Many legends surround Kusu island, most of them refer to a magical giant turtle turning itself into an island to save two shipwrecked sailors – a Malay and a Chinese, it is said the grateful sailors returned to the island to give thanks which to this day is a yearly pilgrimage for other worshippers. Kusu Island is part of the Singapore Southern Islands, with two nice swimming bays, regular ferry service, giant tortoises, and temples.
General Info about Kusu Island
Kusu Island has been well developed, mainly to support the steady stream of worshippers to the shrines on the island. On the ninth month of the lunar calendar, thousands of people visit the island’s Da Ba Gong Temple (or Temple of the Merchant God). The island with its two swimming lagoons is also a popular destination for day-trippers to enjoy the sun and sand. Two jetties serve public ferries and private crafts for drop off and pick up only, the channel between Kusu Island and Lazarus Island has a very strong current which should be taken note of for any boats or kayaks in the channel.
Highlights
Calm, interesting, and popular lagoons, tranquil beach setting, and fledged with hard and soft coral.
Visitors can go to see the famous wishing well and the Tortoise Sanctuary.
Afternoon picnics on the island are also very popular, although no food or beverage service providers are situated on the island.
Swallow draft boats and tenders have entered the Northern bay at high tide
Approximate Position: 1°13’25.0″N 103°51’31.9″E
Berthing | Landing: Pleasure crafts can drop off and pick up from the Northern pier, Southern pier is used for Ferries. Swallow crafts, tenders, paddleboards, and kayaks can make their way in the Northern Bay at high tide but be sure to get out.
- Take note of currents and tides when visiting the Northern Bay, the bay will dry out completely.
- The channel between Kusu and Lazarus Islands has a strong tide stream, becareful if stopping or trying to Anchor, boats have grounded
- The last ferry is at 5pm, after that the Island is very quiet and peacefull
- BBq’s and toilets on the Island, a care taker looks after them.
Kusu Island Maps
North Bay at Low Tide
Left Pier for Pleasure Crafts
Ferry Pier, Temple and Southern Bay
