Coney Island

At least two islands have been named Coney Island in Singapore's short colonial history. The first Coney Island was the original colonial name for Pulau Satumu (also spelt Setamu or Setumu), one of Singapore's off-shore islands on which Raffles Lighthouse stands. Today's Coney Island had originally been named Pulau Serangoon. It had remained uninhabited and is an important location for migratory birds like the endangered Magpie Robin and the Plover. Kelongs once dotted the waters off the island. In the early days, and for a long time, Coney Island was an island retreat popular with families looking for picnic spots. It was accessible from Punggol boatels or Changi Point. In later years, the island became popular for water-skiing, boating, and fishing.

Situated right opposite Punggol New Town, it was slated for development under the 'Punggol 21' plan for the 21st century where land reclamation works around Coney Island would double its size to 50 ha. Upon completion of the 'Punggol 21' development, Coney island will be part of a unique 'Waterfront Town'. There are also plans to build three bridges, linking the island to the mainland. The bridges would be 100 m each, with one dedicated to pedestrian traffic whilst the other two would accommodate both pedestrians and vehicles. Residential and recreational facilities would be built on the island. An added attraction would be a regional park with camping facilities.



Author
Vernon Cornelius-Takahama, 2000



References 
Urban Redevelopment Authority. (1996). Punggol 21: A waterfront town of the 21st century (pp. 35-37). Singapore: The Authority
(Call no.: RSING 711.4095957 SIN) 

A last look at lonely Coney (1998, June 23). The Straits Times, p. 29.

National Heritage Board. (c2003). View of Coney Islat (Pulau Satumu), where Raffles Lighthouse was located, during centenary celebrations.  Retrieved March 31, 2003, from http://www.a2o.com.sg/public/search/picasDetail.jsp?id=0000029337&siteIndex=0&keyword=%22satumu%22



The information in this article is valid as at 2000 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject.  Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.

Subject
Geography>>Geographical Areas and Countries>>Singapore Offshore Islands
Islands--Singapore
Urbanization--Singapore
Arts>>Architecture>>Architectural structure
Sports, recreation and travel

Librarian Recommendations
>> Pulau Satumu


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