Monday, March 30, 2020

7 things to do on Kusu Island, the secret island 45 minutes away from Singapore

Source Website: https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/7-things-do-kusu-island-secret-island-45-minutes-away-singapore
By Muneerah Bee, The Finder, Asiaone, 21 February 2020
Located only 5.6 kilometres off the main island of Singapore, it's popular with in-the-know day-trippers, even if you don't believe in its supernatural prowess.
PHOTO: Located only 5.6 kilometres off the main island of Singapore, it's popular with in-the-know day-trippers, even if you don't believe in its supernatural prowess.
Facebook / kusuislandresort
Picture posted by Muneerah Bee, The Finder, Asiaone on 21 February 2020
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Of legends, superstition and mystery

The story behind the island (Read it here!) is a little sketchy, but all accounts involve a giant tortoise transforming itself into an island.

Located only 5.6 kilometres off the main island of Singapore, it's popular with in-the-know day-trippers, even if you don't believe in its supernatural prowess.


Kusu Island, Singapore. Beach scene looking towards Singapore on Kusu Island
PHOTO: Kusu Island, Singapore. Beach scene looking towards Singapore on Kusu Island.
Picture posted by Corey Hamilton, taken on 31 October 2018
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GETTING THERE
Make your way to Marina South Pier (right next to Marina South Pier MRT Station) and buy your ferry tickets from Singapore Island Cruise around the main entrance of the pier.

Book your tickets here.


Make your way to Marina South Pier (right next to Marina South Pier MRT Station) and buy your ferry tickets from Singapore Island Cruise around the main entrance of the pier.
PHOTO: Make your way to Marina South Pier (right next to Marina South Pier MRT Station) and buy your ferry tickets from Singapore Island Cruise around the main entrance of the pier.
Picture posted by Pranav Gulati - Kusu Island: A Guide To Explore The Calm & Serene Retreat You’ve Been Waiting For!
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Do note you are not allowed to camp or stay overnight on the island, so remember to keep track of time to catch the last ferry back to the mainland!

1. VISIT HISTORIC SACRED SITES
The main highlights of the 85,000 square metre island are the three Malay shrines and the Chinese temple.

Located near the shore, the temple is dedicated to the Chinese God of Prosperity and Goddess of Mercy while the holy shrines atop a little hill commemorate a pious (religious) man and his family.


Apart from the fact that Kusu Island temple has been very beautifully constructed, it is an important pilgrimage site for the local Chinese people that have been residing in Singapore for centuries.
PHOTO: Apart from the fact that Kusu Island temple has been very beautifully constructed, it is an important pilgrimage site for the local Chinese people that have been residing in Singapore for centuries. The temple is a spiritual home for Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian devotees who come and visit this place during the ninth lunar month every year.
Picture posted by Pranav Gulati - Visit the Kusu Island Chinese Temple
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They're open year-round, but most devotees pay their respects during the annual Kusu Island pilgrimage season, which typically happens between September to November. The island welcomes over 100,000 pilgrims during this period!

2. MAKE A WISH
At the shrines, you'll see yellow pieces of cloth tied to the trees and branches, each symbolising a wish made by believers.

The shrines and temples are said to be able to grant wealth, good marriage, children, health, and harmony, making them popular among believers who visit for blessings and worship.


The shrines and temples are said to be able to grant wealth, good marriage, children, health, and harmony, making them popular among believers who visit for blessings and worship.
PHOTO: The shrines and temples are said to be able to grant wealth, good marriage, children, health, and harmony, making them popular among believers who visit for blessings and worship.
Picture posted by The Straits Times on 04 May 2018 at 8:51 pm SGT
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/kusu-islands-beaches-and-lagoons-closed-to-public-after-asbestos-discovered


Some Singaporeans believe that if a wish you make on the island comes true, you must visit again to offer thanks, and some will also untie a yellow piece of cloth.

There's also a little wishing well (pictured) near the temple where you can toss coins to hit the bell in the middle.

3. GET TO KNOW SOME TORTOISES
Don't be surprised to see hundreds of tortoises at the tortoise sanctuary and shelter on the island.

After all, Kusu Island means Tortoise Island in Chinese, and it has a strong history and affiliation with the reptile.


As the island’s name literally translates into Tortoise Island, there is bound to be ample opportunities for visitors to gaze and marvel at the incredible tortoise population at Kusu Island.
PHOTO: As the island’s name literally translates into Tortoise Island, there is bound to be ample opportunities for visitors to gaze and marvel at the incredible tortoise population at Kusu Island. The government of Singapore has invested its resources and time into preserving the tortoise population that live fairly close to urban environment of Singapore at the Kusu Island Tortoise Sanctuary. With the help of environmental experts and nature conservatives, this place is one of the lesser known ecotourism destinations in the Singapore strait islands.
Picture posted by Pranav Gulati - Watch Tortoises in their natural habitat
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4. HAVE A PICNIC
Don't we wish there are more tranquil spots for a nice picnic? Pack an afternoon picnic and pick a spot on the island's vast spaces.


Green forest park
Don't we wish there are more tranquil spots for a nice picnic? Pack an afternoon picnic and pick a spot on the island's vast spaces.
Don't we wish there are more tranquil spots for a nice picnic? Pack an afternoon picnic and pick a spot on the island's vast spaces.
PHOTO: Don't we wish there are more tranquil spots for a nice picnic? Pack an afternoon picnic and pick a spot on the island's vast spaces.
Picture posted by eyeni.info - Green forest park
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PHOTO: Picnic or not, pack plenty of snacks and water for a day out here as there are no eateries or convenience stores on the island (Talk about untouched!).
Picture posted by Dreamstime
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5. GO SWIMMING
Tired of the same old beaches on mainland Singapore? You don't have to go to far to get a change of scene.

Kusu Island is popular for its lagoons and beaches, so bring your bathing suit and have a blast in the sun, sand and sea.


GO SWIMMING
GO SWIMMING
PHOTO: GO SWIMMING
Tired of the same old beaches on mainland Singapore? You don't have to go to far to get a change of scene. Kusu Island is popular for its lagoons and beaches, so bring your bathing suit and have a blast in the sun, sand and sea.
As Kusu Island has not yet beared the burden of commercialization and tourism, its surrounding waters, lagoons, and beaches remain in near pristine condition. The marine life around its coastal waters is lively and unperturbed by the side-effects of human exploitation. A lot of locals fancy the opportunity of going out for a swim into the lagoons of Kusu Island on a hot and humid summer day.
Picture posted by karmaofbf, saved by Sei Sei to ん
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6. EXPLORE THE MARINE LIFE
Venture along the shores and you'll probably notice a variety of hard corals and soft corals on the island.

If you look hard enough, you might encounter some fishes, crabs, shrimps, and clams.


EXPLORE THE MARINE LIFE
EXPLORE THE MARINE LIFE
EXPLORE THE MARINE LIFE
PHOTO:  EXPLORE THE MARINE LIFE
The marine life around its coastal waters is lively and unperturbed by the side-effects of human exploitation. A lot of locals fancy the opportunity of going out for a swim into the lagoons of Kusu Island on a hot and humid summer day.
Picture posted by Big Stock Photo
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EXPLORE THE MARINE LIFE
PHOTO:  EXPLORE THE MARINE LIFE
Venture along the shores and you'll probably notice a variety of hard corals and soft corals on the island. If you look hard enough, you might encounter some fishes, crabs, shrimps, and clams.
Picture posted by Dreamstime
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7. GO FOR A WALK TO SEE REEFS
Walk along the beach to catch a glimpse of the marine life around the island such as coral reefs and sea turtles.

Wear appropriate shoes and be careful of sharp corals and sea urchins during low tide.
GO FOR A WALK TO SEE REEFS

GO FOR A WALK TO SEE REEFS
PHOTO: GO FOR A WALK TO SEE REEFS
Walk along the beach to catch a glimpse of the marine life around the island such as coral reefs and sea turtles. Wear appropriate shoes and be careful of sharp corals and sea urchins during low tide.
PHOTO: Walking in park
Picture posted by Iakov Filimonov, Shutterstock.com
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PLUS: ST JOHN'S ISLAND
Since you're already off mainland Singapore, hit up nearby St John's Island for its tranquil secret beaches, nature walks and more.

Here, you can also whisk yourself away from city life overnight - unlike at Kusu Island where overnight stays aren't permitted - at its holiday bungalows.
PLUS: ST JOHN'S ISLAND
PHOTO: PLUS: ST JOHN'S ISLAND
Since you're already off mainland Singapore, hit up nearby St John's Island for its tranquil secret beaches, nature walks and more.
Few islands in the world would have a drastic change of narrative over time than as for St John’s Island. A small speck of land south of Singapore that was used as a quarantine zone for incurable diseases no less than 100 years ago, has now become into a quiet haven for nature lovers and travel enthusiasts.Almost a stone’s throw away from Kusu Island, St John’s is a tranquil and serene place for people to go on a day-trip. The island is mostly visiting by local fishing enthusiasts, and people who love a day away from the noise and dense urban population. The island can be reached by the same ferry that gets travelers to Kusu Island.
Picture posted by Pranav Gulati - Hop over to St John’s Island
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Of legends, superstition and mystery
Of legends, superstition and mystery
Of legends, superstition and mystery
PHOTO: Of legends, superstition and mystery
The story behind the island is a little sketchy, but all accounts involve a giant tortoise transforming itself into an island.
"Therefore in the east give glory to the Lord; exalt the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea." (Isaiah 24:15).
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.'" (Hebrews 12:28-29).
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Other story

5 fun things to do on St John's Island, Singapore's offshore gem only 30 minutes away, posted on Tuesday, 10 March 2020
5 fun things to do on St John's Island, Singapore's offshore gem only 30 minutes away, posted on Tuesday, 10 March 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/5-fun-things-to-do-on-st-johns-island.html
 


Reference
[1] Muneerah Bee, The Finder, Asiaone, 7 things to do on Kusu Island, the secret island 45 minutes away from Singapore, posted on 21 February 2020, https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/7-things-do-kusu-island-secret-island-45-minutes-away-singapore
 

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