Isle Be Back
Running out of islands to hop onto on holidays? June Ng and Snowy Choi pick the six best remote islands out there. Photos by Kay Yuen and Angus Leung.
So you think you’ve been island hopping just because you’ve been on the Ngong Ping 360, crawled into pirate caves on Cheung Chau and eaten way too much overpriced seafood. Well, Hong Kong’s 263 islands have a whole lot more to offer. It just takes a little more time to get there.
Tap Mun
Also known as “Grass Island,” Tap Mun boasts a densely grassed hilltop with stunning views of the sea. It has just 98 residents, down from its 6,000-strong population back in the 60s. So besides the rocky outcrops and stunning scenery, be prepared to see plenty of spooky, vacant houses.
What to do
Let’s start with the food. New Hon Kee Restaurant (2328-2428) is a famous seafood joint left of the pier. Despite its modest appearance, the place is a hot spot for celebrities including Chow Yun-fat, ex-governors Chris Pattern and David Wilson, and, according to chef Alan Chan, late legendary journalist Kelvin Sinclair, whose memorial service was held there earlier this year. The most famous dish is fried rice with sea urchin, with sea urchin fishing areas just nearby.
Next door is Sun Wai Wo (2791-8100), a cha chaan teng famous for its “iceless” iced tea. And on the right side of the pier is Yung Shue Village Seaview Café (2791-8332), where you’ll find the island’s only accommodation on offer—with just one room to rent. Minimum charge per night is US$33 for two people, US$7 for each additional person.
Tap Mun’s green landscape makes for some nice, gentle walks, but keep an eye out for attractions like Balanced Rock, famed for its peculiar shape and the way it balances precariously against its twin brother. Just follow the signpost uphill to find it. Famous hiking spots on the island include Mao Ping Shan and Lung Keng Kan – though local residents say they’re thick with trees and bushes, and unsuitable for beginners.
Exploring time
The island is 1.69 square kilometers, so take three to four hours to enjoy it properly.
How to get there
Ferries to Tap Mun depart from Ma Liu Shui on weekdays at 8.30am and 3pm, and on weekends and public holidays at 12.30pm. They also depart from the Wong Shek Pier in Sai Kung on weekdays at 10:35am and 4:55pm, and hourly on weekends and public holidays. Call 2272-2022 or 2272-2000 for details. You can also call hire a speedboat to get there from Sai Kung. Book by calling Mr. To on 9134-6248.