Imagine this a former island transformed. This is High Island. It sits southeast of the Sai Kung Peninsula in Hong Kong.
High Island was once the fourth largest island here. That was back in 1960. Its area spanned 8.511 square kilometers. Today, it is connected to the mainland.
Two dams bridge the gap. They were built between 1969 and 1979. These dams cross the former Kwun Mun Channel. They created the High Island Reservoir. Now, High Island is part of the peninsula.
The name High Island comes from geology. High islands are volcanic in origin. This distinguishes them from low islands. Low islands form from sedimentation or coral reefs.
High Island is surrounded by several other islands. To the east lies Po Pin Chau and Conic Island. To the west is Port Shelter and Kau Sai Chau. The body of water to the southwest is called Rocky Harbour. It is also known as Leung Shuen Wan Hoi.
Several villages dot High Island’s coast. Along the south coast, from west to east, are Tai She Wan, Pak A, Sha Kiu, Tung A, and Pak Lap. Pak A, Tung A, Pak Lap, and Tai She Wan are recognized villages. They fall under the New Territories Small House Policy.
Pak Lap was historically a Hakka village. The Lau surname dominates here. It features 17 houses built in two rows. These houses have been restored. They now form a small resort.
In 1911, Pak A had a population of 164. There were 76 males. In 2006, a few dozen people lived in Pak A, Tung A, Sha Kiu, and Pak Lap. Around 100 more resided in designated fish culture zones.
High Island shows off columnar-jointed volcanic tuff. The columns are mostly sub-vertical. They are straight-sided and parallel. This volcanic rock covers a large area. It includes the Sai Kung Peninsula, High Island Reservoir, and Tai Long Wan.
The water near Leung Shuen Wan is a fish culture zone. It is one of 26 in Hong Kong. Its shores host several seafood restaurants.
There is also a Tin Hau Temple on High Island. It sits between Pak A and Tung A. Built in 1741, it is one of two temples with a marine parade for the Tin Hau Festival. The other is in Tap Mun and has it once every ten years. High Island’s festival occurs every two years. The ceremony lasts six days. The marine parade takes place on the eve of Tin Hau’s birthday. Other deities are also worshipped here.
The High Island Detention Centre once stood near the West Dam. It housed refugees and boat people from Vietnam. Today, it is grassland. Cows graze here. A pavilion marks the spot.
High Island is part of the Sai Kung East Country Park. The eastern part belongs to the Hong Kong Geopark. It is part of the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region.
The High Island Special Area covers 3.9 hectares. It includes Po Pin Chau and Conic Island. It does not include High Island proper. Its geology features Cretaceous volcanic rocks.
Public piers exist in Pak A, Tung A, and Sha Kiu. However, there is no public ferry service to High Island. Sai Kung Man Yee Road runs through the northern part of High Island. It follows the High Island Reservoir. The 9A minibus route is the only public transport to the East Dam. Urban and New Territories taxis can also use Sai Kung Man Yee Road.
Today, many tourists visit Po Pin Chau Viewing Platform. It is near the High Island Reservoir East Dam. It is a popular spot for hiking and photography. Some visitors ignore safety warnings. They cross barriers for the perfect shot. Remember to stay safe and respect the environment as you enjoy this unique island.