Sharp Island — Local services in Hong Kong

Sharp Island is a popular day trip location for swimming, snorkeling and island exploring. It is located in the Port Shelter, just a couple of kilometres from Sai Kung Village and is accessible by way of regular sampan and kaito boat transportation from the Sai Kung New Ferry Pier (9am to 6pm daily). Tickets can be purchased from the various operators that line the promenade to the main Sharp Island pier (HK$30 round trip) on the north end of the island or the Hap Mun (Half Moon) Bay pier (HK$40 round trip) in the south.

The island includes two main beaches, Kiu Tsui Beach in the north and the very popular Hap Mun Beach down south. This second beach is noted for the fine quality of sand, very clean waters and beautiful scenery. Both beaches have expected facilities including showers, changing rooms, lockers, lifeguards and kiosks. Do note that during the pandemic, these facilities, like all other beaches around Hong Kong are closed.

Another island attraction is the UNESCO Geo Trail found near the main ferry pier. Here visitors can walk a nearly 500 metre trail that crosses a tombolo (land bridge) to a tiny adjacent island. The tombolo is accessible during most of the day but slightly under water during the height of high tides (1.4 metres).

Along the tombolo and the adjacent small island there are interesting geological features which date back 140 million years when the entire area of Sai Kung was believed to be part of a super volcano. Most interesting are the quartz monzonite, locally referred to as the 'pineapple bun' rocks given their resemblance to this important and popular local food speciality.

There is a nice trail between Kiu Tsui and Hap Mun that is around 1.6 km in distance. The trail crosses from north to south, covering attractive island landscape, climbing to an elevation of around 135 metres above sea level. What makes the trail nice is that it follows a ridge much of the way, providing views of the coastline, the sea as well as other outlying islands on both sides of Sharp Island. When sky conditions are favourable, the views are really nice in both directions.

At the south end of the island, there is a boulder beach that you can explore a bit but be ready for proper coasteering the further you go south as it because rather challenging the further you go. Near the southern tip of the island there is a popular sea cave but given the difficulty navigating on foot, this is mostly a place visited by those with kayaks.

You will notice, particularly on weekends and public holidays, quite a few people camping at both ends of the island, taking advantage of the public facilities found at the two beaches. There are a few BBQ pits and tables as well. The public beach facilities include simple kiosks for food and drink purchases. However, best to bring your own drinks & snacks that you can purchase back in Sai Kung before making your way...

This was my first time exploring Sharp Island on a fine day, not too sunny with mild breeze. You can take a ferry from Sai Kung pier (cost HK$40 for a round trip 10-15min boat ride - remember to check on the ferry schedule), we got off at Hap Mun Bay, aka Half Moon Bay, & hiked (Kiu Tsui Country Park, suitable for beginners) to the other side of the island, Kiu Tsui. It took us around 1 hour (total distance 1.9km) in a rather slow pace as very often we had to stop & admire the magnificent views. The highest point was 97m high at Hak Shan Teng. At the end of the hike, you’ll finish in Kiu Tsui. Kiu Tsui features a large rocky beach with volcanic rocks & the famous Sharp Island tombolo that connects to Kiu Tau. Here, you’ll find the most interesting looking rocks, the quartz monzonite, due to weathering, the rock is referred to as the “pineapple bun rock“, one of the famous local delicacies/buns in Hong Kong. You can spend a good couple of hours here, diving, snorkeling, swimming, BBQ, kayaking, or walk to Kiu Tau during low tides & explore the geo park (remember to read the tides schedule), etc. Changing rooms & shower facilities are available on both beaches. This island is great for a...

A visit to Sharp Island will fulfill a few wishes for nature lovers. There is the fun walk out to the Kiu Tau Islet on the tombolo at low tides, close to the Sharp Island Pier. At the Sharp Island beach area you will observe some interesting rock formations. Then one can head over to a short hiking trail with a reasonable altitude. Along the trail you will see wonderful sea views of Sai Kung’s eastern waters. If you want to swim, the waters of Hap Moon Bay (Halfmoon Bay) is pristine. On a sunny day, the Sharp Island offers an exceptional selection of outdoor activities. Its proximity to Sai Kung also makes it an...