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The Ultimate Guide to Kusu Island, Singapore for Turtle Lovers, Temple Seekers, and Serenity Chasers

| Last Updated: October 2024

Singapore may be small, but did you know we actually have over 60 islands? It might not seem like it, but island-hopping is a popular escape for locals seeking a break from the city’s hustle and bustle.

One of my personal favourites is Kusu Island, a charming little spot just south of the mainland, slightly beyond St. John’s Island. This peaceful hideaway is famous for its turtles, shrines, sandy beaches, and complete tranquillity away from city life.

If you haven’t been yet, I highly recommend booking a ferry and heading there soon! 

Where is Kusu Island?

Kusu Island is located just off Singapore’s southern coast, roughly 5.6 kilometres from the mainland. 

How to Get to Kusu Island

You can reach Kusu Island by taking a 30-minute ferry ride from Marina South Pier. There are currently two ferry operators servicing the island, namely Island Cruise and Marina South Ferries. 

Tickets to the island cost about $15 per one-way ticket. Note that these ferry rides make a short stop at St. John’s Island, so make sure to be aware of which island you’ll alight from! 

Also note that Island Cruise offers rides in the morning starting at 10:00 am, while Marina South Ferries offers rides in the afternoon starting at 3:00 pm. Plan your trip accordingly and book tickets from the right operators according to your travel itinerary. 

Top Things to Do in Kusu Island

Say hello to the adorable turtles in the island’s Tortoise Sanctuary

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In my view, the Tortoise Sanctuary is what truly makes Kusu Island a must-visit for animal lovers like me. Fittingly, the name “Kusu” translates to “Tortoise Island” in Chinese, so it’s no surprise that the sanctuary is a top attraction for visitors.

Since 1995, the sanctuary has become a heartwarming refuge for over 600 tortoises of all kinds. Visiting this sanctuary feels like stepping into a peaceful little world where these gentle creatures are protected and given the perfect environment to thrive. 

It’s a joy to see kids and fellow animal lovers light up as they get the chance to feed the tortoises and hear stories from their dedicated carers. It makes the experience all the more special!

Tips: 

  • In case you get parched, there’s a drink stall near the sanctuary that sells fresh coconut water straight from the nut! It’s also the only place where you can get a refreshing drink on the island, so don’t miss out on the stall. 
  • You are allowed to feed the turtles, but please don’t feed them items that they can’t digest such as plastic or wrappers. Some negligent visitors are known to do that, unfortunately. 

Look for the keramats or holy shrines around the island

Aside from turtles and tortoises, the island is also known for its numerous keramats or holy shrines scattered around the island. These shrines come in different shapes and sizes, with many folk tales surrounding their origin and supposed healing powers. 

One of the more popular ones is the Datok Kong Keramat or Kusu Keramat. It’s known as the burial place of Dato Syed Abdul Rahman, his mother, and his daughter. 

You’ll find lots of people praying and offering gifts here. You don’t have to take part, but do observe silence and respect those offering their prayers! 

Tips: 

  • Many people believe that the shrine brings good luck to those who eat vegetarian meals right before heading up there. Since it is the burial place of a famous Muslim figure, it’s best not to bring anything non-halal to the premises. 
  • There are about a hundred steps on the staircase leading up to the shrine. If you need to catch your breath, take a rest at the benches located on the sides. Stretch your legs and knees, though! 

Explore the beautiful grounds of the Da Bogong Temple

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The Da Bogong Temple is another holy site that many locals and tourists visit for their annual pilgrimage to the island. This temple is not hard to miss, thanks to the colourful red and green facade, ornate temple designs, and vast boardwalks by the coast. 

It’s only a 20-minute walk from the jetty, so you can add it to the very top of your island itinerary. Again, you don’t have to pay your respects to the Taoist gods, but you can respectfully roam around the grounds and take selfies by the temple! 

Tips: 

  • You can actually buy amulets and wooden plaques for $8 a set. Here, you’ll write your wishes and hopes then hang them up on a wall just outside the temple. You can ask the caretakers for assistance if you want to learn how to offer your wishes in the traditional Taoist way! 
  • Be careful staying under the trees. Many birds are known to drop all sorts of seeds, berries, and even droppings from the top. Avoid the trees if you don’t want an unexpected shower! 

Host a picnic by the beach or coast of the island

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After spending a few hours visiting shrines and temples, take a break and host a picnic at the coast of the island. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy the sea views, breeze, and quiet surroundings. 

There are several picnic tables scattered near the Da Bogong Temple and Tortoise Sanctuary, so after paying these sites a visit, you can easily set up lunch or dinner here. 

Of course, you have the option to buy food from the only food and drink stall we mentioned earlier, but I highly recommend bringing your own! 

Tips: 

  • Bring a picnic blanket or beach mat in case the tables are full. Lots of trees above the picnic tables are home to birds that love to drop all sorts of stuff, so a mat for the beach or the grass may be a good alternative. 
  • Note that the picnic areas are near a holy site. I recommend keeping the noise at a minimum when dining close to the temple! If it’s not too hot, a picnic by the beach will work best. 

Make a wish at the famous Wishing Well by the temples

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Close to the Da Bogong Temple, you’ll find a popular Wishing Well that attracts both locals and tourists before they venture out to explore the island. What makes this wishing well unique is its design. It’s shaped like a blooming pink lotus flower!

Legend has it that if you make a wish, toss a coin, and it hits the bells inside, your wish is likely to come true. 

But don’t be fooled—it’s trickier than it sounds! The well is positioned several feet from the viewing point, so you’ll need some sharp aim to land a coin on the bells.

Tips: 

  • Only throw in coins inside the wishing well. Don’t throw any rocks or other sharp or hard items inside! 
  • Make sure to guard your children when visiting the well. The barrier is quite short and if they extend their hands out into the well, they may fall off the barrier and plunge into the water. Don’t attempt the same just to get a clear shot of the bells inside the well, either! 

Enjoy the beach and watch the waves break gently 

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No visit to Kusu Island is complete without spending some time relaxing on its soft, inviting sand. Though small, Kusu Island Beach offers plenty of space to lay down a beach blanket, soak up the sun, and take in the beautiful sea views.

Personally, I love strolling along the coast, absorbing the peaceful surroundings. Unlike the busier beaches on the mainland, this spot offers more privacy and tranquillity, making it the perfect escape for some quiet time.

Tips: 

  • There isn’t a lot of shade on the beach, so I recommend bringing shades or an outdoor umbrella to keep yourself protected from the sun. 
  • You’re allowed to swim in the waters, but make sure to only stay within the breakwater limit. The currents are strong, and you may easily get swept away if you go too far. 
  • Note that there are no lifeguards on duty on the beach. Always keep watch of your children or friends if they’re swimming! 

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