Tap Mun

Tap Mun

Description

Off the northeastern corner of the Sai Kung Peninsula is Tap Mun or Grass Island. Its English name provides a hint to its terrain. This is an easy hike with relatively gentle inclines and lots of open grassy slopes for kids to run around and play, with the occasional wandering cow to keep them interested (watch your step for cowpats). The entire island is well-marked with signposts, so don’t worry if your map reading skills are lacking.

Route

Once reaching the island via ferry, it will draw into a small village, past rows of docked fishing boats. Proceed down Tap Mun Hoi Pong Street, past the stalls and into a narrow alley with some unassuming seafood restaurants. At the fork, turn right up a small set of steps towards the beautifully ornate temple to Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea. Take the path heading to the left behind the temple, past the abandoned King Lam School.

There are a few junctions along the next section of the route, but keep straight, following the signposts to Balanced Rock. Within a few hundred metres the trees thin out and you will emerge onto a large grassy slope. A concrete pavilion near the hilltop provides a grand view of the South China Sea, Sharp Peak and Mainland China.

From here, take a detour to the left and climb a 250 metre set of steps towards Dragon View Pavilion (not suitable for pushchairs). Double back and rejoin the stone path until you reach a fork in the trail. The left hand trail is a short detour to Pebble Beach. The right hand fork leads towards Balanced Rock. Once at Balanced Rock, follow the stone path through New Fisherman’s Village to get back to the pier.

Useful info

Distance: 3.53 km
Duration: 1 hour
How to get there: Take the ferry from Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier or Wong Shek Pier to Tap Mun.