If you're ever curious about exploring a mysterious lighthouse on a remote island, here's an opportunity to do so. Raffles Lighthouse which was built in 1855 will be opening its doors to visitors. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore are conducting regular tours happening on the second and fourth Saturday of the month for a rare sneak peek into life at Raffles Lighthouse.
The lighthouse has more than 167 years of heritage behind it and is still currently in use. But travelling to it is a little more complicated than just a bus, train or even cab ride – Raffles Lighthouse is located on Pulau Satumu on the Strait of Singapore and marks the southern-most turning point to guide ships in their navigation.
The tour starts from Marina South Pier where participants board a ferry, taking in the sights of the southern islands like St John's Island, Kusu Island, Pulau Semakau, Pulau Bukom, Pulau Sebarok before it reaches Pulau Satumu. Visitors will also be able to climb up the 29-metre lighthouse for beautiful sweeping views of the open waters.
Raffles Lighthouse is still well-preserved with a pristine white exterior, a glass-panelled dome and century-old brass fittings. Visitors to the lighthouse can check out the maritime artefacts, such as lanterns and wind gauges used in the 1970s, in a small museum that was once the generator room.
Standard tickets start from $58.85 from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore website and will be released for sale at 8am at the beginning of every month for tours happening in the following month.