Cape D'Aguilar

Cape D'Aguilar is the south-eastern corner of Hong Kong Island, a bare headland of folded volcanic rock hit directly by the open sea, and the water around it is the territory's only marine reserve, closed to fishing and used for research by a marine science institute based at the point. The walk in follows a service road for several kilometres past the station to the lighthouse, built in 1875 as the first in Hong Kong and now a declared monument. Below the point a deep sea cave known as the thunder cave takes swell that booms inside it, reached down a steep and slippery path that people attempt in unsuitable footwear and conditions.

History

The name Cape D'Aguilar first appeared on a map of 1845 surveyed by Lieutenant Collinson and Sir John Francis Davis; around then and earlier the cape was also often marked as Tylong Head, a translation of the Chinese for "big wave head", while its Chinese name probably comes from the nearby village of Hoktsuewan (Wikipedia, Cape D'Aguilar).

What's there

• The 1875 lighthouse - the first built in Hong Kong.
• The thunder cave - a sea cave that booms as swell enters.
• Folded volcanic rock - the exposed geology of the headland.
• Hong Kong's only marine reserve - the protected water off the point.

When to go

October to April; summer heat on the unshaded road is heavy. Half a day, allowing about four kilometres each way on foot. Avoid the cave path entirely in swell or rain.

Practical notes

The approach is a long walk on tarmac with no shade and no water. The cave descent is steep, slippery and dangerous in swell. The research station is not open to the public.

Nearby

Shek O is north; Big Wave Bay lies beyond it.

Key facts