Some of Hong Kong's best days out are also its slowest to reach — and Tap Mun (塔門), better known in English as Grass Island, is the proof. Out in the far northeast, past Sai Kung, this tiny outpost swaps skyscrapers for rolling green hills, grazing cattle and a sky dark enough to see stars. A Tap Mun day trip is the antidote to a hectic city week.
It takes a little planning — the ferries are few — but that is exactly what keeps Tap Mun quiet. Here is how to get there, what to see, where to eat, and how to time it so you never miss the last boat home.
In This Guide
Where is Tap Mun?
Tap Mun sits at the northeastern edge of Hong Kong, where the sheltered waters of the Sai Kung peninsula open out to the sea. It is a working fishing island — home to a small, ageing Tin Hau-worshipping community — wrapped around a grassy headland that gives it its English nickname, Grass Island.
The draw is the contrast. Fewer than an hour's sail from the MTR, you step into a landscape of open pasture, sea cliffs and roaming cows that feels a world away from Mong Kok. There are no cars, no chain shops and, for long stretches, barely any noise beyond wind and waves.
How do you get to Tap Mun?
There are two ferry routes, and which you pick shapes your whole day. Both are operated as licensed kaito (small local ferry) services, and both run limited sailings — so the timetable, not the island, is your real constraint.
Option 1: From Ma Liu Shui (near University Station)
The classic approach is the Ma Liu Shui (馬料水) ferry, about a 10-minute walk from University Station (大學站) on the East Rail Line (follow signs to the ferry pier). It is a leisurely 90-minute sail that threads past Sai Kung's inlets, sometimes calling at Ko Lau Wan and Chek Keng on the way. Sailings are few — typically morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays, with more at weekends and on public holidays.
Option 2: From Wong Shek Pier (via Sai Kung)
If you would rather spend less time on the boat, head for Wong Shek Pier (黃石碼頭) deep in Sai Kung Country Park. From there the crossing is a short 30–40 minutes. Reach Wong Shek by bus 94 from Sai Kung town, or the 96R from Diamond Hill Station (which runs on weekends and public holidays only).
Getting to Tap Mun: two routes compared
| Route | Getting to the pier | Ferry time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ma Liu Shui | 10-min walk from University Station (East Rail Line) | ~90 min (scenic) | The full journey, weekend day trips |
| Wong Shek Pier | Bus 94 from Sai Kung, or 96R from Diamond Hill (weekends/PH) | ~30–40 min | Less time on the water |
Fares are inexpensive (roughly HK$16 one way from Wong Shek; about HK$30 return from Ma Liu Shui). Timetables change seasonally — confirm on the Transport Department's kaito ferry service page before you go.
What to do on Grass Island
Tap Mun is small enough to explore on foot in a few unhurried hours. From the pier, the village lanes lead quickly up onto the open headland — the heart of the visit.
The grassland and the cattle
The Tap Mun grassland is the star: a broad, wind-combed plateau of green rolling down to the sea, dotted with free-roaming cattle descended from the island's farming days. Walk out to the cliff edges for big open views, but keep a respectful distance from the cows — they are placid, not tame.
Tin Hau Temple
Down by the water, the island's Tin Hau Temple (天后廟) has watched over Tap Mun's fisherfolk for roughly 400 years. It is one of the more atmospheric temples in the region, thick with incense and model boats left as offerings — a quiet window into the island's seafaring soul.
Camping and stargazing
Because Tap Mun is so far from city light, the grassland is one of Hong Kong's favourite stargazing and camping spots. Many visitors pitch a tent to catch the sunrise over the sea. There are no proper facilities up top, so it is a wild, pack-it-in-pack-it-out affair — but on a clear night, the sky is unforgettable.
Where to eat
Down in the village, a small cluster of seafood restaurants and simple local cafés keeps day-trippers fed. Tap Mun's kitchens are known for straightforward, generous cooking — fresh seafood, a plate of fried rice, and a cup of strong Hong Kong-style milk tea are the classic island lunch.
Options are limited and hours can be irregular, especially midweek and in poor weather, so do not arrive ravenous with a fixed idea in mind. If you are camping or visiting on a quiet weekday, it is wise to bring your own food and plenty of water as backup.
When to go & what to bring
Autumn and winter (roughly October to March) are prime: cooler, clearer and far more comfortable for walking the exposed grassland. Summer is lush but hot and humid, and the island offers little shade — go early and carry water. Weekends and public holidays are livelier with more frequent ferries, but also busier; a weekday visit is quieter if the timetable suits.
Tap Mun day-trip checklist
| Bring | Why |
|---|---|
| Cash (small notes) | Ferries and cafés; no ATM on the island |
| Water & snacks | Limited food options, little shade |
| Sun protection | The grassland is fully exposed |
| Good shoes | Uneven paths up to the headland |
| A torch | Essential if you stay for the stars |
More Hong Kong day trips
Tap Mun is the wildest of Hong Kong's easy island escapes, but it is far from the only one. For a gentler, more connected outing, our Lamma Island day trip guide and Cheung Chau day trip guide are the perfect next reads. Since Tap Mun sits within Sai Kung, pair it with our Sai Kung day trip guide for the town's seafood and beaches.
If it is the walking you are after, see our pick of the best hikes in Hong Kong, or plan a swim with our guide to the best beaches in Hong Kong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chase the Quiet
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