Hong Kong’s Top 10 : Tai Long Wan Coastline

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Although only a few miles from urban Hong Kong, the
remote, pristine beaches on the eastern edge of the rugged Sai Kung
Peninsula seem like another country. There is no rail link and few
roads, so you will have to make an early start, taking a bus to Sai Kung
town, another bus to Pak Tam Au, then walk the hilly 4-mile (6-km)
footpath to the beach. Alternatively, hire a junk. The reward for your
effort will be glorious surf, delightful hidden pools and shaded cafés.

  • Take the frequent
    92 bus from Diamond Hill KCR terminating at Sai Kung town, then the
    half-hourly 94 bus (or 96R on Sun) to Pak Tam Au. Allow about 90 minutes
    from Kowloon or Central to the start of the path, plus at least an hour
    each way to hike to and from the beach

  • Daily junk hire from HK$3000, see Yellow Pages for listings


The Route Out

A good route out of Tai Long
Wan is the lovely, scenic path heading southwest from Sai Wan village,
winding in gentle gradients around the edge of High Island Reservoir.
Once you hit the main road outside Pak Tam Chung, you’ve a good chance
of picking up a bus or taxi back into Sai Kung town.






Buy the HKTB’s Discover Hong Kong’s Nature for detailed information.


The only eating options are beach cafés, or you can stock up for a picnic at Sai Kung town.

Top 10 Sights

  1. Beaches

    There
    are three excellent beaches at Tai Long Wan. Tai Wan is the most remote
    and unspoiled; the smallest beach, Ham Tin, has a good café and camping
    area; Tai Long Sai Wan is the busiest.




    Ham Tin beach

  2. Natural Swimming Pools

    A
    lovely series of waterfalls and natural swimming pools is the area’s
    best-kept secret. Reach them from the path running alongside the small
    river at the northwestern end of Tai Long Sai Wan beach.




  3. Beach Cafés

    Noodles,
    fried rice and hot and cold drinks are available from the modest,
    reasonably priced cafés on Tai Long Sai Wan and the Hoi Fung café at Ham
    Tin.




  4. Ham Tin to Tai Long Path

    Take
    the steep half-mile (1-km) path between Ham Tin and Tai Long Sai Wan
    for lovely views down onto Ham Tin, Tai Wan and the mountains behind.

  5. Surf Action

    Tai
    Wan usually has reasonably good surf. Gentle body-boarding should
    always be possible, and you may even be able to surf properly when
    storms raise bigger swells.




  6. Pleasure Junks

    Most
    privately hired junks drop anchor at Tai Long Sai Wan, and their
    passengers head to the beach in smaller craft, making this the busiest
    of the three beaches.

  7. Hakka Fisherfolk

    Tai
    Long village may have been first settled in prehistoric times. It was a
    thriving Hakka fishing village until the 1950s, when most people
    migrated to the city or abroad. A few elderly residents remain.




  8. Campsite

    The
    area just east of Ham Tin village is the best place for overnight
    campers, with flat ground, public toilets and a stream for fresh water.
    There are no hotels.




  9. Sharp Peak

    The
    prominent 468-m (1,497-ft) summit of Sharp Peak is clearly visible from
    Ham Tin and Tai Wan. The arduous climb up its very steep slopes rewards
    with spectacular views over the peninsula.

  10. Ham Tin Bridge

    If
    you want to keep your feet dry, the only way onto the beach from Ham
    Tin village is via a rickety bridge. Marvel at the makeshift engineering
    from nailed-together driftwood and offcuts.




    Bridge from Ham Tin village