Kusu Island

kusu Island

On Kusu Island ("Tortoise Island" in Chinese), you can find attractions which include a Malay shrine and a Chinese temple with an interesting legend woven around them. Legend has it that a giant sea turtle turned into an island to save 2 shipwrecked sailors - a Malay and a Chinese. As an act of thanks, the two men built a Chinese temple, Malay shrine and a huge turtle sculpture on the island.

Taoists make annual pilgrimages to the Tua Pekong Temple during the ninth lunar month, while Muslims visit Kramat Kusu. At the top of the rugged hillock on Kusu Island stands three kramats (or holy shrines of Malay saints). 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 for children.

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.

Getting There: Take a ferry from Sentosa Ferry Terminal. Departure times: 10 am and 1.30 pm (Mon to Sat), and at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm (Sun and public holidays).
Return ticket SGD 9.00 (adults), SGD 6.00 (child 3 to 12 years).

You will not have to pay for Sentosa admission when you purchase your ferry ticket to Kusu Island.

Ferries depart from Clifford Pier during the annual Kusu pilgrimage season.

Duration of the boat ride is about 30 mins. For enquiries on ferry service, call the Hotline at 1800-SENTOSA (736 8672) or visit Sentosa's website

Alternatively, hire a water taxi from Clifford Pier and proceed on your own to Kusu Island. Water taxis are chartered on an hourly basis and the rates have to be negotiated with the boat man.