When it comes to Hong Kong's coastal scenery, many people first think of the bustling skyline of Victoria Harbour, but in Sai Kung in the eastern New Territories lies a completely different landscape—Sai Kung's waters are dotted with more than 20 islands of various sizes, like a string of jade necklaces scattered across the sea. These islands, far from the city's hustle and bustle, retain their pristine natural beauty and simple fishing village charm, making them the top choice for Hong Kongers to connect with nature on weekends. From Sai Kung Pier, taking a ferry or kaito boat, you can reach these hidden gem islands and embark on a unique island-hopping adventure.
The greatest allure of Sai Kung's outlying islands lies in their "just right" distance—not too far, yet offering complete seclusion. There are no skyscrapers, no heavy traffic, only azure blue waters, pristine white beaches, peculiar coastal rocks, and the slow-paced island life. Most islands have no formal roads; visitors can only hike along mountain trails, which actually preserves the most primitive natural scenery. In recent years, with the rise of outdoor activities, Sai Kung's outlying islands have become popular destinations for camping, kayaking, snorkeling, and rock climbing, attracting both local and international tourists to explore.
Sharp Rock Island (Kiu Chao Chau) is the most famous outlying island in Sai Kung, located just about 15 minutes by boat from Sai Kung Pier, making it an "entry-level" island. The island's most unique natural wonder is the tombolo—at low tide, a narrow sandbar stretches from Sharp Rock Island to the opposite Fan Kwai Tau Island, allowing you to literally "walk on waves" to the other side in about 15 minutes, while at high tide it completely disappears underwater, creating a truly wondrous sight. Sharp Rock Island itself boasts crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches with gentle waves, perfect for swimming and family fun. The island features barbecue areas and camping sites with complete facilities, making it a favorite among young people and families. Additionally, Sharp Rock Island has a nature trail with educational signboards introducing the island's geological formations and ecological vegetation—a great place for fun learning.
If you want to experience the most authentic fishing village atmosphere, Yuen Tin Chai (Salt Field Island) is definitely the perfect choice. This small island preserves a strong Hakka traditional charm; the island's salt fields are over a hundred years old, and you can still see the old salt-drying grounds today. Visitors can stroll through the village, visit traditional stone houses and ancestral halls, and feel the traces of time slowly passing by. The island has only one simple tea restaurant, serving authentic Hakka rice dumplings and homestyle dishes. While the selection is limited, that's exactly part of its rustic charm. Salt Field Island has relatively fewer tourists, making it especially ideal for travelers who want to escape the crowds and quietly daydream.
High Junk Peak (Tiu Chung Chau) is a paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts. This island is famous for its spectacular coastal landforms, especially the "Bell Cave" on the southern side—a massive sea-eroded cave shaped like an inverted bell, creating a truly breathtaking view. High Junk Peak is a renowned rock climbing destination in Hong Kong, with multiple climbing routes of varying difficulty attracting many expert climbers to test their skills. For general tourists, walking along the mountain trails to admire the strange rocks and boulders outside the Bell Cave同样能感受到大自然的鬼斧神工. The island has no formal beach, but the water is crystal clear, making it perfect for snorkeling and exploring the underwater world.
For travelers with limited time who want to visit multiple islands, "Tung A Chau" is a good choice. This small island is located near Sharp Rock Island, with a tiny area that can be绕岛一周只需 about 40 minutes. The island has lush vegetation and simple camping sites, attracting many camping enthusiasts to spend the night. Tung A Chau's特色在于其宁静的氛围——没有商店、没有餐厅，只有海风和鸟鸣，适合想彻底远离都市喧嚣的旅人.
前往西贡离岛的交通十分便利. From MTR Choi Hung Station Exit C2, taking minibus No. 1A or bus No. 94, you can到达西贡码头. Ferries are operated by multiple kaito companies; here are the main route details: To Sharp Rock Island, ferry tickets cost about HK$20-30, with a journey of about 15 minutes, departing every hour on the hour; To Salt Field Island, tickets cost about HK$40, with a journey of about 25 minutes, with only a few trips per day, so it is recommended to check the schedule in advance; High Junk Peak has no regular ferry service and requires chartering a boat, costing about HK$500-800, which can accommodate 6-8 people.
Regarding island fees, the outlying islands in Sai Kung do not charge admission fees本身, but some island camping grounds may charge nominal fees. Different islands have varying facilities: Sharp Rock Island has restrooms, changing rooms, and barbecue stoves, with usage fees of about HK$30-50; Salt Field Island and High Junk Peak have more basic facilities, with only public toilets. For dining options, Sharp Rock Island is the most convenient, with several seafood restaurants and snack shops; for other islands, it is recommended to bring your own dry provisions and sufficient drinking water.
The best season for visiting is spring to autumn (April to October), with May to June having clear, comfortable weather, making it the most ideal time for outdoor activities; July to August is the peak season but the weather is hot, so adequate sun protection is necessary. Winter has larger waves, and some ferry services will be reduced or suspended.
Finally, here are a few travel tips: First, be sure to check the tide times before setting out, especially for visitors planning to cross the tombolo or engage in water activities—safety should always be the top priority. Second, ferry schedules to Sai Kung's outlying islands may change due to weather or holidays, so it is recommended to call the kaito company to confirm before departure. Third, the island's ecological environment is precious; please be sure to carry your garbage away and keep the environment clean. Fourth, if planning to camp, you need to apply for a camping permit from the relevant department in advance. Last but not least—the most important thing is to bring a relaxed heart. The beauty of Sai Kung's outlying islands lies in their slow pace; don't rush, and enjoy this precious island time.
Hong Kong City Data
- Tourism Scale: According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong welcomed 34 million visitors in 2024, with total tourism revenue exceeding HK$100 billion.
- Dining Density: Hong Kong has over 15,000 licensed restaurants citywide, with per capita restaurant density ranking among the highest globally, and over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants.
- Cultural Status: Hong Kong is a major international metropolis in Asia, ranking fourth in the 2024 Global Financial Centres Index, attracting companies from over 90 countries to set up Asia-Pacific regional headquarters.
