Hiking in Hong Kong: Po Toi Island Loop Hike

Po Toi Island is the southernmost island in Hong Kong. Though small, it offers stunning scenery, making it ideal for both relaxing vacations and hiking. It's also a great spot for camping. I chose to do a loop hike this time, pushing myself a bit. My route was: Pier (turn left) - Tin Hau Temple (Sounding Conch Rock) - Po Toi Country Trail (uphill) - Tai Pai Tong Peak - Tung Tau Teng (return) - Ngau Wu Teng (Sunrise Pavilion) - Lighthouse 126 - Nam Kok Tsui - Pier - Wu's Old House (return) - Pier. The total distance was 11.6 km, with a cumulative elevation gain of 710 meters, and it took me four hours. Turning left from the pier, you first pass a small beach (Figure 5), where there are public restrooms. Continuing on, you reach Tin Hau Temple. The temple is resplendent with gold and features an ancient bell from the Daoguang era. Sounding Conch Rock is located by the sea next to the temple (Figures 6-8). Some sections of the uphill path are quite challenging, but dangerous sections are equipped with chain railings (Figure 9). To reach Tung Tau Teng, you need to turn left from the country trail onto a small, rather rugged path. Because few people walk this way, most of the path requires bushwhacking. Be careful of branches hitting your face and vines tangling your feet. From here, you can enjoy a distant view of Cape D'Aguilar (Figure 19) and the Sai Kung Peninsula (Figure 20). The sea is dotted with windsurfers, and eagles soar in the sky. The scenery is beautiful and makes the journey worthwhile. Returning to the country trail, you pass Ngau Wu Teng (Sunrise Pavilion). The steps down the hill are a popular photo spot (Figures 1-3). The peninsula ahead is dotted with jagged rocks, including lifelike formations such as the Monk Rock (Figure 10), the Turtle Climbing the Mountain Rock (Figure 11), and the Buddha's Hand Cliff (Figure 12). There are also many other unnamed, strangely shaped rocks in various forms (Figures 13-14). At the tip of the peninsula is Nam Kok Tsui. The path is quite difficult, with cliffs, reefs, and splashing waves, creating a breathtakingly beautiful yet thrilling scene (Figures 15-17). Back at the pier, seeing that it was still early, I mustered up the courage to visit Wu's Old House. It's actually just a dilapidated and abandoned farmhouse, not really worth a special trip. Transportation: Ferries to Po Toi Island depart from Aberdeen/Stanley Blake Pier. Tickets cost HKD 30 and can be purchased with cash or Octopus card. There are more ferries from Stanley on weekends.