Need a vacation from your vacation? An escape to nature? The northeastern coast of the New Territories boasts Hong Kong’s longest virginal coastline and its most numerous islands. Encompassing 19 sq. miles/50 sq km of this coastline and its islands is the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, created to preserve unique geological features. There are hiking trails throughout; or, for a different perspective, there are also boat tours from Sai Kung Town.

The 1.6-mile/2.8km High Island Geo Trail is popular for its view of rare hexagonal volcanic rock columns, measuring 98 ft/30m high and 3.9 ft/1.2 m in diameter. Sharp Island (Kiu Tsui Chau) is only 1.5 miles/2.5km long and just one-third mile/.5km wide, but it’s popular for its 1-km Sharp Island Geo Trail with various volcanic rocks, a natural sand levee, and beaches.

Geopark is divided into two different areas. Those mentioned above are in the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region, accessible from Sai Kung Town, where you’ll also find the Volcano Discovery Centre with information on the park and free guided tours. There are many restaurants in Sai Kung Town; in fact, it’s famous for its seafood restaurants.

Practical Info

Kiu Tsui, Sai Kung, Hong Kong

Hours: Geopark 24/7. Volcano Discovery Centre daily 9-5

Free guided tours. Boat tour prices vary; a roundtrip sampan (water taxi) to Sharp Island is about HK$40

Video

(852) 2394 1538

www.geopark.gov.hk

Transit: Bus 92 from Diamond Hill MTR Station to Sai Kung Town