A Birthday Adventure on Yim Tin Tsai Island, Sai Kung for Nigel.
This year, I wanted to make my husband’s birthday truly special, so we ventured to Yim Tin Tsai Island, a hidden oasis in Sai Kung. With its incredible scenery and historical charm, it was the perfect spot for a memorable celebration.
Total time to explore: 2 hours
Difficulty level: Easy
Getting There: Your Guide to the Journey
Our journey began seamlessly with Hong Kong’s efficient transport links. Here’s how we reached the island:
- MTR to Choi Hung Station: We started our trip at Choi Hung Station on the Kwun Tong Line. Choi Hung Station is conveniently located and offers a straightforward route to Sai Kung.
- Bus Options:Bus 1A: Exiting Choi Hung Station, exit C2 we took Bus 1A directly to Sai Kung Town. This 40-minute ride is not only convenient but also offers a view of the rolling landscapes.
- 101 M green mini bus from Hang Hau MTR EXIT B1 for bus terminus.
- Bus 92: Alternatively, Bus 92 from Diamond Hill MTR EXIT C2 bus terminus is another reliable option for reaching Sai Kung Town if you’re coming from a different area. Once we arrived at Sai Kung Town, our transportation adventure continued with a 15 minute kaito ferry ride, directly to Yim Tin Tsai Island. The cost is HKD 40 per person for a round trip. We were thrilled to have the boat to ourselves, making the journey across the calm, blue waters even more special.
A Bit of History: Captivating Yim Tin Tsai
Yim Tin Tsai Island carries a rich history that dates back to the late Qing Dynasty. Originally settled by Hakka people, the island flourished as a center for salt production, an industry that defined its economy for many years. Although the salt pans are no longer operational, they remain a significant part of the island’s story. Families eventually left the island in search of better opportunities, but through conservation efforts, Yim Tin Tsai has retained much of its cultural heritage and charm.
Once you set foot on Yim Tin Tsai, there are numerous activities and sights to enjoy:
Hiking Trails and Panoramic Views
The island offers several well-marked hiking trails. We took to these paths early in the day, reveling in the lush greenery and spotting local wildlife. Hiking up to the viewpoints rewarded us with stunning vistas of the sea and nearby islands, a picture-perfect highlight of our day.
Cultural and Historical Sites
Yim Tin Tsai is dotted with interesting historical sites. We visited the beautifully preserved St. Joseph’s Chapel, known for its unique architecture and serene atmosphere. The old salt pans are also a noteworthy stop, offering a glimpse into the island’s historical backbone and giving us a feel of the traditional way of life.
Old dilapidated houses also strewed our path as we explored this little island.
We explored the island as we walked up beautifully paved paths to a beautiful rock garden and came across more run down structures that existed in the past.
We came across an old well and
We got to see beautiful sights from the pavilions and also crossed over to Kau Sai Chau.
We came across the Kau Sai Chau golf course but turned back to visit the salt pans.
We walked towards the salt pans as directed by the various sign posts put up on the island.
We decided to head back to the pier where our private ferry was waiting.
There were restaurants like Chef De Yim Tin but we decided to head back to Sai Kung and lunch there. We had a simple scrumptious meal at a nice little cha chaan teng . There are loads of restaurants in Sai Kung from local fare to western to bakeries to Thai and Indian. You will not go hungry.
Our day on Yim Tin Tsai Island was a delightful escape and a perfect way to celebrate my husband’s birthday. From the journey itself, including the exclusive kaito ferry, to the peaceful natural surroundings and rich history, we couldn’t have asked for a more memorable experience. Whether for a special occasion or simply a day of exploration, I highly recommend visiting Yim Tin Tsai Island to anyone looking for a unique retreat into nature and history. Here’s to more unforgettable celebrations in beautiful places!
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