another iconic lighthouse in Singapore that still stands today. It is located on a small island off the coast of Singapore and is named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore. The lighthouse was built in 1855 and is still operational today.
The Raffles Lighthouse is not open to the public, but visitors can take a boat tour around the island to get a closer look. The lighthouse is an important navigational aid for ships entering the Singapore Strait and is operated by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
The lighthouse has a distinctive red and white striped pattern and is built on a rocky outcrop. It stands at a height of 29 meters and has a range of 28 nautical miles. The lighthouse is a testament to Singapore's maritime history and is an important landmark in the country.
Sultan Shoal Lighthouse
Located in the western region of Singapore, Sultan Shoal Lighthouse is situated at the southern entrance of the western channel that leads into the Keppel Harbour. It was built in 1895 and was the first lighthouse in Singapore to be automated in 1975.
The tower has a height of 39 meters and a focal plane of 41 meters. It is a cylindrical concrete tower painted with red and white horizontal bands. The lighthouse has a range of 24 nautical miles and emits a flash every 10 seconds.
Today, Sultan Shoal Lighthouse is not accessible to the public as it is still an operational aid to navigation. However, you can take a boat ride to get a closer look at the lighthouse from the water.
Pedra Branca Lighthouse
Pedra Branca Lighthouse, also known as Horsburgh Lighthouse, is located on Pedra Branca Island, which is a part of Singapore's territory. It was built in 1851 and is the oldest operational lighthouse in Singapore.
The lighthouse is named after James Horsburgh, a hydrographer of the East India Company who was responsible for producing nautical charts of the region.
The tower is a 21-meter granite structure and has a focal plane of 44 meters. It emits a white flash every 5 seconds and has a range of 24 nautical miles. The lighthouse was automated in 1954 and is still operational today.
Pedra Branca Lighthouse is not open to the public, but you can view it from the water by taking a boat ride.
Labrador Lighthouse
Labrador Lighthouse is located at the southernmost tip of mainland Singapore, near the entrance to the Keppel Harbour. It was built in 1898 and is the oldest surviving lighthouse in the country.
The lighthouse has undergone numerous repairs and renovations over the years and is currently managed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
The lighthouse is approximately 23 meters high and has a white conical tower with a red lantern on top. It is also equipped with a foghorn that sounds every 30 seconds during times of low visibility.
Visitors can take a stroll around the lighthouse and enjoy the stunning views of the sea and nearby islands. However, the lighthouse itself is not open to the public. The area around the lighthouse is a popular spot for fishing and picnics.
Horsburgh Lighthouse
Horsburgh Lighthouse is located on Pedra Branca Island, which is the easternmost point of Singapore. The lighthouse was built in 1851 and is named after James Horsburgh, a Scottish hydrographer and chartmaker who was instrumental in improving navigation in the region.
The lighthouse is approximately 36 meters high and has a white octagonal tower with a red lantern on top. The tower is made of cast iron and is divided into four levels. The lighthouse is fully automated and is currently managed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
Visitors are not allowed on the island, but can view the lighthouse from boats that pass by. The lighthouse is known for its scenic location and has been featured in many photographs and paintings. It is also an important navigation aid for ships travelling in the region.
Horsburgh Lighthouse
Johor-Singapore Causeway Lighthouse
Johor-Singapore Causeway Lighthouse is situated in the Straits of Johor, which separates Singapore from Malaysia. The lighthouse stands on the southern end of the causeway, which connects Singapore to the mainland of Malaysia.
The lighthouse serves as a guiding beacon for ships navigating the busy strait. The Johor-Singapore Causeway Lighthouse was built in 1971 and has a height of 60 feet (18 meters). The lighthouse is painted in red and white horizontal bands, and it emits a white flash every 5 seconds.
Visitors can get a good view of the lighthouse from the causeway, or from the nearby Woodlands Waterfront Park. The park is an excellent spot to watch the sunset, and visitors can enjoy a scenic walk or cycle along the promenade.
Pulau Pisang Lighthouse
Pulau Pisang Lighthouse is located on Pulau Pisang, a small island situated off the southwestern coast of Singapore. The island is uninhabited and can only be accessed by boat.
The lighthouse was built in 1914 by the British colonial authorities to guide ships navigating the busy shipping lanes around Singapore.
The lighthouse has a height of 43 feet (13 meters) and is painted in white with a red top. The light emits a white flash every 10 seconds and can be seen from a distance of up to 12 nautical miles.
The lighthouse was automated in 1968 and is currently maintained by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
Visitors can arrange for a boat tour to Pulau Pisang and explore the island and its lighthouse. The island is also a popular spot for fishing and camping, and visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding sea and the Singapore skyline in the distance.
People Also Ask
Where Is The Oldest Lighthouse In Singapore Located?
The oldest lighthouse in Singapore is located on Pedra Branca, an island off the eastern coast of Singapore.
How Many Lighthouses Are There In Singapore?
There are currently six lighthouses in Singapore that are still in operation.
Are The Lighthouses In Singapore Open To The Public?
Some of the lighthouses in Singapore, such as the Raffles Lighthouse, are not open to the public due to their remote locations. However, visitors can still admire them from afar.
How Tall Is The Lighthouse On Sultan Shoal?
The lighthouse on Sultan Shoal stands at 47 meters tall, making it the tallest lighthouse in Singapore.
Can Visitors Climb Up The Lighthouses In Singapore?
No, visitors are not allowed to climb up the lighthouses in Singapore as they are still in operation and are restricted areas for safety reasons.
Final Thoughts
Singapore may not be known for its lighthouses, but there are a few that stand as a testament to the country's maritime history.
From the Raffles Lighthouse located on a tiny island to the Johor Strait Lighthouse marking the entry into Singapore's busy port, each lighthouse has its own story and charm.
Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique experience, visiting these lighthouses can be a memorable way to explore the city-state's lesser-known landmarks.
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