Sunday, February 21, 2021

Ap Chau and Crooked Island (吉澳) heritage & Geopark walk

Duration:  2km (2h at slow place with picture taking)

Difficulty: 3/10

Cel phone coverage: None

Water needs: 1 liter. Not shaded. 

Appreciation: 8/10. Some very nice and unusual views. Ap Chau is visited mostly to take pictures under the rock arch. Crooked Island is more interesting. 

Map & Details: 

Ap Chau / Duck Island

Kat O / Crooked Island




Exercise Area: No

Transportation:  These islands, in the North-Eastern part of Hong Kong, are very remote. There is a single ferry going there and back once a day. The 2 hours boat trip each way is scenic and will have you go by the "famous" Devil's fist rock formation from a distance (Devil's Fist hike). Returns tickets from Ma Liu Shui (Walking distance from University MTR station) are HKD $90. Details are here: https://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/ferries/kaito_services_map/service_details/index.html#k19. Tickets can be purchased at the Ma Lui Shui pier. It does get really busy on weekends so be early or risk not being able to get tickets!

Why it's worth it:








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This one is an easy walk over 2 small islands. Rely on the maps above for directions. 

University MTR exit A. Exit and go left
Stop by the sign right at the exit on the left




Around and over the highway

Over the highway again, down the stairs on the left, then through. Then go through the parking lot. Once you are through all the roads, head left


There's a makeshift ticket stand under the blue glass awning. That is where you get the tickets.


You will have 1.5 hour at Ap Chau which is plenty to circle it and climb to the viewpoint. 
You have a bit more time in Kat O but the island is larger so, be mindful of time if you do not want to get stuck there overnight!

Additional information: 


Hike Hong Kong Web Site

HikeHongKOng on Facebook

Please, don't litter!

Hiking is about communion with nature. So please pickup after yourself. There's no excuse to leave plastic bags, water bottles or any rubbish on or around the trails; if you managed to bring it, you can manage to bring it back!