At 1°13’24.6″N 103°51’37.6″E is an island called Kusu Island (or 龟屿岛 in Chinese, which translates to “turtle” island). In Malay, the island is known as Peak Island or Pulau Tembakul. Kusu Island is one of the many Southern Islands in Singapore.
Legend has it that a giant tortoise had turned itself into an island (at this location) to save two shipwrecked sailors, a Malay and a Chinese. The sailors were so grateful to the tortoise that they returned to the island to give thanks. Following the belief of the sailors, a Muslim keramat and a Taoist temple were built on the island. Since then, many people have continued this tradition of giving thanks and prayers on the ninth month of the lunar calendar. This period is known as the “Kusu” pilgrimage season. By the 19th century, there are three keramats, located at the top of a rugged hillock on Kusu Island, and the popular Chinese temple – Tua Pek Kong, 大伯公, which houses Tua Pek Kong and Goddess of Mercy. (Source: Singapore Island Cruise)
Signage about the story of Kusu, on the island.
On a normal day, Kusu Island is pretty much a peace and quiet island accessible by public ferry service (Singapore Island Cruise) in about 15 minutes from Marina South Pier. Visitors and tourist come to the island to visit the temple and/or the keramat, and at the same time enjoy the lovely beaches on two lagoons on the island. There are showering and toilet facilities on Kusu Island.
While on a pre dawn intertidal trip to Kusu Island, I took the opportunity to capture some aerial footages of the island.
Peiyan.Photography 