With its fascinating rock formations and crystal-clear water, Tung Ping Chau is a postcard image of a tropical island getaway. If we’re thinking about going, what-and who-is this beach best for? Elsewhere around the island, empty and crumbling village houses provide a peek into the former fishing communities that once populated the island. Near the pier, Tai Tong Village is home to a local seafood restaurant-just check ahead to ensure it’s open during your visit. Heading south, the trail passes by a collection of ancient rock formations, created by a volcanic explosion about 6.5 million years ago. To break up the day, we’d recommend trekking around the island’s coastal path, which traces the craggy circumference past now-abandoned Sha Tau Village and the century-old Tin Hau Temple. The southwestern side of the island is photogenic as well and home to a rock formation called Lung Lok Shui (meaning “Dragon Descending to the Sea”), which looks like a crouching dragon wading into the water. Part of the Hong Kong Global Geopark, the west coast is full of dramatic layered cliffs, carved by powerful waves over the years. While not as soft as some of the other beaches in Hong Kong due to coral fragments and little stones, it’s still comfortable enough to walk barefoot-just watch your step. On the northeast coast, you’ll find the best sandy shores along Cheung Sha Wan beach. Part of a designated marine park, there’s plenty of coral, sea urchins, and pretty fish to admire-especially around the main pier. The transparent water will spoil snorkeling and scuba divers-this is about as clean as it gets in Hong Kong.
How’s the actual beach stuff-sand and surf? There are a few cafes and snack shops in Tai Tong Village near the pier, but you’ll have to pack all your own snorkeling gear, towels and sunscreen, as there are very few services. Decent services and facilities, would you say?
Be careful not to miss the ride-accommodations on the island are limited to tents and a few bare-bones dorm rooms. It's also worth noting that there are only two ferry trips (one there, one back) daily. It’s worth keeping in mind that you can only visit the island on weekends and public holidays, so plan accordingly. The journey will take an hour and 40 minutes but, once there, it’s easy to navigate the island on foot. Located in Mirs Bay, the tiny croissant-shaped island-just half a square mile-can be reached via ferry from Ma Liu Shui pier, near the University MTR station. Though it’s a hike to reach, intrepid travelers will be rewarded with gin-clear water, colorful coral, diverse flora and fauna, and fascinating rock formations. Looking at the map, far-flung Tung Ping Chau island is closer to Shenzhen, China, than Hong Kong’s mainland.
Give us the wide-angle view: what kind of beach are we talking about?
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