Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A DETOUR
TUNG LUNG CHAU
Left alone at the eastern entrance to Victoria Harbour, uninhabited 'East Dragon Is-
land' is Hong Kong's premier spot for rock climbing and stargazing.
island, is evidence that the island was once considered strategic enough for protec-
tion. Built in the late 17th or early 18th century, it was attacked a number of times by
pirate bands before being abandoned in 1810. The fort once consisted of 15 guard-
houses and was armed with eight cannons, but little of it remains today except for the
outline of the exterior walls. There's an
information centre
( 9am-4pm Wed-Mon)
with
pictures illustrating the history of the fort.
On the northern coast of the island is one of the earliest and largest in-situ rocck
carviings in the territory. The tortuous lines of the dragon-shaped carving (measuring
2.4m by 1.8m) are still clearly visible, and the walk down to the cliff is a leisurely one.
There are a couple of stores on the way to the fort that sell sandwiches, instant
noodles and herbal tea on the weekends. You can pitch your tent in the campground
below the fort or in the area near the lighthouse (access via the Holiday Store), which
overlooks the stunning South China Sea. Camping facilities are primitive though.
Kaidorun from Sai Wan Ho on Hong Kong Island via Joss House Bay on the Clear-
water Bay Peninsula in the New Territories. There is a single sailing each way on
Thursdays (round trip HK$40), with more regular services only on weekends and
public holidays. A weekend and holiday service also operates from Sam Ka Tsuen near
Yau Tong MTR.
