5 lighthouses in Singapore and where to find them

Journey to the far end of the north for a sight to behold. Located at the tip of our Raffles Marina's breakwater, the charming 12-metre lighthouse overlooks the Tuas Second Link bridge, and lights the way for yachts navigating into and out of the marina. After soaking up the stunning scenery complete with the sea view and breeze, head to Raffles Marina Club and take a relaxing stroll along the promenade. While you're at it, check out the luxe yachts docked at the marina.

For history lessons beyond the books, make a dash for Fort Canning Hill which was once the epicentre of ancient Singapura before the British took over in 1819. Due to its strategic location overlooking the Singapore Harbour, the British constructed a pyramidal lighthouse in 1855 to guide ships safely towards the harbour. Though it survived the destruction of World War II, it was deactivated and dismantled in 1958 as the new tall buildings in the area made it hard to see from the sea. While the original lighthouse is long gone, you can find a fully-functional replica in its location that continues to light at night.

Not your usual lighthouse, this beacon light in the east sits atop a 26-storey condominium. Inaugurated on National Day in 1978, it was the first automated, unmanned lighthouse, observed as a “red concrete cubicle”. It was built to replace the now-defunct Fullerton Lighthouse, but it has also been said that it helps pilots land in Changi Airport. Since 2014, there have been plans to shift the lighthouse to the nearby Block 3 Marine Terrace along with upgrades such as a closed-circuit television, electro-optic camera, and radio communications equipment. This would also make it the first HDB lighthouse.

While you explore the corners of Labrador Nature Reserve, make your way to the Berlayer Creek Boardwalk for the striking, brick-red Berlayer Point Lighthouse that was built in the 1930s. Together with the green-clad Tanjong Rimau Beacon on the northwestern tip of Sentosa, they act as the navigational markers for ships that enter and exit the channel between the two – Berlayer Point Lighthouse for the ships’ port (left) side, and Tanjong Rimau Beacon for starboard (right) side.

Over time, the Fullerton Hotel has grown to become synonymous with opulence, but did you know that it was once a lighthouse? Before it became a luxurious five-star hotel, it was known as The Fullerton Building, an iconic landmark that was recognised by travellers and ship captains from around the world. In 1958, a revolving beacon was mounted on its roof as a replacement of the Fort Canning Lighthouse to guide the ships ashore and to anchor along the piers. Today, a fine-dining Italian restaurant aptly called The Lighthouse sits prettily at the former location of the beacon, but you can still find parts of it at Harbourfront Tower.