Name(English): Po Toi Island
Name(Chinese): 蒲台島
Category: Outdoor Activities
Address(English): Po Toi Island
Address(Chinese): 蒲台島
Address Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/9JwN3M16cLvbxwbE6
Address longitude and latitude: 22.171092313952613, 114.25998532624583
Opening hours:
MON 00:00 – 23:59
TUE 00:00 – 23:59
WED 00:00 – 23:59
THU 00:00 – 23:59
FRI 00:00 – 23:59
SAT 00:00 – 23:59
SUN 00:00 – 23:59
Recommended Time to Visit: 10am
Reminder: Take ferry from Stanley Blake Pier or Aberdeen Ferry Pier : Schedule here
Wind blowing and waves splashing, the color of near-shore waters transitioning from blue to turquoise, and pinkish granite rocks dotting all over the evergreen island – Po Toi seems to embrace all colors of nature from being the southernmost outlying island of the city. The island is small but offers everything you need for a little escape, from family-friendly hiking trails, interesting rock formations to local noodle soup with seaweed, so why not spending a few hours hiking around Po Toi if you plan to visit Stanley as well over the weekends, from where you can hop on the ferry that goes to the island.
This island contains 3,500 years of history and used to be home to almost 1,000 villagers that mostly survived on fishing and seaweed production. The residents still harvest seaweed and sell packs of them to visitors these days (you might find an interesting scene of the seaweed hanging from strings for drying). But the population has decreased to around 100 over the past decades as many have moved to the city due to lack of water and electricity supply.
You will arrive at a pier in Tai Wan (大灣), a southeastern bay of the island where most of the villagers reside. There is a map that showcases the main hiking trails and the 9 spots that you should check out – here’s the standard route for a relaxing hike.
Starting your journey with a nice bowl of seaweed-spam-and-eggs noodle soup (紫菜餐蛋麵) ($30) is the way to go. The natural saltiness of the locally produced seaweed is nicely complementary to the locals’ go-to dish. Kwan Kee Store (坤記) claims to be the best restaurant for it but the one found in other eateries are just as good, affordable and filling.
Next up, the real challenge is to find all the interesting looking rocks across the island: Snail Rock, Palm Rock, Supine Monk, Tortoise Rock and the rock you name it! it does take a bit of observation and imagination but no worries, the main trail is easy with concrete steps and signs so take your time to spot them all out.
Po Toi is famous for its Instagrammable scenery and a random shot would already impress your followers but there are two photo hotspots – one is the pinkish footbridge spanning the exposed rocks along Nam Tam Wan that creates a dreamy contrast with the blue-green backdrop, whilst the other one is the white lighthouse atop the hill that is worthwhile capturing to prove you have been to the southernmost point!
The Tin Hau Temple will soon come into view if you head west from the pier. It is no surprising that Tin Hau – the “Godness of Sea” is situating on the outskirts of the island protecting the villagers from storms. Being one of the most worshipped deities in the city, Tin Hau is widely celebrated by local communities via the annual Tin Hau Birthday Festival and one of them takes place at Po Tai which spreads across 5 days starting from the 23rd day of the 3rd month of the Lunar calendar. Don’t miss out the festive excitement from the traditional sparkler grabbing and Chinese opera for the celebration if you happen to visit the place during the time.
Getting there: Tsui Wah Ferry Service operates ferries departing from both Aberdeen and Stanley; but departures from Stanley are only available on Sundays & Public Holidays. More details can be found here.
Recommendations: There is no tap water for hand washing at the public toilet due to lack of stable water supply so please bring wet wipes or hand sanitizer!
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