Horsburgh Lighthouse (Pedra Blanca)

The lighthouse is situated at the eastern entrance to the extremely busy Singapore Straits and is the oldest lighthouse in Singapore waters and the first to be built in Granite. It is situated on the island of Pedra Branca and was named after the eminent navigator and hydrographer Captain James Horsburgh who was also known as the "nautical oracle of the world".

There is an inscription on the wall in the sixth floor of the lighthouse regarding him and why the lighthouse was built.
A foundation stone was laid on 24/05/1850 and the lighthouse commenced operations on 15/10/1851.

Improvements were made in 1887 when a new optic was installed from Chance Brothers of Smethwick near Birmingham. This allowed the light to flash once every ten seconds.

The light was further upgraded in 1930 when the oil wick lamps were replaced by a vapourised kerosene burner.
In 1966 a new optic and light source were installed and the old Chance equipment was removed. The new light giving a candle power of 449,000 came into service on 30/05/1966.

In 1988 the Port of Singapore Authority installed solar power and the light became automated.

In 1977 a claim was made by Malaysia that the lighthouse should belong to them, this became the start of a long running dispute which was eventually referred to the International Court of Justice. In May 2008 the court ruled that the sovereignty of Pedra Branca and its lighthouse was with Singapore.