Fodor's Expert Review Kusu Island

One of the Southern Islands and situated less than 4 miles southwest of Singapore, Kusu, whose name means "turtle" in Chinese, is known for its beaches and temples. One of these is Kramat Kusu, dedicated to a Malay saint named Haji Syed Abdul Rahman, who, with his mother and sister, is said to have disappeared supernaturally from the island in the 19th century. To reach the shrine, you climb more than 100 steps that go up through a forest. Plastic bags containing stones have been hung on the trees by devotees who have come to the shrine—particularly during the ninth lunar month—to pray for forgiveness of sins and the correction of wayward children. If their wishes are granted, believers return the following year to remove their bags and give thanks. Staying overnight or camping is not permitted, and it's best to pack food and drink.