SINGAPORE – Elegant in appearance, skilfully designed and “thoroughly substantial in every particular” was how a December 1895 article described Sultan Shoal Lighthouse when it was just built.
“It has all the appearances of durability and solidity,” the article said of the lighthouse, which had cost about $34,000 and began operations the next year.
Thirteen decades later, the lighthouse is now open to the public for regular guided tours for the first time in its history, giving visitors a chance to see the grand old dame up close, and marvel at its longevity.
The tours, which are organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on a monthly basis, set off from Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal and return three hours later.
They include an introduction to the history of Singapore’s seaports, as well as the industries on Jurong Island and Pulau Bukom.
Sultan Shoal – a solid coral reef – was purportedly named after a ship that ran aground on it in 1789.
Historical records indicate that a beacon was erected at the shoal as early as in the mid-1800s to guide mariners, and an 1876 report that mentioned a plan to build the lighthouse stated that a granite beacon there was partially destroyed by lightning in May the year before.
The lighthouse’s ground floor, where amenities such as a kitchen, a toilet and an armoury were located.
ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN
The lighthouse began operations in 1896, replacing a lightship named Ajax, and used oil lamps fitted with reflectors to be seen by vessels. These were replaced in a 1931 upgrade by more powerful incandescent kerosene lamps.
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