Cape D’Aguilar

“Is that a whale skeleton?” a child’s voice echoed near the Swire Institute of Marine Science at Cape D’Aguilar. This rocky headland, jutting out into the South China Sea, has more stories than a seasoned fisherman’s net. Cape D’Aguilar, named after Major-General George Charles d’Aguilar, a former governor, offers a glimpse into Hong Kong’s natural and historical tapestry. The cape itself is part of the D’Aguilar Peninsula, south of Shek O and north of D’Aguilar Peak. Cape D’Aguilar is also home to Hong Kong’s only marine reserve, a haven for diverse marine life. The “bones of Miss Willy,” as the whale skeleton is affectionately called, is a popular sight. Although often mistaken for an orca named Miss Willy who performed at Ocean Park, it’s actually the skeleton of a young fin whale found in Victoria Harbour in 1955. Cape D’Aguilar also boasts the Hok Tsui Beacon, the oldest surviving lighthouse in Hong Kong. This granite tower, 9.7 meters tall, was commissioned in 1875 but deactivated in 1896 after Waglan Island Lighthouse was built. Its light was briefly resurrected in 1975 when the lighthouse was automated. Hidden among the rugged terrain, the Thunder Cave beckons the adventurous. This narrow sea cave earns its name from the thunderous crash of waves against the rocks. Another curious formation, Crab Cave, resembles a giant crab with claws outstretched towards the ocean. For history buffs, Cape D’Aguilar hides the remnants of Bokhara Battery, built in 1939. This artillery battery played a role in the Battle of Hong Kong before being abandoned during the Japanese invasion in 1941. Cape D’Aguilar isn’t just a scenic viewpoint; it’s a living testament to Hong Kong’s history, a place where nature’s drama meets human endeavor.