Annual Kusu Island pilgrimage will have 500-person daily limit
SINGAPORE - This year’s annual pilgrimage season to Kusu Island will see a daily limit of 500 visitors imposed amid COVID-19 safe management measures, said the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) on Wednesday (23 September).
Those who wish to visit during the season, which takes place from 17 October to 14 November, must make a reservation. Reservations for up to five persons can be made from Monday (28 September).
One of Singapore’s southern islands, Kusu Island is home to the popular Da Bo Gong Temple and the keramat (shrine) built to commemorate the 19th century pious man Syed Abdul Rahman, his mother Nenek Ghalib and sister Puteri Fatimah.
Every year during the Ninth Lunar Month, tens of thousands of devotees make their way to Kusu for the annual pilgrimage.
How do I make a reservation?
After making a reservation via https://go.gov.sg/kps2020 or the QR code above, SLA will send a confirmation email to applicants. This email is needed to purchase ferry tickets from the ferry operator, Singapore Island Cruise & Ferry Services Pte Ltd, which has a counter at Marina South Pier. Tickets can be purchased on the date and time of visit.
How much do tickets cost?
Adult fares | Child fares (Ages 1 – 12) |
$16 (Monday to Friday) $18 (Weekends and public holidays) | $12 (Monday to Friday, Weekends and public holidays) |
What time will the ferries depart?
The first ferry will depart from Marina South Pier at 7am, while the last ferry will depart from Kusu Island at 7pm, at hourly intervals. Ferries will observe a limit of 50 passengers for each departure. Visitors must also check in via SafeEntry and have their temperatures taken before boarding.
Please note that during the pilgrimage season, all regular ferry services to St John’s Island will not stop by Kusu Island on its return trip to Marina South Pier. All private ferries and private yachts are also not allowed to berth at Kusu’s jetties.
How do I get to Marina South Pier?
Members of the public are advised to use public transportation to get to Marina South Pier because of limited parking lots. Visitors can either take SBS Transit Bus 400 directly, or the MRT to Marina South Pier MRT station. As the Marina South Pier carpark will not be available on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays during this period, free shuttle buses will run between Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore Carpark and Marina South Pier from 6am to 8pm, every 15-20 minutes on weekends and public holidays.
Is there a limit on the number of visitors to the temple and keramat?
Due to a limited capacity of 30 people within the temple and 15 people within the keramat (shrine), visitors must likely wait in line before entering these places of worship on the island. As weekends are a popular period, devotees are advised to visit Kusu Island on weekdays. They are also advised to stay home if they are feeling unwell.
Where can I get more information?
Members of the public can call 1800 323 9829 (toll free) or contact SLA via its online feedback form.
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