How to go to Kusu Island from Singapore mainland? Kusu Travel Guide 2024

Singapore Kusu Island Ferry Tickets - 新加坡龟屿岛船票
A complete guide for a visit or pilgrimage to Kusu Island. Learn about the island's opening hours, best time to visit, things to do, food, ferry schedules, ticket prices and weather.

Where is Kusu Island? Why visit Kusu Island?

Kusu Island, also known as Tortoise Island (龟屿岛) in the Chinese Hokkien dialect, is located 5.6 km south of mainland Singapore and is part of Singapore’s territory.

Covering just 85,000 square metres and approximately 600 metres wide, this quaint island features a Tua Pek Kong (龟屿大伯公宫) Chinese temple, three Malay Datuk Gong (拿督公 Na Tok Gong) shrines atop a 152-step hill, a scenic pavilion, a hawker center, a jetty, and two lagoons with beachside shelters. It also includes public restrooms with outdoor shower facilities.

Visitors can easily explore the entire island in under an hour. Many choose to visit Kusu Island alongside nearby Lazarus Island and St John Island for a full day of adventure.

Best time to visit Kusu Island (Kusu Praying Season)

Kusu Island welcomes visitors year-round, making it a perfect addition to any tour of nearby St. John’s Island and Lazarus Island.

The best time to visit Kusu Island is during the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, coinciding with the Kusu Pilgrimage. In 2024, this pilgrimage will take place from 3 October 2024 (Thursday) to 31 October 2024 (Thursday)

During this period, ferry service hours to the island will be extended, and the hawker centre will be open to accommodate the influx of visitors.

Kusu Island Weather

Kusu Island shares the same tropical climate as mainland Singapore, characterized by warmth and humidity year-round.

While the weather is generally pleasant, visitors should be prepared for occasional short, heavy rainfalls, particularly during the monsoon season.

For a comfortable visit, it’s advisable to bring sunscreen, lightweight clothing, an umbrella and plenty of drinking water.

Where and how to take a ferry to Kusu Island?

Ferries to Kusu Island depart from Marina South Pier, conveniently located near the iconic Gardens By The Bay. To reach the ferry terminal, take the MRT on the North-South Line (Red line) to (NS28) Marina South Pier station and exit via Exit B.

Marina South Pier / Marina South Ferry Terminal

  • Address: 31 Marina Coastal Drive, #01-04, Singapore 018988 [Map]
  • Tel: +65 6534 9339

Ferry tickets are available for purchase at the Singapore Island Cruise ticket booth on-site at Marina South Pier terminal, as well as through Trip.com or Singapore Island Cruise (SIC) website prior to your visit.

Below are the ticket prices and ferry schedule:

Ticket Price / Per Person (SGD) Adult (13+) Child (1-12 years)
Ferry to St. John’s Island, Lazarus Island and Kusu Island – Weekdays, Weekends & Public Holidays (1 Jan – 2 Oct 2024 & 1 Nov – 31 Dec 2024) 15  12
Ferry to Kusu Island during the pilgrimage season – Weekdays (3 – 31 Oct 2024) 16 12
Ferry to Kusu Island during the pilgrimage season – Weekends & Public Holidays (3 – 31 Oct 2024)
20 12

Note:

  • Ticket prices quoted exclude booking fee and GST, where applicable.

The journey from Marina South Pier to Kusu Island takes approximately one hour if it includes a stop at St. John’s Island. For a direct ferry service between the two terminals, the trip is around 30 minutes.

Ferry Timing / TripMarina South Pier – St John’s IslandSt John’s Island – Kusu IslandKusu Island – Marina South Pier
Weekdays9:00am
10:00am
11:00am
2:00pm
10:45am
3:00pm*
2:45pm
5:00pm*
12:30pm
4:00pm
Weekends & Public Holidays9:00am
11:00am
1:00pm
3:00pm
5:00pm
9:50am
11:50am
1:50pm
3:50pm
5:50pm
10:15am
12:15pm
2:15pm
4:15pm
6:15pm

* This trip will skip Kusu Island and return to Marina South Pier directly.
Note: The last ferry from Kusu Island back to Marina South Pier during the Kusu Pilgrimage is 7:00pm.  

Things to do on Kusu Island

Beyond its role as a site of profound religious significance—where devotees offer incense, pay their respects, and engage in solemn prayers—Kusu Island reveals itself as a hidden gem of tranquil natural beauty.

The island’s pristine beaches invite visitors to indulge in a variety of leisurely activities. Whether you’re looking to relax in a peaceful oasis, enjoy a picnic, take a refreshing swim, or explore the underwater world through snorkeling, Kusu Island accommodates a diverse range of recreational pursuits.

Additionally, its unique vantage points provide stunning backdrops for breathtaking photography, showcasing the mainland Singapore skyline in striking contrast to the island’s untouched beauty.

Food and precaution

Kusu Island’s hawker centre serves as the island’s sole food outlet, operating exclusively during the pilgrimage season for one month each year. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food for consumption or picnicking.

Please note that overnight stays or camping are not permitted on Kusu Island, and pets are also not allowed.

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Andrew L
A geek who's into start-up scene, business and technology. True blue Singaporean who checks his phone every other minute for breaking news and is someone who must always be in the know. Dislike queuing, though.

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