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Top 10 Remarquable Facts about Lazarus Island and Kusu Island

Singapore is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. It attracts millions of visitors every year. It is the fifth most visited city in the world, with attractions such as Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa, and Merlion Park being the most popular amongst tourists.

In addition to mainland Singapore, other islands that are noteworthy include Kusu Island, St John’s Island, Sisters Island, and Lazarus Island. A cruise is a perfect way to visit these islands and also admire Singapore’s beautiful skyline. They have eye-catching landscapes and pristine beaches.

Kusu Island is located about 5.6 kilometers from Singapore. It is one of the southern islands of the country. To access it you need to hop on a ferry from Marina South Pier with Singapore Island Cruise, the country’s longest-serving and first ferry operator.

Lazarus Island is a little-known beach paradise. Getting to Lazarus Island is not straightforward, but it will be worth the effort. To reach Lazarus Island, one must first take a ferry ride from the mainland to St John’s Island. A 20-minute walk across a causeway will take you from St John’s Island to Lazarus Island.

Let us have a look at some of the most remarkable facts about the two Islands:

1. Kusu Island was named owing to an old legend

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Kusu translates to ‘turtle’ or ‘tortoise’ in Chinese. It came from a legend. The legend goes that a giant tortoise turned itself into an island to save the lives of two shipwrecked sailors.

After being rescued, they returned to thank the tortoise., and built a kramat or shrine in its memory. Since then, many other people have continued this tradition of giving thanks and prayers on the eleventh month of the lunar calendar which is also known as the “Kusu” season.

The tranquil landscape and pristine beaches are incredibly popular among visitors, making it the perfect spot.

2. It holds a popular Chinese Temple

Da Bo Gong or Tua Pek Kong (Grand Uncle) is a Chinese Temple located on Kusu Island. It was built in 1923 by a wealthy businessman. The temple houses two main deities – the Da Bo Gong and Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy).

The former is highly regarded as having the power to confer prosperity, cure diseases, calm the sea, and avert danger, while Guan Yin is known as the ‘giver of sons.

At the top of the rugged hillock on Kusu Island stands three kramats (or holy shrines of Malay saints) to commemorate a pious man (Syed Abdul Rahman), his mother (Nenek Ghalib) and sister (Puteri Fatimah) who lived in the 19th century.

3. There is plenty of activities to do on the Kusu island

There are three Malay shrines or “kramats” and a Chinese temple on Kusu Island. Many devotees will climb the 152 steps leading to the kramats to pray for wealth, good marriage, good health, and harmony. The shrines are also popular with childless couples who would pray for children.

Other activities that can be done are picnics. Afternoon picnics are popular on this island. Families and friends spend time having fun in the sun and sea.

This island is popular for its lagoons, pristine beaches, and tranquil settings. A morning or evening run can be rejuvenating.

4. Kusu Island has a wishing well

Wishing Well. Image by Thaejas –

Kusu Island attracts plenty of people annually. Many flocks to the island to pray for prosperity and good health. Situated in Kusu Island Temple is a lotus-shaped wishing well.

Inside the concrete structure are several bells in the center. All you need to do is make a wish and toss a coin into the well (be sure to aim for one of the bells!).

It is believed that if your coin hits the bell, your wish will come true. So don’t forget to bring along some spare change, and who knows, you might have your wish granted!

5. Kusu Island hosts a tortoise sanctuary

Marble Tortoises on Kusu Island. Image by Thaejas-

The Tortoise Sanctuary is a must-see on Kusu Island. Towards the heart of the island and hundreds of tortoises may be found wading calmly in the sanctuary. They come in all sorts of different shapes, sizes, and shell patterns, so you can have fun spotting them.

Did you know that tortoises are known to be a symbol of longevity? Besides the sanctuary, a couple of tortoises may also be found within the sacred grounds of the Kusu Island Temple!

6. Lazarus Island was originally used as a prison

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Lazarus Island is connected to St John’s Island through a causeway. Originally used as a prison, Lazarus Island was left abandoned when a prisoner escaped from the island.

Fires that broke out in 1902 and 1914 burned away all the vegetation, and the island was left mostly unused. Currently, the C-shaped lagoon is renowned for its white and sandy beach and has been called one of Singapore’s best-kept secrets.

There are also plenty of breakwaters with good viewing spots along the way to take in the scenery.

7. There are plenty of fun activities to do on Lazarus Island

Lazarus Island has been touted as one of Singapore’s best-kept secrets and also one of the forgotten islands. Numerous activities can be enjoyed on this hidden gem.

Fly a kite, have a picnic, or just laze on the beach and chill in the waters of the beautiful Lazarus Beach. This horseshoe bend-shaped beach is a beautiful place to just relax for the afternoon.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, rent a yacht and enjoy the beach from your private yacht. You can enjoy kayaking with your friends, as well as also opt to add on sea activities rental (like jet ski, sea scooter) as well as get a bbq lunch catered too!

8. You might spot pink dolphins on the trip to Lazarus

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The trip to Lazarus island takes just 30-minutes from Singapore. The ferry ride to St. John’s Island and back is a wonderful way of seeing the city’s iconic skyline from another vantage point.

You might spot some pink dolphins on your way located in the waters between Singapore and Batam, Lazarus Island is one of the sites where they are more frequently spotted in Singapore.

9. It is home to large and rarer fish

With its quieter waters, Lazarus Island is home to larger and rarer catches like groupers, snappers, and sea bass, making it a popular fishing spot for newbies looking to max out their beginner’s luck.

Anglers recommend casting your line from the rocky breakwaters that flank the beaches so you’ll be able to reach deeper waters. Another popular fishing spot is along the causeway, although you’ll want to come prepared with a makeshift shelter and plenty of sunblocks as the area is fully exposed to the harsh elements.

10. Lazarus Island is more private

The beach on Lazarus Island. Image by Jpatokal –

Lazarus has consistently been named Singapore’s best beach by the online community  Though more than 10 soccer fields are larger than its neighboring island, Lazarus Island is less built up and can only be accessed via a 15-minute walk along a manmade causeway from St John’s Island.

Nonetheless, the spotless shores far from the crowds make it worth the extra effort and isolation

Now a large, contiguous landmass, Lazarus Island was expanded in 2000 by reclaiming land over the submerged reefs of Pulau Seringat and Kias Island. Originally intended to be transformed into a Mediterranean-style resort destination, the area features 1,000 imported coconut trees and a 400-square-meter man-made pond.

 

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