Hiking In Hong Kong went on a hiking activity again, and with 6 participants, we could say that this was a successful hike, even though there were a few mistakes.
This time, the activity was on Saturday, May 8th 2021, and at 10:30 sharp, all our 6 participants arrived at Sai Kung Public Pier, as planned. It was a blazing hot day, with temperatures shooting up to 30+ degrees and the sky clear. But nonetheless, we bought tickets to Sharp Island, which were $40 for every person. We planned to follow the route as shown on the left and walk from Hap Mun Bay Beach to Kiu Tsui, along the way catch some spectacular views. It would make a good day out, at least that was our plan.
It seems that every hike would go wrong in some way these days. We actually finished the hike, or rather I finished the hike, but it really could have gone really badly.
We chose the Cat Kaito Company and it really was a good choice. It had an upper deck, so we could sit while enjoying the winds. The sea view was also spectacular. Sooner than we had anticipated (perhaps because we enjoyed the ride), by 11:00, we reached Hap Mun Bay.
The water quality there was extremely good. I always hear people going there because the beach had maintained a level-1 water quality despite its growing popularity, but most of us didn't believe that a beach for so long can maintain its clear waters until we saw it ourselves, that is. The waters were clear enough for you to see the seabed, and the water itself is greenish-blue, the colour you would expect from high seawater quality. It would actually make a great afternoon, bathing and relaxing on the sand, but we didn't bring any of the beach stuff, so we quickly forgot about relaxing on the beach, spare ten minutes, where my younger sister insisted on going for a dip and resulted in her pants seriously wet!
After a quick lunch at some tables nearby, we started on our hike up Hak Shan Teng towards Kiu Tsui. The path was paved at first, and was quite good to walk on, despite never-ending stairs. However, it was an extremely hot day, with temperatures rising to more than 33 degrees, and the sun was blazing. But we pushed on, and slowly made our way up the steps, while looking at Hap Mun Bay and its beautiful beach behind us. We actually bumped into a friend who warned us that it was too hot and without shelter, and had turned back after a few minutes because of the trail being exposed. But as the trail itself was only 1.7 km to Kiu Tsui, we didn't think it would be too bad, plus the climb was only about 100 metres, so nothing too hard. But the friend warned us that there was absolutely no shelter, and given the sweltering hot day, he advised us to turn back. But we decided to continue on, and our friend kindly gave us an umbrella, which would prove to be crucial. Meanwhile, we continued up the stairs and soon found ourselves in Kiu Tsui Country Park, where the path became unpaved.
After a tiring half an hour, we reached Hak Shan Teng at the hottest time of the day. We stopped to take in the breathtaking views. We could see Hap Mun Bay from where we began our hike, Kau Sai Chau and the golf course on one side, and Sai Kung Pak Sha Wan on the other, with Sai Kung Sea in between. The view was fantastic under the clear day! We all felt cheerful as we had finished the climb, however, the hardest part was yet to come, as the temperatures continued to rose.
The next hour, we were struggling in the heat, as our friend had said, there was really no shelter at all. It is hardly imaginable before the hike, but when you get there, you really start to understand. Bushes and short trees are on either side, but nothing could cover the trail itself. To add on, there was no wind, and the whole hike felt like being in an oven. With Mother constantly needing to rest and everyone experiencing a bit of heatstroke, we trudged onwards, and soon, Kiu Tsui was in sight.
However, as close as it may seem, the last kilometre was exhausting. We were all overheating, even my phone had a warning sign that the phone itself was overheating. After passing the view compass without actually looking the views (except for me, and the views were actually fabulous!), and dragging ourselves up the last few stairs, we arrived at a forest, though not dense, but finally, shelter!
Arriving at Kiu Tsui, after a short debate, we split into two groups, with Father, Mother and myself continuing on, and the others resting at Kiu Tsui before waiting for us to get back. My group continued on to the tombolo connecting to Kiu Tau, where people say holds the unique 'pineapple bun rock'! We saw it immediately, and to be honest, it was a bit disappointing. It was nothing close to a round shape! However, the tombolo itself was beyond expectations. Unlike the dull tombolo of Ma Shi Chau, this tombolo had rocks that were red, and on one side, was a red rock beach, with the waves gently lapping. The tombolo itself was long enough, which made it the best of today's hike.
At the end of the tombolo, we again further split into two groups, or actually, it was Mother and Father resting, while I continued to finish the hike. The last section I thought it was easy, as the highest elevation was only 10+ metres. However, possibly because I am tired and am running, I was soon out of breath. But the view at the top of the staircase was not bad too, where you can overlook the sea below.
Descending to the rock beach below, I finally finished the hike, it wasn't very special, but I did spot some red-orange rocks. I also like the lapping of the waves onto the rocks, as it gave a kind of natural feeling (I don't know how to describe it!) Anyway, I was soon on my way, but not before slipping and getting one of my feet wet!
By the time I was back at the end of the tombolo, it was already past 3:30 p.m., and the tide was already rising past 1.4 metres. We hurriedly tried to cross it before it was impossible to keep our feet dry, but the water had already risen past the lowest part of the tombolo. As we arrived back in Kiu Tsui, both of my feet are wet! But the tombolo was really spectacular and definitely unforgettable.
When we got back to Kiu Tsui, we found out that Grandmother had a hole in her trousers! And it was right at the behind! 😆😆 She had wanted to sit down on the sand but when she came back up, she discovered she had a hole! It was really was a funny occasion!
Overall, it was a difficult day, with all of us struggling from the heat and sun. That night, we all had to use icepacks to help us cool down and avoid a sunburn. However, the views were spectacular, and if the weather was cooler, it would certainly make a great hike!
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