Teetering on the edge of Hong Kong’s northeastern frontier lies Pat Ka Chau. It is an islet steeped in history and natural wonder. We are about to uncover the secrets of this unique place.
Pat Ka Chau is part of the Double Haven Special Area. This area also includes Yan Chau and Ap Lo Chun. The special area designation underscores its geological significance. Sedimentary rocks from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods define its landscape.
Once upon a time, Ap Chau was an uninhabited island until the 1920s. Tanka fishermen sought shelter here. They used the land to dry their nets and repair their boats. In the 1940s, some fishermen established permanent settlements on Ap Chau.
The True Jesus Church moved its operations to Ap Chau in 1952. A wooden church was built and later replaced by a concrete one in 1965. Converted fishermen moved from their boats to live near the church.
In 1960, a fresh water supply was installed with financial aid from the United States CARE program. The British Military helped local people construct underground pipes to bring water from a reservoir in So Lo Pun.
Ap Chau Fishermen Village was constructed in 1961. It was financially supported by the United States CARE program and the British Government. The FMO Ap Chau Primary School opened in 1958.
At its peak, Ap Chau had over 700 residents. During the 1960s and 1970s, many moved to cities in the United Kingdom. These cities included Newcastle upon Tyne, Leicester, Sunderland, Elgin and Edinburgh.
Before the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong, Ap Chau was close to mainland China. It became a magnet for illegal immigrants. The well lit public lavatory block served as a beacon at night. As of October 2017, only three permanent residents remained on the island.
To promote tourism, the Ap Chau Story Room opened in April 2018. It welcomes visitors on Sundays and public holidays. The Story Room is located in the repurposed FMO Ap Chau Primary School.
The Duck’s Eye Sea Arch is on the northern end of Ap Chau. It is a natural arch formed by seawater erosion. It stands two meters tall and ten meters wide. It is the only sea arch in Hong Kong safe to walk through.
Today, the northern part of Ap Chau is a designated special area. This area includes Pak Ka Chau and Yan Chau. Fresh water is supplied to Ap Chau from mainland China. It arrives via an underground pipe.
As we conclude our visit to Pat Ka Chau, remember its story. It is a story of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring connection between people and the sea.