KUSU ISLAND
I
visited Kusu Island by myself – took a 20-minute ferry ride from Singapore
mainland to the island.
Kusu Island is
one of the southern islands in Singapore, about 5.6 km to the south of
the main island of Singapore. Kusu means “Turtle Island” in
Hokkien. From two man outcrops on a reef, the island was enlarged and
transformed into an island-land of 85,000 square metres.
The legend
behind the island says that a magical tortoise turned itself into an
island to save two shipwrecked sailors – a Malay and a Chinese.
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| KUSU ISLAND |
At the top of
the rugged hillock on Kusu Island stands three holy shrines of the
Malay saints – to commemorate a pious man named Syed Abdul Rahman,
his mother and sister who lived in the 19th century. The
shrines are popular with childless couples who would pray for
children.
Other
attractions – Tua Pek Kong Temple (Grand Uncle), Na Tuk Kong (Dato
Keramat) – the temple houses two main deities – Da Bo Gong and
Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy). The Da Bo Gong regarded as having the
power to confer prosperity, cure disease, calm the sea from danger
while the Guan Yin is also known as giver of sons.
It is popular
for its lagoons, pristine beaches and tranquil settings. Visits are
often made by ferry from Marina South Pier to see the “Wishing
Well” and “Tortoise Sanctuary”.
Picnics are
also popular here. Overnight stay is not permitted on the island.
AUGUST 16,
2000
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