This picture shows a view of Pulau Brani with stilt houses belonging to the ‘Orang Laut’ ('sea people' in Malay) visible in the background. The British stationed its coaling depot for British naval vessels and a repair dock on the island because of its secluded location. Apart from that, a tin smelter was built on the island by the Straits Trading Company in 1890, making it the first modern industry established in Singapore.
