April 19, 2022,
Hello Hivers and Hodophiles!
Last weekend had very nice weather that was perfect to have a stroll. My travel buddy and I opted to visit this hidden paradise of Hong Kong. We were supposed to continue hiking to visit this spot after our Dragon's Back Trail adventure, but due to a lack of information on how to find its trail connected to the first one, we decided to leave the mountain and went down to Big Wave Bay Beach. But it was a worth it decision as we didn't expect to see the stunning paradise of this hidden beach. Click the hyperlinks if you want to read about our Dragon's Back Trail and Big Wave Bay Beach adventures.
If you are my follower and have read my previous travel blogs, you probably noticed that I like going to mountains, villages, and beaches. For today's travel blog, I'll bring you to another paradise of Hong Kong that you probably have not seen yet before. And to those who want to visit this place in the future, I'll give you a guide on how to get there easily.
Undeniably, Cape D' Aguilar is one of the favorite tourist spots in Hong Kong for Hodophiles, nature-lovers, Instagrammers sun worshipers, and adventurers. Situated in the southeastern end of D' Aguilar Peninsula and the only marine reserve of HK. It was named after the family name of HK's Lieutenant Governor during the 1840s, George Charles'.
Only limited buses are going to end parts of the Hong Kong Island. Make sure that the bus would pass by Cape D' Aguilar junction road.
It's easy to spot the route because of the sign along the way. A concrete pathway would give an easy walk that is also accessible by taxis and private cars for those who don't like exerting effort and perspiring while walking, especially in the hot season.
Just a pretty reminder before going to this place, either hike the trail or visit the marine reserve:
There are no parking spaces for private cars and there's a point where only taxis are allowed. So most private cars are usually parked on the available roadside spaces going to the marine reserve.
Just make sure not to park along the junction road as police officers are roaming around as well. You'll be surprised to see a special note on your car's windshield once you get back from your journey.
And make sure to wear proper gear, and body protection from the scorching sun, either you will hike the trail or visit the reserve. Do bring an umbrella, or wear a cap as there are no shades in the marine reserve. The place is all shores, rocks, cliffs, and slippery caves.
And by the way, there is no public toilet in the marine reserve. So empty your bladder before going to this place. Not a problem for men though.
Prohibited things to take into account while in the marine reserve include swimming, scuba diving, collecting organisms, fishing, boating, littering, and those who want to conduct experiments must get a permit first. And of course, don't forget the social distancing and wearing a face mask while in the crowd. Anyone who'll violate the rules will receive a heavy penalty of HK$25,000.
Zoom out to read the protocols
You can either hike the trail to the peak or visit the marine reserve.
Our travel goal was to visit the attractions which can be found along the bay, so we followed the direction of going to the reserve. There is no trail but rather a single-lane concrete windy pathway. Taxis are going in and out of this way with visitors who don't like to walk.
The place is perfect for day-trippers, and while walking on the paved road, you'll be overlooking the beautiful shoreline and distant islands on the right side of the road.
You can wander around Hok Tsui's small village before heading to the marine reserve. There are wee stores selling siomai and refreshments. There is also a small restaurant serving a limited number of Chinese dishes and desserts, even a junk shop that looks abandoned. Don't freak out if you see huge dogs along the road though.
HK's Low-level Radio Station is located an hour far from the bus stop. And that would be the starting point of the real journey to the marine reserve.
It is forbidden to enter the radio station, so you have to walk following the shaded footpaths in the green spaces, then descend to the bay area.
Just continue walking following the paved paths descending to sea level.
After about 20 minutes from the radio station, you'll reach the marine reserve.
We reached this spot after an hour and ten minutes walk on four kilometers of windy paths and slopes from the bus stop, including the time we spent capturing amazing views of nature.
The weather is so perfect, isn't it? Clear blue sky with some patches of white puffy clouds. You wouldn't mind the scorching sun as you'll be caught by the scenic view instead.
From the entranceway, go down the right slope and walk along the rocky coast.
The waves and splashes of water are inviting and you'll feel like you want to go swimming. But a recorded voice is constantly playing to remind visitors to follow the protocols, or else, they'll get a heavy penalty. Still, you can catch the waves through your phone and feel the warmth of the breeze.
A little farther along the peninsula is the Swire Institute Of Marine Science founded in 1989 by John Swire. It's the research facility for marine scientists and the biodiversity center for post-graduate students.
Located adjacent to the center is the remain of Hong Kong's fin whale.
A treasured icon of HK's rich marine heritage since 1950. You'll find the information about the whale skeleton just on its concrete base as well as the QR code for the campaign asking for donations to support the recreation of the whale skeleton and other educational activities. It seems to have been deteriorated by natural elements that must be protected.
There aren't shades and green spaces along the bay, so you better wear some protection against the scorching sun. You would probably find it boring as you take a look at plain rock formations. But as the adage goes, don't judge the book by its cover! Go down the bay and see what beauty lies along the shoreline.
Get a glimpse of the stunning rocky bay. Mind your steps though. Just one wrong step and your body would hardly hit sharp rocks and stones.
The scenic view of the bay is breathtaking, and the sunny weather is perfect for sun worshipers to sunbathe along the bay while discovering the paradise hidden within the peninsula premises.
You'll have a chance to witness tumultuous waves splashing hardly onto the shore and rock formations.
Don't miss it! Take your best souvenir shots of killer waves rapidly swerving on and off the shore.
Do you want to go swimming even if it's prohibited? Why don't you go rock climbing down to the bay behind the rocky hill? I'm not advising you though, but I saw some foreign Youtubers doing so, only for risk-takers. Just be vigilant of the sea watchers and killer waves!
An arch-shaped cave called crab cave would catch your attention, and the number of people queueing to have photos inside it only shows that it's the best spot in the marine reserve.
From the name itself, the arch-shaped resembles the back of a crab. It is indeed picturesque to behold. You could see the beautiful rugged coastline from the top of this cave.
Queue and cautiously go into the mouth of the cave and witness the amazing sight of waves splashing against rocks. Inside is wet and slippery, so make sure to wear suitable footwear, and mind your head as well.
You'll be amazed by the stunning water pool as well as the rustic view of the cave with blue ocean and splashing waves backdrop.
Another cave down the hill along the sloping road is a thunder cave which forms like an opening in between rocks.
As you stepped inside the cave, you would see waves lashing against rocks that sounds like thunder. And that probably is where the cave got its name.
Be cautious when walking inside the cave as it is dark and slippery. Yet, perfect for instagrammable photos.
From atop cliffs, you could see more caves forming like an opening into another side of the bay and some like cracks of the rocky hill and water vigorously splashing against rocks.
There are still more hidden gems in this peninsula and this isn't the end of my journey yet. And Jane the explorer will discover more hidden paradise.
So see you in my next travel blog.
Thanks for stopping by.
(All photos are mine)
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