Located in the southern part of Singapore, Kusu Island is the rising new hotspot in Singapore. With the amazing summer-ish sea view and majestic temple, there is no doubt that Kusu Island is a MUST to visit in Singapore! Here’s why:
Kusu Island is located about 5.6km south-west of Singapore’s main island. Interestingly, there are four names for the island: Kusu Island, Pulau Tambakul, Goa Island and Peak Island. The Island consists of a Chinese temple and three Malay Keramat (shrine). However, what people do not know is that there is a beautiful beach open to visitors. This beach is filled with white sands and clear turquoise seawater that resembles the Maldives beach. As small as the island may seem, the sea view that it offers is something you can never find on the Singapore main island.
Kusu Island’s peak season is usually during the ninth month of the Chinese Lunar calendar. This is because of the double ninth festival or Chung Yeung Festival, where it is usually celebrated in Chinese temples. It is believed that families should have a cleansing ritual to wash their bad luck away. The Chinese temple includes deities like Da Bo Gong (also known as Tua Pe Kong or Grand Uncle), Guan Yin (also known as Goddess of Mercy) and many others. The temple is also very well known for the wishing well after it was featured on the Channel 8 drama series ‘Three wishes’ a few years ago. Furthermore, it is said that the temple would be able to grant wealth, children, health and a blissful marriage. So, if you are single and looking for a partner, why not give it a try at the temple right!
Kusu Island also offers quiet spots for those who enjoy picnicking. Instead of the usual East or West Coast Park, consider making your way to the off-shore island where you can experience a different kind of peace and tranquility away from the concrete jungle and city noise. Without the high-rise buildings and zipping cars, this scenic island is definitely insta-worthy. Another cool thing about the place is that you can swim in the clear and calm water on the beach. Hence, if you are actually sick of your usual swimming routine at public swimming pools, you should give this new spot a try! If you’re lucky, you might even get to see marine life such as corals under the sea or reefs during low tide!
Unfortunately, Kusu island does not offer lodging and convenience stores. Hence visitors will not be able to stay overnight here. If you are looking for a short island getaway in Singapore, try St John’s Island instead! Do check out their website for the available lodging dates before planning your trips! Also, remember to bring sufficient snacks and water if you are heading to one of Singapore’s offshore islands for a picnic or even for a walk! As much as it might sound like a hassle, these unexplored gems that are definitely worth your time and may just become your next secret hangout!
The ferry ticket includes St John’s Island and Kusu Island. Here is the ferry ticket price (return-trip):
| Adults (Weekdays) | $18.00 |
| Adults (Weekends) | $15.00 |
| Child | $12.00 |
Here are the Ferry timings to Kusu Island and St John’s Island:
Monday to Friday:
| Marina South Pier to St John’s Island | 10:00 am | 2:00 pm |
| St John’s Island to Kusu Island | 10:45 am | 2:45 pm |
| Kusu IslandTo Marina South Pier | 12:00 pm | 4:00 pm |
Weekends and Public Holidays
| Marina South Pier to St John’s Island | 9:00 am | 11:00 am | 1:00 pm | 3:00 pm | 5:00 pm |
| St John’s Island to Kusu Island | 9:50 am | 11:50 am | 1:50 pm | 3:50 pm | 5:50 pm |
| Kusu Island to Marina South Pier | 10:15 am | 12:15 pm | 2:15 pm | 4:15 pm | 6:15 pm |
The tickets are sold at a first-come-first-serve basis at the Marina South Pier ticketing booth. The ferry ride will take about 30 minutes from Marina South Pier to St John’s Island, and another 15 minutes from St John’s Island to Kusu Island.
You can book the ferry ticket here.
Do let us know your thoughts if you had been there already!
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Writer: @javierkuayruiheng
Lifeguide.sg 