Kusu Island Day Trip Guide: What To See & Do

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If you’re craving a break from Singapore’s high-rises and shopping malls, this peaceful island just off the mainland might be exactly what you need.

Our Kusu Island Day Trip guide will walk you through the best way to plan a Kusu Island day trip — including everything we’ve learned from visiting ourselves.

Including how to get there, what to see, when to go, and what not to miss (like the tortoise sanctuary or the panoramic view after the 152-step climb).

On our last visit to Kusu Island, I remember stepping off the ferry and immediately noticing the shift — the skyline still visible in the distance, but replaced up close by quiet temples, calm lagoons, and soft waves lapping the shore.

Whether you’re a repeat traveller looking for something slower, or a first-timer planning your Singapore itinerary, Kusu offers a rare mix: natural beauty, spiritual calm, and a sense of space you don’t often find in the city.

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Why Visit Kusu Island? A Peaceful, Spiritual Alternative to the Usual Day Trips

We think there’s something quietly special about Kusu Island. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t try to impress. But if you’re looking to escape the crowds, and enjoy some spiritual heritage, this island will absolutely stay with you.

It’s less than 30 minutes from the city, yet feels like another world.

One moment you’re in the heart of Singapore, and the next you’re stepping onto an island where the pace shifts, the air smells of sea salt and incense, and the skyline feels far away — even if you can still glimpse it across the water.

Everything is close — but layered. In one small space you’ll find soft-sand beaches, calm lagoons, a Chinese temple filled with offerings, a hilltop of Malay shrines, and a sanctuary of sunbathing tortoises.

There’s spiritual weight here, too. The island has been a place of pilgrimage for over a century, home to the Da Bo Gong Temple and kramats (Malay shrines) that many locals still visit to pray for health, peace, and children.

And perhaps best of all, Kusu Island is quiet. It’s not Sentosa. It’s not a theme park. You don’t need to tick off a checklist — you just need to show up, walk slowly, and let the island’s calm sink in.

This Kusu Island day trip guide is designed for travellers who want a different view of Singapore, and time to recharge.

If you’re wondering how to include this island escape with city icons, we have included Kusu as part of our relaxed 5-day journey through Singapore.

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📖 The History and Legends Behind Kusu Island

“Kusu” means “tortoise” in Chinese — and that’s no coincidence. The island’s myth is woven into its very name.

Legend says a giant tortoise once transformed itself into land to rescue two shipwrecked sailors — one Chinese, one Malay.

To show gratitude, they built a shrine and a temple, uniting faiths under the same island sky: a Taoist temple and Malay kramats. Over time, Kusu became a sacred spot, a place of hopes, offerings, and shared devotion.

Every year, during the ninth lunar month, thousands make the pilgrimage. They climb the 152‑step path to the shrines, light incense, offer prayers, and leave tokens of gratitude.

The atmosphere — of reverence, history, and quiet faith, lingers long after the crowds fade.

Visiting now, you can still sense that layered heritage.

For us, climbing to the top felt like following in the footsteps of the people who make that journey every year. There’s a quiet gravity to the island — like it’s quietly carrying a hundred years of whispered prayers.

That’s part of what makes this Kusu Island day trip guide more than a list of things to see — it’s a doorway into Singapore’s quieter, spiritual side.

Even if you’re not religious, the legends give Kusu a weight that stays with you. It’s not just a beach destination — it’s a place shaped by story, spirit, and gratitude.

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🗺️ Kusu Island Map: Layout of Key Highlights

Use the map below to plan your Kusu Island Day trip and visualise all the key spots mentioned — ferry landing, temple, lagoons and shrine hill all marked in the illustration below. 

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⛴️ How to Get to Kusu Island from Singapore (Ferry, MRT & Tickets)

Getting to Kusu Island is surprisingly easy — one of the reasons it makes such a great half-day escape from the city.

🚇 Step 1: Take the MRT to Marina South Pier

From anywhere in the city, hop on the MRT and head to Marina South Pier Station (NS28). Take Exit B, and follow the signs to the ferry terminal — it’s just a couple of minutes’ walk.

📍 Address: 31 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina South Pier

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⛴️ Step 2: Take a Ferry to Kusu Island

Two ferry operators serve Kusu Island:

• Marina South Ferries (yellow booth)
• Singapore Island Cruise (orange booth)

Both offer regular round-trip services to St John’s Island and Kusu Island, with additional departures on weekends and public holidays.

We took the Singapore Island Cruise on a weekday, and the ferry ride itself was a highlight – the soft warm breeze on my face, sparkling water, and the city skyline softly fading behind us.

The journey was just long enough to feel like a small escape, but short enough to feel effortless.

The moment we saw Kusu’s red pavilions and docked, I knew this would be one of those quietly memorable days.

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🎟️ Kusu Island Ferry Ticket Prices

The ferry goes from Marina South Pier to Lazarus Island, then to Kusu Island, before returning to Marina South Pier.

• Adults: S$15
• Children (1–12 years) & Seniors (60+): S$12

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🕒 Kusu Island Ferry Timings (Singapore Island Cruise)

Daily:

• Depart Marina South Pier: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm
• Kusu Island return: 10.15am, 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm, 2.15pm, 3.15pm, 4.15pm (6.15pm on Weekends & Public Holidays)

 

⏱️ Tip: Ferries board on a first-come, first-served basis — especially busy during the annual Kusu pilgrimage in the ninth lunar month. Extra ferries usually run hourly during that time.

🧭 Good to Know:

• Kusu Island is about 5.6 km south of the mainland
• The ferry may stop briefly at St John’s Island on the way out, but not on the return
• No overnight stays are allowed on Kusu Island

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📷 Top Things to Do on a Kusu Island Day Trip (Temples, Lagoons & Views)

Although Kusu Island is small, it offers a surprisingly rich mix of sights — from peaceful temples to swimming lagoons, from tortoise spotting to sweeping skyline views.

Here’s what I loved (and what you can’t miss).

1. Visit the Da Bo Gong Temple

This striking red and gold temple dates back to 1923 and is dedicated to Da Bo Gong, the Chinese God of Prosperity, and Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.

The incense, the colour, and the setting right by the sea make this temple feel incredibly peaceful. We watched a family quietly lighting candles and offering prayers — it was calm, reverent, and full of meaning, even for non-religious visitors.

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2. Climb the 152 Steps to the Malay Kramats

Up on the hill are three Malay shrines (kramats) dedicated to a 19th-century family of saints. Climbing the 152 stone steps might leave you a little breathless, but it’s worth it — the view over the island and sea is beautiful, and there’s a quiet energy here that’s hard to describe.

You will see pieces of yellow fabric tied to branches. Each one symbolizes a blessing, while many believe, that if their wish is granted and comes true, they must return to the Island, to show their thanks.

We paused at the top, just to catch our breath and take it all in — soft wind, distant skyline, and the sense of standing somewhere sacred.

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3. Visit the Tortoise Sanctuary

This quirky little sanctuary was one of my favourite stops. Dozens of tortoises bask in the sun or slowly crawl through shaded areas.

If you’re patient, you’ll catch some charming moments — heads bobbing, shells tapping, or tiny ones sunning on flat rocks.

It’s not huge, but it adds a lovely sense of character to the island.

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4. Swim in the Lagoons or Picnic by the Beach

Kusu Island offers two small swimming lagoons — gentle waters, soft sand, and (on a clear day) a stunning view of Singapore’s skyline off in the distance. I laid back on the sand, toes in water, watching the city glint softly across the sea.

It’s one of those rare places where you feel both near and far from the city at the same time.

On the lagoon near the mainland side, it feels almost like your own secret beach hour, with gentle waves and sky above. This is one of the best things to do on a Kusu Island day trip.

🏖️ Tip: Bring your own food and drinks — there are no shops or restaurants on Kusu Island. Toilets, benches, and shelters are available though.

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5. Make a wish at the wishing well

Near the temple is a traditional wishing well and bell — simple, but charming. Toss a coin, ring the bell, and pause for a quiet moment.

Around the well you’ll sometimes see yellow prayer ribbons fluttering on branches — tokens of hope left by pilgrims before you.

We once spent almost 15 minutes just sitting in the temple courtyard, listening to the breeze and watching a group of elderly worshippers toss coins into the wishing well.

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🌤️ Best Time to Visit Kusu Island (Season & Trip Tips)

The best time to Visit Kusu Island for a peaceful day trip can vary depending on weather, crowd levels, and the time of day.

🗓️ Best Months

• February to August — drier months with less rainfall and fewer crowds.
• Avoid October–November if you prefer solitude — this is the Kusu Pilgrimage Season, with large groups visiting daily. That said, it could be a fascinating time if you want to witness devotion first hand.

 

⏰ Best Time of Day

• Morning departures (9am–10am) are ideal. You’ll arrive before the heat peaks, and still have enough time to explore, swim, picnic or just wander without feeling rushed.
• Avoid the last ferry unless you’ve confirmed the return schedule — there’s no accommodation and no overnight stays allowed.

✨ When we visited, we caught the early ferry, and there were only a handful of people on the beach. It felt like we had the island to ourselves.

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🌴 Kusu Island Travel Tips

For a smooth Kusu Island day trip experience, remember these top tips before you hop on the ferry:

• No food or drinks sold on the island — bring a picnic, snacks, and plenty of water. I always pack extra — it gets hot fast.
• There are clean public toilets and showers near the ferry landing and picnic areas.
• Sun protection is essential — there’s very little shade when walking between sights. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and ideally an umbrella.
• No overnight stays allowed — Kusu Island is strictly a day trip destination.
• Travel light — there’s no need for gear. Just a towel, water, camera, and something comfortable to walk in.
• Respect the spiritual spaces — both the temple and the kramats are active places of worship. Dress modestly and keep your voice down.

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What should I pack for a Kusu Island trip?

• Refillable water bottle
• Snacks or a light lunch
• Sunscreen, hat, or umbrella
• Modest clothing (for temple visits)
• Flip-flops or comfortable sandals
• Lightweight towel or mat (if picnicking)
• Phone/camera for photos
• Small rubbish bag — leave no trace

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Kusu Island Day Trip FAQ

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Weaving Kusu into Your Singapore Trip

Kusu Island is just one of many slower, quieter spots we love.

If you’re like us, you’ll want to weave moments like this into your wider Singapore trip. This 3-day sightseeing schedule shows how to do just that, blending the calm of Kusu alongside the buzz of major sights.

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