Here I am at Marina South Pier (滨海南码头) to take a ferry to Kusu Island (Singapore). There are also other regular ferries service heading for Saint John’s Island as well. It’s my first time going to Kusu Island!
Also I am not going to elaborate more about Kusu Island, as Wikipedia already contains huge information on it. In brief, Kusu Island is also known as “Turtle Island” and located on the island is a popular Chinese temple – Da Bo Gong or Tua Pek Kong (The Merchant God or God of Prosperity).
You won’t see any big resort hotels like Barcelo in Tunis or Britannia Grand Hotel, Scarborough— overnight stay is not permitted here. It is probably to preserve the pristine beaches, lagoons and peaceful shrines. It is easy to visit for the day though, and very popular with people coming for a nice afternoon picnic!
Bought the return ferry tickets to Kusu Island at S$14 and was quickly hurried to board the ferry as it was about to depart. Took this when I was already comfortably seated in the ferry.
The interior of the ferry. During Kusu Pilgrimage Season (18 October 2009 to 16 November 2009), ferry services to St john’s island are suspended. The annual Kusu Pilgrimage Season traditionally falls on the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and more than 100,000 devotees and visitors visited the tiny Kusu Island. Yup, I visited on the last day of the pilgrimage season so as to avoid the crowds.
After a 15mins ferry ride, I reached Kusu Island. Signboard above detailing about the history of Kusu Island.
Walking along the walkway and towards the popular Da Bo Gong temple (on the right).
Before you reach the Chinese temple, there is a wishing well where you can try to throw coins and hit any of the 3 bells in the lotus. If you manage to hit any of the bells, I believe it means that your wishes are heard and will come true! 🙂
The pavilion where the wishing well is located. Looks like most visitors try their hands at the wishing well!
Heading towards the Da Bo Gong or Tua Pek Kong (The Merchant God or God of Prosperity) temple.
In the Tua Pek Kong (The Merchant God or God of Prosperity) temple, you can find many tortoises that are reared by the attendants. Some visitors use coins to strike the back of the tortoise, I suppose it’s for luck, wealth or prosperity, which I promptly followed as well. 🙂
The main building which houses several deities, of which, the two main deities are the Da Bo Gong (Tua Pek Kong) and Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy). Offerings are sold at S$2 each.
After my prayers and offerings, I went to the food centre to grab some drink to quench my thrist. Although it wasn’t sunny but the weather was still pretty humid. Washrooms are nearby here too!
The food stalls at the food centre seems to be like a temporary setup, which occurs only during the Kusu Pilgrimage Season. There was only 3 stalls available during this time, maybe because it’s already the last day of the pilgrimage. Anyway, the nostalgic setup prompted me to try the food.
This was what I had – Pokka Green Tea S$1.50 and Oyster Omelet S$4.
Walking around the coastal line of Kusu Island, it seems to be a nice place to have a picnic. I also noticed that there were a few barbecue pits around but your barbecue will have to take place way before 1700hours as that’s the last ferry back. Overnight stay is not permitted on the island.
Pristine beaches and tranquil settings, away from the bustling city life. The swimming lagoon seems to be a nice place to enjoy the sun and sand.
Tortoise Sanctuary, where there are enormous amount of tortoises. 🙂
City skyline from Kusu Island. I can see the Singapore Flyer as well the upcoming Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort. The skies is turning black and seems like it’s going to rain pretty soon.
Didn’t want to get stuck on Kusu Island because of the upcoming rain, so quickly hurried back to the ferry terminal to catch my ride back to Marina South Pier. Last ferry is 1700 hours and 0vernight stay is strictly not permitted on the island.
Showing the interior of the ferry as this is a different model from the one I took when I came. You can go and enjoy the cooling sea breeze on the open upper deck. But it’s not a good choice for me as it’s going to rain soon!
After alighting the ferry, at another berth, I noticed this Chinese style cruise boat and believe that you can also take this and cruise around the Singapore waters. For more information, you might have to check out Singapore Island Cruise. Anyway, leaving you with the directions to Marina South Pier. Those who are driving, there are parking facilities nearby too!
Photos on this blog post are taken on Panasonic DMC-LX3K 10.1MP Digital Camera.
