Name and Location

The Raffles Lighthouse, also known locally as the Singapore Lighthouse, marks the southern approaches to the Port of Singapore. Its official address is 5P6R+28 Singapore, located on Pulau Satumu, the southern-most island in Singapore's Western Islands group.

2. Construction and History

The Raffles Lighthouse was constructed under the direction of the British Colonial Marine Department from 1855 to 1859. It was officially commissioned on October 29, 1859, and named in honor of Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of modern Singapore. Originally operated and maintained by the British colonial Marine Department, it is now managed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse stands at a height of 29 meters above base, with a focal height of approximately 56 meters above mean sea level. The tower is constructed from cast-iron plates bolted over a brick core, with iron staircases and granite foundation blocks. The exterior finish is white paint with a narrow red band around the lantern gallery.

4. Light and Navigation

The lighthouse's light range is 20 nautical miles (37 km), characterized by group flashing – three white flashes every 15 seconds (Fl(3) W 15 s). The power source is electrically powered, with solar and battery backup since automation in the 1980s.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Access to the lighthouse is restricted, with no regular public tours available. Landing by private boat only is permitted, subject to MPA clearance. On-site facilities are limited, and there are no visitor centers or restrooms available. The best viewing points are from chartered vessel cruises around the Southern Islands or from the deck of passing ships.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The island setting of Pulau Satumu is a low-lying coral and rock island, ringed by fringing reefs and clear tropical waters. From the lantern gallery (pre-automation accounts), panoramic seascapes can be viewed towards Raffles Reserve Bank Jetty, Singapore Strait shipping lanes, and glimpses of Indonesia's Riau Archipelago on clear days.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

No major wrecks have been recorded at Pulau Satumu, but the light played a vital role in reducing groundings during Far East trade in the 19th century. Early keepers lived in small stone-built quarters at the tower base, with water rationed and supplies delivered by launch from Singapore. The light was temporarily extinguished in 1942 prior to the fall of Singapore; reactivated by Royal Navy in 1945.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is an active aid to navigation, automated in the 1980s. It features an AIS transmitter (AIS ID 5763 0800) and a radar reflector installed on gallery railing for enhanced radar horizon. Nautical chart references include NGA Chart 93027 and Admiralty List of Lights A 0506.

9. Further Information

For further reading, refer to the Wikipedia article "Raffles Lighthouse" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raffles_Lighthouse) or the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore's Aids to Navigation publications.