Hong Kong’s Uninhabited Island - Tung Lung Chau
After living in Hong Kong for more than a decade, there are still many more islands to explore that we still haven’t visited. This blog will share how to get to Tung Lung Chau, by a quick ferry ride from the urban hustle-bustle.
You can get a ferry from Sam Ka Tsuen or Sai Wan Ho ferry piers. Remember the ferries run only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Tung Lung Chau also locally known as Tung Lung To or Tung Lung Island (東龍島) is one of the uninhabited islands in Hong Kong. But don’t worry there are a few local restaurants here serving instant noodles, luncheon meat, and some menu options similar to Cha Chaan Teng (hong kong style restaurant).
Located off the tip of the Clear Water Bay Peninsula in the New Territories of Hong Kong, the island has an area of 2.42 square kilometers (0.93 square miles).
Aerial shot of the lighthouse and campsite at Tung Lung Chau
Highlights of the hike
Ancient rock carving
Lighthouse
Campsite
Eagle tooth rock
Rock climbing
Tung Lung Fort
Here is a video of this hike
Getting Here
Tung Lung Chau can be reached by ferry (kaito) from both Kowloon side, and Hong Kong Island side. These ferries only operate on weekends and public holidays and takes about 30-40 minutes one-way.
Similar to Lamma Island there are 2 ferry piers at Tung Lung Chau. The most popular pier is Nam Tong Pier in the south, and another pier is Fat Tong Pier in the north.
Nam Tong Pier is closer to rock carvings and Fat Tong Pier is closer to the camping site.
FROM SAM KA TSUEN (Round Trip HK $45)
If you are on the Kowloon side, arrive at Yau Tong MTR Station Exit A1. Sam Ka Tsuen is a 10-minute walk from here.
Once outside the station, take left and walk uphill for 5 mins in the direction of an old industrial building ’Sunray Industrial Centre’. Follow the same road towards Lei Yue Mun and you will soon see a sign for ferry. Pass the Lei Yue Mun signboard and walk towards Sam Ka Tsuen.
Here is a link to Google map where we have marked the location.
A round-trip costs HK$ 45 per adult. More details on the ferry service can be found on the official website, along with the timetable. We recommend taking the first ferry at 8:20 am to get a headstart and make the most of your day.
FROM SAI WAN HO (Round Trip HK $55)
If you are on Hong Kong Island side, arrive at Sai Wan Ho MTR Station Exit A, walk along Tai Hong St towards seaside, next to Grand Promenade facing the typhoon shelter.
Here is a link to Google map where we have marked the location.
A round-trip costs HK$ 55 per adult. More details on the ferry service can be found on the official website, along with the timetable.
Tung Lung Chau ferry from Sam Ka Tsuen
We arrived at Sam Ka Tsuen ferry pier almost 30 minutes prior to departure (and still had to wait in a long queue). We took the first ferry at 8:20 am. Remember when you buy the ferry ticket you also need to select the timing for your return ferry at the same time. You can use cash or your Octopus card to make the payment. When you make the payment you have to pay for the round trip.
There are a few drink vending machines next to the pier while you wait in line.
Sam Ka Tsuen Ferry Pier
Luckily we got the first ferry. Try to get a seat on the left side so you can get a nice view of Lei Yue Mun fishing village and the new arch bridge, Cross Bay Link, connecting Tseung Kwan O Industrial Estate and LOHAS Park areas. It was a cloudy day when we did this hike and it didn’t rain which was good.
Things to see at Tung Lung Chau
1. Ancient rock carvings
Once you arrive at Nam Tong Pier cross the bridge and walk in the opposite direction of the temple - head right instead of left (follow the crowd). Keep right, take the stairs and cross in between the restaurants. Follow the path with signs to ancient rock carvings.
This is the largest carving discovered in Hong Kong, 180 by 240 centimeters. We were surprised to see a lot of visitors here, despite being accessible only by a long, steep set of stairs. Going down to rock carvings is easier but you have to climb all these steps on your way back so choose what’s best for you.
These rock carvings depict what appears to be a dragon overlooking Joss House Bay.
Ancient rock carvings at Tung Lung Chau
Steep Staircase to rock carvings
2. Eagle Tooth Rock (牙鷹石)
We traced our steps back to the restaurant and followed the path heading to the campsite and eagle tooth rock. So if you are not planning to visit ancient rock carvings you can head straight to the campsite which should be 30 minutes walk from the restaurant. The Eagle tooth rock (牙鷹石) is the first thing you will notice when your ferry is arriving at Tung Lung island. We headed up to rock , following the path. You can also see the campsite at a distance. It was breezy on the day we visited so you could
3. Campsite and Tung Lung Fort
Fat Tong Pier, Campsite and Tung Lung Fort
We also did not go to the Rock climbing, Belly Button cave, and Secret cave because we ran out of time and had to catch the return ferry back, so allow extra time if you plan to visit these other places on Tung Lung Island. We will surely be visiting this island again to see the remaining sites.
We hope you found this guide useful. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram (@twisty.routes) and subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more such adventures. You can share this with your friends and family, and let us know how your hike was. If you have any questions let us know in the comments.
Useful tips
Unshaded hike - It is mostly an unshaded hike, and sometimes walking through the over-grown bushes
Extra precaution - Carry your caps, umbrellas, bug spray, and sunscreen
What to wear - Wear long sleeves top and long pants
When to visit - The best time to hike is during the winter months or on a cloudy day in the summer months but not when it rains
Plan your trip - If you plan to do a day trip, allow yourself enough time to get back to the pier, as you have to catch the ferry from the same pier where it earlier dropped you off
Entire loop hike - The entire loop takes about 6 hours to complete, so allocate enough time if you don’t want to miss the ferry
Camping - If you plan to camp remember to carry your own equipment as there are no rentals available
Food - There are a few restaurants on the island offering limited choices, but the waiting time during lunchtime is anywhere between 40 to 60 minutes, so bring your own packed lunch or eat a big meal before visiting. That way you are not spending time waiting for your food!
Arrive early - Reach at least 15 to 20 minutes before your departure from Sam Ka Tsuen or Sai Wan Ho so you don’t risk the chance of the tickets being sold out
Photo Gallery
