Sharp Island Sai Kung: Ultimate Guide to Beaches, Hiking Trails & More

Ready to ditch the concrete jungle for a day? Hop on a quick 15-minute boat from Sai Kung to find yourself on the piece of paradise that is Sharp Island!

If you’ve ever been to Sai Kung, you know it’s the ultimate chill zone away from the city buzz — think secret beaches, killer seaside restaurants and overall good vibes. But here’s a little local secret: just a short boat ride from Sai Kung town is Sharp Island, part of the UNESCO Hong Kong Geopark. It’s got everything you need for a perfect day out — a rewarding hike, two breezy beaches and mind-blowing volcanic rocks dating back to the Cretaceous period! When you’re not planning an epic tourist-trap-free activity in Hong Kong, why not pop over for a few hours, or camp overnight at Hap Mun Bay Beach if you’re feeling adventurous? Either way, Sharp Island is your ticket to nature’s playground!

Sassy Tip: Dining on Sharp Island is limited to kiosks at Hap Mun Bay and Kiu Tsui Beach (both only open on weekends!), so you’ll have to fuel up and get your essentials in Sai Kung Town beforehand. Check out our Sai Kung guide for the scoop on where to eat, shop and more!

Read More: Sai Kung — Best Spots to Eat, Stay and Play

How To Get To Sharp Island

Getting to Sharp Island is a breeze! Just hop on a sampan from Sai Kung Pier, and in about 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll be soaking in the island. Here’s the lowdown: At Sai Kung Pier, you’ll find plenty of boat operators selling tickets. Just keep an eye out for signs that say “Sharp Island” (蚺蛇島), “Kiu Tsui” (蕉翠) or “Hap Mun Bay” (合文灣) — these are your golden tickets to the island’s best spots.

Sassy Tip: Sampans departing every 15-30 minutes from Sharp Island offer flexibility, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed day or overnight escape from Sai Kung pier!

Read More: Hong Kong Day Trips To Fill Your Weekends With

Things To Do On Sharp Island

Kiu Tsui Pier and Beach — Swimming and brisk hikes on Sharp Island

Rolling up to Kiu Tsui Pier on a sampan, you’ll be hit with those gorgeous turquoise vibes — instant relax mode activated, city stress left behind! Jump into the calm, crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim or throw on your hiking kicks and hit the trails. In addition, take a lazy stroll over the Tombolo — that cool natural sandbar linking two parts of the island.

Read More: Places To Go Kayaking In Hong Kong

Sharp Island Tombolo – The “Fairy Walk” sand path and Geo Trail

This natural sand formation, fondly known as the “Fairy Walk,” never fails to wow visitors. Stretching around 200 metres, it’s a charming path made up of rocks, pebbles and sediments, all carefully carried by waves and wind to link Kiu Tsui Beach with the neighbouring Kiu Tau islet.

On the other side, you’ll find the start of the Sharp Island Geo Trail — a short and sweet 500-metre stroll that rewards you with panoramic views of a lighthouse framed by the beautiful backdrop of Clearwater Bay.

Sassy Tip: The Sharp Island Tombolo only makes an appearance at low tide (below 1.4m), so be sure to check the water levels on the Hong Kong Observatory website before you set off.

Read More: The Best Beach Hikes In Hong Kong

Volcanic Rocks on Sharp Island – “Pineapple Bun” rocks dated back to the Cretaceous Period

It’s hard to imagine now, but Sharp Island was once part of a massive, fiery volcano — quite the prehistoric spectacle! Scattered throughout this UNESCO Global Geopark are fascinating volcanic rock formations, each with its own unique charm.

Here on Sharp Island, you’ll find clusters of volcanic rocks dating back over 140 million years to the Cretaceous Period — yes, the era of the dinosaurs. The showstoppers? The quirky “pineapple bun” rocks, named after our favourite local sweet treat thanks to their bumpy, golden appearance. Keep your eyes peeled around Kiu Tsui Beach and along the Tombolo — these igneous wonders are everywhere, just waiting for a cheeky photo op!

Read More: Instagrammable Rock Formations To Visit In Hong Kong

Sharp Island Hiking Trail – Stunning 360° panoramic views with handy selfie spots

This 1.6-kilometre Sharp Island trail (starting at Kiu Tsui Pier) offers panoramic vistas of the Tombolo’s sandy stretch, followed by Hap Mun Bay’s pristine white beaches, the rolling hills behind Sai Kung town, and views of the surrounding islands and lush country parks.

The trail is fairly manageable but does get steep in places — so don’t forget your sunscreen and comfy shoes. It usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how often you pause to soak in the views.

Sassy tip: We can’t help but chuckle at how many wooden selfie stands are dotted along the Sharp Island Hiking trail — making it way too easy to snap picture-perfect shots without any awkward angles or shaky hands!

Read More: Your Ultimate Hong Kong Hiking Trail Bucket List

Hap Mun Bay Beach – Crescent-shaped beach featuring barbecue facilities and a camping area

Hap Mun Bay (aka Half Moon Bay) on Sharp Island is a stunning crescent-shaped beach with soft white sand, clear waters and lush green hills all around — perfect for swimming, snorkelling or just kicking back and catching a tan. There’s also a campsite behind the beach, where you’ll find barbecue pits with tables, refreshment kiosks (open only on weekends), plus public bathrooms and shower facilities.

Read More: Glamping In Hong Kong — The Best Luxury Camping Sites For A Weekend Getaway