Jurong Island
Singapore's industrial powerhouse, floating on reclaimed sea.A man-made industrial island created by merging seven smaller islands, home to Singapore's major petrochemical and energy facilities since 1995.
Jurong Island, created by joining seven smaller islands through land reclamation, sits southwest of Singapore's main urban area. This 32 km2 zone supports petroleum refineries, chemical plants, and storage facilities that drive Singapore's economy. To enter, you need special permission due to strict security measures. Workers and approved visitors pass through checkpoints to access facilities like the underground Jurong Rock Caverns and the Oasis@Sakra amenities center. The island demonstrates how Singapore uses limited space and technology to maintain its position in global energy markets.
Key Industries and Economic Role
You'll find over 100 companies operating here, including ExxonMobil, Shell, and Sumitomo Chemical. These facilities produce materials used in everyday items like packaging, electronics, and cleaning products. The island contributes nearly 40% of Singapore's total exports, with refineries processing 1.5 million barrels of crude oil daily. Workers here include engineers, safety specialists, and logistics coordinators. Recent expansions added storage tanks and pipelines that connect directly to cargo ships at nearby terminals.
Entry Requirements and Safety Rules
Access requires applying for a permit through the Jurong Island Checkpoint website at least three days in advance. Security officers check all vehicles and scan ID cards at the entrance gate. Cameras and drones aren't allowed without written approval from the Economic Development Board. Military boats circle the island 24 hours a day to prevent unauthorized water access. These rules help protect equipment worth billions and prevent accidents in high-risk industrial areas.
Facilities for Workers
Oasis@Sakra serves meals to thousands of employees daily through its food stalls selling Chinese stir-fries, Indian curries, and Malay noodle dishes. The medical clinic treats minor injuries and conducts routine health screenings. Workers living in on-site dormitories commute via shuttle buses that run every 15 minutes during shift changes. Emergency services include a fire station with foam trucks designed for chemical fires. These practical resources keep operations running smoothly across three daily work shifts.
Land Construction and Storage Systems
Engineers used 360 million cubic meters of sand to merge the original islands between 1995 and 2009. The Jurong Rock Caverns store liquid hydrocarbons in tunnels 9 stories high beneath the seafloor, accessible via elevators from the surface. Above ground, 15-meter-tall distillation columns process crude oil into gasoline and jet fuel. Pipes color-coded blue, yellow, and red transport different chemicals between factories. This setup minimizes land use while maintaining efficient production chains.
Environmental Projects
Since 2019, workers have planted native species like sea almond and fishbone gardenia along roadsides to provide shade. Rooftop solar panels on warehouses generate enough electricity to power 4,000 homes annually. New buildings use ventilation systems that reduce air conditioning needs by 30%. Drainage channels filter rainwater before releasing it into the sea. These measures address challenges like heat buildup from concrete surfaces and machinery emissions.
How to Arrange a Visit
Apply for entry passes through your employer if you work in energy or chemical industries. Approved visitors take public bus 975 from Jurong East Bus Interchange, showing passes to the driver. Most tours last two hours and require closed-toe shoes, long pants, and safety goggles. Without access, you can view the island’s industrial skyline during ferry rides to Southern Islands like Kusu or St. John’s. The best vantage points for photography are West Coast Park and Labrador Nature Reserve.
