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Muka Head Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇲🇾MYOperational

Location & Light Range

About Muka Head Lighthouse

Muka Head Lighthouse, built in 1883, is a cylindrical granite tower standing 14 meters tall. The structure is white and includes a lantern and gallery, connected to a single-story keeper's house. Its light emits a white flash every 10 seconds. The lighthouse is situated on a high promontory at the northwestern edge of Penang Island. It is managed by Penang National Park and remains operational.

Why it matters: This lighthouse serves as a critical landfall light for vessels approaching Penang from the Indian Ocean, aiding navigation through specific shipping routes due to its strategic placement and high focal plane.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
242m
Geographic Range
36.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1883

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Prai(12.8 km)
Admiralty No.
F1486
NGA No.
22088
ARLHS No.
WMA-006

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
granite

Structure: round cylindrical granite tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 1-story keeper's house

Location

Country
🇲🇾MY
Latitude
5.4727°
Longitude
100.1807°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Muka Head Lighthouse at night?+
Muka Head displays the characteristic Fl White 10s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Muka Head Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Muka Head Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Jelutong at 9.2 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Penang (Georgetown) (10.8 NM ESE), Batu Maung (12.9 NM SSE), Butterworth (12.9 NM ESE), Perai (13.2 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Muka Head Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Muka Head Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Muka Head Lighthouse?+
Muka Head Lighthouse is located within the Strait of Malacca — the primary shipping route between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, carrying over 25% of global traded goods. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Muka Head Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Muka Head Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.