Off The Beaten Track: Outer Islands - Po Toi
There is much written and available about the tourist attractions of Hong Kong. Just pick up any guidebook. My role is to write about those things you won't find in most guidebooks. The outer islands, especially the smaller ones, are rarely mentioned. I'd like to remedy that deficiency here.
There are more than 260 islands within Hong Kong Territory. More than 220 of them are uninhabited. Most of them are accessible only by private boat - some have walking trails, most do not, some have restaurants, most do not. Locals have been known to discourage visitors, although I have never personally had a problem.
This is one of a series about some of the accessible islands. Previous articles covered Lamma, Cheung Chau and Peng Chau. Today I'd like to look at Po Toi, one of the smallest of the inhabited Islands.
Po Toi is about three or four kilometers S.E. of Hong Kong Island. It's about four square kilometers in size and can be easily circumnavigated in about three hours or so.
It's a favorite destination for geology and archeology buffs, bird watchers, weekend hikers, young people out for a little adventure and those of us who love the seafood there. There is a fairly well-marked trail that winds around the island and will take you to or at least near almost all the sights you would want to see. It also provides vistas of the South China Sea and many small neighboring islands.
There is also a figure eight trail that is much rougher but far less crowded especially on weekends. My wife, Pam, reports that one of the less popular parts of this trail is covered with giant spider webs and it took all her courage to break through them and continue her hike. The good news is that she didn't see any giant spiders, just their webs. They must weave them at night.
Ancient Rock carvings on the island that date back over 2,000 years have been listed as "Declared Monuments of Hong Kong". You will find them just off the main trail between the harbor and the lighthouse. It also has a number of interesting rock formations among them are the Buddha Hand Rock, the Coffin Rock, and the Tortoise Climbing up the Mountain.
At the island's highest point, 188 meter Ngau Wu Teng, there is a shaded pavilion that allows hikers to take a break, enjoy the view and cool off. There are steps up and down from the top so if people take their time almost everyone can access the pavilion.
A mansion, once owned by the Mo family, is also on the trail and is a fun place to explore especially for children. It's supposedly haunted. It was also used to house Japanese soldiers during WW II, adding to its mystery.
At the end of your hike you have two choices, you can visit the local grocery and eat and drink sitting on the steps outside or you can join the likes of me at the Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant which is very near the pier. The food is excellent and if you are there on a weekday, you will pretty much have the place to yourself. I understand there are a couple other restaurants nearby but they aren't nearly as appetizing and are often closed on weekdays.
Ferries run to Po Toi from Aberdeen's Promenade Pier on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Except for Sundays and holidays there is only one ferry a day. There are four on Sunday. You can take a ferry from Stanley's Blake Pier near the Stanley Market on weekends and holidays. The last time I went the fare was HK$40 (US$5.20) round trip. I understand there is ferry service from North Point but I've never ridden it. Details are available at this ferry link.
Up for an adventure? Try visiting this island. It's easy to imagine what Hong Kong was like 100 years ago when you are on Po Toi.