Against the backdrop of towering hexagonal rock columns Sha Tong Hau Mei stands. It’s a narrow rectangular slit in the wall a secret tunnel carved by time and tide. This is Bluff Island also known as Sha Tong Hau Shan. It’s part of the Ung Kong Island Group a core geological zone of these incredible hexagonal rock columns. These formations are a result of a supervolcano eruption over 140 million years ago. The sea relentlessly sculpted these volcanic rocks into their current breathtaking shapes.
Sha Tong Hau Mei itself isn’t technically a cave. It’s a sea arch. Coastal erosion carved a passageway right through the headland creating this uniquely photogenic opening. Imagine kayaking through Sha Tong Hau Mei feeling the cool spray of the sea on your face. The walls close in around you. You feel as if you are passing through a secret passage a hidden gateway to another world.
Bluff Island offers more than just Sha Tong Hau Mei. To the north lies Ung Kong Wan a beautiful U-shaped bay a stark contrast to the ruggedness of Sha Tong Hau Mei. The island’s southeastern side boasts Hong Kong’s highest sea cliffs. These dramatic cliffs rise over 140 meters showcasing the raw power of nature.
While the northern part of Bluff Island features a tropical marine life paradise the southern part is a completely different landscape. The rust-red color and craggy contours of the ancient volcanic rock evoke a sense of otherworldliness a landscape not unlike our neighboring planet.
Remember you won’t find any tourist facilities on Bluff Island. This is a place to experience nature in its purest form. So pack plenty of water and snacks and wear appropriate gear including water shoes and sun protection. The journey here might be challenging but the rewards are extraordinary.
Sha Tong Hau Mei is more than just a sea arch. It’s a testament to nature’s enduring power a symbol of the unique geological wonders found within Hong Kong’s UNESCO Global Geopark. It’s a reminder of the dramatic forces that shaped our world millions of years ago. It’s a place to be explored treasured and remembered. And it’s a part of your unforgettable journey today.