Sai Kung Peninsula

Sai Kung Peninsula (zh-t|t=西貢半島) is a peninsula in the easternmost part of the New Territories in Hong Kong. Its name comes from Sai Kung Town in the central southern area of the peninsula. The southern part of the peninsula is administrated by Sai Kung District, the north by Tai Po District and the northwest by Sha Tin District.

The vast area of land and sea of the peninsula remains untouched by urbanisation. Country parks cover most of the peninsula. The marine ecosystem in Hoi Ha Wan is protected by law. Sai Kung is also a popular place for hiking. The starting point for the 100 km MacLehose Trail is at Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung.

There are also water sports sites along the shoreline offering kayaking, snorkelling and swimming among other activities. In addition, Sai Kung's Hoi Ha Wan (海下灣) is one of the most easily accessed coral dive sites in Hong Kong. It is suitable for diver training and for newly-certified divers.

As a former fishing village, Sai Kung Town is a prime attraction for seafood lovers, locals and tourists alike. Visitors can stroll around the regional market center of Sai Kung Town or explore the back lanes, visit the Tin Hau Temple, feast on seafood or enjoy different delicacies at Western-style pubs and restaurants. There is also a famous dessert restaurant called Honeymoon Dessert that brings in many visitors from all over Hong Kong and even from abroad.

In northern Sai Kung Peninsula, there is also an area called Wong Shek. There are places where people can barbecue and enjoy the view of the sea. However, to protect the natural environment of Wong Shek, the Government controls the number of vehicle entering the area. There is a gate at Pak Tam Chung on the way towards Wong Shek, only allowing vehicles with permits to go through.

Off the coast of the Sai Kung Peninsula, there are many outlying islands. On summer nights, many people hire small boats known as "kai-tos" or "sampans" to have leisurely trips through the island-dotted inland sea of Port Shelter. Popular islands to visit include:

*Kau Sai Chau
*Kiu Tsui Chau (Sharp Island)
*Leung Shuen Wan Chau (High Island)
*Pak Sha Chau (lit. white sand island)
*Yeung Chau (lit. sheep island)
*Yim Tin Tsai (lit. little salt field)

It should be noted that although Wong Shek and Hoi Ha Wan are geographically in the northern part of Sai Kung Peninsula, they are under the administration of Tai Po District, due to their reliance on ferry transport from Tai Po for access before the construction of roads. Also, the outlying islands around the Sai Kung Peninsula are administratively under the Islands District.