Shelter Island

Hidden within Port Shelter, lies Shelter Island. It’s known locally as Ngau Mei Chau, meaning “Cow Tail Island”. But before this name stuck, old maps from 1866 called it Ngau T’au Chü, or “Cow Head Island”. The mapmaker, Father Simeone Volonteri, wasn’t always accurate. So the cow’s head might just be a myth. One enduring feature is the nearby rock formation, Ngau Tau Pai, connected to Shelter Island at low tide. This “Cow Head Rock” hints at the island’s history, even if the details are murky. Shelter Island’s English name appeared even earlier, in an 1863 sailing guide. By 1910, the US Hydrographic Office described it as 127 meters high, with shallow waters extending from its shores. Leased to the United Kingdom in 1898 as part of a larger territory, Shelter Island has seen its share of activity. Once part of the Port Shelter Firing Range, it was uninhabited until the range closed in the 1970s. Remnants of this period still surface, like the mortar shell found on a beach in 2011. The island even served as a hiding spot for drug lord Ng Shek-ho in the 1970s. Today, Shelter Island is a popular tourist destination. Its main attraction is the captivating sea cave, known locally as Yan Yi Kuk Dong. Divers are drawn to the surrounding waters, particularly Tai Wong Wan bay and the area west of Ngau Tau Pai. Even commercial divers gather sea urchins here for their restaurants. A darker discovery in 2019 revealed human bones in Tai Wong Wan, adding a touch of mystery to the island’s allure. Shelter Island’s natural beauty goes beyond the coastline. It boasts 24 species of vascular plants and vibrant coral reefs. While studies show a decline in coral coverage, the area remains a biodiversity hotspot. Proposals for a marine park encompassing Shelter Island and surrounding areas highlight its ecological significance. So, as you gaze upon Shelter Island, remember its layered history, from disputed names and military exercises to its present-day appeal. This uninhabited isle, within sight of bustling Hong Kong, holds tales of smugglers, vibrant marine life, and whispers of undiscovered secrets.