4-Hour Kusu Island Walking Tour with Temple Heritage and Sunset Views

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Enjoy views of anchored ships and the Southern Islands on the ferry ride from Marina South Pier
• 02 Discover the legend of Kusu Island and learn about the Kusu Pilgrimage Season
• 03 Visit the Da Bo Gong Temple and climb 152 steps to the Keramat of the three Malay Saints
• 04 Learn about St John's Island's history as a quarantine station and penal settlement
• 05 Capture city skyline and sunset views on the return from the Southern Islands

Enjoy a 30-minute ferry ride from Marina South Pier to Kusu Island, taking in views of anchored ships and the scenic Southern Islands along the way. On Kusu Island, discover the legend behind its name, learn about the Kusu Pilgrimage Season, and visit the Da Bo Gong Temple and the Keramat, reached by climbing 152 steps to the three Malay Saints. The experience also includes a boat ride past additional islands and insights into St John's Island's history as a quarantine station and penal settlement. End the tour with beautiful views of the city skyline and sunset on the return to Singapore.

Enjoy a 30-minute ferry ride from Marina South Pier to Kusu Island, taking in views of anchored ships and the scenic Southern Islands along the way.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access No

City Singapore

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Kusu Island Heritage Tour and Southern Islands Cruise

• 14:30 - Reach Marina South Pier - Exit B (at the Marina South Ferries counter).
• Meet at the Marina South Ferries counter, as indicated in the photo.
• 15:00 - Depart from Marina South Pier for Kusu Island (30 minutes).
• The tour begins with a 30-minute ferry ride from Marina South Pier to Kusu Island.
• Spot various ships anchored in the waters, including bulk carriers, container ships, bunkering ships, livestock carriers, and roll-on/roll-off ships.
• Catch glimpses of the islands that make up the Southern Islands.
• 15:30 - Kusu Island, a.k.a. Tortoise Island.
• Introduction to the legend of Kusu Island and how it got its name.
• Learn about the Kusu Pilgrimage Season.
• Visit the Da Bo Gong Temple.
• Climb 152 steps to the Keramat to visit the three Malay Saints.
• Discover local traditions and beliefs.
• 17:30 - Depart from Kusu Island.
• Take a 20-minute boat ride to explore additional islands along the way.
• 18:00 - Arrive at St John's Island (no disembarkation).
• Learn about the origin of St John's Island and its history as a quarantine station for immigrants and a penal settlement until the 1970s.
• Capture Instagram-worthy shots of the city skyline and sunset as you depart from the Southern Islands and return to Singapore.
• 18:45 - Return to Marina South Pier (estimated).
• Timings are estimated and are subject to weather and sea conditions at the time.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• A licensed English-speaking Singapore Tourist Guide and nature guide
• A bottle of mineral water

What's Not Included

• Ferry tickets - to be purchased on-site
• Public ferries: S$15 per pax + S$15 guide (based on schedule timing)
• Payment mode: Singapore dollars only (cash) or Visa/Mastercard
• Transport from/to hotel is not provided
• Personal expenses
• Accident insurance coverage/liability

What to bring

• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Poncho or umbrella
• Cap or hat
• Water
• Light snacks (optional)
• Self-medication
• Motion sickness pills (to be taken at least 1 hour before the trip)

Know before you go

• Please arrive on time, as the boat will depart promptly.
• If you are bringing snacks, please ensure they are kept in your bag during the trip. Dispose of your trash responsibly.
• Wildlife encounters might occur along the way; do not feed or provoke them.
• Please bring only essentials, as you must carry your belongings with you.
• Please be responsible for your safety. To prevent heat stroke, drink plenty of water and wear a hat or cap.
• On the island, when approached by authorities, please cooperate and comply with their instructions.
• The itinerary may be adjusted at the guide's discretion, especially in bad weather.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

31 Marina Coastal Dr, Singapore 018988, Singapore (meet in front of the Marina South Ferries counter)

Tour start

Kusu Island, Singapore

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.