If you could make a wish, what would it be?
Every year, thousands make their way to Kusu Island to wish for good health, prosperity and even children.
They do so mainly at the two well-known places of worship, the Da Bo Gong (Tua Pek Kong) Temple and three holy shrines at the top of the hill.
Beside Singaporeans, the three-month long festival also attracts many from countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Myanmar and others. At its peak in the 1980s, more than 100,000 visited the island each year.
Island Nation speaks to the two caretakers of the temple and shrine – who have been working for more than three decades – about their experience working during the Kusu Island Festival over the years.
Many people get babies after they pray here. There was a Burmese couple who came in 2012. In 2014, they returned in January and brought twin boys.
Hussein Bin Hashim, Caretaker of Datok Gong Shrine
When you pray to God, the further you go, the better. It’s like the eight immortals crossing the sea. It will bring luck.
Seet Seng Huat, Caretaker of Da Bo Gong (Tua Pek Kong) Temple