Missed our visit to Tua Pek Kong Temple? Catch up with Part 2 below!
Kusu Island Part 2 — A Visit to Tua Pek Kong Temple
Seeking Guidance the Traditional Way 🙏
Aunty: So many hands must have held these while seeking an answer—or simply a little reassurance.
Bamboo fortune sticks and red crescent-shaped divination blocks are traditional means through which devotees seek spiritual counsel.
Their worn surfaces quietly speak of the many questions, hopes and uncertainties that worshippers have brought before the deity over the years.
The Old Guardians Still Stand Strong
Aunty: You two have been guarding this temple for a long time, haven’t you?
Temple Guardians: A little rain, sun and peeling paint cannot chase us away!
Their colours may have faded and their surfaces may be worn, but these old guardians are still standing proudly at their posts.
Every crack and patch of peeling paint carries the marks of time—yet the pair continue watching over the temple, just as they have done through the years.
A Wall of Many, Many Wishes ❤️
Aunty: Wah… how many wishes are hanging here?
Wish Wall: Too many to count—but every one means something to somebody.
Hundreds of wooden plaques hung closely together, their red strings forming a bright waterfall against the rocky wall.
Some looked freshly written while others had already weathered with time. Each one carried a private hope—for health, happiness, family, love or better days ahead.
Welcome to Tortoise Island 🐢
Aunty: Ahhh… now I understand—Kusu Island means Tortoise Island!
Tortoises: Correct, Aunty. Welcome to our territory!
“Kusu” means “tortoise” in Hokkien, so naturally these sturdy fellows had to make an appearance.
One was already resting proudly at the top while another continued its determined climb. Slowly but surely—just like Aunty exploring the island!
The Whole Tortoise Clan Is Here 🐢
Aunty: First I saw the tortoise family on the wall…
Tortoises: Turn around, Aunty—the whole clan is waiting inside!
Snake: Hello, don’t forget me!
Aunty: Oi, why are you joining the tortoise family portrait?
Behind the colourful wall was an entire gathering of shelled residents—some resting on the tiled platform, some crowding around the little ramp and others slowly paddling through the water.
Now this truly felt like Tortoise Island!
Through the Old Temple Gate 🚪
Aunty: Hello, Mr Gate—may I pass?
Temple Gate: I’m already open, Aunty. Your next discovery is waiting beyond!
Painted bright red with dark lattice panels, the rounded gate had a simple but distinctive old-world character.
Through its opening, a quiet path and stone steps could already be seen. It felt like one part of the temple visit was ending—and another little adventure was about to begin.
Prayers Done, Kachak Done—Where Next? 📸
Ah Girl: Ma, are you finally finished?
Aunty: Prayers done, kachak done… so where are we going next?
Temple Gate: Straight ahead, Aunty—there’s still more of the island waiting!
With our prayers offered and every interesting temple corner properly kachak-ed, it was time to move on.
We stepped through the open red gate and followed the brick path ahead—Aunty’s handphone ready and her wandering eyes still very much on duty.
The Island Adventure Continues…
Aunty: Temple visit completed! Time to move on.
Kusu Island: Don’t leave yet, Aunty—I still have more waiting for you!
Our visit to Da Bogong Temple had come to an end, but our Kusu Island adventure was far from over.
Beyond the red gate, another path—and another story—was waiting for us.
Aunty’s Escape Plan: Rejected!
Now came the part of the trip I had been dreading—the climb up to pray to Datuk Nenek. The signboard announced 152 steps, and Aunty was already considering an alternative itinerary.
Perhaps Ah Girl and the gang could head uphill while I explored the food centre or browsed the souvenir stalls below? Everybody would have something to do. Quite a sensible arrangement, surely?
Aunty: You all go up and pray lah. I can look around the food centre and souvenir stalls while waiting!
Ah Girl: Nice try, Mummy. You’re coming with us!
Aunty: But somebody should inspect what’s down here mah…
Legs: We support Aunty’s proposal!
Ah Girl: Come, let’s go!
Aiyoh… my little escape plan hadn’t even got off the ground, and it was already rejected. Ah Girl was keeping Aunty firmly with the gang. Those 152 steps were waiting! 👣
Even the Sign Says UP!
Aunty: Excuse me, where’s the arrow pointing towards the food stalls?
Sign: My instructions are very clear, Aunty—UP!
Legs: Can we appeal?
Sign: Please direct all appeals to Ah Girl.
Aunty: Aiyoh… then no chance already lah!
There it was, a bright yellow arrow spelling out exactly where I was supposed to go. With Ah Girl keeping me with the gang and the sign pointing the way, Aunty’s alternative itinerary was officially cancelled. Up we go—one step at a time!
Camera Happy, Legs Unhappy!
Beneath the Datok Kong archway, the staircase stretched uphill between bright yellow railings, surrounded by thick tropical greenery. It was a lovely setting—although Aunty would have appreciated it even more if the path were flat!
Camera: Wah, look at those lines leading right into the greenery! Beautiful!
Legs: Leading UPHILL, you mean. Please include that detail.
Aunty: Let me take a photo first.
Legs: Take your time. Try a few angles. We’re in no hurry!
Camera: Since when were you two so supportive of photography?
For once, my camera and my legs agreed on a photo stop—although their reasons were very different! One wanted a lovely picture; the other wanted to delay the climb.
Powered by Thoughts of Lunch!🍗
Ah Girl + Gang: Aunty, think of the char kway teow, oyster omelette, chicken wings… GO! GO! GO!
Aunty: Oi, you all know exactly how to tempt me hor!
Legs: Wait… those dishes are included in this trip?
Tummy: Never mind the questions. Start climbing!
Camera: Wah, suddenly everybody is moving!
My escape plan had failed, but the gang had found another way to get Aunty uphill: a very persuasive menu. With every dish they named, lunch sounded better—and my legs became a little more cooperative.
A Grateful Aunty at the Top
Would you believe it? Aunty climbed all the way up without stopping—not even once—and without any leg cramps! After all my worries beforehand, I was amazed at myself.
Aunty: Eh… we reached already? My legs didn’t complain?
Legs: Give us some credit, Aunty. We did well today!
Tummy: Now, about that char kway teow…
Jokes aside, I felt truly blessed. Thank you, Datok Kong and Datuk Nenek, for watching over Aunty on the climb. I reached the top with a grateful heart—and a little more confidence in these legs of mine. 🙏💛
A Thankful Moment at the Top
The yellow staircase had brought us to this sheltered prayer area, with DATOK KONG written across the arch above. Yellow pillars and railings framed the space, while the surrounding trees were still very much part of the setting.
Aunty: Datok Kong and Datuk Nenek, Aunty made it up. Thank you for watching over me. 🙏
I joined Ah Girl and the gang to offer my prayers, feeling grateful that the climb had gone so smoothly. Before coming up, I had been thinking about whether my legs could manage. Now that I was here, my heart was full of thanks. 💛
Tying Wishes to the Trees
Yellow ribbons were tied among the glossy green leaves, each little knot holding a wish close to someone’s heart.
Aunty’s wish was simple: good health for my family. May everyone stay safe and well, and may we have many more ordinary, happy days together.
Aunty: A little ribbon, but a big wish—please watch over my family. 🙏💛
Climb completed! Now let's head downhill for some seaside fun and makan! Continue to Part 4 below.
Kusu Island Part 4 — Down the Hill, Along the Sea & Straight to Makan!
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