Tung Ping Chau

Our second camping trip to Tung Ping Chau. Early 9.00am ferry from Ma Liu Shui pier near the University KRC station on Saturday. The ferry's only run at weekends and public holidays. We packed some bacon rolls and some hot coffee. The trip takes about an hour and 20 minutes, as the boat chugs through the Tolo Channel, then the North Channel, into Mirs Bay, then out east. In fact Tung Ping Chau is the most eastern island in the territory.

(Above and below) Not the most flattering of photographs at 9:00am on a Saturday morning but it illustrates the point that we are active people and like to get out and about in a healthy way. This is my third bacon sandwhich. We were packing until 4:00am.


(Below) Through Mirs Bay. Some great ships moored out in deeper waters.

(below) Welcome to Tung Ping Chau, or east flat island, literally. I prefer Tung Ping Chau. Sounds more romantic, anyway. Here's Tabs at the main entrance after the pier.
Someone told me that the two policeman on the island are often at the pier when a boat arrives checking ID cards. I'm not sure why, and I've never come across that on the times I've been there. Most illegal immigrants from mainland China would probably prefer to use the alternative landing spot such as, er, a dark unlit beach, after a knackering escape across the channel. Some say that's why the inhabitants now only get the boat back there on Saturdays and leave on Sundays, due to a spate robberies by illegal immigrants. The villagers go back to their old life, sweep down the floors and sell drinks and food to tourists. In the evening each family (around 3) sit down to a serious feast; a variety of shellfish and sea life that, being indigenous villagers, are allowed to take despite it being in a protected marine park. Having said that, they were reluctant to be photographed cleaning out certain species. Like those really rare black sea urchins.

The water is probably the most beautiful I've seen in Hong Kong, given it's environmental crisis. Snorkelling is popular here and you can hire equipment from the local villagers. You don't need to camp; you can stay in one of the local houses for a round HK$45 per night including breakfast. You could quite easily pack an overnight shoulder bag and have a weekend away. Excellent food and ice cold beers are available all weekend.
You really have to be there and see it on a beautiful sunny day to appreciate it, given you're about an hour away from one the most densly populated places in the world. Two days and a night there and you're recharged and ready for Monday morning.
(Below) The camping site, about a fifteen minute walk from the pier. There are around 12 pitches.



(Below) The view from the tent. The land you can see across the water is the booming edge of Southern China.

Sharp Peak #2

Monday 9th April and a hike over Sharp Peak. We'd been this way before, but Mike and Cliff had broken off and done it, leaving Tabs, Diane and myself lazing on Tai Long Wan beach. I'd always felt guilty for not doing it, so I put in a special request for this week's hike. Below is Sharp Peak way way in the distance as we set off.

(Below) The closer you got, the tougher it looked. It was about 22 C and not too humid but the sun was hot.

(Below) The last point where you either hang a left up the gravel and onto Sharp Peak, or carry on for beers at Tai Long Wan. The temptation was too much for old Mike. Besides, he'd done it before.






(Above) We're off. The trail was long and steep, and a hard slog. Below is the view to the right of the trail, the beautiful beach at Tai Long Wan; probably the best bit of coastline in Hong Kong.








(Below) The marker at the top, and a perfect spot to take in the views, have our sandwiches, and open the flask. The last 20 minutes were mostly climbing and scrabbling on all fours. It was a tough hike in terms of getting dirty but not one of the toughest we've done.








(Below) On the way down towards Tai Long Wan, and some magnificent views of the beach.









Sharp Peak in the distance. Legs sore, we limped to Tai Long Wan village for beers. Then it was a hard, hour -long slog to get the speed boat back to Wong Shek Pier, where Tabs and I had camped last year. There were many tents on the beach at Tai Long Wan - would make a great camping trip - apart from lugging your kit.