Take a sojourn to Kusu Island, one of Singapore’s Southern Islands. Yes, Singapore has it’s own islands!
Does the thought of peace, solitude, and warm sand between your toes, sound appealing? How about fresh sea air, gently lapping waves and tweeting birds?
VISITING KUSU ISLAND
Singapore’s Southern Islands offer a welcome retreat from the pace of city life. Plus, the chance to embrace an unprecedented side of Singapore. And the best thing? It is only a short ferry ride away.
Singapore’s Southern Islands will offer all this in abundance, with a few surprise extras.
We think Kusu Island is one of Singapore’s Hidden Gems!
WHERE ARE SINGAPORE’S SOUTHERN ISLANDS?
The Southern Islands constitute an area of roughly 5.58 square kilometers, in the central region of the country, on the Singapore Straits.
The collection of islets, include Kusu island, Sentosa, St John’s, Lazarus, Pulau Seringat, Pulau Tekukor and the two sisters islands.
The islands forming part of a planning area, are ripe for redevelopment. However, they were previously home to sea nomads and native Malay islanders.
HOW TO GET TO KUSU ISLAND
Kusu Island is located roughly 5.6 kilometres south, of mainland Singapore. Originally two tiny outcrops on a reef, it is now 85,000 square metres of recreation space.
Getting to Kusu Island could not be easier. The offshore islands are managed by the Singapore Land Authority.
BY MRT TO THE FERRY TERMINAL
Take the MRT from anywhere in Singapore and alight at Marina South Pier MRT Station. Take Exit B and follow signs to the pier.
Address / 31 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina South Pier
BY FERRY
Q | WHERE TO TAKE THE FERRY TO KUSU ISLAND?
Kusu Island is serviced by two ferry Companies, Marina South Ferries whose ticket booth is yellow, and Singapore Island Cruise whose ticket booth is orange. Regular ferry services depart from Marina South Pier with extra crossings on weekends and public holidays.
Q | KUSU ISLAND FERRY PRICE?
Ferry tickets are S$15 for adults and S$12 for children (Age 1-12 years) and elders (Above 60 years)
Q | KUSU ISLAND FERRY TIMES?
Marina South Ferries run from Marina South Pier (MSP) to Kusu Island, stopping briefly at St John Island on the way out only. An Inter-Island shuttle runs from St John Island to Sisters’ Islands and on to Kusu Island.
Singapore Island Cruise run a similar ferry service
Weekday Ferries |
Marina South Pier to St John Island: Departure Times 10am, 11am & 2pm
St John Island to Kusu Island: Departure Times 10.45am & 2.45pm
Kusu Island to Marina South Pier: Departure Times 12.30pm & 4pm
St John Island to Marina South Pier: Departure Times 3pm & 5pm
Weekend & Public Holiday Ferries |
Marina South Pier to St John Island: Departure Times 8.30am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm & 5pm
St John Island to Kusu Island: Departure Times 9.50am, 11.50am, 1.50pm, 3.50pm & 5.50pm
Kusu Island to Marina South Pier: Departure Times 10.15am, 12.15pm, 2.15pm, 4.15pm & 6.16pm
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Boarding of ferries will be based on a first come first serve basis, on weekends and public holidays.
- Subject to availability, extra ferries might be arranged outside of the scheduled timings. This will happen around October, for the yearly pilgrimage to Kusu Island. Ferries normally leave hourly at this time.
- If you want to avoid crowds, come outside of the annual Pilgrimage.
- Ferry leaves Marina South Pier to Kusu Island, stopping briefly at St John’s Island. The ferry does not go back to St John’s from Kusu Island.
- You are not permitted to stay on the island overnight.
HISTORY OF KUSU ISLAND
The name Kusu means “Tortoise” or “Turtle” in Chinese. However, the island is also known as Peak Island or Pulau Tembakul in Malay.
Whilst many versions of the island’s mythical legend abound, there is a popular story known by locals.
Legend tells the tale of a giant tortoise, which turned itself into an island as safe haven. This was to save two shipwrecked sailors, a Malay and a Chinese, who later returned to the island to give thanks for their safety.
The two sailors showed their gratitude by building a Taoist shrine and Muslim ‘keramat‘ (‘shrine’ in Malay).
Whichever story you believe, Kusu Island is steeped in local myth and folklore.
Many people continue to pray for good luck at the island’s deities. This is usually during the annual Kusu Pilgrimage season during the ninth lunar month. (September-November)
WHAT TO DO ON KUSU ISLAND
On arrival at the jetty, the solitude and quietness engulf you as you step down from the ferry. It is evident from the map, that this island packs a punch in terms of sights.
1. WISHING WELL
From the ferry, walk along the pavilion walkway across the Turtle Lagoon.
The pavilions are striking with their brick red pillars and intricately ornate jade green roofs.
In the central pavilion is a wishing well and bell, so toss a coin in and make a silent wish!
2. DA BO GONG CHINESE TEMPLE
A walkway off to the right, leads to Da Bo Gong Chinese Temple, built by a wealthy businessman in 1923.
Dedicated to the Chinese God of Prosperity, the temple houses two main deities, Da Bo Gong and Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy).
Worshipers usually pray to Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy), for sons, and Da Bo Gong for wealth, good health and calm seas.
Walking through the temple accompanied by the wafting of incense smoke is both calming and poignant.
3. TORTOISE SANCTUARY
For the Chinese, the tortoise is a sacred animal. This is apparent at the specially constructed Tortoise Sanctuary, with dozens more tortoises housed at the temple.
4. PRAY FOR A BLESSING
Some people come to Kusu Island, purely to show devotion and ask for blessings in their lives. You can throw a coin in the wishing well, and you can also light a candle at one of the deities.
You will notice pieces of yellow fabric tied to branches. Each one will symbolize a blessing, requested by a visitor. Many believe, that if their wish is granted and comes true, they must return to the Island, to show their thanks.
5. KUSU KRAMATS (SHRINES)
Make the laborious climb up 152 steps to the top of the hill to pray at the shrines of three Malay saints, or ‘keramat‘. Atop a rugged hillock, these Kramats were built in recognition of a pious family.
These were Syed Abdul Rahman, his mother Nenek Ghalib and his sister Puteri Fatimah who lived in the 19th century.
Some devotees pray for the blessings of wealth, good health and harmony. Others, especially childless couples, pray for fertility and blessings of children.
On the ninth month of the lunar calendar, devotees will visit Kusu Island to pay their respects, give thanks and pray for wealth, good health and harmony and good marriage blessed with children.
6. KUSU ISLAND BEACHES
There are two swimming lagoons and plenty of beach shelters dotted around the edge of the sand beach. Just imagine, isolation, soft sand and crystal clear water!
The larger lagoon located near the tortoise sanctuary faces the mainland, whilst the smaller lagoon faces Lazarus Island and can be found near the shrines.
7. ENJOY A PICNIC
There are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy a picnic on Kusu Island, and you could well be alone. Either find a spot on the beach, or sit in the shade at a picnic table.
Pack a picnic and bring it with you on the ferry, as there is nowhere to purchase any food or drinks.
8. ADMIRE THE CITY VIEWS AND SKYLINE
If you are lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you can get a birds eye view back to mainland Singapore. See how many famous buildings and attractions you can spot, beginning with Singapore Flyer.
Then just sit and get lost within the pages of a book.
9. SEARCH FOR KUSU ISLAND MARINE LIFE
Take a leisurely stroll around the shoreline and see what marine life you can spot. Reefs have a variety of both soft and hard corals. Look out for shrimps, crabs and clams, or go snorkeling and see if you can spot a sea turtle.
10. JOIN IN THE KUSU PILGRIMAGE
Held annually during the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, this is an important pilgrimage for thousands of Singaporeans. Devotees visit Kusu Island to pay their respects to the different deities and Kramats.
During this month long pilgrimage, additional ferries are scheduled throughout the day, with the first ferry leaving earlier than normal. The hawker center is bustling with food to purchase and there is a great atmosphere on the island.
TIPS FOR VISITING KUSU ISLAND
- Take plenty of food and drink with you as there are no provisions on the island. There are shelters, picnic tables and barbecue pits.
- There are plenty of clean public toilets and showers available for visitors and during peak times (Kusu Pilgrimage) use is made of a hawker centre to provide food and provisions.
- In order to protect yourself from the strong sun bring sunblock, a hat and umbrella.
- There are two swimming lagoons and plenty of beach shelters dotted around the edge of the sand beach.
- Overnight stays are not permitted, so take a picnic for a day trip.
- You do not require your passport.
Has a visit to Kusu Island, got you yearning to check out some more of Singapore’s Outer Islands? If so, how about discovering another one, namely St John’s Island.
ST JOHN’S ISLAND & LAZARUS ISLAND
Arriving at the white clapboarded jetty, you have the immediate sensation of stepping back in time. Away from the gloss and glamour that is present day Singapore.
Your first encounter will probably be with a black cat. It will greet you with a carefree sleepy stare, as it sits comfortably on a bench.
The island is home to a well cared for collection of strays and by the look of this cat, life looks quite peachy.
St John’s Island, formerly known as Pulau Sakijang Bendera, lies approximately 6.5 kilometres south of the main land.
The hilly island oasis, offers 40.5 hectares of solitude, sandy shores and swimming lagoons. Previous to its new lease of life in 1975, the island had a fascinating history.
Sir Stamford Raffles anchored here in 1819 before meeting the Malay Chief of Singapore.
In the late 19th century the island served as a quarantine station for cholera stricken Chinese immigrants. And later became the worlds biggest quarantine centre for both Asian immigrants and malay pilgrims.
After large scale immigration ended in the 1950’s the island served as a penal settlement. Later, it served as a drug rehabilitation centre for opium addicts.
Today, it is home to a Tropical Marine Science Institute and a Marine Aquaculture Centre.
Head towards the right from the jetty and wander along the shadowy path. Sink your feet into the warm golden sand looking out over the lagoon towards the city, which feels like a totally separate entity to this peaceful haven.
Wander around the island among the verdant green fauna and flora showcased along the route. The only visible sign of life is a couple more cats, brightly coloured butterflys and the soft sound of birdsong.
Stop to take in the view, and close your eyes to savour the tranquility and serenity of this alluring sanctuary.
Make your way back towards the jetty, then continue to the other side of the island. Follow the paved link bridge across to an even quieter Lazarus Island.
Before you reach the other side you are immediately met by a collection of stray cats who are incredibly vocal in their welcome.
Continue along the path until you reach a magnificent swathe of white sand skirting clear, turquoise water.
The sand is almost white in appearance with the pristine beach dazzling in the sun.
The Singapore government even went to the trouble of having the sand inspected for sandflies. Then they imported thousands of cubic metres from Indonesia, and it was worth every effort as this really is perfect in every way.
TIPS FOR VISITING ST JOHN’S ISLAND
- To get to St John’s Island, take the ferry from Marina South Pier.
- There are toilets to the left of the jetty near a small mosque. There are also toilets and beach shelters to the right of the jetty, by the swimming lagoon.
- In order to protect yourself from the strong sun bring sunblock, a hat and umbrella.
- Take plenty of food & drink, as there are no food outlets/kiosks on the island.
- Lazarus Island has toilet facilities next to the private jetty, about a 5 minute walk from the beach.
- Lazarus Island has three beach pavilions offering shade and numerous coconut trees lining the beach to sit under.
- Allow plenty of time to walk back to St John Island to catch the ferry.
- Visitors who plan to stay overnight on St John Island can book the St John’s Island Lodge. This is the only island where you are able to stay overnight.
- Plan your trip using the ferry schedule
KUSU ISLAND WRAP UP
We hope this article has inspired you to visit Kusu Island. If you have any questions about the island or have your own travel tips to share, please leave these in the comments below.
For an off beat Singapore experience, it is definitely worthwhile visiting the Southern Islands. Both for an alternative view of Singapore, beautiful beaches with swimming lagoons and a dose of peaceful serenity.
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