Round Island

Off the southern coast of Hong Kong Island sits Round Island, a place of surprising contrasts. Round Island isn’t round at all, but from certain angles, it resembles a shoe. This uninhabited isle, also known as Ngan Chau (銀洲), offers a glimpse into a world untouched by the city’s hustle. A navigational beacon, erected in 1972, stands as a solitary sentinel, guiding ships through the surrounding waters. Round Island boasts a hilly terrain, reaching a height of 49 meters above the sea. It stretches 0.6 km north to south and 0.5 km east to west. While the island itself is small, covering just 0.17 square kilometers, its impact is larger than its size suggests. Imagine the temperate climate caressing your skin. The average yearly temperature is a pleasant 21°C. August boasts the warmest days, reaching 24°C, while February offers a cooler respite at 16°C. Rain is a frequent visitor, with an average yearly precipitation of 2150 mm. May is the wettest month, experiencing a drenching 538 mm of rain. October, on the other hand, is relatively dry, with a mere 18 mm. Round Island’s north side reveals a surprisingly large beach, a pristine haven untouched by the city’s footprint. This secluded beach provides a tranquil escape, a world away from the bustling metropolis. There are tales of bones found on the island, remnants of a Haka tradition. Local fishermen would bring the remains to the island, adding a layer of mystique to this already intriguing locale. Round Island, a place of quiet beauty and hidden stories, awaits those adventurous enough to seek it out.