Why Sai Kung?  

Sai Kung, the easternmost part of the New Territories in Hong Kong, is one of the most popular spots for Stand Up Paddle-boarding among SUP enthusiasts. This is not just because of the fact that it sits right next to the ocean but also because it has one of most unique geological volcanic rock region in the area. The range of islands located in the open water is part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. Within the park are a variety of geological phenomena which are not just breathtaking to look at but also has huge education and science value:

So, what are you waiting for? Book a tour or grab a board and go out to explore these islands. There are special tours tailored specifically for these sightseeing spots and SUP is definitely one of the most popular ways to observe these geological phenomena and scenery up close. You can even reach some coral protected areas where motorboats are straightly restricted as SUPs do not produce any pollution or damage the natural environment.

The following are some of the most famous SUP touring / Sightseeing locations in Sai Kung we highly recommend:

Ung Kong Group / Bluff Island

Being part of the Hong Kong Geo Part it contains one of the four biggest sea caves in our eastern waters ¾ Sha Tong Hau Cave. This is an ideal place to study rhyolite and sea caves. The huge sea cave cuts right thorough the island and it is wide enough for SUP to pass through.

Sharp Island

Sharp Island is one of the islands of the Hong Kong Geo Park. In 2002, The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department set up buoys for coral conservation areas.

Po Pin Chau

Po Pin Chau is a triangle island by the east dam of High Island Reservoir. In more than 100 million years ago, a huge volcano (up to 18 km in diameter), was located between High Island and Ninepin Island. When lave covered the surface during explosion. Regular contractions happened while the layer cooling, which produces the hexagonal columnar joint seen today.

Besides these geological sites, there are also other scenery around and on these islands that are worth checking out. Some of the places have huge historic value and magnificent views. So while you are out there why not visit these places as well?

Kau Sai Chau

Kau Sai village has more than two hundred years of history and was once classified as a military area by the British Hong Kong government. You will find Hung Shing Temple in the southern part of the island, the building was built before 1889, and was declared an “Outstanding Project” by the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage 2000 Awards and also a Grade III Historic Building. 

Yim Tin

Yim Tin is a small offshore island in Sai Kung area which was settled by Chan’s family 300 years ago. “Yim Tin” means salt-pan. In earlier days villagers of the island lived on farming and salt-making. Mangrove can be found off the breakwater linking Yim Tin Tsai and Kau Sai Chau.

What if I’ve never tried SUP before?  

If this is the first time you try SUPing, don’t you worry, some of the tours we mentioned above include a beginner course and it will teach you the basics of stand up paddle-boarding before launching you to the open water: These tours usually include lunch, speedboat transportation, and a coach/tour guide to help you learn the ropes and provide assistance if necessary. So even if you don’t know anything about SUP you can still have a good time by joining one of these tours.

Alternatively, you can also rent a SUP nearby or even bring your own board along for a ride out in the ocean. However, If you decided to rent or bring a SUP board, we would advise you to do some safety preparations first before heading out. Check the weather and make sure you understand the condition of the water on that particular day, prepare a SUP leash and wear a PFD – Personal Flotation Device. Bring enough water or even wear a hydration-pack as you will most likely stay out there for a while.

How to get to Sai Kung?  

(Information provided by Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay Magazine)

Driving:

Driving to Sai Kung is quite easy. Here are some simple directions.

Driving from Hong Kong Island:

• Take the Eastern Tunnel.
• Stay on the left on exit of tunnel. Don’t get on the highway and go up to the roundabout. Take the next exit off the roundabout which takes you back down the side of the highway and then stay on the right when the road forks to go to the Tseung Kwan O tunnel.
• After the TKO tunnel, take the first big roundabout and turn left following signs to Hang Hau and Sai Kung.
• Follow the signs to Sai Kung thereafter, it remains straight forward and on a single road.

Driving from the East:

• Follow the signs in the Lam Tin area towards Tseung Kwan O.
• Go through TKO tunnel for $3 and then follow the signs towards Sai Kung

Where to Park in Sai Kung Town

• Sai Kung Garden (16 Chan Man Street)
• Sai Kung Town Center (22-40 Fuk Man Road & Chan Man Street)
• Urban Entertainment Centre (1A Chui Tong Road)
• Lakeside Garden (1 Chui Tong Road)
• Mei Fuk Street
• Kau Sai Chau Public Car Park (Wai Man Road)

Public Transportation:

From Hang Hau

• Take the MTR to Hang Hao on the Tseung Kwan O (Purple) Line and proceed to take a Minibus 101M at the Bus Station next to the MTR exit.
• This might be the fastest route from Hong Kong Island to Sai Kung.

From Mong Kok

• Take the MTR to Mong Kok station on the Tseun Wan (Red) Line and proceed Dundas Street where you’ll find a red minibus that will take you straight to Sai Kung.

From Choi Hung

• Reach Choi Hung station on the San Po Kong (Green) Line and proceed to the C2 exit. Take the A1 minibus to reach to Sai Kung Town.

If you still have questions regarding SUPing in Sai Kung, why not give us a shout? We’d be happy to help you out.