All About Sharp Island, Sai Kung

Sharp Island first caught my attention when I read about it in a CNN article that featured it among the top underrated attractions in Asia.

With that pitch, it’s hard not to want to visit Sharp Island.

Getting To Sharp Island

Aerial view of the beautiful water at Sharp Island during sunset

Visiting Hong Kong?

Need a local SIM card? Or the cheapest tickets for the Airport Express or Disneyland?

Getting to Sharp Island is easy once you’ve gotten to Sai Kung. On the other hand, getting to Sai Kung can be a pain especially on weekends. Once at the Sai Kung pier, approach one of the kaito (small ferry) operators. Most of them have Sharp Island written on their boards.

The ferry/kaito schedule depends from operator to operator, but most run at intervals of 30 minutes. A round-trip should cost around HK$ 40/person.

Sharp Island has two piers next to its two beaches. Most kaitos make the first stop at Kiu Tsui Port, and then at Half Moon Bay Public Pier.

Beaches on Sharp Island

You can get off at either of the piers at Sharp Island, which are right next to the two beaches – Kiu Tsui Beach and Half Moon Bay (Hap Mun Bay) Beach.

Kiu Tsui Beach

Kiu Tsui Beach is the larger of the two beaches. It stretches along the western shore of Sharp Island.

Right next to the beach is a tombolo that connects it to an islet named Kiu Tau. You can walk over the tombolo during low tide.

If you’re more interested in learning about the tombolo, the rocks, Sharp Island, and Kiu Tau, why not join Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region Tour?

Kiu Tsui Beach has several facilities including a refreshment kiosk, BBQ pits, changing room, shower facilities, and toilets.

Half Moon Bay / Hap Mun Bay Beach

A perfect shot of Hap Mun Bay (Half Moon Bay), Sharp Island

Hap Mun Bay is a picturesque tiny beach located on Sharp Island’s south side. The water quality at the beach is consistently rated good, making it perfect for swimming. Hap Mun Bay also offers visitors fine white sand, beautiful views of mountains and rock formations. No wonder the beach gets incredibly crowded during peak summer months.

The beach too offers facilities such as toilets, changing rooms, showers, kiosks, campsite and BBQ pits.

Looking down on Hap Mun Bay Beach, Sharp Island

Hiking On Sharp Island

Sharp Island points of interest

Here’s a short video that I put together. It captures our journey from Hang Hau, to Sai Kung, to Sharp Island, and then finally hiking from Kiu Tsui Beach to Hap Mun Bay Beach.

From Kiu Tsui to Hap Mun Bay

It is possible to hike from Kiu Tsui Beach to Half Moon Bay Beach, or vice versa. The distance between the two beaches is 1.6 km and is relatively easy to cover in an hour (click here to load the path in Google Maps). The path close to the two beaches is paved, and even has steps to help with the climb. Yes, the initial climb is steep so come prepared.

The final climb during our hike on Sharp Island

However, once you reach the trail on top of the hill, the views are totally worth it! On one side are the views of  Sai Kung, and on the other Kau Sai Chau with its golf course. There were times we just stood on the top admiring all the beauty around us.

The hiking path on Sharp Island

Personally, I feel that it’s worth starting from Kiu Tsui Beach and hiking to Half Moon Bay Beach. Why? Because it’s always nice to go from a less pretty beach to a prettier one.

Photos Of Sharp Island

Drone & DSLR + Kanny Paints

I’ve partnered with the incredibly talented Kanny for her latest collection “The Other Side: Seaside” to bring my aerial images of Hong Kong’s beaches to life.
Browse the gallery

Here are a few more stunning, aerial photos of Sharp Island. And if you think Sharp Island is pretty, head on down to the East Dam of the High Island Reservoir. Like Sharp Island, that too is part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.

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