lifestyleadventuresasia

Southern Islands, Singapore

Kusu Island

Kusu Island, located just 5.6km away from Singapore, which means "Tortoise Island" in Chinese, is also known as Peak Island or Pulau Tembakul in Malay. From 2 tiny outcrops on a reef, the island was enlarged and transformed into an 8.5-hectare island holiday resort.

Legend has it that a magical tortoise turned itself into an island to save 2 shipwrecked sailors – a Malay & a Chinese. Each year during the ninth lunar month (falls around Sep to Nov according to the Lunar Calendar), thousands of devotees flock here for their annual Kusu Pilgrimage to pay homage for good health, peace, happiness, good luck and prosperity.

On the island is the popular Chinese temple - Da Bo Gong (The Merchant God or God of Prosperity). Built in 1923 by a wealthy businessman, the temple houses 2 main deities - the Da Bo Gong and Guan Yin. 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'.

On top the rugged hillock stand three Kramats (holy shrines of Malay Saints) to commemorate a pious man (Syed Abdul Rahman), his mother (Nenek Ghalib) & sister (Puteri Fatimah) who lived in the 19th century. 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. Kusu Island is also well loved for its blue lagoons, pristine beaches and tranquil settings. Visitors can pay a visit to the wishing well and Tortoise Sanctuary as well.

Sisters' Islands

A long time ago, there lived a pair of sisters, Minah & Lina, who shared a bond so strong that nothing could separate them. But one day, the notorious chief of the Orang Laut met and fell in love with Lina. Despite the sisters' pleas, the chief took her away and forced her into the sampan. Just then, the sky turned dark and a storm broke out. As Minah made a final attempt to save her sister from leaving the jetty, a large wave came and engulfed her. On seeing this, Lina freed herself from her captors and jumped into the sea to join Minah.

The storm subsided but nowhere could the sisters be found. Instead, two islands emerged from where they had drowned. Called Subar Laut (3.9 ha) & Subar Darat (1.7ha), the two small islands are now known as Sisters' Islands. It was said that every year on that very day when the sisters turned into islands, there will always be storm and rain.

St John Island

Folklore has it that pirates once used it as a hideout. Situated approx. 6.5km south of Singapore, St John's Island (previously known as Pulau Sekijang Bendara) makes an idyllic getaway to get a glorious tan, a picnic on the sandy beach, explore off-beaten treks around the island or simply laze away by the lagoon. Swimming and picnicking are the most popular activities on both islands

The 39-hectare island is also a haven for a host of flora and fauna. Tropical Marine Science Institute, Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore's Marine Aquaculture Centre are also located on the island.

St. John's has three good swimming lagoons. It even has a tiny hilltop restaurant, adorned with French looking seahorses and walruses and playing spacey New Age background music. Holiday-makers yearning for an island stay can book the Holiday Bungalow, which comes comfortably furnished with a kitchen. It can accommodate up to 10 persons

 

Sebana Cove 

Enjoy a golfing get-away to Sebana, Malaysia. Take your friends (up to twelve) across for the day or weekend. A Par 72, 18 hole golf course awaits you, nestled behind the Sebana Resort & Marina.ocated at the southern-most tip of Malaysia, Sebana Resort is the international gateway to what is commonly known as the "caribbean of the East", an area encompassing the islands and waters of the South China Sea and Southern Malay Archipelago.

Stay on board the yacht in the 107 walk-on-berths at the marina or spend a night or two at the resort. Facilities of the resort includes 84 rooms, 24 2-bedrooom apartments, pool, childrens pool, massage, playground, resturants, bars etc.

Suggested itiniary - Day trip

Dep 6.00 am - One15Marina, Sentosa
      6.30 am - immigration clearance
      7.30 am - arrive Sebana/ immigration/ breakfast
      8.30 am - Tee Off for golfers/ swim relax for non-golfers
      4.30 pm - Depart Sebana
      5.30 pm - immigration clearance to Singapore
      6.00 pm - Berth at One15Marina, Sentosa Cove

      

Rawa Island 

Rawa Island is located in the crystal waters of the South China Sea. This paradise Island is accessible by private yacht from Singapore. Its beautiful white sandy beaches, tropical fish, giant clams and abundant marine life, makes it a "must destination", where you can relax from the daily stresses of life.
The famous DeRawa Resturant serves local Malay, Chinese or Western cuisine. Activities on the island include deep sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunbathing, kayaking, island hopping, beach volley ball & tennis.Accommodation on-board your yacht and also land accomodation within their 70 wooden chalets is available for your extra guests.

 Suggested Itinerary - 4 days

 

Riau Islands  

Join Lifestyle Adventures Asia in visiting the Riau Islands, a group of islands in the Riau archipelago of Indonesia. Travel is quite easy on board Hidden Treasure II and is only 11 miles from Singapore by sea. We depart from Raffles Marina Tuas or One15Marina, Sentosa Cove.
We will take care of the custom duties both from Singapore and Indonesia. Visa for most nationalities are obtained on arrival at Nongsa Point Marina. All yachts entering Riau Islands required a Green Book, issued by the Indonesia Embassy. Lifestyle Adventures Asia are fully certified to enter the Riau Islands.

Good golfing facilities are available  at Tamarin Santana, Palm Spring or Tering Bay courses. Tennis Courts, snorkeling, mulit-purpose meeting rooms and banquet facilities also are available within the Nongsa resort.