This is a photograph of the extended family of Lim Chan Ngam (林赞岩) on a ferry to or from Kusu island. Lim (1904-1967), was a pre-WWII immigrant who came to Singapore from China and became a successful trader dealing in rubber in the Riau islands. He made a substantial fortune until unfortunate circumstances led to the collapse of his business. He is not pictured in this photograph. Meaning “Turtle Island” (龟屿岛) in Chinese and “Peak Island” (Pulau Tembakul) in Malay, Kusu Island has a Chinese temple and three Malay keramat (shrine) for the worship of local deities. Devotees make their pilgrimage primarily during the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which is considered sacred, as well as being the birthday month of Tua Pek Kong (大伯公, “Grand Uncle” in Hokkien). Tua Pek Kong is also seen as the God of Prosperity, the Merchant God, and the protector of seafarers. It is a prominent deity in the region, although its exact origins cannot be confirmed.
