Introduction Sightseeing Route Geology History and Culture Traditional Festivals How to Get There Photo Gallery

Kat O

Pearl of Mirs Bay

Introduction

So close and yet so far – the ancient Maritime Silk Road revisited. Surprisingly, the staggered hexagonal rock formation, formed about 140 million years ago, stands not far from the city fringe. From Sai Kung Town, Hong Kong’s holiday hot spot, you can reach the East Dam of High Island Reservoir in about 40 minutes. This is the best place to see the world-class hexagonal rock columns. Towering columns rise in the distance, and the High Island Geo Trail takes you to the shore. There is a sea cave at the water’s edge. From there, a wooden boardwalk leads to a lookout where you can feel the force of wave erosion up close.

The East Dam was completed in the 1970’s. It is set on the east side of Kwun Mun Channel. Your tour guide will lead you on a journey back to the Ming dynasty several hundred years ago when many merchant ships sailed between mainland China and Southeast Asia. High Island Reservoir, which supplies potable water to Hong Kong today, was once a small channel and stopover point on the Maritime Silk Road.

All roads were built by people. Today, High Island Reservoir is a scenic location surrounded by sea and hills, with no sign of human settlement, but it was once the site of a thriving fishing village. The East Dam Half-day tour takes you to a forgotten fishing village that now lies submerged. Hong Kong is more than a financial centre, and there is much more to see than dramatic rock formations and verdant hills. There are also colourful stories of Hong Kong’s heritage and struggle for success.

Sightseeing Route

1The Kat O Heritage Trail is centred around Kat O Main Street and connects many natural scenic spots and heritage sites on the island. It is a generally level walk, suitable for the whole family. It has two separate uphill paths, one that leads to Ko Tei Teng and one to Ko Pang Teng. They are low-difficulty hikes, but visitors are advised to take note of the time so that they do not miss the return kaito ferry.

Special Remarks

Suggested sightseeing time: 4 hours.
Visitors are advised to take note of the time so that they do not miss the return ferry.

Switch To Google Map

Geology

Kat O has good vegetation coverage and no distinct rock outcrops. However, wave-cut erosion is apparent along the coastline, where the rock is relatively well exposed, so it is an ideal spot for rock observation. There are four main types of rock on Kat O: tuff, breccia, siltstone and limestone. Most parts of the island are composed of tuff, which was formed 165 million to 143 million years ago, when dinosaurs still roamed the earth. Tuff is a type of rock formed from consolidated volcanic ash. According to

History and Culture

According to archaeological data, human activity was evident on Kat O as early as the Neolithic Age, 4,000 years ago. About 1,000 to 300 years ago, several permanent settlements were established on various parts of the island. In 1661, to curb resistance from Ming adherents, the Qing government promulgated the Coastal Evacuation Order and the Ban on Maritime Trade and Transportation, making it mandatory for residents in the coastal region to move at least 50km inland. Kat O became deserted. It was not until the ban was lifted some 20 years later that Hakka villagers settled on the island in great numbers, and fishermen returned to live and operate in nearby waters. Kat O fishermen came from the Mirs

Traditional Festivals

Tin Hau is a guardian deity worshipped by many Chinese fishing communities. On Kat O, the Hakka villagers also worship the goddess. Bonded by the same faith, seafaring and land-dwelling islanders live harmoniously as a close-knit community. On the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month each year, Kat O celebrates the birthday of the goddess in grand style. The Tin Hau parade is a highlight of the celebration. Led by gong players and unicorn dancers, a procession with the Tin Hau statue in a sedan chair marches from the Tin Hau temple to the fishermen’s village. The annual Tin Hau Festival celebrations are attended

How to get there

Ferry

Take the ferry operating between Ma Liu Shui to Kat O and Ap Chau. Visitors can travel by MTR East Rail and get off at the University Station Exit B, then walk for about 15 minutes to Ma Liu Shui Landing No.3 for the ferry service to Kat O and Ap Chau. The normal boat traveling time is about 2 hours.

Service days: Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays Fare: $90 return ticket ($50 for single trip from Kat O to Ma Liu Shui)

Booking & enquiries: 2555 9269 (Best Sonic Industrial Limited) (subject to operator’s announcement)

Local tour

You may consider to hire a boat or join a local tour.

To Know More

Photos Gallery

Other Beautiful Scenery In Hong Kong

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At