Have you heard of a place where starry nights meet simple pleasures? That place is Nam Wan Tsai. It is a peninsula at the northern extremity of the Sai Kung Peninsula. Long Harbour is on its east. Hoi Ha Wan is to its west.
Nam Wan Tsai is joined to the mainland by an isthmus. This isthmus is at Lan Lo Au. Wan Tsai includes the two hills Tai Leng Tun and Nam Fung Shan. Ocean Point marks its northern tip.
Wan Tsai is more than just a scenic spot. It offers facilities for camping. The Scout Association of Hong Kong even held a Jamboree here. Scouts from Hong Kong and beyond gathered for a week. This celebration occurred between 1999 and 2000. It marked the millennium. Another Jamboree celebrated 90 years of Hong Kong Scouting in 2001.
Before 1999, the peninsula was a restricted area. It opened to the public in late 1999. Since 1996, Nam Wan Tsai has been part of Sai Kung West Country Park. It is designated as the Wan Tsai Extension.
Getting to Nam Wan Tsai is an adventure. You can take a ferry from Wong Shek Pier. Wong Shek Pier is in Wong Shek. It sits on the southwestern shore of Long Harbour.
The Wan Tsai West Campsite is a highlight. It is in the Sai Kung West Country Park. Specifically, it’s in the Wan Tsai Extension. This campsite is large and beginner-friendly. It is known for its starry nights. The environment is pleasant. The scenery is picturesque.
You’ll find pavilions and barbeque pits here. Benches and tables are available. There are large-scale bathing and toilet facilities. These include setups for handicapped users. Tap water is also provided.
Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park is nearby. Established in 1996, it was Hong Kong’s first marine park. It features mangroves and over 60 stony coral species. Around 120 reef fish species have been recorded. Marine animals like starfish and jellyfish also live here.
For those who enjoy hiking, there’s the Wan Tsai Orienteering Trail. To get here from Sai Kung, take Minibus 7. Get off at Hoi Ha Village. Follow the Tai Tan Country Trail. Walk for about 45 minutes.
There are two campsites: West Camp and South Camp. The West Camp is quite large. The South Camp is smaller. It is located near the shore. Both offer easy access to toilets, showers, and tap water. Barbecue pits are available. Remember to bring your own food and charcoal.
The Wan Tsai Nature Trail loops around the southern part of the peninsula. Another unofficial trail leads to the northern tip. It offers views of Grass Island and Hoi Ha Bay. You’ll find interesting rock formations, including the “coffin” boulder.
Nam Wan Tsai offers accessible camping with great views and clean facilities. If you are lucky, you might avoid the crowds. You might also experience great weather. Nam Wan Tsai is a place where nature and history blend. It offers an escape from the city. Come and discover its beauty.