In summer, some local tour groups organise hikes in some offshore islands and I joined one several Sundays ago for a trip to Wang Chau 橫洲, an island in the Sai Kung geopark.


The meeting point was at the Tsim Sha Tsui ferry pier and the ferry left from there. From there, the boat made its way up north.


The little rock on the left is one of the most famous rocks in Hong Kong and its Chinese name is literally translated ‘Chopping board rock’ because of its flat top.


The rock face on the left side of this photo is said to resemble an elephant drinking with its trunk in the water.


The Nine Pins


Basalt Island’s sea arch


The back of Wang Chau has lovely volcanic rock columns that resemble the pipe organ in a cathedral.


Wang Chau’s sea arch on its north face


There were about 60 people on the tour and we had to take turns to transfer to a small boat in order to sail under the sea arch.


Going towards the arch


Directly under the arch


Volcanic rock window frame


After everyone had a chance to sail under the sea arch, most of the people were dropped off in Wang Chau island to go on a three-hour hike on the island. However, I chose to go swimming instead at Pak Lap Wan beach which is a beach just across Wang Chau on the mainland. It was so hot that I wanted to swim instead of hike. Pak Lap Wan beach was filled with people who got there on their junks. The bay was filled with junks! Near the shore as I stepped into the water, I saw two fishes about 20cm in length! The water that day was simply amazing.


After three hours, the hikers in Wang Chau are picked up by the boat for the journey back to Tsim Sha Tsui.


I’m a sea farer! 🙂
The tour group I went with is called Yau Shing Travel. The tour costs HKD160 per person and it’s a small amount to pay for a fun day outdoors. These tours are conducted in summer only as the winds blowing from the northeast in winter make the waters too rough to head out.