It’s easy to forget that Singapore was once an important trading port and our island is still home to a number of lighthouses. They might not look like the typical white towers you imagine, but some of them still serve as beacons for ships in Singapore today! While a few of them are not accessible to the public, there are several others which you can visit for yourself to appreciate our maritime history.
1. Raffles Lighthouse
Built to commemorate Sir Stamford Raffles in 1855, Raffles Lighthouse is located at the southernmost point of Pulau Satumu, Singapore’s southernmost island. Once running on a kerosene burner, today it runs on electric light. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore does occasional tours to the island, where participants will be able to climb up the 29m tall lighthouse for a panoramic view of the ocean.
2. Johor Strait Lighthouse
Otherwise known as the Raffles Marina Lighthouse, the 12-metre tall lighthouse stands at the tip of Raffles Marina's breakwater and overlooks the Tuas Second Link bridge. Soak up the stunning scenery, take in the sea breeze and admire the yachts docked at the marina. Afterwards, head over to Raffles Marina Club for a meal overlooking the waterfront!
3. Bedok Lighthouse
Sitting atop an old condominium, Bedok Lighthouse is definitely not your typical lighthouse. Built in 1978 to replace the now-defunct Fullerton Lighthouse, Bedok Lighthouse is also Singapore’s first automated and unmanned lighthouse. For those who are unaware, it can look just like a red water tanker! Unfortunately the lighthouse is not accessible for either condo residents or the public, but you can most certainly view it from the surroundings and vicinity.
4. Berlayer Point Lighthouse
Explore Labrador Nature Reserve and make your way to the Berlayer Creek Boardwalk to see the brick-red Berlayer Point Lighthouse. Built in the 1930s, this lighthouse is still in service today. Together with the green Tanjong Rimau Beacon on the northwestern tip of Sentosa, they act as the navigational markers for ships that enter and exit the channel between the two.