Virtual Journey to Pulau Satumu

As darkness creeps into the setting sky, a small islet in the southernmost part of Singapore comes alive! Pulau Satumu, or “one tree island”, is best known to be the home to one of the five lighthouses maintained by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA): the Raffles Lighthouse. In the looming darkness, its bright beacon of light guides ships through the south channel sea passage along the Singapore Strait.

However, less known are the crystal clear waters surrounding this iconic white tower, filled with an abundance of marine life. Join us in exploring the islet’s two distinct habitats—rocky shore and coral reef—and learning more about the plethora of animals we can find, such as the red egg crab, marine spider and file clam! You will also get to see our researchers at work, carrying out fieldwork to survey the marine biodiversity on the islet, and examining the specimens back at our laboratories.

We are glad to work with MPA on the collaborative research project to study the marine biodiversity at Pulau Satumu. In the most recent survey conducted in November 2020, we found at least 36 species of fishes from 18 families in a lagoon during low tide! Check out the records here.

This is the first of several virtual journeys produced by our Outreach and Education Unit (OEU), so keep a lookout for more by following us on social media!