264. SULTAN SHOAL

Singapore's Lighthouses. 

Raffles Lighthouse is undergoing maintenance and restoration, will likely reopen sometime. Pulau Pisang on the extreme left is located in Malaysian waters, it's lighthouse is operated and staffed by Singapore. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is the governing body that oversees Port and Lighthouse operations. Quite a feat to keep our seas and port operations humming smoothly. Not to mention our security - it's open water. 

Our Port and Jurong Island nearby - are Singapore's lifeblood.

Extreme right - Horsburgh Lighthouse is the oldest and the 1st lighthouse.  It sits on a few stone outcrops which goes under water during high tides. It's dangerous to access it and too small a space to even land or move around, nevertheless the Malay government in Malaysia made life difficult for Singapore by claiming those rocks are theirs. The claim was taken to the UN which eventually ruled it's Singapore's but gave one rock to Malaysia!

It continues to function as an automated, working lighthouse...just as it always has for decades...

The ferry leaves from Pasir Panjang Terminal, a good 15mins walk from a busy main road. The walk cuts through a very busy construction area with diversions away from heavy machinery and loads of construction materials. 

All port operations from Tanjong Pagar, Keppel and Brani terminals will move to the new Tuas Port by next year, 2027. The current Pasir Panjang Terminal  will continue to operate till all operations consolidate and shift to the new megaport at Tuas. The final completion phases is till the 2040s

The 3 passionate guides were excellent with their knowledge and commentary. The MPA has allowed visitors in controlled numbers to visit the lighthouse island and take a look at the surrounding areas, the work that continues nonstop to improve, to protect, the millions that are poured into a very critical part of Singapore's economy and her survival...and of course the problems that come with it. 

The ongoing reclamation work to create a megaport...

One of our biggest problems - buying enough sand from our neighbours. It's a political issue. To score points, politicians raise objections to selling sand to Singapore. Singapore has several sources of supplies within SEA...she got creative and is using sand dug out from tunnel works as she continues to work on the train tunnels and the new lines. More sand and concrete come from the demolition of older buildings as they undergo renewal and reconstruction...

Singapore's lighthouses are run and maintained by the MPA (Maritime and Port Authority) which is a non-military government Board.  As such they've created their own State Ensign which differentiates and separates them from military vessels as well as maritime related state infrastructure. On this flag there's a 8 pointed red and white compass rose - a cardinal points device...

Communications tower...

Visitors weren't allowed into the lighthouse tower, it's uninhabited, staff visit monthly to maintain and do a security sweep...