Raffles Lighthouse The rocky outcrops and coral reefs known as Pulau Satumu (‘One Tree Island’ in Malay) mark the southernmost area of land within Singapore’s territorial waters. Raffles Lighthouse was built on this spot in 1854, as Pulau Satumu was a hazard to ships during bad weather. Granite from Pulau Ubin was shipped to Pulau Satumu for its construction. Despite the lighthouse, the surrounding seas still present problems for shipping. In 2003, for instance, the 10,000- tonne container ship MV Milena ran aground near the lighthouse.

The zone around Pulau Satumu is protected as a marine reserve; its clear waters and biodiversity make it popular with divers.

Photo credit: National Archives of Singapore/ Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts collection