⇨ Po Toi Island
The island of Po Toi is the southernmost tip of Hong Kong, often jokingly referred to as Hong Kong’s South Pole. We’ve heard that some people’s phones even go into international roaming here—you’re truly on an adventure! The island is small, but famous for its seaweed and some unusual rock formations.
Take the ferry from Blake Pier in Stanley or from Aberdeen, but bear in mind that these services run very infrequently, though on Sundays it’s a little better, so plan your trip ahead of time. Head left after leaving Po Toi Pier and go up the steps, where the trail will lead you to Mo’s Old House and Coffin Rock. As legend has it, Mo was an inhabitant who suffered a string of bad luck, presumably due to the coffin-shaped rock located behind it—an obviously inauspicious symbol.
Once you’re up on the smooth path of the hill’s ridge, visit the Ngau Wu Teng pavilion where you’ll have unobstructed views out to Tai Wan and the headland stretching out to the expanse of sea. Dipping down to the junction of Ngong Chong and back up to the ridge, you’ll be able to see some of the aforementioned unusual rocks: namely Monk Rock (which resembles a human) and Tortoise Rock (which looks like it’s climbing up the hill).
If you go back down to the Ngong Chong junction and take a right, it’ll lead you back to the pier in half an hour; otherwise, head left to see Palm Cliff as well, which is shaped like a giant Buddha’s hand—our favourite among the rock formations of Po Toi.
Continuing back along the junction, a flight of stairs will lead you down to some ancient rock carvings by the coast. These are very weathered and are protected by a plane of glass. Follow the main trail along the coastline until you return to the pier. This hike will take approximately three hours, possibly a little longer if you make all the detours and spend time looking at the rock formations.