Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
places in Hong Kong waters where coral still grows in abundance and is a favourite with
snorkellers and kayakers.
Snorkels, masks and kayaks can be rented from
Wan Hoi Store
on the beach. Green
minibus 7 makes the run from Sai Kung Town daily, with the first departure at 8.25am and
the last at 6.45pm. A taxi from there will cost around HK$120.
WORTH A DETOUR
TUNG PING CHAU
The easternmost point of Hong Kong, kidney-shaped Tung Ping Chau () sits in splen-
did isolation in Mirs Bay in the far northeast of the New Territories. The distance from
Ma Liu Shui to the southwest, from where the ferry serving the island departs, is
around 25km.
The island is part of HHong K
g Geoparrk, which encompasses eight sites of special
geologic significance that are protected from development. Together with the waters
around it - which teem with sea life (especially corals) - it forms Hong Kong's fourth
marine park.
Tung Ping Chau's highest point is only about 40m, but it has unusual rock layers in
its cliffs, which glitter after the rain. The eastern coast hosts some of the best coral
communities in Hong Kong and is good for snorrkellin
g Kong G
elling. There is a small Tin Ha
in Hau
temple
ple on the southwestern coast of the island, and some small caves dotting the
cliffs. A good 6km walk
g traiil encircles the whole island.
At one time the island, which is called Tung Ping Chau (East Peace Island) to distin-
guish it from Peng Chau (same pronunciation in Cantonese) near Lantau, supported a
population of 3000, but now it is virtually deserted. There are several food stalls in
SSha T
alkiing t
a Tau, a village east of the pier. All provide simple lodging (ie bunk beds) if you have
a burning desire to stay here. One of them is
Ping Chau Store
( 2661 6941;bed HK$30)
.
Book ahead (a must); or pitch your tent in the campground at the eastern tip of the is-
land.
here on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Boats depart from Ma Liu Shui near
University East Rail station.
