Kusu Island

Area	Kusu Island
Nearest MRT Station	NS 27 : Marina Bay Exit B / SBS No.402 Marina South Pier

Kusu Island is one of the Southern Islands in Singapore, located about 5.6 km to the south of the main island of Singapore, off the Straits of Singapore. The name means "Tortoise Island" or "Turtle Island" in Chinese; the island is also known as Peak Island or Pulau Tembakul in Malay. From two tiny outcrops on a reef, the island was enlarged and transformed into an island holiday resort of 85,000 square metres.

Story passed down by both Malays and Chineses in Singapore says a magical tortoise turned itself into an island to save two shipwrecked sailors - a Malay and a Chinese. The two men gave thanks according to his belief system, the former by building a Muslim kramat (Shrine), and the latter by establishing a Taoist shrine. Located on Kusu island is the popular Chinese temple, Da Bo Gong temple or Tua Pek Kong temple. Built in 1923 by a wealthy businessman, the temple houses two main deities - the Da Bo Gong (Grand Uncle) 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'.