Light houses aren’t just towers beaming with light, lighthouses serves as a source of illumination and hope for lost ships. They were designed to keep ships from colliding with jagged rocks and to help them navigate safely into the port.
With a number of operational lighthouses along with some decommissioned ones, on mainland and on our other islands, these buildings serve as important navigational aids even till today. Here are some lighthouses you can visit in Singapore.
Fort Canning Lighthouse
Head over to Fort Canning Hill, which was originally the center of old Singapura before the British took control in 1819, to learn what your history teacher might not have taught you in school. The British built a cylindrical lighthouse in 1855 to direct ships safely towards the Singapore Harbour to oversee the waters.
Despite surviving World War II damage, it was decommissioned and demolished in 1958 because new tall structures in the vicinity rendered it difficult to view from the sea any longer. While the original lighthouse is no longer operational, a fully working replica may be found in its place that continues to illuminate into the night.
Location: Fort Canning Park
Berlayer Point Lighthouse
Start your journey to the berlayer creek boardwalk to see the stunning, brick red Berlayer Point Lighthouse, which was erected in the 1930s, near the current Labrador Nature Reserve. The lighthouse along with the green-clad Tanjong Rimau Beacon on Sentosa’s northwestern tip serves as navigational markers for ships entering and exiting the channel. Berlayer Point Lighthouse for the ship’s port (left) side and Tanjong Rimau Beacon for the ship’s starboard (right) side. It’s a perfect little place along the waters to end off your afternoon walk at Labrador Nature Reserve.
Location: 12 Port Rd, Singapore 117630
Fullerton Lighthouse
The Fullerton Hotel has been linked with luxury and grandeur over the years but did you know it was once a lighthouse? It was once known as The Fullerton Building, an iconic landmark recognised by travellers and ship captains from all over the world, until it was transformed into a magnificent five-star hotel.
As a substitute for the Fort Canning Lighthouse, a rotating beacon was installed on its roof in 1958 to lead ships ashore and anchor along the piers. The old position of the beacon is now occupied by a fine-dining Italian restaurant aptly named The Lighthouse. Although. it’s not where it originally once were, you can see it’s preserved light fixture at Harbourfront Tower up close and personal.
Location: 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178 (Fullerton Hotel) | 1 Maritime Square, Singapore 099253 (Harbourfront Centre)
Raffles Lighthouse
Image Credits: The Raffles Lighthouse, MothershipThe Raffles Lighthouse was built in 1855 in honour of Sir Stamford Raffles. It is located on Pulau Satumu, Singapore’s southernmost island, which is loosely translated as “One Tree Island.” The lighthouse currently utilises an electricity-based light instead of a kerosene-based lantern in the past, flashing three white flashes every 20 seconds.
At any one moment, there are two lighthouse keepers on duty, each working an alternate 12-hour shift for ten days. Yes, they spend ten days at the lighthouse and then ten days on the mainland before repeating the cycle all over again. This is spot you shouldn’t miss as it is another photogenic spot you might want to check out even if you have no interest in maritime or history.
Location: Pulau Satumu, Singapore
Johor Strait Lighthouse
Image Credits: Johor Straits Lighthouse, PhotoHoundTravel to the furthest reaches of the north for a breathtaking sight that shouldn’t be missed. The beautiful 12-metre high lighthouse, located at the edge of our Raffles Harbour’s breakwater, looks out over the Tuas Second Link bridge and guides yachts into and out of the marina.
You can head to Raffles Marina Club for a leisurely stroll down the promenade after taking in the magnificent landscape, which includes a sea view and a calming breeze to accompany it. We all know that not everyone is lucky enough to own a sea vessel, so while your there take the chance to feast your eyes on the magnificent luxury yachts they have docked at the marina for a spectacular view.
Location: 10 Tuas West Dr, 638404
On the surface, these places might seem boring to some, but the historical importance of the decommissioned lighthouses along with the current significance of the working lighthouses should definitely be experienced in person.
