#raffleslightarchives

“The total landmass of the main island and surrounding smaller islands is approximately 650km2, though land reclamation is constantly increasing this figure. There are numerous patch reefs in the waters south of mainland Singapore and many of the small islands have fringing reefs.” (Study area, para 1)

The assistant curator was able to use the steam launch Shark during August, for the purpose of investigating the habits of a sea-snake common on the Raffles Light Island… Marine collections and a few kinds were obtained from the neighbouring islands.”  “In addition numerous trips were made to various parts of Singapore Island to collect freshwater fishes, earthworms and land and freshwater molluscs. Pulau Renggis, near Blakang Mati, was twice visited; marine worms and two species of reef spider were obtained.

As late as the mid-1600s, the Riau Archipelago was still featured as a fantastic agglomeration of impenetrable islands on what was otherwise (or may be) a relatively accurate chart… A classic description of this maze of islets that make up the Riau Archipelago is found on a map virtually unknown to many contemporary experts on Singapore.

with a fair wind the ship comes to Lung ya strait (Part of Singapore Strait lying between Pulau Satumu or Coney Islet)

In July, 1838, it was proposed to build a lighthouse on some one of the islands at the western entrance of Singapore Straits; and Barn Island, Alligator island, and the Coney Island (where the light now stands) were each suggested as the most advantageous. The cluster of islands on the sea; Barn Island, Alligator Island, the Rabbit and Coney (two small islands which bear a strong similarity in figure to the animals whose names they bear) present a labyrinth through which the mariner has to thread his way.

Singapore will continue to have its four offshore lighthouses because they are important tools in helping ships get a bearing on their positions