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Located just a little over 5km from Singapore is the tiny island of Kusu.
Many legends abound regarding the beginnings of the island.
Some say that the island, which literally translates into “Tortoise
Island,” was named thus after a magical sea turtle turned itself into an
island to rescue two drowning sailors. In gratitude, the two sailors, a
Malay and a Chinese christened the island Kusu Island. The two men also
built a Chinese temple a Malay shrine and a huge turtle sculpture.
So goes the legend behind this island. Today, Taoists still make annual
pilgrimages to the Tua Pekong Temple during the ninth lunar month (falls
around Sept. to Nov. according to the Lunar Calendar) while Muslims
visit Kramat Kusu, the Malay shrine.
The temple also serves as a turtle sanctuary, which also has several
gigantic snakes and a fine collection of bonsai trees.
Stunning views of the mainland can be seen from Kusu’s beaches and its
hilltop. The warm waters of the lagoon are ideal for swimming.
Kusu Island, is also known as Peak Island or Pulau Tembakul in Malay.
From 2 tiny outcrops on a reef, the island was enlarged and transformed
into an 8.5-hectare island holiday resort.
 Also
on the island is the popular Chinese temple - Da Bo Gong (The Merchant
God or God of Prosperity). Built in 1923 by a wealthy businessman, the
temple houses 2 main deities - the Da Bo Gong and Guan Yin.
The former is highly regarded as having the power to confer prosperity,
cure diseases, calm the sea and avert danger, while Guan Yin is known as
the 'giver of sons'.
Also found in Kusu are three Kramats (or holy shrines of Malay Saints).
These shrines were intended to commemorate a pious man (Syed Abdul
Rahman), his mother (Nenek Ghalib) & sister (Puteri Fatimah) who lived
in the 19th century.
Many devotees will climb the 152 steps leading to the Kramats to pray
for wealth, good marriage, good health and harmony. The shrines are also
popular with childless couples who would pray to be blessed with
children.
Kusu Island is also well loved by visitors for its blue lagoons,
pristine beaches and tranquil settings. Tourists can also pay a visit to
the wishing well and Tortoise Sanctuary.
Kusu has a very nice swimming lagoon and plenty of space for picnickers.
Large trees and fragrant flowers abound but it's not wilderness: nature
has been tamed here. Still, it's great to see families playing together,
away from the hectic urban atmosphere.
Getting There
Take a ferry from Sentosa Ferry Terminal.
Departure times: 10.00 am and 1.30 pm (Mon to Sat), and at 9.00 am,
11.00 am, 1.00 pm, 3.00 pm and 5.00 pm (Sun and public holidays).
Return ticket SGD 9.00 adults, SGD 6.00 children 3 to 12 years.
Ferry ticket to Kusu Island includes admission to Sentosa.
Ferries depart from Clifford Pier during the annual Kusu pilgrimage
season.
Duration of the boat ride is about 30 mins.
For inquiries on ferry service, call the Hotline at 1800-SENTOSA (736
8672)
Alternatively, visitors can hire a water taxi from Clifford Pier and
proceed directly to Kusu Island. Water taxis are chartered on an hourly
basis and the rates are to be negotiated with the boatman.
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