Tap Mun (Grass Island), up close
Tap Mun, or Grass Island, is one of Hong Kong's best low-stress island walks once you respect the ferry timetable. The island sits north of Sai Kung and combines a fishing village, open grassland, sea views, a centuries-old Tin Hau temple and a short circular route that feels far removed from the city without demanding a technical hike.
Start at the pier and village
Tap Mun Pier lands you beside the main fishing village, where there are a few places for drinks, snacks and seafood. This is the sensible place to check what is open before you head uphill. Do not assume island facilities will match a town-centre day: carry water and whatever essentials you need, especially in hot weather.
Tin Hau Temple is part of the route
The Tourism Board's current route includes the Tin Hau Temple near Hoi Pong Street and describes it as about 400 years old. It is a working religious site tied to the island's maritime history, so visit quietly and treat worship areas as more than decorative architecture.
The meadow explains the English name
Higher ground opens into broad grassy slopes with sea views, picnic space and roaming feral cattle. The animals are part of the landscape, not a petting attraction: give them room, secure your food and do not feed or crowd them for photos. Shade is limited on exposed sections, so sun protection matters even though the walk itself is short.
Continue to Balanced Rock
The loop passes the formation usually called Balanced Rock, a pair of large rectangular blocks stacked in a distinctive shape above the coast. From here the route continues through quieter village sections before returning toward the pier. The value of the walk is its sequence — village, temple, grassland, coast and village again — rather than one dramatic summit.
Two practical ferry approaches
Hong Kong Tourism Board currently outlines two common approaches: from University MTR via taxi to Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier, then kaito for about 1.5 hours; or from Sai Kung by bus 94 to Wong Shek Pier, then kaito for about 35 minutes. The Transport Department publishes the licensed kaito details and current fares. Services are not frequent enough to improvise your return after sunset, so identify the boat you plan to catch back before leaving the pier.
How much time to allow
The walking loop can be completed quickly, but I would not make Tap Mun a rushed two-hour mission. Ferry travel is a substantial part of the day, and the island rewards a picnic or seafood stop. A half to full day is realistic depending on which pier you use and which sailing fits.
Sources checked September 2026: Hong Kong Tourism Board — Tap Mun and Transport Department — regular kaito service details.
Cheers, Carpe Diem & check the return boat before chasing the view! 🍻⏳⛴️
TATS Man
The grass-island timetable checker