How to hike Sharp Island
This little slice of paradise promises two beautiful beaches and an easy trail connecting both stretches of sandsInstagram @jessica_lkw
Sharp Island encapsulates Hong Kong’s great outdoors at its best with lush greenery, clear waters, beautiful beaches and sweeping views. Located just off mainland Sai Kung, it is Hong Kong’s smallest island country park at one square kilometre.
The hike around Sharp Island is perfect for small children, the dog and moderately fit septuagenarians. Our route will take you from Kiu Tsui Beach to the famous Hap Mun Bay Beach (Half Moon Bay Beach) on the other end of the island in one and a half hour. Here’s how to navigate the island.
Read more: Best hikes in Sai Kung
How to get there
When you arrive at Sai Kung waterfront, sampan and kaito companies vie for your business, offering trips to the many outlying islands including Sharp Island. We used Kitty’s Boat, but there are others.
Prices are roughly $30 to $40 per person for a round trip. Sampans and kaitos run regularly from 9am to 6pm. The frequency depends upon high season versus low season and weekdays versus weekends.
Start at Kiu Tsui Beach
Once aboard the kaito, the journey takes about 10-15 minutes. You will first arrive at Kiu Tsui Beach pier where you should disembark. If you are lucky enough to catch the low tide you will be able to see the tombolo that connects Sharp Island to the nearby Kiu Tau islet.
A tombolo is a naturally-formed sand and pebble bridge that links two land masses, due to the waves coming and going over time.
It’s absolutely worth walking across the tombolo (even if the tide is starting to come in and you have to get your feet a little wet) as the rock formations are fascinating. You will also see the aptly nick-named ‘pineapple bun’ boulders that are in fact a result of volcanic activity some 140 million years ago.
Read more: How to get to Sai Kung
After exploring the tombolo (and the islet of Kiu Tau if the tide allows), return to the beach from which you came and head right. Here you will see a concrete path leading to some steps leading up into the jungle.
The steps go on for a while but are not too bad. Eventually, the steps will give way to a dirt path with interesting flora on either side. Continue along for a further 750 metres before reaching the high point.
There is a small pagoda here where you can rest, take in the views and look down on the crystal clear waters of Hap Mun Bay, before commencing the final descent to sea level.
Arrive at Hap Mun Bay
As you approach Hap Mun Bay you will see a plethora of barbecue pits set in a grassy area. It’s almost characteristic of a campsite in the south of France, and you may wish to stop here and tuck into your picnic.
There are toilets just up to the left of these barbecue pits, but note there is no running water in the vicinity. Instead, head to the beach on your right and you will be rewarded with clean facilities both for relieving oneself and washing one’s hands.
Read more: Best beaches in Sai Kung
Now it’s time to enjoy the pristine beach that is Hap Mun Bay. Kick off your shoes and enjoy the fine white sand between your toes. Clamber amongst the volcanic rocks and maybe even take a dip.
Once you are done with the beach, you have two choices. Either retrace your steps all the way back to Kiu Tsui or head to the pier on Hap Mun Bay itself and await a sampan or kaito to pick you up and take you back to Sai Kung.
