Short Walks: Mangroves at To Kwa Peng
The top of the path down to the small village of To Kwa Peng is across the road from the picturesque, terraced village of Uk Tau. You'll find a fine stand of bamboo that sways and creeks as you begin your walk down to the shore.
This well-worn path is sometimes busy with local villagers as well as those who are taking a diversion from either the Wong Shek Family Walk (up the hill and west) or the McLehose Trail (up the hill and east).
Now you've arrived at the mudflat area and the mangrove trees and plants that are protecting the shoreline from erosion and maintaining ecological balance in the area. Although such a hostile environment for most plants the various mangrove plants seem to thrive in soft soil, fluctuations in tides, and high salt content of the water.
Look for at least four of the following species of mangroves:
- Aegiceras corniculatum
- Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (Many-petaled Mangrove)
- Excoecaria agallocha (Blind Your Eye)
- Heritiera littoralis (Coastal Heritiera)
- Kandelia obovata
- Lumnitzera racemosa (Lumnitzera)
About half way along, on your right, are some concrete structures almost completely taken over by grasses and shrubberies. These are reported to have been fish farms abandoned some years ago*.
Of historical note, the To Kwa Peng pier, obviously much grander now than WWII years, was once one of the launching points for prisoners of war escaping into China, aided by the BAAG (British Army Aid Group) and the Hong Kong Resistance.
From here you can follow the path back to Pak Tam Road or you can carry on up the hill to the village of To Kwa Peng and proceed up the path (around 20 min) to meet up with stage 2 of the McLehose Trail and on to either Tai Long Wan or Pak Tam Au (where you can get the bus back). You could also double back to the start of the mangrove area and go northwest to meet up with the Wong Shek Family Walk.
Time & Difficulty
(one way down) approx. .5 km, 15 min.
Getting there:
Take the KMB Bus 94 towards Wong Shek Pier, Green Minibus 7 towards Hoi Ha Wan, from Sai Kung Town Centre. On weekends only - you can take the 96R or Citybus 698R both towards Wong Shek Pier. Get off at Uk Tau stop (94 - stop #20, 96R - stop #47, 698R - stop #70). Go to our Getting There pages for more detailed information.
Further Information:
The Dept. of Ecology & Biodiversity at HK University - has developed an excellent online study resource entitled "Exploring Mangroves".
The Queensland Environmental Protection Agency - extensive information on mangroves and their economic and ecological importance.
* If anyone has any early photos or further information about these fish farms - please contact Explore Sai Kung .