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Pulau Rimau Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 10s🇲🇾George Town, MYOperational

Location & Light Range

About Pulau Rimau Lighthouse

The Pulau Rimau Lighthouse, built in 1885, stands on a small island off the southeastern coast of Penang Island. Constructed from cast iron, the 17-meter cylindrical tower features a lantern and gallery, attached to a single-story keeper's house. Its white light emits a single white flash every 10 seconds from a focal height of 39 meters. The lighthouse has a geographic range of 16.9 nautical miles. While the island site is accessible to the public, the tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the southern approach to George Town, the principal town of Penang Island, and is essential for vessels navigating these waters.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
39m
Geographic Range
16.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1885

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
17m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
cast iron

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

Location

City
George Town
Country
🇲🇾Malaysia
Region
Penang
Sea Region
small island off the southeastern tip of Penang Island, marking the beginning of the approach from the south to George Town, the principal town of Penang island and the capital of Pulau Pinang state
Latitude
5.2445°
Longitude
100.2754°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Penang (Georgetown)(7.3 km)
ARLHS No.
WMA-011
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Pulau Rimau Lighthouse at night?+
Pulau Rimau displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 10s — 2 white flashes every 10 seconds. 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 Pulau Rimau Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Pulau Rimau Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Batu Maung at 2.4 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Batu Kawan (8.5 NM E), Jelutong (9.7 NM NNE), Penang (Georgetown) (10.4 NM NNE), Perai (10.5 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Pulau Rimau Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Pulau Rimau 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 Pulau Rimau Lighthouse?+
Pulau Rimau 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 Pulau Rimau Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Pulau Rimau 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.