Ageing pilgrims, fewer stalls: Kusu Island pilgrimage faces generational decline
Ageing pilgrims, fewer stalls: Kusu Island pilgrimage faces generational decline
The annual Kusu Island pilgrimage was once a bustling month-long affair, with about 20 food stalls and a dozen souvenir shops serving devotees. This year, there will be just three food and beverage stalls and one souvenir stall.
Pilgrims visit the Tua Pek Kong Temple and climb 152 steps to a keramat, offering joss sticks and prayers at both religious sites.
About 15,500 people visited during the pilgrimage in 2025, roughly half the 30,000 recorded in 2019. Those involved point to an ageing pilgrim population and a lack of awareness among younger people.
Hawker Hoo Tiang Lai, 65, has set up stalls at the pilgrimage for more than 40 years. He says rising costs and smaller crowds make the business hard to sustain, but he still returns to serve pilgrims and reunite with old friends.
