Sai Kung Peninsula: Difference between revisions

Kai-to is an important mean of transportation connecting Sai Kung Peninsula and the outlying islands off the coast of the Sai Kung Peninsula.

Wong Shek

Introduction

Sai Kung Peninsula (Chinese: 西貢半島, Cantonese: Sai Kung Pun To) is a peninsula in the easternmost part of the New Territories in Hong Kong. Its name comes from Sai Kung Town in the central southern area of the peninsula. The southern part of the peninsula is administrated by Sai Kung District, the north by Tai Po District and the northwest by Sha Tin District.

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.

History

From about the 14th century, fishing folks lived on boats in sheltered inlets in the Peninsula. They later founded small coastal villages, building temples in honour of Tin Hau and Hung Shing in places of permanent anchorage. In addition to coastal fishing, there were small supporting industries of salt-making and boat building.

Agricultural settlements began later and severalvillages already existed by the year 1660. Economic development began in the middle of the 19th century when Hong Kong was opened as a port. There was especially a prosperous kiln industry producing lime, bricks and tiles for supply Hong Kong during the early days. Sheung Yiu Village, once opened as a Folk Museum, was a good example of a fortified settlement well-known for lime-making in those days.

Until 1970, the part of Sai Kung beyond Tai Mong Tsai was still remote, reachable only on foot or by kai-tos (local ferry). However work started in 1971 to create the High Island Reservoir, with a capacity of 273 million cubic metres, by closing off both ends of the Kwun Mun Channel which separated the High Island from the main peninsula. IN 1979, the project was completed,providing also two new roads to the area. The city people can now reach a new and relatively unspoilt area for recreation.

Geology

Reference Public Pamphlet designed by Information Unit, Country and Marine Parks Authority,AFD (1999)