Sai Kung Islands

Kau Sai Chau

With 70 unique islands surrounding Sai Kung, getting off the grid has never been easier. If you’ve been bogged down by the insatiable urge to travel somewhere tropical, we’ve rounded up some of the territory’s most untouched locations to explore, equipped with stunning beaches, great hikes and even a few sea caves.

Kau Sai Chau

As the sixth largest island in Hong Kong, Kau Sai Chau is home to the city’s only public golf course, which consists of three 18-hole courses and a clubhouse overlooking a picturesque landscape. Besides being a great place to practice your swing, the southern tip of the island is home to a small fishing hamlet and a prehistoric rock carving sits on the north-western coast. Hop on the ferry, which runs every 20 minutes from Sai Kung Public Pier for $75 (round trip).

Tap Mun

Also referred to as Grass Island, Tap Mun offers a slice of the English countryside in the middle of Hong Kong, with a large open meadow overlooking the South China Sea. This secluded location is the perfect getaway from city life, offering just a few seafood restaurants and temples around the pier. Hop on a ferry from Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier (near the University MTR station) or Wong Shek Pier, to get there.

Shelter island

It may be small (0.55 kilometres, to be exact), but this little land has quite a controversial background. First appearing on the map in 1866,

Shelter Island became part of the Port Shelter Firing Range for the British military in 1950, before becoming a hiding den for drug lords in 1970. After 40 years of peace, the island was back in the headlines in 2011 when a mortar shell was discovered along the beach. While Shelter Island hasn’t seen much action in recent years, it is a popular diving site with a unique sea cave, just watch out for shells.

Sharp Island

Located next to Sai Kung town, this picturesque island is home to two white sandy beaches and some of the cleanest water in Hong Kong, making it the perfect place to take a dip. As part of the Geopark, Sharp Island boasts volcanic rock formations that have been referred to as “pineapple bun rocks’ due to their similar appearance to the iconic Hong Kong snack. Sampans and Kaitos are available from Sai Kung Public Pier and leave every 30 minutes until 5.30 pm. The 15-minute ride costs around $30 return (subject to demand).

Top tip

Head over to Sai Kung Public Pier to inform the boat vendors where you want to go. They will usually be able to arrange a boat trip that suits your requirements.