There are very few truly isolated places in Singapore. Even in many of the amazing parks and nature reserves scattered throughout our tiny island, the hustle and bustle of the city can still be heard. Even in those quiet areas, people tend to congregate due to surges in popularity. Where in Singapore can you go to find tranquillity?
Enter Kusu Island. It is located on the southern tip of Singapore, out in the open sea. Legend has it that the island is a magical tortoise that turned itself into an island to save two shipwrecked sailors, earning it the name Kusu Island which means “Tortoise” in Hokkien. Less than 90,000 square metres in size, the island takes less than 45 minutes to explore in its entirety. So what makes it so attractive?
Temples and Shrines
We'll first go to the few constructed attractions the island has to offer. These are based somewhat on the aforementioned Tortoise Legend, and very closely tied to the cultural Malay and Chinese history of the island.
Da Bogong Temple
This shrine is dedicated to the Merchant God of Prosperity, who is highly regarded to cure disease, calm the sea, and avert danger. Every year, pilgrimages are made here by devotees asking for longevity, wealth, and tranquillity among other things.
The shrines are interesting to look at, even if you aren't a believer. There are interesting statues and the tortoises that wallow in the pool too. Those are always fun to look at.
Just a stone's throw away is another tortoise pool as well. There don't appear to be any restrictions on feeding them so bring some bread or vegetables if you want.
Wishing Well
Located under a pagoda above a pool of tidal seawater, the Wishing Well is likely tied to the Da Bogong Temple, and your requests will go to that deity. Who knows, perhaps your wish to ace that exam or win the lottery might be heard!
Kusu Kramats
The Kusu Kramats lie at the peak of a 152 step climb. They are holy shrines for Malay saints, and these were built to commemorate a pious family that lived in the 19th Century. Namely Syed Abdul Rahman, his mother Nenek Ghalib, and his sister, Puteri Fatimah. Similar to the Da Bogong Temple, devotees would climb to the peak to pray for wealth, marriage, fertility, health, and harmony.
Unfortunately, the path to the top has been closed until further notice, so visitors won't be able to see the shrines any time soon.
The Sun and the Sea
Now that we've covered the man-made places, what else is there to do here? Well, we argue that natural space is a much more attractive aspect than sightseeing attractions. With two lagoons, wooden huts, and plenty of open space, the limit is your imagination!
Picnicking
Kusu Island is laid out with plenty of huts and park benches for relaxation! If you have family or a group of friends, it's the ideal place to pack up a nice brunch or early dinner and have it out on the many pristine lawns.
If you're planning on bringing a mat, take note that the island is extremely windy due to the constant sea breeze, so either bring or find something weighty to hold it down.
Unfortunately, staying overnight on the island is not allowed, so camping isn't an option.
Play by the Beach
There are two lagoons located on the island, both are comparable to the beaches of Sentosa. They're perfect for a little splash near the open sea, or maybe some party games by the beachside if you're up for some sandy play. If you're worried about drifting away from the safety of the lagoon, don't be. The area is secured by wave breakers and a net to keep potential swimmers safe.
Don't worry too much about getting dirty either: there are toilets and functioning showers to clean yourself off after a dip, so enjoy to your heart's content. Just make sure to bring a change of clothes.
Fishing
A good number of fishermen were standing out by the wave breakers during my visit there. With ships off in view and the confidence that you're a good distance from the mainland, visitors can bring their own gear to try their luck here.
Meditate
With no cars or highways in sight, the island air is very peaceful. Accompanying this is the view of the ocean, the other nearby islands, and the high-rise buildings of Marina Bay in the distance. The feel of the wind on your cheeks, the spray of the waves in your ears, and the general lack of people make Kusu Island a very tranquil place to just exist.
If there's anything Kusu Island can definitely do, it can offer you a comforting moment of serenity in a world that feels sometimes feels overwhelming—and that is priceless.
Getting There
If the article has managed to jerk your enthusiasm to pay this tranquil island a visit, then head down to Marina South Pier at the end of the red line. The transport is a little adventure in itself!
Singapore Island Cruise provides the ferry services that will make a stop at St. John's Island (connected to Lazarus Island), before going to Kusu Island, giving you the option to explore all three islands at once! If you're planning to head straight to Kusu, you can stay aboard the ferry as it waits at the St. John dock. Tickets usually go for about $15, with other exclusive deals online.
We've put a ferry schedule above. As you can see, ferries are much more regular on weekends. Riding the ferry is an experience in itself, so start queueing early if you don't want to miss riding on the top deck!
Conclusion
In terms of sightseeing, there definitely isn't much on Kusu Island. If you're island hopping from St John's or Lazarus, this would the last stop on your way out, with attractions that can be covered in less than 45 minutes until the next ferry comes.
However, if you have a planned activity, some friends, or even just need to be alone for a long while, Kusu Island is definitely a place you should visit. With its open space, fantastic views, and overall tranquil atmosphere, you'll come away from your visit feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
