Kusu Island
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (July 2022) |
Native name: Pulau Tembakul 龟屿 குசு தீவு | |
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 Aerial perspective of Kusu Island, Singapore. Shot in 2016. | |
 Location of Kusu Island within Singapore | |
.svg)  Kusu Island | |
| Etymology | Tortoise island |
| Geography | |
| Location | Southeast Asia |
| Coordinates | 1°13′22″N 103°51′40″E / 1.22278°N 103.86111°E |
| Archipelago | Malay Archipelago |
| Area | 0.085 km2 (0.033 sq mi) |
| Administration | |
Singapore | |
| Region | Central Region |
| Planning Area | Southern Islands |
| Demographics | |
| Population | not applicable (not allowed to live there) |
| Additional information | |
| Official website | Official website |
| Transport Marina South Pier | |
Kusu Island is one of the Southern Islands in Singapore, located about 5.6 kilometres (3.5 miles) to the south of the main island of Singapore and below the Singapore Straits. "Kusu" means "Tortoise Island" or "Turtle Island" in Hokkien (Chinese: 龟屿; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Ku-sū); the island is also known as Peak Island or Pulau Tembakul in Malay.
During the lunar ninth month of every year, the Kusu Island pilgrimage attracts thousands of devotees who visit and worship at the Kusu Island Tua Pek Kong Temple. Besides the Chinese temple, the island is also home to Keramat Kusu.
From two outcrops on a reef, the island was enlarged and transformed into an island of 85,000 square metres (914,932 sq ft).
Mythology
[edit]There are many legends surrounding the island and they mainly revolve around a giant tortoise as well as the friendship between two men, one Malay and the other Chinese.[1]
- Two holy men by the name of Syed Rahman, an Arab, and Yam, a Chinese, who meditated and fasted on their pilgrimage to Kusu Island. During the journey, Yam fell ill, and Syed prayed for his recovery. Their lives were saved when a boat appeared with food and water. Thereafter, the 2 holy men regularly visited Kusu Island to give thanks. The Tua Pek Kong temple and Datuk Keramat were subsequently erected and dedicated to their memory.[1][2]
- During one lunar 9th month centuries ago, shipwrecked sailors were rescued by a giant turtle which turned itself into an island. The sailors returned the next year to make offerings. Since then, Kusu Island has become a place of worship.[2]
- Two shipwrecked fishermen, a Chinese and a Malay were saved by a giant turtle that transformed into an island.[1]
History
[edit]On April 17, 2022, the keramats were badly damaged in a fire.[3]
Facilities
[edit]At the top of the hillock on Kusu Island stood a large shrine, the Keramat Kusu that consisted of three shrines. While the origin of the Keramat was unknown, there are two variations of the origin. The first version was that it was the shrine for a Malay sailor or fisherman[4] and the second version was that it housed the shrines of Sayyid 'Abd al-Rahman, an Arab immigrant, his mother Nenek Ghalib and his daughter Puteri Sharifah Fatimah.[5][4]
Also located on Kusu island is the Kusu Island Tua Pek Kong Temple dedicated to both Tua Pek Kong and Guanyin. Built in 1923 by a wealthy businessman, the temple also include Eight Immortals, Guan Yu and the Tiger god (虎爷).[6] The temple also houses a fertility tree (求子树), where well wishes are hung upon it.
A stand-alone open-air hawker centre is located in the middle of the island but it is only open and running during certain periods of the year, such as during festivals or pilgrimages to the keramat or the temple.
No overnight stays are permitted on the island.
Pilgrimage
[edit]Every year during the Chinese Lunar 9th month, thousands of devotees from Singapore and neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand will make their pilgrimage to Kusu Island.[2] The 9th lunar month is thought to be sacred due to its linkages to the origination myth of Kusu Island.[2] During the pilgrimage, offerings such as fruits, joss papers and Chinese prosperity cakes (發糕) are brought by pilgrims to give thanks to the deities and pray for blessings. Pilgrims would also replace fulu talismans and fraying amulets from the previous year with new ones.[citation needed]
As part of the annual pilgrimage, devotees also climb 152 steps to pay respects at the Datuk Keramat. Devotees pray for wealth, good marriage, good health and harmony at the shrines. They are also popular with childless couples who would pray for children.
Transportation
[edit]Ferry trips are available via Marina South Pier.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Lu, Caixia (2012). "The Kusu Pilgrimage: An Enduring Myth" (PDF). International Institute for Asian Studies: The Newsletter. 59: 50–51.
- ^ a b c d Chia, Jack Meng-Tat (2009). "Managing The Tortoise Island: Tua Pek Kong Temple, Pilgrimage, and Social Change in Pulau Kusu, 1965–2007" (PDF). New Zealand Journal of Asian Studies. 11 (2): 72–95.
- ^ "Fire breaks out on Kusu Island". CNA. Retrieved 2022-04-19.
- ^ a b Vernon, Cornelius. "Kusu Island – Singapore Infopedia". National Library Board. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- ^ "Singapore's Kusu Island". Asia Magazine: 18–19. 16 September 1973.
- ^ https://www.travel.taipei/en/pictorial/article/28863
- ^ "Kusu Island visitors advised to go on weekdays during October pilgrimage season: SLA". The Straits Times. 2024-09-19. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 2025-04-02.
External links
[edit]
- "Keeping alive Kusu Island pilgrimage". The Straits Times (online). 2017-11-09. Retrieved 2022-07-10.
- "Limit of 500 visitors a day during Kusu Island's annual pilgrimage season amid Covid-19". The Straits Times (online). 2021-09-12. Retrieved 2022-07-10.
- Pilgrimage to Kusu Island - INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE
- Info for visitors on wildsingapore
- Kusu Island Coral Reef Survey Data on Coral Reefs of Singapore
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