Tai Long Wan is a stunning bay in Sai Kung with three incredible beaches – Ham Tin, Tai Wan and Sai Wan. Part of their appeal is their seclusion, which can make hiking there tough, especially if you want to add on Sharp Peak. But there are boat services you can use, which speed past the dramatic protected Unesco geopark, with its towering hexagonal basalt cliffs. It is worth the trip alone. The Boat You can get the boat at Sai Kung Pier, just down to the right of the main pier. The boats do not run in all conditions, and on sunny days they fill up quickly. If you want to confirm a spot, then call or WhatsApp ahead on one of these numbers: +852 9616 6182 (Cheung Kei) or +852 6330 6039 (Frankie). Typically, it is between HK$150 to HK$200 per person each way. You can also hike to the beach and just get the boat back to save yourself time and money. It’s an exciting ride, but hold on tight and prepare for some bumps along the way. The Beaches The middle beach is the most popular. With Ham Tin village in the back right (as you look with the sea behind you), there are two small restaurants on the beach, which sell food, ice cream, beer, sometimes wine and other soft drinks. To the right is Tai Wan. It is just a short scramble over the headland, but there are no buildings or restaurants, making it feel isolated. On the left, a 30-minute hike over another headland from Ham Tin, is Sai Wan. It has a couple of small restaurants and a lovely, smaller beach. In the back right corner of the beach, you can follow the rocky banks of a river and find a cool waterfall. It is worth a dip. Sharp Peak Towering about the beaches, visible from Ham Tin and Tai Wan, is this peak, which features a tough but incredible hike. Once at the beach, head through the restaurants and onto the path out the back. You will soon join the MacLehose Trail, section two . The concrete path begins to climb a steep incline. You may meet some cows – they are harmless. Try not to make sudden movements when you pass. At the top of the hill, just before it begins to drop, turn right into the bushes. There is a set of stairs and a sign warning you of danger. Follow the path up and you will soon see Sharp Peak. There is a short descent into a saddle with another danger sign, then it begins to climb. It is very steep and requires your arms to climb. You will join the main path below the summit and can turn left up to the peak. When on top, you can see 360 degrees – the beaches below, Mirs Bay and mainland China to one side, and the New Territories. On a clear day, you might even see some distant skyscrapers of Hong Kong. Follow the main ridge back down to the beaches, turn right at the bottom of the ridge onto Tai Wan. Here, if the boats are running, you can speed back to Sai Kung. Otherwise, you will have to retrace your steps up MacLehose section two, but follow it for 5km back to a road.