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📷: SLA
Located in the south-west of Singapore, Kusu Island was originally made up of two separate islands but joined through reclamation works in 1975. During the colonial era, Kusu Island served as the burial site for newly arrived immigrants who died while in quarantine on St John’s and Lazarus islands.
The 8-hectare island attracts many devotees annually, especially in the ninth month of the Lunar calendar, to worship at the Chinese Tua Pek Kong temple and the three Malay keramat (shrines). Visitors also come here for outings and picnics as well as to enjoy the scenery.
The pilgrimages are closely associated with the myths surrounding Kusu Island. One story describes how a turtle (or “kusu” in Hokkien dialect) transformed into an island to save two fishermen from drowning. Another tale recounts how two holy men, Dato Syed Abdul Rahman and Yam, were saved on their pilgrimage to Kusu Island.
The Chinese temple and Malay shrines on the island were said to be built and dedicated to the memory of Yam and Syed. Pilgrims would seek blessings at the Chinese temple first before proceeding to climb the 152 steps to pray at the Malay shrines which are located on the top of a hill. In 2022, the shrines were almost destroyed in a fire but they had since been reconstructed.
In May 2024, the government designated Kusu Reef and the southern part of Lazarus Island (collectively called Lazarus South-Kusu Reef) as the site of Singapore’s second marine park. This will allow Singapore to better conserve and manage terrestrial and marine habitats, and enhance ecological connectivity. The reefs at Kusu Island were found to have high potential in seeding other reefs in Singapore’s southern waters with coral larvae, and deemed ideal for coral transplantation and restoration which could help expand Singapore’s overall coral cover. The marine park will enhance the Southern Islands’ character and inclusivity for wildlife and marine life.
What are some of your favourite memories of Kusu Island 🐢? Tell us in the comments below!
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