Batu Tinagat Lighthouse
The Batu Tinagat Lighthouse (Malay: Rumah Api Batu Tinagat) is a lighthouse on Batu Tinagat of Tawau Division in Sabah, Malaysia. It is located approximately 10 kilometres from the Tawau town centre.[2]
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| Location | Batu Tinagat, Tawau Division, Sabah, Malaysia |
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| Coordinates | 4°13′33″N 117°58′51″E |
| Year first constructed | 1916[1] |
| Deactivated | 2008[2] |
| Construction | Cast Iron Plated Tower |
| Tower shape | Round cylindrical cast iron tower with balcony, lantern and gallery |
| Markings / pattern | White tower and red lantern |
| Tower height | 9 metres (30 ft)[1] |
| Range | 25 nautical miles (46 km; 29 mi)[2] |
| ARLHS number | EMA-008[1] |
History
The lighthouse components were delivered from Birmingham, United Kingdom by Chance Brothers and Co. Limited Lighthouse Engineers and Constructors in 1915.[2] It was commissioned by the British North Borneo Chartered Company in 1916 to provide a safe night passage for ships to bring coal from Silimpopon to other ports in North Borneo,[3][4] with much of its light in the early years was generated using kerosene.[2]
The original specification was the "Light No. 2, 3rd Order, Revolving Single-Flashing-Light", consisting of 5 panels of 72° horizontal angle complete with mercury float pedestal, mercury and 20% as spare, clockwork, 55 m/m "Chance" Incandescent Vapour Installation comprising 3 burners, 50 mantles air and oil containers. The light was supposed to be erected on a tower of 23 feet (7.0 m) from ground level to focal plane of light, showing a white sector between red over the required angle. The construction suggested was a circular cast-iron tower, in which the weights controlling the clock would work. The tender amounted to £1852 for the light and £525 for the tower f.o.b. London.[5]
The site for Batu Tinagat Lighthouse was chosen from the recommendations of Captain Frederick Charles Learmonth from H.M.S. Merlin, a Survey Vessel, doing naval cartography for the British Admiralty.[6] Captain Learmonth acted also as technical advisor for the lighthouse.
Following the World War II, the lighthouse wall was damaged by the effects of aircraft machine gun attacks by either the Japanese or Allied forces.[2] After the end of the war, the British colonial government approved a total of $80,595 to repair the lighthouse. By 1999, its source of light was delivered using solar energy until it was replaced by a new lighthouse in 2008.[2]
On 23 February 2018, it is one of 24 heritage sites in the state that were gazetted by Sabah's State Heritage Council under new enactment of "State Heritage Enactment 2017".[7][8]
References
- Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of Malaysia: Sarawak". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
- Amir Anuar (26 November 2016). "Rumah Api Batu Tinagat kini berusia 100 tahun". Utusan Borneo (in Malay). Press Reader. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
- British North Borneo Chartered Company (1921). Handbook of the State of British North Borneo: compiled from reports of the Governor and staff of North Borneo, with an appendix showing the progress and development of the State to the end of 1920. British North Borneo (Chartered) Company.
- Nicholas Chung (2005). Under the Borneo Sun: A Tawau Story. Natural History Publications (Borneo). ISBN 978-983-812-108-8.
- Memorandum regarding interview between Mr. E. Dent and Messrs. Chance Brothers' representative Mr. J. R. Wharton; 10 February 1914
- Cable BNBCC to Governor, 11 February 1914; in: CO 874/290 p 151
- "Sabah gazettes 24 heritage sites". The Edge Markets. 23 February 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
- Ricardo Unto (23 February 2018). "24 State Heritage sites under new Enactment". Daily Express. Retrieved 20 March 2018.