Explore The Hidden Island Of Po Toi: Hikes, Sights & Food

Nicknamed “the South Pole of Hong Kong,” Po Toi Island is a haven for dramatic rock formations, secluded beaches and fresh seafood…

Looking for the perfect day trip without breaking the bank or worrying about travel details? This secret island is calling your name! Unlike viral spots like Cheung Chau, famous for its delectable mango mochi, or the artsy fishing villages of Tai O and Lamma Island, Po Toi boasts Instagram-worthy rock sculptures you won’t have to queue for. No entrance fees. No long lines. Just raw, unfiltered Hong Kong beauty.

Read More: Your Ultimate Hong Kong Hiking Trail Bucket List

Jump To:
Po Toi Island Ferry
Hiking & Attractions On Po Toi Island
Where To Eat On Po Toi

 

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How To Get To Po Toi Island & Po Toi Island Ferry Schedule

Ready for a quick escape to stunning Po Toi Island? Ferries from Aberdeen Pier and Stanley Blake Pier make it easy, with trips taking just 30 minutes — just bear in mind that only cash is accepted! Here’s the scoop on schedules, fares and tips to plan your adventure:

 Aberdeen → Po Toi ($30 one-way)

Stanley Blake Pier → Po Toi Island ($30 one-way)

Top Hikes & Attractions On Po Toi Island – Famous Rock Formations & More

Po Toi Island offers some of Hong Kong’s most scenic coastal hikes with dramatic rock formations, hidden beaches and panoramic sea views. Below are detailed hiking routes of Route 1, 2 & 3, including distances, estimated times, difficulty levels and key landmarks!

 

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Route 1 — Po Toi Country Trail (蒲台郊遊徑)

Distance: ~4km loop
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Well-signposted with red and white trail markers, this is the main marked trail covering Po Toi’s highlights:

• Starts at the ferry pier and follows concrete paths and stone steps uphill.
• Passes Tortoise Rock (龜石), a giant boulder that perfectly mimics a turtle’s silhouette, complete with a “head” peeking toward the sea, and Monk Rock (僧人石), a slender stone pillar resembling a robed monk standing in eternal meditation.
• Leads to the Buddha’s Hand Rock (佛手岩), the island’s most famous rock formation, resembles a giant deity’s outstretched palm, with jagged granite “fingers” weathered by centuries of wind and waves.
• Connects to Supine Monk Rock (僧人石), another monk-like formation, this time toppled over as if napping mid-journey, and Coffin Rock (棺材石), an eerie, oblong boulder balanced precariously, looking like it might slide into the ocean..
• Returns via the abandoned village and Mo’s Old House, a hauntingly beautiful ruin that was once the 1930s mansion of a wealthy merchant. It now stands frozen in time with its collapsed roof, peeling blue door frames and ocean-view veranda that frames the South China Sea like a forgotten painting, whispering stories of Po Toi’s past.

Sassy Tip: A short 1 km add-on (turnoff is near Mo’s Old House) leads to Tung Wan, a secluded pebble beach with clear water — perfect for a snack break or photo op!

Read More: The Best Beaches In Hong Kong

 

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Route 2 — Po Toi Lighthouse Trail (蒲台島燈塔徑)

Distance: ~3km
Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy

An beginner-friendly coastal path to the historic lighthouse, this trail is a favourite of bird-watchers, as terns and sea eagles frequent the area:

• Starts left from the pier, passing abandoned fish farms.
• Ends at the whitewashed Po Toi Lighthouse (built in 1899).
• Offers panoramic South China Sea views.

Read More: 6 Short Hiking Trails In Hong Kong – Easy Hikes Under Two Hours

 

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Route 3 — Off-Trail Rugged Rock Terrain (蒲台石林)

Distance: ~1km (detour from main trail)
Duration: 45–60 minutes
Difficulty: Hard

An unofficial but popular off-trail route, this one has no railings or markers, so boulder at your own risk (and avoid venturing here in the rain!):

• Branches off near Buddha’s Hand Rock.
• Explores weathered granite formations resembling a “stone forest.”
• Requires scrambling over boulders — not for beginners.

Read More: The Best Hong Kong Hikes That End With A Meal

Where To Eat On Po Toi Island

 

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Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant

Po Toi Island’s Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant has been serving its famous seaweed soup with egg and crispy salt-and-pepper squid for 30 years, offering diners an authentic taste of Hong Kong’s fishing culture on its rustic waterfront deck. Book ahead to secure a table for their affordable, freshly caught seafood dishes, best enjoyed with an ice-cold beer!

Sassy Tip: After lunch, head to Po Toi’s historic Tin Hau Temple, which is a quick walk from Ming Kee Restaurant (approx 400-metres!)

Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant, Tai Wan, Po Toi Island, Hong Kong, 2849 7038

Read More: The Best Beachside Restaurants And Bars In Hong Kong

 

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Wan Tsai Store

The iconic pink Wan Tsai Store by the pier offers similar fare to the nearby Kwan Kee Store, with comparable dishes priced about $5 higher — but with additional snack options. We love the instant noodles with seaweed, luncheon meat and fried egg for an authentic beachside cha chaan teng experience!

Wan Tsai Store, Po Toi Ferry Pier, Po Toi Island, Hong Kong

 

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Traditional Dried Snacks

Forget snack-store seaweed — Po Toi’s fresh, uncooked kelp is a local star! Perfect boiled with noodles, these giant packs cost just $10–15. Or, if you want to grab a tasty souvenir, try out some dried mini-fish or other seafood goodies (pricier but oh-so-worth-it).