Lighthouse

There's an exhibition going on at Vivocity on Singapore maritime history, held by MPA as part of Maritime Week. Today is the last day of the 3 days exhibition, so diehard fan of maritime history like me sure die die must take a look. It's just a simple exhibition, nothing fanciful, but nonetheless showcase some of the developments in navigational instruments past and present. Of particular interest is the models of lighthouse in Singapore, 2 of each is shown below:

The first one: Horsburgh Lighthouse, built in 1851 by John Turnbull Thomson at Pedra Branca (that tiny little rock/island which ICJ had announced that it is Singapore's property)

The second pic: A lesser known lighthouse at Pulau Pisang (literally banana island, as banana = pisang in Malay). However this lighthouse is an estangled kid -- that island belongs to Johore Sultanate, but the British signed a treaty with the sultan to built a lighthouse there in 1855, and so the running of the lighthouse is done by the British. This remains so after Singapore declared independence -- Malaysia still own Pulau Pisang, but the running of the lighthouse belongs to Singapore.

In a way, the 2 lighthouses are like 难兄难弟. The one at Pedra Branca guide the eastern entrance to Singapore Straits and the one at Pulau Pisang guiding the west, performing their role as silent guardians safegurading the busiest shipping lane in the world.

Another interesting discovery is there used to be a lighthouse at Fort Canning, but in 1958 that fellow had to made a move to Fullerton Building until it gone down in history. It is the only lighthouse on mainland Singapore, so it's role has to be continue. This mission is carried on by a condominium at Bedok which is selected to have a lighthouse installed on its head (a little strange thinking about it).

The lighthouse keeper's job is really simple, just make sure everything is workin (most of the job is already replaced by technology) and no one will bother you on that little island, plus all that scenic seaview. Really, I dun mind being one when retire...just to get out of that terrible warehouse and all that traumatising books!!!