Po Toi Island is a stunning destination that promises adventure and endless views, showcasing a side of Hong Kong that goes beyond its skyscrapers and cosmopolitan lifestyle. With over 250 islands and many uninhabited, Hong Kong offers perfect escapes from the hustle and bustle — and Po Toi is one of them.
Po Toi is the southernmost island of Hong Kong, boasting a tiny population. Governed by the Islands District, this small island spans only 3.69 square km. A distinctive feature is the absence of vehicles, which allows for easy exploration on foot, making it ideal for a day trip from Hong Kong. Also renowned as the ‘South Pole of Hong Kong’, this island is an excellent destination for hiking and camping.
How to spend a day in Po Toi Island: Things to do, places to see and more
Trek around the trails of Po Toi
The island can be easily traversed via the hiking trails, Routes 1, 2, and 3. These three circular paths provide breathtaking views of the ocean and the distinctive rock formations that have shaped the island over centuries. If you are short on time, Route 2 is the shortest trail and boasts many attractions.
Relish delicacies at Tai Wan Village
Po Toi Island is renowned for its seaweed harvest, with the residents of Tai Wan village specialising in the unique ingredients and local dishes that characterise the area. Approximately 20 residents inhabit the village, operating small shops where you can enjoy delicacies like fish maw, seaweed, sweet soup with beans and kelp, dried fish belly, dried seaweed, or the ‘hiker fuel’ (localised meat noodles with home-grown seaweed).
Peruse our guide to Sai Kung, Hong Kong for some travel inspiration.
Snap pictures of the iconic rock formations
The trails of Po Toi Island showcase exciting and distinctive rock formations that ignite the imagination with their varied shapes and sizes. Notable examples include Supine Monk Rock, Tortoise Rock, Palm Rock, and Conch Rock.
The Supine Monk Rock resembles a man deep in contemplation, while the Tortoise Rock, positioned directly in front, appears like a resting tortoise. The Palm Rock, or Palm Cliff, also referred to as Buddha’s Hand Rock, looks akin to fingers stretching towards the sky. The Conch Rock is a shell-shaped formation along the slope of the island.
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Spend the night camping
One of the most popular activities on Po Toi Island is camping overnight. There are no hotels here; therefore, if you plan to spend the night, don’t forget to bring your camping gear. Locals enjoy escaping their fast-paced city lives and disconnecting on the island by camping.
Discover the story of Po Toi at Mo’s Old House
Travel back in time to explore Po Toi’s history through Mo’s Old House, where one of the first families settled on the island. Built in the 1930s, it now stands abandoned, yet its crumbling walls are alive with tales of pirates, kidnappings, hauntings, and the descendants of Mo Siu-tong.
Learn about the history of Ancient Rock Carvings
Po Toi Island has a history that is older than it may appear, and the Ancient Rock Carvings substantiate this. They are believed to be over 3,000 years old and display two distinct motif styles—animal and fish patterns on one side and interlocking spirals on the other.
Pay respects at the Tin Hau Temple
There are over 100 Tin Hau Temples in Hong Kong, one of which is located on Po Toi Island. This temple is dedicated to Mazu, the Chinese goddess of the sea, who holds a significant place in Chinese mythology.
Seeking a spiritual trip? Explore these stunning temples in Hong Kong.
Catch views from Nam Kok Tsui Lighthouse
Commonly referred to as the Po Toi Lighthouse, this location marks the southernmost point of Hong Kong. The panoramic vistas of the South China Sea are genuinely stunning, particularly at sunset or sunrise.
How to reach Po Toi Island
The only way to reach the island is via the Kaito ferry from Aberdeen or Stanley, as there are no roads or airports connecting it to the rest of Hong Kong.
By water: Stanley’s Blake Pier is 30 minutes away, and Po Toi Ferry Terminal at Aberdeen Ferry Pier is 50 minutes from Po Toi Island.
T+L tips: Check the ferry schedule, as it doesn’t run daily and can change due to weather conditions. The cost of a single journey on board the Kaito ferry to or from Po Toi Island is HKD 30.
| Days | Aberdeen Ferry Pier | Stanley’s Blake Pier | Po Toi Pier |
| Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (excluding public holidays) | 10 am | 10:30 am | 3:30 pm |
| Saturdays (excluding public holidays) | 10 am 3 pm |
10:30 am 1:20 pm |
12:40 pm 2 pm 4 pm |
| Sundays and public holidays | 8:15 am | 10 am 11:30 am 3:30 pm 5 pm |
9:15 am 10:45 am 3 pm 4:30 pm 6 pm |
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(Feature image credit: Raymond Ling/Flickr)
Related | Explore Lantau Island, A Must-Visit Destination In Hong Kong
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The Po Toi Island in Hong Kong can easily explored within a day.
There are three hiking trails on Po Toi Island.
Walking is the best way to get around Po Toi Island.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer - Growth, TravelPriyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read More
