【Hong Kong】Sai Kung Jin Island, Goldfish Wagging Tail adventure

The adventure starts from one of the best beautiful places in Hong Kong – Sai Kung.

We started on a sunny summer day, from Sai Kung pier, it only takes 15 mins boat ride to the starting point. There is no pier on the island, you need to step on the rocks to get off.

Upon getting off the boat, on the right hand side, hidden between trees, is the start of the hiking route. Most of the time, the hiking route is in the bushes, and it is often exposed to leaves and branches. It is recommended to wear trousers to avoid being scratched by plants.

After walking for about an hour, we arrived the first stop. From a higher standpoint, you can clearly see the entire Jin Island. And the name Goldfish Wagging Tail does not disappoint. The shape of the goldfish tail is beautiful – the cute goldfish floats in the water. The goal of today is to go to this goldfish island.

Returning the same way, at the intersection, we turned to go down the other direction to Jin Island. After the walking on a hill without any plants, then back to the bushes. In order to get to Jin Island, from the top of the mountain to the sea, we need to climb down the mountain.

Look forward, we can’t see the hiking trail. Everyone is so nervous. We looked again, still couldn’t find any hiking trail. How to get there? Some guys in the group tried to explore the path first. Ok, they found a route – it was 90 degrees straight down. It was quite scary as I am afraid of height. Luckily the guys had prepared a few-meter long mountain rope, buckling it on the rings on stone, so that everyone can climb the mountain safely. The route down the mountain is pretty steep, everyone need to be extra careful!

After nearly an hour of climbing down, we finally arrived at the destination. Because the journey is not easy, everyone is very excited when we arrive safely. After some hard work, we sat down and relax, and have lunch on the rocks.

Jin Island is called Tiu Chung Chau(吊鐘洲) in Cantonese. Jin Island is a part of Hong Kong Geopark. This island has been eroded by waves and east wind for a long time, forming many special sea erosion landscapes. The sea cave in the middle of the photo is formed by year-long sea erosion. It is one of famous sea caves and archs in Hong Kong. If you want to know more about the process of geological formation, you can go to the Hong Kong Geopark website to learn more.

There were some small boats or kayaks passing through the cave sometimes.
Don’t forget to take this opportunity to take some nice photos!

There are some goose barnacles in the cracks, which proves that the water is clear in the area. Protect the natural goose barnacles – do not pick them.

We spent a lovely afternoon relaxing, taking photos, and swim a little bit. Everyone was pretty tired in the evening when it was time to go back. We asked the boatman to pick us up nearby. However, the sea was too turbulent that it was impossible to board the ship nearby. So we had no choice but to walk all the way back to the starting point.

Since the route is quite difficult, if I go next time, I would choose to go by kayak. If you like challenge, you can come here on foot, but it is strongly recommended to come with someone who is familiar with the route.

Hiking to Jin Island

Difficulty: Difficult - 8/10
The time needed: 4-5hours
Best months to go: Summer - Jun to Sept
Toilet en route: No
Food supply en route: No

Angel’s tips

Protect nature
Keep nature as clean as it is and do not leave any trash near the bath or along the hiking route.
Walk on marked paths only to protect vegetation.
Wear swimsuit before the hike
There is no changing room or toilet. Wear your swimsuit before you start hiking so you don’t have to change there.
Bring a towel
To dry yourself after swimming.
Bring a waterproof bag to store your stuff, and plastic bags to keep your wet stuff after use.
There is no covered area during the hike, you often come into contact with leaves and branches in the bushes. It is recommended to wear long trousers to avoid being scratched by plants.
It is recommended to wear hiking shoes or sturdy shoes during the hike. Also bring flip flop to use when in or near the water.
Bring enough food and drinks, there is no supply along the way.
Remember to bring enough water and keep drinking water to avoid heatstroke.
Wear a cap and apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

How to go to Jin Island?

Rent a ferry from Sai Kung pier to get there. The return trip costs around $2000HKD, so with 10 people it costs $200 each.
Go by kayaking.
Join a local tour.

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