Bonding with Pristine Nature at Sai Kung : Sharp Island Hike & Beach

 

Hap Mun Bay Beach right behind

Hong Kong never fails to surprise. You are in mid of concrete jungle now and in few hours you will be in midst of country parks, enjoying nature! Its dense, but then we get an opportunity to be near nature fastest without much planning required.   

This long weekend, we headed to Sharp Island which is in Sai Kung. Sai Kung peninsula is located in the eastern part of Hong Kong. Sai Kung is one with most beautiful natural landscapes. This district boasts rich culture and heritage, buzzing town center, Geological Parks, pristine and clean Beaches, hiking trails with breath taking views, fishing village, remnants of Hakka culture and much more. It clearly has vast range of opportunities to explore well preserved area in Hong Kong.     

Sai Kung Peninsula in East of Hong Kong

Its with little regret that given its less connectivity to MTR we were always skeptical to go to Sai Kung. However, thanks to bucket list we had made, we had to go there this time and a friend came to rescue who is avid Hiker and supported our plan to visit this place together.

Unlike what we thought, in reality it is very convenient and easy to reach Sai Kung or rather I should say Sai Kung Pier. This is actually the place that one needs to reach to start exploring the island and hikes and places around.

Our original plan was like this - Reach Sai Kung Pier from Mongkok, from here take a cab to Sai Wan Pavilion from where Macleheouse trail 2 begins -- then Hike till Ham Tin Beach. If enthusiasm permits then hike further till Tai Long Wan Beach. However this plan could not be executed given extreme rush due to long weekend and unavailability of taxis and long queues for bus.

So instead we decided to go to Sharp Island which is 20 minutes boat ride away. So I will try to simplify this route and how to reach the place, getting familiar with the area and options of what to do!

ProTip: Plan to visit Sai Kung during relatively off peak time. Since only way to reach Sai Kung is by road, on long weekends you may have to bear with long traffic.      

How to Reach Sai Kung? 

So if you are already staying in Hong Kong for a while, you may know that HK has small 16 seater Green and Red Bus which operates with minimal stops and works with rocket speed from one part of Hong Kong to another. You can check the schedules and the details of these buses on this website:16SeatsBus  

There are multiple options as below to reach the Sai Kung Pier first, though last option is fastest and easiest:

• To reach Sai Kung from Hong Kong island, its best to catch direct red bus from Causeway Bay 

  • Cost: $22 for full journey, $16 to Hung Hom
  • Monday-Friday: 7pm to 12:30am
  • Weekends: 5pm to 12:30am

• Take the MTR to Choi Hung (green line), get out at Exit C and get the 1A green minibus to Sai Kung.

• Take the MTR to Hang Hau (purple line), get out at Exit B, walk to the bus terminus on your left, get the 101 green minibus. 

• Exit the MTR at Diamond Hill (green line) exit C and take bus 92.

• From Kowloon Side - take bus from Mong Kong (44-45 Dundas Street nearest MTR is Yau Ma Tei A2 Exit). The bus ride from Mong Kong to Sai Kung Pier in usual day is 30 Mins ride but the day we went there was long traffic and it took us 1  hour to reach the Pier. Also, one has to account for the bus queue which was almost Half hour waiting when we reached there at 9.00 A.M.    

  • Cost $12
  • Duration: Approx 30-40 minutes
    

More Details on Driving, parking, buses, etc are beautifully explained in HongKongLiving Website 

Sai Kung Pier google map location is here : Sai Kung Pier

Pro Tip: Traveling to Sai Kung is really easy, just don't put your foot down thinking there is too much hassle to reach there! and, take a note, many people may get down at second last stop and not necessarily Red Bus Driver may know English so you should keep sitting and get down at last stop which is of Sai Kung Pier.

Once I am in Sai Kung Pier, where do I go? 

Sai Kung Tourism Map. Source: Hongkongliving

So once you arrive at Sai Kung Pier, there are many different places to reach out to for hiking or to go to beach depending on your like and capability to hike :) Some of the very famous places are as shown in the map below. The synopsis of each i will write further. 

1. Tai Long Sai Wan: 

The area is made up of four beaches and Tai Long Wan is last and most beautiful one, but Sai Wan is one of the quieter ones and perfect for those looking for a quiet afternoon. Accessible by boat or sampan or by hiking Stage 2 of the MacLehose Trail. This beach has few kiosks. One can move ahead further on hike of about 2 hours ahead to reach final stage of Tai Long Wan Beach. 

If one decides to hike further  from Sai Wan beach, it connects to Ham Tin beach (about 30 to 40 minutes). Ham Tin connects to Tai Wan (a further 15 minutes) and then Tung Wan (a further 30 minutes), which are the two more remote beaches, with no man made facilities, restaurants or toilets. Offcourse, farther you go more quiet and serene it becomes. The water is cleaner and a dip is must!

P.S. Maclehose Trail has 10 different routes covering 100 kms stretch of new territories and is rated as Dream trail by National Geographic in its recent 20 Dream Trail list in the World! More Details for the same here: Youth.Gov.HK

Pro Tip: While returning from Tung Wan, one has to hike back till Sai Wan beach and from here you can take a boat ride back to Sai Kung Pier (Costs approx 150 HKD per person) instead of hiking back till Sai wan pavilion. Though, if weather is not best be prepared to hike back. 

Source: discoverhongkong. This trek begins from East Dam and ends at Pak Tam Au. But this also shows as described above path from Sai Wan pavillion to Sai Wan beach to Ham tin and further.

2. Trio Beach: 

 It is most easily reachable in Sai Kung. Its an easy 30 mins hike from Hebe Haven (Pak Sha Wan) or can take small boat ride at Hebe Haven.

3 & 4. Hap Mun Bay Beach & Sharp Island

Located on Sharp Island, known as Half Moon Bay also. It is located in UNESCO Global Geopark having unique rock formations and picturesque scenery. You have to take the small boat ride from the Sai Kuing Pier to Sharp Island. It costs HKD 30 return ticket. The boat rides every 1 hour so check you schedule and be prepared accordingly. Though there are many ferry operators and almost all give similar rates so ypu can pick one which suits your timing. But you got to return with same ferry service so better to note down their timings.

You can either go directly to Hap Mun Bay Beach by renting boat and then hike from there to sharp island. Or you can go by boat to Sharp Island and hike from there to Hap Mun Bay Beach. But in second option you can come back to Sharp island only by Hike. So if you want to save effort of hiking to and fro, you can go to hap mun bay beach by boat and hike back to Sharp Island. It took us approx 1.5 hours of hike from Sharp Island to Hap Mun Bay Beach one way. But be rest assured that this hike is all worth it for the extravagant views that it promises.          

Spanning just 2.5km in length, Sharp Island is a small island within the geopark that is home to unique attractions, including the comically dubbed ‘pineapple bun’ rock formations.  If a visit coincides with low tide, the tombolo presents itself to walk directly onto nearby Kiu Tau Island, while a short hike enables visitors to walk from one side of the island to the other. (As Indian hearing Ram stories, I could relate it with Ram setu) It was so suprising to see bridge litterally appearing in  front of you during low tide ;)

 

Pro Tip: Stock up for food and water from Sai Kung Pier or from kiosk at sharp island on arrival. The hike is not too difficult but its little steep and not covered with many trees which makes it little hard especially if you hike under scorching sun. So carry atleast 1.5 lts of water each and some food. 

Given the closure of main beaches due to covid, hap mun bay beach was closed but we found a small little beach just across the main beach. You have to get down on the rocks and keep walking towards left and u will see a very small little beach. It was very rocky and not best for a dip also unfortunately people preferred throwing their trash here nonetheless it was overall a beautiful experience. 

Just above the beach there is small park area with public toilets where we found lot of people setting up camps and they were gonna spend 2 days right there! So just in case if u wish to do so!!!    

Some creativity on Beach at Sharp Island near Pier

Trying to be Charlie's Angel ;) Absolutely stunning views behind!

The Hiking Gang of the Day!

Some breathtaking views around!

With Hap Mun Bay beach right behind, my joys knew no bounds as we were about to arrive!

Hap Mun Bay Beach!

Quite beautiful and clean beach. Probably because it was closed :p

Green grassland full of small little yellow sunflowers

Kayaking couple arrived here to take a break and soak in sun!

Camping Site in vicinity

Hiking back to Sharp Island after spending good 2 hours on the beach!

Hiking Trails Map near Pier in Sharp Island

Catching up with views again!

The Hiking Gang after hike, dips, eats and relax on the beach time! Love this picture!

Kiddos enjoying the Dip!

5. Un Kong Group:  

It is located just south of the High Island Peninsula.  It is made up of three islands —Wang Chau, Basalt Island and Bluff Island. They’re best known for the unique arches and caves that have been carved into the land by years of wear and tear at the hands of the sea.One needs to hire a boat to reach this specific island.

6. High Land:

High Island is  home to a historic Tin Hau temple (built in dedication to the sea goddess), a fishing district and seafood restaurant. There is road access to the northern tip of High Island for those looking for direct access, but it’s also become a popular hiking route along the geotrail. 

Pro Tip: One can hire a cab from Sai kung town centre to reach here but returning is not very easy. It has amazing history of volcanic eruption in Hong Konk which is rare but accessibility is one tough task. However one can book the group tour with volcano discovery center HERE and save time and efforts to access this location.    

Apart from above 6 mains spots, there are endless Hiking Trails and Beaches that can be accessed by renting boats from Sai Kung Pier or can be explored from one spot to another. Some more spots can be seen in the map below:

Source: Worldmaps

Where to Eat in Sai Kung?

There are many resturants from big to small in Town centre of Sai Kung which is just around Sai Kung Pier. For Jain Food, its best to pack up you own stuff. We genrally carry our own Chatni Sandwiches or Peanut butter sandwiches and some fruits and biscuits. 

 

However one can get some options in:

1. Indian Restaurant named Jojo located at 21 Man Nin St, Sai Kung (Contact: +852 25747477)  

2. Sawadee Thai Restaurant (must have tender coconut and fried spring rolls for jain food option) and for vegetarians there are offcourse many many options and my friends said its one of the best Thai Food resturant in HK. Located at No. 4, G/F, Saikung Garden, 16 Chan Man St, Sai Kung (Contact: 27916399) 

3. There are many 7-eleven and Circle K in srrounding area from where one can grab chips, beverages, etc.

 

There might be more options that I may not be aware of so feel free to write in and I will add it up here. :) 

Time for some Fresh lime juice shot for all!

A perfect break after long and tiring day!

ProTips: The Public washrooms near the pier are defintely not great options to use. So you may want to take quick tea or food break in one of the restaurants around and make use of washrooms before you start hike or head to beach from pier.

What are ideal tips and gears for hike?

Sorce: hongkongliving

ProTip: When you are going for combination of hike and beach. do carry your swimsuit, towel, wet wipes, snorkel gears (if going to some clean beaches of SaiKung), Band Aids and small medical kit is must have. Change clothes, small tent, enough food and water (more of food which can help you remain hydrated)

 Also please note,

1. Never go on a rock or landform appreciation trip alone or in adverse weather
2. Plan a safe trip with reference to the tidal information posted on the Hong Kong Observatory's website. Be aware that some coastal areas may not be accessible at all times.
3. Plan a route with a proper trail that ALL members of your group may reasonably handle.
4. Some islands and coastal areas may be difficult to access and are only suitable for boat trips. Avoid visiting them when strong easterly winds prevail.
5. Remain alert to changes in the surrounding environment and any potential hazards, such as rapids, cliffs and steep slopes. Exercise extra caution when rock surfaces are wet.
6. Do not climb the rock columns or trample on severely weathered or eroded surfaces. Watch out for shifting or slippery rocks.
7. Wear suitable hiking shoes, hats and clothes. Also take gloves, first-aid kits and weather-proof clothes with you.
8. Mobile phone coverage may vary from place to place. Leave details of your route and expected return time with someone, for raising the alarm if necessary.
9. Use only tour guides who have outdoor training and first-aid skills.
10. Use only boat operators who comply with all the safety requirements and have life jackets for all passengers.
11. Do not take away any rock, fossil, mineral or silt. It is an offence to dig up, damage or deface any rocks in Hong Kong.

12. Most of the paths may not be stroller and wheelchair friendly. So dont be too adventures while planning with babies or elders.

13. Keep extra phone battery always while reaching out to unknown territory.

 

The conservation of the geo-sites in Hong Kong is in our hands! (Source: some excerpts from hkgeosites)

Enjoy the unbeaten paths, while relax in secluded non crowded beaches and hike your heart out to view some of tme most mesmerizing views of Hong Kong and especially Sai Kung - a place which took away a little piece of my heart!