Description
The vast area of land and sea of the peninsula remains untouched by urbanisation. Country parks cover most of the peninsula. The marine ecosystem in Hoi Ha Wan is protected by law. Sai Kung is also a popular place for hiking. The starting point for the 100 km MacLehose Trail is at Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung.
There are also water sports sites along the shoreline offering kayaking, snorkelling and swimming among other activities. In addition, Sai Kung's Hoi Ha Wan (海下灣) is one of the most easily accessed coral dive sites in Hong Kong. It is suitable for diver training and for newly-certified divers.
As a former fishing village, Sai Kung Town is a prime attraction for seafood lovers, locals and tourists alike. Visitors can stroll around the regional market center of Sai Kung Town or explore the back lanes, visit the Tin Hau Temple, feast on seafood or enjoy different delicacies at Western-style pubs and restaurants. There is also a famous dessert restaurant called Honeymoon Dessert that brings in many visitors from all over Hong Kong and even from abroad.
In northern Sai Kung Peninsula, there is also an area called Wong Shek. There are places where people can barbecue and enjoy the view of the sea. However, to protect the natural environment of Wong Shek, the Government controls the number of vehicle entering the area. There is a gate at Pak Tam Chung on the way towards Wong Shek, only allowing vehicles with permits to go through.
Off the coast of the Sai Kung Peninsula, there are many outlying islands. On summer nights, many people hire small boats known as kai-tos or sampans to have leisurely trips through the island-dotted inland sea of Port Shelter. Popular islands to visit include:
- Kau Sai Chau
- Sharp Island (Kiu Tsui Chau)
- High Island (Leung Shuen Wan Chau)
- Pak Sha Chau (lit. white sand island)
- Yeung Chau (lit. sheep island)
- Yim Tin Tsai (lit. little salt field)
Although Wong Shek and Hoi Ha Wan are geographically in the northern part of Sai Kung Peninsula, they are under the administration of Tai Po District, due to their reliance on ferry transport from Tai Po for access before the construction of roads.
Read more about this topic: Sai Kung Peninsula
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