by Ken Ng
Sai Kung offers both challenging hiking trails as well as pristine beaches. Here we highlight the “Big Four” in Sai Kung East Country Park, namely Sai Wan, Ham Tin, Tai Wan and Tung Wan. This cluster of beaches, known collectively as Tai Long Wan, and the local old villages nearby are fairly easily accessed from the MacLehose Trail (Stage 2). Visit one or visit them all in one go.
First, hop on the minibus to Sai Wan Road Pavilion (the terminus) from Sai Kung Town. The beach walk follows the Tai Long Wan-Ham Tin-Chek Keung route we recommended in the November 2007 issue of the Explore Sai Kung Magazine. Stroll down along the concrete path towards Chui Tung Au en route to Sai Wan and in 40 minutes, the first of four white-sand, unspoiled beaches – Sai Wan – pops into view. Being small and having virtually no facilities means that this beach draws less attention from hikers than Ham Tin does. It is, however, popular with the pleasure junks that regularly anchor here on holidays.
Trace the path up the hill for an hour and you will have a thrilling panorama – the glittering turquoise sea with waves breaking onto a long stretch of beach – with Ham Tin in the foreground. If you haven’t brought your lunch, I strongly suggest stopping at Ham Tin as there is a choice of outlets, as well as shower facilities. There are some villages worth visiting that lie behind the beach. For instance, Tai Long has a small church built in 1867 and it was once occupied by Japanese troops during the Sino-Japanese War.
If you still have some energy left, hike up the small hill behind the store and in 20 minutes, you can see the longest beach – Tai Wan. Further along is Tung Wan, a remote beach that attracts a few campers. It is a 40 minute hike, one way, and since there is no easy exit, you have to walk back to Ham Tin before heading along the MacLehose Trail to Chek Keng.
From Chek Keng, you have a choice: hop on a ferry to Wong Shek Pier, or if you still have energy, continue along the trail to Pak Tam Au.
Enjoy the hike, sand and sea but bear in mind that these beaches are not suitable for swimming – there are strong currents behind those gorgeous breaking waves and no lifeguards here.
Time: 4 hours total (Sai Wan Pavillion → Sai Wan: 40 mins; Sai Wan → Ham Tin: 60 mins; Ham Tin → Tai Wan: 20 mins; Tai Wan → Tung Wan: 40 mins; Ham Tin → Chek Keng: 60 mins)
Distance: 10 km
Difficulty: 1 – easy, 5 – most difficult): 3
Getting There: Take the 29R minibus outside McDonald’s (Chan Man St), which goes to Sai Wan Road Pavilion. On the way back, take KMB #94 or 96R (weekends and holidays only) from either Wong Shek or Pak Tam Au. From the latter you can also hop on minibus #7. For more detailed information, check out our Transport Info pages.
Map: The best map to have for hiking in the district is the Countryside Series for Sai Kung & Clearwater Bay. It is 1:25,000 and includes topographic detail and symbols to various amenities and facilities as well as marking the various levels of trail and road. Copies are available in the Explore Store (both online and in Sai Kung).
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