Jan 26 2010
Day trips in Singapore
Kusu Island (Pulau Tembakul)
Singapore is a small country and so to get out of the usual hum and buzz of an urbanized metropolitan city, where better to go than the outlying islands with nature undestroyed by humans? In this five part series, we bring you to the various islands among the 60 that are surrounding Singapore out there which could be explored and enjoyed within a day’s work. First up, one of our Southern Islands, Kusu Island!
History
Kusu Island has long been a friend of our forefathers, so much so that there are so many different versions of the long passed down legend. The infamous one is one that depicts the two individuals, a Chinese sailor and a Malay fisherman, who were stranded in a shipwreck. They both came across a giant tortoise that is so huge; it can house both of the survivors on its shell. Therefore, in order to save these two people, this particular tortoise turned itself into an island and eventually, both of them were brought to safety and saved. So as to remember the deeds of this elegant creature, give thanks and to pay respects, a temple and several shrines was built on this island, Kusu Island which also literally translates to “Tortoise Island” in Mandarin, and for the Malay name, “Peak Island”.
This island also has its humble beginnings as just two outcrops on a reef. In 1975, land reclamation allowed it to be transformed into a larger plot of land of 85000 square metres, thus altering the original shape of the island but made it into a holiday getaway for locals. Before the reclamation, this island was used as a burial ground for immigrants who passed on while under quarantine at St. John’s and Lazarus Islands.
Sights
However, going by the lunar calendar, on the ninth month, many locals will flock to Kusu Island for the annual pilgrimage to visit the popular “Da Bogong Temple” (God of Prosperity temple/ The Merchant God temple) which was established in 1923. The temple is home to two deities, the Goddess of Mercy and the God of Prosperity.
Another sight not to be missed are the three kramats (holy shrines of Malay saints) erected in honour of a faithful and devoted man named Syed Abdul Rahman and his family. In order to get to the hill top where these kramats stand, you all have to climb 152 steps and at the end of the climb, you are then able to pray for wealth, health, blissful marriage, and family harmony.
Activities
Other than for religious purposes, Kusu Island is also popular for the pristine lagoons, beaches and its idyllic environment. Make a trip there and you might be pleasantly surprised by the extra things or sights you find, like a wishing well, tortoise sanctuary, various wooden viewing galleries on stilts, and maybe a bright red warning beacon.
Getting there and back
The only way to get there is by ferry which operates to and from the Marina South Pier daily. Ferries cost $15 per adult and $12 per child (aged 1 to 12).
Tips
As staying on Kusu Island for the night is not permitted, you might want to transfer to a ferry to St. John’s Island from Kusu Island where lodgings are found if you do not want to head back to Mainland Singapore, just yet. And also, wear comfortable shoes!
