Kusu Island Singapore Guide: How To Get There, What To Do & More

Off the Southern shores of Singapore is Kusu Island, or Tortoise Island. If you’re wondering how it got its name, legend has it that a magical tortoise turned itself into an island to save 2 shipwrecked sailors. 

Besides being a tranquil space with sacred sites for worship, the island is also good for swimming in the lagoons or just a beach day out! We’ve got everything you need to know on how to get to Kusu Island via ferry, things you can do there and more so read on. 

The only way to Kusu Island is by boat. Hop onto a ferry from Marina South Pier and you’ll be well on your way. Be sure to keep track of the ferry timings as there is strictly no camping allowed on Kusu Island so you will need to catch the last ferry back to main land. 

There are 2 ferry companies that service Kusu Island - Singapore Island Cruise Ferry and Marina South Ferries. 

The Singapore Island Cruise ferries usually stop by St John’s Island first before heading to Kusu Island but do note that the ferries do not stop by St John’s Island on the way back to Marina South Pier. 

The Marina South Ferries have both routes, from Marina South Pier to St John’s Island or Marina South Pier to Kusu Island so make sure you board the correct ferry! The ferry journey is about 1 hour long. 

Located on Kusu Island is the popular Chinese temple - Da Bo Gong or Tua Pek Kong. This temple was built in 1923 by a wealthy businessman and it houses 2 deities - the Da Bo Gong and Guan Yin. Many people come here to pray to Da Bo Gong for prosperity and to Guan Yin to bear offspring. 

There’s a wishing well which you can toss a coin into to pray for prosperity and good health! Apart from the wishing well, there are yellow pieces of cloth ties to ties and branches of the shrines, each symbolising a wish made. 

Some believe that if your wish comes true, you must head back to the island to offer thanks. 

Located up on top of the hill are 3 Keramats (holy shrines in Malay). Many devotees make their way up the 152 steps to pray for wealth, good marriage, good health and harmony. The shrines are also popular with childless couples because of their strong links to fertility. 

Located behind the temple is a small Tortoise sanctuary where you’ll spot many different breeds of Tortoises just lazing about. However, you will not be allowed to touch these tortoises. 

Pack a picnic basket and a bathing suit for a relaxing day out. Some people even bring their snorkels and who knows you just might spot a sea turtle! 

During the 9th month of the lunar calendar, many devotees flock to the island for the annual Kusu Pilgrimage in the hope of good health, peace, happiness, good luck and prosperity. Check back for 2022 updates!

Spend the entire day out island-hopping across the different Southern Islands. Located nearby, St John's Island and Lazarus Island are also worth a visit!