For camping and kite-flying: Tap Mun

Tap Mun is an unlikely place of pilgrimage. It’s more or less deserted year-round, with just a few score residents, several shops selling dried seafood and a restaurant that can safely bill itself as the best on the island. Yet once every 10 years, former residents flock from all over Hong Kong and around the world to celebrate this age-old fishing community at its Tin Hau temple. The celebration dates back to the late 18th century, when a storm ravaged a wedding held on Tap Mun and villagers prayed to Tin Hau, goddess of the sea, for protection. In honour of not losing their boats, livestock and loved ones, the villagers vowed to hold a celebration every decade – a promise still honoured two centuries later (the last one took place in April 2019). At just about any other time, visitors are free to explore, fly kites (there’s usually a stiff breeze blowing in from Mirs Bay) and even camp overnight on the green uplands that give Tap Mun its name: “Grass Island”.

How to get there: Kaito ferries sail from Wong Shek Pier (40-minute bus ride from Sai Kung town).

Before you go

As these islands lie on the fringes of Hong Kong, well away from mainstream transport, any excursion requires advanced planning. To be on the safe side, take water, some food and an extra layer in case the weather changes, and charge up your phone before leaving.

Small kaito ferries travel to and from many outlying islands, as noted above. The services favour weekends and public holidays, and while they’re inexpensive, the schedules can be infrequent; check the full list of timetables here.

This story was originally published in February 2020 and updated in March 2025.