Once known as “Coffin Island,” Shek Kwu Chau has a past shrouded in mystery. Today, we explore this unique island of Hong Kong. It sits south of Lantau Island between Cheung Chau and the Soko Islands.
Shek Kwu Chau spans 1.19 square kilometers. Administratively, it falls under the Islands District.
Until 1962, Shek Kwu Chau was largely barren. The Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Abusers then took over. It transformed the island.
Note that Shek Kwu Chau is a restricted area. A permit is required for visits.
Just a short ferry ride from Cheung Chau, Shek Kwu Chau offers more than meets the eye. The Shek Kwu Chau Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre significantly shapes the island. Staff and residents have constructed statues and shrines. A Roman bath-like pool also stands here.
Princess Diana visited Shek Kwu Chau twice. A photo from one visit is displayed in an archway.
Look closely to the north. You might spot a small church. It is adorned with a lighthouse.
Biologists have found interesting species on Shek Kwu Chau. These include reptiles, amphibians, and a whip scorpion new to science. Some believe a unique snake species lives here.
An oddity is the presence of Great Cormorants during recent summers. One bird couldn’t fly.
Paths and small roads wind across the island. They pass houses where people stay during rehab. Statues of three sages watch over the pier.
The Hong Kong government once planned an Integrated Waste Management Facility south of Shek Kwu Chau. It aimed to treat 3,000 tonnes of waste daily. A legal challenge to stop construction failed in 2013.
Shek Kwu Chau blends rehabilitation efforts with natural beauty. It showcases resilience and transformation. The island offers a unique glimpse into Hong Kong’s diverse facets.