Historically, it was a fortified location with defences dating back to the late 17th century, guarding the passage to the river alongside Kaingaran Island [id],[6] situated approximately half a mile to the north.

The island's geographical features, complemented by strategically placed beacons and navigational channels, are vital for guiding vessels through the intricate waterways leading to the Brunei River.

[7] The island's vegetation includes nipa trees on the eastern side, linked to a mangrove area with species such as Avicennia, Rhizophora, and Sonneratia.

[5] Ong Sum Ping moved to Brunei with his people and created Kota Batu, the sultans' palace, and built a stone bar at Chermin Island, strengthening the area's defensive qualities.

[15] It was intended for Mubin to wait out the crisis taking place prior to the Brunei civil war, the relocation was under the guidance of the newly appointed Pengiran Bongsu (later Muhyiddin).

[17] With the aid of a troop from the sultan of Sulu, forces from Muhyiddin landed on the island, no fighting has taken place as most fortifications were destroyed by bombardment from Tanjong Kindana.

[22] Sultan Muhammad Alam's death in 1828, marking the end of another civil war, is closely linked to Chermin Island, where he was allegedly assassinated by hired killers.

[24] On the evening of 27 December 1958, while traveling downstream from Brunei Town with a pilot on board, the SS Juno struck the turning light beacon off Chermin Island, causing the structure to collapse.