Are you looking for a hiking trail to hike that is not too difficult and only requires a short amount of hiking time during this hot summer season in Hong Kong? Well then, Sharp Island is probably the right place to hike as it only takes about 75 minutes to 2 hours of your time to hike. You will also be rewarded with some fantastic scenery and historical volcanic rocks formation around the island.
View from the top of Sharp Island
SHORT INFO ABOUT SHARP ISLAND
Left - The end point of Sharp Island
Right - Overlooking Kiu Tsui Beach
Sharp Island is in Sai Kung. This island has been around for 140 million years. It is a perfect place to discover some unique stones and rocks formation from the volcanic eruption that occurred many years ago when Hong Kong used to have active volcanoes until its last outbreak. The island will somehow make you realise that there are indeed a lot of treasures that you haven't discover in Hong Kong yet. Hiking to Sharp Island is not hard, honestly. The view is spectacular and it is an excellent way to spend your free day in a pleasant and not so intense hike.
HOW TO GET TO SHARP ISLAND
FROM CITY TO SAI KUNG
The easiest way is to take a train to Choi Hung Station, and from there you can take a minibus to Sai Kung Pier. Another way to get to Sai Kung is by taking a red minibus from Mongkok, or you may take a bus (No. 92) from Diamond Hill to Sai Kung.
SAI KUNG PIER
As soon as you reach Sai Kung Pier, you should probably grab something to eat first if you haven't had your breakfast or lunch and also drop by a convenience store to buy some water and snacks. After that, you can start to find a small ferry, also known as "Kaito" that will bring you to the island. Be sure to ask at least 2-3 different boat agency to double check the prices and also to make sure that you are not being overcharged. The price range starts typically from HK$20-40 for a roundtrip ferry ride (about 15 minutes ride each way) per person. The ferry service generally ends by 5:00 pm, so be sure to catch the last ferry before the last service. Be sure to keep your tickets safe as you will need to present your tickets to the ferry driver; otherwise, you will be forced to buy a new ticket.
STARTING POINT - HAP MUN BAY OR KIU TSUI BEACH
There are two ways to start your hike to Sharp Island - via Hap Mun Bay or Kiu Tsui Beach.
HAP MUN BAY - The beach is unique and clean. If you have extra time to spare, you can swim around the area first before starting your hike, or you can also do it after the hike on the other side. Just follow the routes and directions to get to Sharp Island and end your walk at Kiu Tsui Beach. Refreshment kiosks, first aid, public toilets, shower and a changing room are available around the beach.
KIU TSUI BEACH (DURING LOW TIDE SEASON) - Starting at Kiu Tsui Beach is probably easier and shorter as it will only take 40 minutes to 1 hour to get to the end point of Sharp Island, but you may continue your journey if you chose to go further to Hap Mun Bay. Refreshment kiosks, first aid, public toilets, shower and a changing room are available around the beach.
Left - Entering the Sharp Island and the start of the trail to the other side
Right - A warning sign for high tide season, be sure to check the tidal waves via Hong Kong Observatory before visiting the island.
HOW LONG WILL THE HIKE TAKE
The short hike will approximately take around 75 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your speed and tracks and photo taking.
Since the hike is super short, there is no need to stress yourself whether or not you can do it. The short walk is not difficult to do, so even when you don't have any hiking experience or if you are a frequent hiker, this short hike should be a perfect fit to reward yourself with some beautiful view and to also witness some unique rock formations. Just make sure to keep yourself hydrated, especially during the uber smoking hot weather.
WHAT ARE THERE TO SEE IN SHARP ISLAND
THE TOMBOLO
Some spectacular and unique rocks and stones formation
If you are lucky to catch the low tide period that connects Kiu Tsui Beach to Sharp Island, then make sure to ready your camera out as you are about to cross through the rocks. As you are strolling, take a look around the different types and unique formation of rocks and stones on your surroundings. There you will also witness the famous "Pineapple Bun" rocks. Another thing, be sure to come back before the tide comes in high and to also check the tidal waves news via Hong Kong Observatory for tidal information.
THE "PINEAPPLE BUN" ROCKS
Anyone up for some "Pineapple Bun" ?
Yes, that's right! Some of the rocks around the island are form into a "Pineapple Bun" shape. In case some of you may not know this, but "Pineapple Bun" is a famous bread in Hong Kong. It is many locals, and even tourists favourite pastry and some of them may even eat it every day. When I saw these unique rocks, I start thinking that maybe the bakers were inspired by these rock formations and that is why "Pineapple Bun" is created, or it could be just mere coincidence that mother nature and human brains work and think alike.
WHAT ARE THERE TO DO IN SHARP ISLAND
FISHING
This place is probably a perfect spot to hunt for some fishes. I have seen quite a lot of people doing some fishy business around the island, so this place must be one of the 'IT" place for fishing.
KAYAKING
There is a kiosk around the beach where you can rent a kayak boat and with paddles, of course. I have seen some people kayaking far from the beach, but of course, those are only for experienced kayakers.
SWIMMING & SNORKELING
Sharp Island is still a beach, so swimming and snorkelling are allowed there. Be sure to wear a life jacket if you are not stable at swimming.
SCUBA DIVING
Sharp Island is a right spot for some scuba diving. I have seen a few divers during my visit to the island. So if you are up for some under the sea scavenging mission, then you should check out Sharp Island.
WHAT TO BRING TO SHARP ISLAND
Since Sharp Island is a short hike, it is not necessary to bring a lot of things. Here is a list of things that are essential and realistic to bring.
Towels (Small towel - for sweats, bath towel - for shower)
Toiletries (Tissue, wet tissue, soap, etc)
OFF spray or any mosquito repellent (Trust me there are a lot of flying insects there)
Sunglasses and a cap for sun protection
Sunscreen lotion
Extra clothing (for changing after the hike or if you sweat a lot)
Water (1 Litre should be more than enough)
Umbrella (In case of sudden rain and unpredictable weather)
Flip-flops (To rest your feet from the hike)
Little snacks or you can always visit the tuck shop for some small bites at the beach
I hope that the above information can help you in planning your short trip to Sharp Island. This island may be small but it is interesting, something new to discover and something to put in your travel tick list. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask me. I will be more than happy to help :)
Yours Truly,
Michelle Chan
