Unique Places in Hong Kong

Ap Chau (Duck Island) is a cluster of small islands situated between Starling Inlet and Crooked Harbour off the northeastern New Territories. All these islands inherited their names because of their unique shapes: Tai Ap Chau (Big Duck Island), Sai Ap Chau (Small Duck Island), and Ap Tan (Duck Egg). Not all of these islands are inhabited, only the biggest. The populations of the islands, mostly fishermen, are believers of Christianity.

All the islanders are part of the True Jesus Church congregation, a Protestant Sect whose headquarters is in Taiwan. Ap Chau is also a restricted area that can only be accessible through a local tour group. However, there are no restaurants on the island; it is better to prepare a food basket before venturing off to the island.

There used to be over 1000 inhabitants called the Tanka who were fishermen but most have moved over to cities in the United Kingdom.

Cape D' Aguilar is set in the southeastern corner of Hong Kong Island, this promontory is formed by Shek O Peak and D'Aguilar Peak. Shek O Peak in the north, with its famous Dragon's Back, is popular with hikers. D'Aguilar Peak in the south is a less trodden route with few visitors all year round.

Exposed to ocean swells on three sides, Cape D'Aguilar is sculpted into a unique work of art. Along the coast, there are many similar rock caves with rushes of seawater. Hikers like to call this coastal stretch Rocky River.

Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse is one of the declared monuments of Hong Kong. It is also known as Hok Tsui Beacon.

Cape D' Aguilar is located in Shek O Country Park, HK Island.

My girlfriend (who lives here on expat) took us to a reflexology shop in Central. It looks like a hole in the wall, but it's very nice inside. And the masseuse gave us an incredible foot massage. Just be careful... little Asian women with very "sharp" knuckles... so it can be extremely painful. (they put their might into their work, unlike some spa resorts in the West where they barely try to massage you). These are LEGIT places that also offer backrubs, head massages, etc. But it's worth it... nothing finer than a great foot massage after walking the hills all day.

Nestled under rolling hills that provide shelter on three sides, Pui O is a bay at the trumpet-shaped mouth of a river. To its north the volcanic rock and tuff ranges of Sunset Peak and Yi Tung Shan rise regally. To the southeast stands Chi Ma Wan, a granite peninsula. Over the ages, the river has washed down a substantial flow of quartz sand. Deposited at the estuary where the bay is sheltered by ocean surges on both sides, these materials formed a 1km sandy strip Pui O Beach.

Pui O is very popular with weekenders. The long sandy beach of Pui O is indeed appealing. Wing On Bridge on the Pui O River is a rustic crossing constructed with great granite blocks, with oysters growing all over the bridge pier. This peaceful country scene of bridge over gentle water has a totally different charisma, one that rivals the sun, sand and sea of Pui O Beach.

Pui O is on Lantau Island.

Reputed to be a diver's paradise, the group is made up of three larger islands, namely, East Ninepin Island, South Ninepin Island and North Ninepin Island, and several small rock islets. The three large islands, named after their orientation, are set triangularly.

Northwest of Mirs Bay is yet another island known as Tap Mun Chau or Grass Island. The island is home to an affluent community of fishermen, who crowd the harbour with their boats. The harbor acts as a pivotal gathering point for fishermen all over this region. There is also a Tin Hau Temple atop the hills of the island.

This 100-year-old temple has special importance because it is the last one before fishermen reach the open sea. Usually, fishermen would make a stop at this temple to pray and make offerings for a safe return from their voyages. A strange thing about this particular temple is that when the east winds roar, their sounds can be heard in a crevice under the altar. This eerie howling is interpreted by fishermen as a warning of storms to come.

Tap Mun Chau can be reached by sampans at Wong Shek pier in the New Territories.

Off Sai Kung in eastern New Territories is Sharp Island (Kiu Tsui Chau), which is worth a visit. A perfect beach, Hap Mun Bay, with clear water and fine sands occupy the southern side of the island. Several popular camping and barbecue spots are open to visitors.

Kaido services are available from Sai Kung pier.

Labeled the Crooked Island, Kat O Chau is huge and located to the northwest of Mirs Bay. Also a gathering place for fishermen, this quiet isolated island contains small villages scattered everywhere. Islanders pass time by catching, drying, selling, and eating fish. Specialty catches around this area are fresh abalone, squid, and mussels.

The island's most beautiful features are the ancient brick houses, traditional temples, steep cliffs, and small grottoes where pirates used to hide their hidden treasures several hundred years ago. Like many places in Hong Kong, there is also a Tin Hau Temple that is adorned with perfectly preserved blue-and-green glazed ceramic friezes. Besides these, other attractions include the Tung Bay Beach, Marriage Tree, Quanyin Cave, and Flying Rat Rock.

Kat O Chau is in close proximity with China and so visitor entry is restricted. You must go through a travel agent or be sponsored by a resident of the island. Organized tours are available, which starts from Sha Tau Kok or Ma Liu Shui piers in Kowloon, on weekends and public holidays. For inquiries - call 2679 9475.