Kelong

A kelong (or kellong) is an offshore platform built predominantly with wood, which can be found in waters off Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Structurally, kelongs are often built without the need for nails, using rattan to bind tree trunks and wooden planks together.

The decks of some kelongs have open spaces with nets that hang partially in the water, allowing for captured fish to be kept live until they are sold or cooked.

Some buildings are large, being made up of groups of kelongs joined together into a massive offshore community.

Activists have sought permission to maintain such kelongs as part of Singapore's cultural heritage, instead of shutting them down.