Tung Ping Chau - Hong Kong’s Most Remote Island

​​Rugged, windswept and diverse, Tung Ping Chau possesses a little bit of something for everyone. From family friendly walks and pristine white sandy beaches to rock formation adventures and historical rekeys. No matter how you wish to play things, this will be a full day outing at the very least.
 
There are only two ways to reach Tung Ping Chau, either by private/chartered boat or by taking the public ferry (Weekends and Public Holidays only) from Ma Liu Shui in Sha Tin. Departing from Ma Liu Shui: 09:00am (or 15:30pm Saturdays only) and departing from Tung Ping Chau: 17:15pm. Fare: $90 return ticket).

​The ferry journey from Ma Liu Shui takes 1.5hours to complete, so sit back and relax enjoying the views of Tolo Harbour. A landscape of tranquil channels lined with red rocks (unique to this part of HK), before emerging upon the open waters of Mirs Bay.
 
Located in the heart of the Tung Ping Chau close to the pier, lies the only major settlement of note on the isle and definitely deserves a pit spot upon arrival. After a refreshing drink and bite to eat, one could easily spend the best part of a couple of hours strolling the adjacent Northeastern beaches, interspersed by crumbling Hakka houses and shade yielding Banyans.

​On the ferry ride across and particularly once ashore, you’ll notice that mainland China is a mere stone throw away. Once upon a time an outpost for smugglers, during the Cultural Revolution, many mainland folks swam across the channel in hope of entering Hong Kong. Back then the island was home to a thriving community of around 1500 people, who made a living as fishermen and traders. Sadly however, (as with many parts of the rural New Territories) such populations have dwindled to the point of near extinction.

​The unique geology of Tung Ping Chau on the other hand is a much more enduring attraction to spend your time exploring. The best way to discover the island is by circumnavigating the Ping Chau Country Trail, which at 5km typically takes around 2hrs to walk in one go without any long breaks. However, stopping along the way to explore all the incredible sedimentary rock formations on show, or delving into the interior of Tung Ping Chau is what this Island is all about. Possessing the youngest rocks in Hong Kong, there are numerous laminated coastal shelfs and sea cliffs to witness. 

Be sure to catch the final boat leaving the island for return to Sha Tin at five o’clock, unless taking your own boat back or camping overnight is more your thing. Camping in HK can be an awesome experience and Tung Ping Chau is a superb illustration of this. Beware that there is a lot of ambient light coming from China at night, so try to orientate your camp towards Mirs Bay and get more breeze in the process.
 
Among the list of Hong Kong’s many outlying places, the castaway isle of Tung Ping Chau is worth the trip at least once. The adventure to and from it, is as much an attraction as the being there is.