Tai Long Wan (Sai Kung District)


. The beach in the foreground is Ham Tin Wan. Further beaches beyond the small peninsula are Tai Wan and Tung Wan.
Tai Long Wan is a 3 kilometer-wide bay on the east coast of the Sai Kung Peninsula in Sai Kung District, Hong Kong. Considered one of the most beautiful places in Hong Kong, it is a popular surf destination.

Geography

There are four main beaches along the bay:
The beaches are not gazetted and do not offer lifeguard services or shark nets that are common elsewhere in Hong Kong.
Three tiny islands, Tsim Chau, Tai Chau and Lan Tau Pai, sit picturesquely near the centre of the bay.

History

Artifacts of the Neolithic and Bronze Ages were found in the archaeological site at Ham Tin. Tai Long Tsuen, a village near Ham Tin Wan, was established over 250 years ago.

Villages

There are several small villages in the area, including:
The latter three have become ruins.

Geology

Columnar-jointed volcanic rocks characterize the coastline in the south of Tai Long Wan, formed by the cooling and contraction of hot ash during the volcanic eruption in Cretaceous Period. Cliffs in Tai Long Wan are formed in the columnar-joint fine-grained tuffs. These give rise to high, steep cliffs that are commonly penetrated by sea caves and natural sea arches.

Conservation

Tai Long Wan is located within the Sai Kung East Country Park. It was declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1979. It also forms an important part of Hong Kong Global Geopark, High Island volcanic rock region.
The Immaculate Conception Chapel in Tai Long Tsuen has been listed as a Grade III historic building.

Access

Section 2 of the Maclehose Trail, one of the most popular hiking trails in Hong Kong, runs through impressive peaks, uplands, peninsulas and bays around Tai Long Wan.