Kusu Island
Kusu Island
4
About
In addition to its wealth of heritage sites, Kusu Island is also a visitors’ favourite thanks to its picturesque lagoons, clean beaches and varied animal life.
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4.0
118 reviews
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34
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44
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29
Poor
7
Terrible
4
CoolGuy
Singapore, Singapore687 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We came here on 11 July 22, PH - Hari Raya Haji. The pier is located v near Marina South Pier mrt.
We bought the ferry tickets through klook with a discount n gong char voucher. Definitely worth the deal. The ferry is almost full at the 9am departure. We follow the itinerary and visit st John Island as first stop for about 15-20 mins n then took the nxt ferry to Kusu Island.
There was a fire few months ago at the Hindu temple up the hills but the stairs was cordoned off on day of visit.
The Chinese temple was not crowded n looks well maintained. We pray n make donations. The potted plants in the temple are beautiful. Not much people at the temple. We enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, many sparrows, trees waves, breezes.... away from the 😠 city life.
You need to bring your own food n water if u going to visit these islands.
We bought the ferry tickets through klook with a discount n gong char voucher. Definitely worth the deal. The ferry is almost full at the 9am departure. We follow the itinerary and visit st John Island as first stop for about 15-20 mins n then took the nxt ferry to Kusu Island.
There was a fire few months ago at the Hindu temple up the hills but the stairs was cordoned off on day of visit.
The Chinese temple was not crowded n looks well maintained. We pray n make donations. The potted plants in the temple are beautiful. Not much people at the temple. We enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, many sparrows, trees waves, breezes.... away from the 😠 city life.
You need to bring your own food n water if u going to visit these islands.
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peggy T
Chongqing, China1,156 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
Went there for the annual primilage event. The island was well kept with clear clean and nice beach where you can have a good swim. There were families with young children, snorkeling and some playing badminton at the open area. You get to spot some ergrets too. A peaceful place where you can admire the sea and recharge yourself.
Written November 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Manish
Singapore, Singapore711 contributions
Dec 2020 • Friends
Go and have a fun day outing here. It’s small but a great place to go and hang out with your friends or family alike.
There’s even a temple and tortoise sanctuary located here.
There are barbecue spots and small huts for resting and eating (so don’t forget to carry some snacks and drinks).
Towards the back part, there is a huge open area great for kite flying. We had taken a 🪁 and tested it out there.
There’s even a temple and tortoise sanctuary located here.
There are barbecue spots and small huts for resting and eating (so don’t forget to carry some snacks and drinks).
Towards the back part, there is a huge open area great for kite flying. We had taken a 🪁 and tested it out there.
Written January 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Veron68
Singapore, Singapore347 contributions
Aug 2020
A little tiny island with a traditional Chinese temple, some nice beach spot for swimming, good shelter hut, good for walking around the island, a nice picnic area with good view. Plus good photo taking spots.
Quite and peaceful and relaxing to spend some time here.
Quite and peaceful and relaxing to spend some time here.
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shambles R
SG42 contributions
I came to Kusu Island with my mom and dad. (There's no option for me to select "Family with Elderly" / "Family of Adults" type of visit, so I chose couples) Anyway... The trip was a fishing cum picnic day-trip.
Getting here: Singapore Island Cruise ferry from Marina South Pier. Tic price per person is S$18 round trip, for weekends. First boat on Sat left at 9am. Parking at the pier is very limited. I drove in at 815am just to make sure I'll get a lot.
So what should you know about coming to Kusu island?
1. Don't play hide and go seek.
Island is tiny. it'll take you less than 30mins to go round the whole island. And that's at a leisurely pace.
2. Pack your own food.
This is especially so if you have dietary restrictions. Except for a single small eatery within the Chinese Temple on the island there's no food. And since it's a Chinese place I'm not too sure you'll get halal food.
I believe it's run by a husband and wife team and whatever they were cooking when I walked by smelt yummy! I didn't get to try the food bec we'd packed some delicious home made tuna and mayo sandwiches 😁
3. Bring a book to read and enjoy the tranquility.
The temple is the only built up structure on this island. It's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese during the month of Sept. Hint: don't come in Sept it'll be very crowded... (Unless you like crowds of course... then why leave the mainland in the first place? ;p) There are also nice beaches to swim in.
4. You'll be home by dinner.
There's no overnight camping in Kusu. You have to leave on the last boat from the island which is at 430pm on the weekends. If you're stranded there's an emergency coast guard contact by the jetty.
5. You won't go home covered in salt.
Toilets are clean and sanitary and there are shower stalls so you can clean yourself up, after romping on the beach, for that fab dinner you've got planned when you get back to the mainland.
6. BEWARE THE 2 MONKEYS!
So there are 2 resident monkeys on the island you have to be wary of. One is big, about the size of a small dog. and the other is smaller, size of your average cat. These guys are intelligent and will attack you. Especially if you attempt to take pictures of them. I dunno why they don't like cameras.
They will come to your rest area and if you're not looking they'll open your bag - they know how to work zippers - and take your stuff and run off. It's a good idea to have a stick with you to fend them off if necessary.
You just have to wave the stick at them and they'll keep away... For heaven's sake don't hurt them! WE are the visitors to their island...
Ok my ferry is reaching the mainland so am gonna end the review. Hope it was useful. 😊
Getting here: Singapore Island Cruise ferry from Marina South Pier. Tic price per person is S$18 round trip, for weekends. First boat on Sat left at 9am. Parking at the pier is very limited. I drove in at 815am just to make sure I'll get a lot.
So what should you know about coming to Kusu island?
1. Don't play hide and go seek.
Island is tiny. it'll take you less than 30mins to go round the whole island. And that's at a leisurely pace.
2. Pack your own food.
This is especially so if you have dietary restrictions. Except for a single small eatery within the Chinese Temple on the island there's no food. And since it's a Chinese place I'm not too sure you'll get halal food.
I believe it's run by a husband and wife team and whatever they were cooking when I walked by smelt yummy! I didn't get to try the food bec we'd packed some delicious home made tuna and mayo sandwiches 😁
3. Bring a book to read and enjoy the tranquility.
The temple is the only built up structure on this island. It's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese during the month of Sept. Hint: don't come in Sept it'll be very crowded... (Unless you like crowds of course... then why leave the mainland in the first place? ;p) There are also nice beaches to swim in.
4. You'll be home by dinner.
There's no overnight camping in Kusu. You have to leave on the last boat from the island which is at 430pm on the weekends. If you're stranded there's an emergency coast guard contact by the jetty.
5. You won't go home covered in salt.
Toilets are clean and sanitary and there are shower stalls so you can clean yourself up, after romping on the beach, for that fab dinner you've got planned when you get back to the mainland.
6. BEWARE THE 2 MONKEYS!
So there are 2 resident monkeys on the island you have to be wary of. One is big, about the size of a small dog. and the other is smaller, size of your average cat. These guys are intelligent and will attack you. Especially if you attempt to take pictures of them. I dunno why they don't like cameras.
They will come to your rest area and if you're not looking they'll open your bag - they know how to work zippers - and take your stuff and run off. It's a good idea to have a stick with you to fend them off if necessary.
You just have to wave the stick at them and they'll keep away... For heaven's sake don't hurt them! WE are the visitors to their island...
Ok my ferry is reaching the mainland so am gonna end the review. Hope it was useful. 😊
Written August 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justmeplease
Brisbane, Australia311 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
A ferry ride and some time on this tiny Island is a very relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The only thing on the Island is 2 temples and a tortoise sanctuary. There are no shops so make sure you bring some drinks and snacks with you. There are also toilet facilities and outdoor showers to rinse off if you decide to go swimming.
The Island has wide paved paths suitable for wheel chairs and strollers. There is also an abundance of picnic tables and chairs, all of which have a view of the ocean and a refreshing sea breeze.
It seems to be a popular spot for fishing and there were also people swimming near the beaches.
Bring a book to read, or some sports gear to pass the time or simply sit back admire the Singapore skyline from a different perspective and watch the boats go by.
The ferry ride will cost you $18.00 per adult from the Marina south pier. Check the timetable as the ferries are infrequent and you will be spending at least 2 hours on the island when you disembark. Best way to get to the ferry terminal is by taxi, or if you are not in a hurry there is the number 402 bus. The ferry also stops at St Johns Island and your fare will allow you to spend some time on both Islands.
The Island has wide paved paths suitable for wheel chairs and strollers. There is also an abundance of picnic tables and chairs, all of which have a view of the ocean and a refreshing sea breeze.
It seems to be a popular spot for fishing and there were also people swimming near the beaches.
Bring a book to read, or some sports gear to pass the time or simply sit back admire the Singapore skyline from a different perspective and watch the boats go by.
The ferry ride will cost you $18.00 per adult from the Marina south pier. Check the timetable as the ferries are infrequent and you will be spending at least 2 hours on the island when you disembark. Best way to get to the ferry terminal is by taxi, or if you are not in a hurry there is the number 402 bus. The ferry also stops at St Johns Island and your fare will allow you to spend some time on both Islands.
Written August 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolienBAC
Leuven, Belgium10,239 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
A charming little artificial island worth visiting if you have some time to spare. The journey to and from the island is not that agreeable since you are trapped inside the ferry with no possibility to go outside and enjoy the ride. The cabin of the ferry is drenched by the stench of the fumes from the motor. But it is the only way to get to the island, so you'll have the endure it.
Kusu Island itself is very beautiful. If you want to spend an afternoon on a quiet beach swimming and enjoying the sun, this place is perfect. There are two temples on the island: Tua Pek Kong Temple and Keramat Kusu. Both very different but well worth the visit, although you'll have to climb more than 100 stairs to get to the second one. We got a yellow ribbon tied around our wrist at the second one and received a blessing for good health and luck.
Kusu Island means Turtle Island, so naturally there are lot of turtles on this island.
When you don't plan on spending the day on the beach, two hours are enough for visiting this cute little island.
Kusu Island itself is very beautiful. If you want to spend an afternoon on a quiet beach swimming and enjoying the sun, this place is perfect. There are two temples on the island: Tua Pek Kong Temple and Keramat Kusu. Both very different but well worth the visit, although you'll have to climb more than 100 stairs to get to the second one. We got a yellow ribbon tied around our wrist at the second one and received a blessing for good health and luck.
Kusu Island means Turtle Island, so naturally there are lot of turtles on this island.
When you don't plan on spending the day on the beach, two hours are enough for visiting this cute little island.
Written April 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
orangemuffin
Singapore, Singapore288 contributions
Nov 2014 • Family
Wanting to explore the islands in Singapore, we decided to research on how to get to Kusu Island and were pleasantly surprised to know that we were able to visit 2 islands on the South Island Ferry.
We were there on a Friday afternoon and the ferry leaves the Marina South Pier at 2pm. The ferry has an air-conditioned lower deck and the upper deck is shielded where you can enjoy the sea breeze. The upper deck definitely is a better option for snap happy visitors! First stop for the ferry is St John's Island and you can take a slow stroll or a quick dip in the sea before returning to the ferry at 2.40pm. It is onwards to Kusu Island after this and I never expected Kusu to be so clean and well maintained.
There are 2 temples on this island and the first one is visible after you embark from the ferry while the other is up on the hill. Echoing previous reviewers, there are many picnic areas and pavilions with tables and benches. Drinks are sold in the Chinese temple but no food is available.
If you have time to spare or desire a short getaway from the city, this may be a good choice!
We were there on a Friday afternoon and the ferry leaves the Marina South Pier at 2pm. The ferry has an air-conditioned lower deck and the upper deck is shielded where you can enjoy the sea breeze. The upper deck definitely is a better option for snap happy visitors! First stop for the ferry is St John's Island and you can take a slow stroll or a quick dip in the sea before returning to the ferry at 2.40pm. It is onwards to Kusu Island after this and I never expected Kusu to be so clean and well maintained.
There are 2 temples on this island and the first one is visible after you embark from the ferry while the other is up on the hill. Echoing previous reviewers, there are many picnic areas and pavilions with tables and benches. Drinks are sold in the Chinese temple but no food is available.
If you have time to spare or desire a short getaway from the city, this may be a good choice!
Written November 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mathew F
Seaford, Australia10 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
I visited here in late August 2018. The were currently fixing up the location due to the finding of asbestos. As such, around 80% of the island cannot be accessed. A small Chinese temple, toilet block and a few turtles are all you can see on your current 2 hour stop. Wait until late October 2018 or after until the island is fully fixed. Then it should be a pleasant spot to visit. The closely located St Johns island has also suffered the same fate but has a longer wait. There is more to see on that island though. You have been warned...
Written August 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SOH KIEN PENG
Singapore, Singapore9,664 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
I was in Police Coast Guard between 1980 and 1987 and every year during October pilgrimage period, I will be deployed together with other officers for crowd control duty on the island. After I left Police Coast Guard, I did not make any further trip to the island until last Thursday when our Welfare organized an island hopping cruise to visit this island again.
As I walked down the lane leading to the Chinese Temple, a nostalgic memory flashed across my mind. 30 years ago, I was that smart looking, energetic and youthful officer standing on guard at this spot of the island directing the human traffic flow.
Today, I am just alone in plain attire walking down this memory lane looking at the same old Tua Pek Kong temple across the little pond. As I looked down at the reflection in the pond, I saw a man with a wrinkled face and bunch of white hair overgrown above his forehead.
Time flies but this Kusu Island seem the same Kusu island that I knew 30 years ago. The bold red and green roof temple building contrasted starkly with the surrounding, the Tortoise sanctuary, the keramat temple at the hill top, the long stretch of sandy beach and the many coconut and palm trees that wavered in the wind.
My colleagues went into the temple compound to pray to the two deities, the Tua Pek Gong and the Goddess of Mercy. The praying hall has not changed much and the sculpture of two tortoises still remained standing at the compound. The label on the sculpture showed that it was erected in 1976.
We walked up the stairs to the keramat Datuk Nenek temple at the hill-top. Despite having some back pain, I still managed to surmount the climb. The yellow painted praying area remained the same that I saw 30 years back and is still very well maintained.
From the keramat, we walked down to the beach. The area was full of trees and probably filled with positive ions. It is a healthy getaway for a half a day island hopping cruise to this island. No pollution from passing vehicles, no heavy traffic, no car horns, no noise pollution but just the rhyme of the splashing sea waves and the soothing wind that caressed my face. It was rejuvenating and a refreshing nostalgic outing. The atmosphere was serene and the scenery pristine.
We spent about an hour here but it was enough to refresh all my old memories. As the ferries departed from the jetty, I wondered when will I come again to this island that is far from the madding crowd.
As I walked down the lane leading to the Chinese Temple, a nostalgic memory flashed across my mind. 30 years ago, I was that smart looking, energetic and youthful officer standing on guard at this spot of the island directing the human traffic flow.
Today, I am just alone in plain attire walking down this memory lane looking at the same old Tua Pek Kong temple across the little pond. As I looked down at the reflection in the pond, I saw a man with a wrinkled face and bunch of white hair overgrown above his forehead.
Time flies but this Kusu Island seem the same Kusu island that I knew 30 years ago. The bold red and green roof temple building contrasted starkly with the surrounding, the Tortoise sanctuary, the keramat temple at the hill top, the long stretch of sandy beach and the many coconut and palm trees that wavered in the wind.
My colleagues went into the temple compound to pray to the two deities, the Tua Pek Gong and the Goddess of Mercy. The praying hall has not changed much and the sculpture of two tortoises still remained standing at the compound. The label on the sculpture showed that it was erected in 1976.
We walked up the stairs to the keramat Datuk Nenek temple at the hill-top. Despite having some back pain, I still managed to surmount the climb. The yellow painted praying area remained the same that I saw 30 years back and is still very well maintained.
From the keramat, we walked down to the beach. The area was full of trees and probably filled with positive ions. It is a healthy getaway for a half a day island hopping cruise to this island. No pollution from passing vehicles, no heavy traffic, no car horns, no noise pollution but just the rhyme of the splashing sea waves and the soothing wind that caressed my face. It was rejuvenating and a refreshing nostalgic outing. The atmosphere was serene and the scenery pristine.
We spent about an hour here but it was enough to refresh all my old memories. As the ferries departed from the jetty, I wondered when will I come again to this island that is far from the madding crowd.
Written March 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does the Ming Dynasty replica boat still does tours to Kusu Island?
Written November 8, 2023
Not sure, normally its Marina South Pier Ferry 😁
Written November 30, 2023
18 SGD per head for selected views only
Written September 17, 2019
The island itself is very small. One walk around the whole island wouldn’t take more than 10min. In the centre of the island there are a few tombs to see located at the top of a few steps.
Written May 10, 2019
Hi!
Does the island still in maintenance now?
I'd like to get a trip there this December.
Written November 25, 2018
Just sit down on the ground or beach, it is very peaceful time.
But biringing water or drinks are strongly recommended, and if you feel hugry, some foods or snack. Sun umbrella is good to bring. I'm not sure but probably resttoom is available.
Please mind, please check ferry schedule. Usually once / 2h, and the last one from Kusu to Marina South is 14:00 (wkd), 15:00 (Sa), 17:00 (Sun).
Written December 2, 2018
Hi Are there any food stall at this island. What kind of food is available?
Written December 25, 2017
No. You need take everything - water and food. You have some shops at Marina South pier. But nothing at St. John and Kusu.
Written December 25, 2017
please check islandcurise ferry schedule
Written November 16, 2017
jhayanie05
Singapore, Singapore
Hi is there any food court or can buy food in kusu island ??
Written September 25, 2017
only soft drinks/water is available. no food court is there. Bring food with you!.
Written September 25, 2017
Some pple said if this year I pray at kusu , I must continuously go to pray for 3 yrs. is this true ?
Written October 16, 2016
Can one can do camping in Kusu Island for a night.
If yes, how to and does need to get Camping License?
Written September 2, 2016
Camping is not allowed in Kusu island. You can try St johns island
Written September 2, 2016
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