Chermin Island

Chermin Island
Native name:
Pulau Chermin
The island in 2022
Chermin Island
Location in Brunei
Geography
LocationBrunei Bay
Coordinates4°55′47″N 115°1′30″E / 4.92972°N 115.02500°E / 4.92972; 115.02500
ArchipelagoMalay Archipelago
Area5 ha (12 acres)
Highest elevation34 m (112 ft)
Administration
Brunei
DistrictBrunei–Muara
MukimKota Batu
Demographics
Population0

Chermin Island (Malay: Pulau Chermin) is an islet at the mouth of the Brunei River in the Mukim Kota Batu, Brunei–Muara District, Brunei. Historically, it played a crucial role in Brunei's defence strategy, particularly after the devastating raids during the Castilian War in the late 16th century. The island was fortified as a bastion to protect the capital and surrounding areas from further invasions, strategically positioned near the narrow channel upstream from the former capital. Chermin Island served as a key defensive point during this period of political and military instability. It was later temporarily occupied by Sultan Abdul Hakkul Mubin as his palace following the assassination of Sultan Muhammad Ali, an event that sparked the Brunei civil war.