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.

SHORT INFO ABOUT SHARP ISLAND

Left - The end point of Sharp IslandRight - Overlooking Kiu Tsui Beach — 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 sideRight - A warning sign for high tide season, be sure to check the tidal waves via Hong Kong Observatory before visiting the island. — 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

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

Have you ever encounter a moment when you have no clue on what to bring to the beach or that maybe you might be carrying more than you should be? Well here's an ultimate guide of what you need and what are essential to bring when hitting the beach for some relaxation and sunbathing.

I know quite a bunch of people who tend to over bring stuff to the beach though most of them do not do that intentionally. I guess some people don't know or have no clue what to bring. Therefore I thought of writing a blog about it, and hopefully, this could be of any help to anyone who needs it or know someone who does.

WHEN TO HIT THE BEACH

So when do we start hitting the beach? It has to be during the summer season, of course. If you enjoy being in the crowd, then weekends would be the best option for you. While if you prefer some peaceful yet relaxing beach moment, then you should go during the weekdays, where it is less crowded.

Secondly, make sure always to check your local weather forecast a few hours before you head to the beach - depending on before your travel journey to the beach you're planning to go.

Take some time to plan some beach, sunbathing sesh or picnic with your best pals. This beach day does not only help you relax, but it also allows you to bond with your friends, especially if you barely meet them due to your busy schedule.

According to the scientific experts, it is advisable to head to the beach during morning time in between 8:00 am to 11:00 am. These time around is good timing if you are after sunbathing as it is safer to stay under the sun during morning time to avoid some possible skin complications or skin disease and some other health issues that may affect you. Avoid going for sunbathing during the sun's prime hour, that's around the afternoon time.

Be sure to always apply some sunscreen from time to time to protect your skin.

BEACH ESSENTIALS (THINGS YOU REALLY NEED)

TOWEL (for showering)
BEACH TOWEL OR BEACH MAT
BIKINI OR BEACH SHORTS & TANK
A PAIR OF SUNGLASSES
EXTRA CLOTHES (optional)
A PAIR OF SLIPPERS
PORTABLE CHARGER (for your mobile phone, optional)
A SMALL BOOK TO READ (If you fancy reading, optional)
CAMERA OR MOBILE PHONE CAMERA
SHAMPOO & SHOWER GEL (in small containers)
SUNBLOCK LOTION OR TANNING LOTION
EXTRA UNDERWEAR, BRA
COMB OR BRUSH (for hair)
A PLASTIC BAG (for wet clothes)

EXTRA THINGS THAT ARE NOT ESSENTIAL BUT COULD BE USEFUL

CARD GAMES (such as playing cards, Monopoly Deal, UNO, etc)
A SMALL BOTTLE OF COLOGNE/ PERFUME (if you want to smell good)
A SMALL BOTTLE OF LOTION (ALOE VERA - good to apply on your skin after sunbathing)
BLUETOOTH SPEAKER (if you want to share your music with other beach-goers)
A PAIR OF EARPHONES (if you want to listen to your own music privately)
WATER SPRAY (this is good to spray off your face and body while sunbathing to cool yourself down)
ESSENTIAL MAKE-UP SET (for people, who can't live without applying make-up)
INFLATABLE FLOATS (some relaxation in the water)
BASIC INFLATABLE PUMP (OPTIONAL - some beaches may have pumping services)
SMALL UMBRELLA (in case of rain or too sunny and hot weather)
LITTLE SNACKS AND DRINKS (in case you get hungry and don't want to leave your spot to buy some food or if there's zero food stall on the beach you're going to)

WHAT "NOT" TO BRING OR WEAR

YOUR ENTIRE MAKE-UP KIT (for once be natural after spending your day at the beach, pease don't bring your entire kit, especially when you are just heading back home)
YOUR ENTIRE COSMETICS (just like what I have mentioned above, be natural)
BRINGING MORE THAN 2 OUTFITS (you're not doing any photo shooting, so bringing 1 outfit should be more than enough)
BRINGING OR WEARING TOO MANY JEWELLERY (trust me, you'll feel lighter and you might even lose it accidentally)
DON'T WEAR HIGH HEELS OR WEDGES (that is just unnecessary and it is not the most comfortable footwear to wear at the beach)
DON'T WEAR SHOES (not unless you want to have sands as souvenirs inside your shoes)

TIPS ON HOW TO FEEL LIGHT AND CARRY LESS CRAP (OR THINGS!)

WEAR THE SAME OUTFIT (wearing the same outfit on the way to the beach and leaving the beach would be for your own convenience as you can save space in your bag and the weight of your bag too)
CARRY ONE BACKPACK OR TOTE BAG (it will be nice to carry just one bag or a tote bag so it will be hassle-free and you only need to check on one thing whenever you are away fromt your spot - if you're in the water)
SEPARATE YOUR THINGS IN SMALL PURSES (stuffing everything in your bag would be a bad idea. Not only it will look messy but it will also give you a hard time finding your things)
BUY SNACKS OR DRINKS WHEN YOU GET TO THE BEACH (it will make you feel a lot lighter if you don't bring your snacks or drinks on your way to the beach. Not unless there isn't any food stall at the beach you're going to or you're planning a beach/ picnic date with your loved ones)
SHARE SUNSCREEN LOTION, SHAMPOO AND SHOWER GEL (it's good to have at least one person to bring one of these, so it can reduce everyone some weight in everyone's bag. Not unless you have to use a specified brand for personal reasons or if you are going alone)
BRING A SMALL WALLET/ PURSE FOR MONEY, CARD AND PERSONAL ID (trust me don't bring your big wallet, it will save a lot of space storing your money and cards into a smaller wallet or purse.)

I hope you find these information useful and I hope this could help you organise yourself when heading to the beach. If you got any other questions, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. I will be more than happy to help!