Po Toi Island

Po Toi is the southernmost point of Hong Kong, a granite island of scrub, boulders and a handful of remaining residents, reached by a small ferry that runs only on some days of the week. Two things bring people. The first is a set of prehistoric rock carvings on the shore, spirals and stylised patterns cut into the granite and now a declared monument, among the oldest human marks known in the territory. The second is birds: the island's position on the southern edge makes it one of the best migration watchpoints in the region, and in spring rarities turn up in the scrub and draw birdwatchers on every sailing. A path loops past weathered rock formations and a small seafood restaurant.

History

At its peak the island had about 1,000 fishermen and farmers, living mainly in the two villages of Chang Shek Pai and Shan Liu and making a living from fishing, farming and harvesting seaweed. The population has fallen sharply in recent decades as younger people moved to the city (Wikipedia, Po Toi).

What you'll find

• Prehistoric rock carvings - spirals cut into the granite shore.
• Spring migrant birds - one of the region's best migration watchpoints.
• Weathered granite formations - boulders shaped by wind and salt.
• The southernmost point of Hong Kong - the island's position on the edge.

When to go

March to May for the bird migration, which is the main reason to go. Half a day. Ferries run only on certain days and the return sailing is fixed; missing it means staying.

Good to know

The ferry timetable is restrictive and getting stranded is a real possibility. There is one restaurant and little shade. Paths are rough and unmarked in places. Outside the migration season the island is very quiet.

Nearby

Stanley is north; the open sea lies south.

Key facts