Tap Mun Grass Island
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Tap Mun Grass Island

4.4
·251 reviews·, Hong Kong

A tranquil island escape known for its rolling green hills, wild cows, and historic temple, perfect for day trips and camping.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends, early afternoon

Catch the ferry before it fills up

CrowdMedium
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Tap Mun Grass Island

Tap Mun Grass Island

Best Time

Weekends, early afternoon

Catch the ferry before it fills up

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil island escape known for its rolling green hills, wild cows, and historic temple, perfect for day trips and camping.

4.4
(251 reviews)

"Underrated day trip with beautiful views, wild cows, and a peaceful vibe."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Ferry Logistics

Check ferry schedules from Ma Liu Shui or Wong Shek Pier beforehand. Arrive early for popular weekend departures!

🎒 Pack Essentials

Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. Limited food options on the island.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.4 · 251 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rolling Green Hills

Rolling Green Hills

Island-wide

Vast, lush green meadows reminiscent of New Zealand, perfect for picnics and relaxation.

Instagram
Feral Cows

Feral Cows

Island-wide

Encounter friendly, free-roaming cattle adding a unique charm to the island's natural landscape.

Instagram
Tin Hau Temple

Tin Hau Temple

Old Fisherman's Village

A historic 400-year-old temple offering a glimpse into the island's rich cultural heritage.

Reddit
Balanced Rock

Balanced Rock

Boulder and pebble beach

An intriguing geological formation perched precariously, a testament to nature's artistry.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Ferry Schedules are Key

Ferry schedules to Tap Mun can be infrequent and change. Always check online before you go to avoid long waits or missing the last boat back. Planning your trip around these times is crucial for a smooth visit. TikTokInstagram

Pack Smart for Island Life

Tap Mun has limited amenities. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and any essentials you might need, especially if you plan to camp. There are a few eateries, but options are scarce. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekends, early afternoon
Why
Catch the ferry before it fills up
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Enjoy sunset views before last ferry
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍tap mun (aka grass island) Rute… dari mtr university exit B Bisa ambil arah kanan kalo mau naik taxi Atau arah kiri, jalan kaki sekitar 15 menitan Dengan tujuan ke MA LIU SHUI PIER Pemberangakatn kapal kurang lebih jam 12:30 Datang harus lebih awal karna pas sabtu kemaren aku ngantri panjang banget sampe penuh Bayar $30, jadi pp $60 bisa pake patadong/cash Perjalanan 1jaman lebih Dari dermag...
rinii96_
513 likes • 12.4K views

🚢 Ferry Logistics

Check ferry schedules from Ma Liu Shui or Wong Shek Pier beforehand. Arrive early for popular weekend departures! TikTokInstagram

🎒 Pack Essentials

Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. Limited food options on the island. Reddit

RUTE : GRASS ISLAND. Tap Mun. 1) MTR : University Exit B, belok kiri, jalan kaki ikuti saja jalur sepeda ada juga papan petunjuk ke menuju MADAO / dermaga pelabuhan kapal perahu MA LIU SHUI PIER jalan kaki kurleb 15 menitan, Klau teman2 kejar waktu dari MTR bisa naik taksi bilang ke Pak supir ke madao Ma Liu Shui Pier gitu yaah. lanjut naik kapal yg tujuan Tap Mun yaah ( Not jangn sampai salah...
cahayamentariku
136 likes • 3.3K views
New Zealand of hongkong located at Tap Mun Grass Island Hongkong🇭🇰🌊
oro.jane
142 likes • 32.3K views

🐄 Respect Wildlife

Observe the wild cows from a distance and do not feed them. Keep the island clean. Reddit

🥾 Comfortable Footwear

Wear sturdy shoes for walking and exploring the hilly terrain. Instagram

Like moment ❤︎ #tapmun #tapmungrassislandhk
iah_chassia
64 likes • 687 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Ferry Logistics

Check ferry schedules from Ma Liu Shui or Wong Shek Pier beforehand. Arrive early for popular weekend departures! TikTokInstagram

🎒 Pack Essentials

Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. Limited food options on the island. Reddit

🐄 Respect Wildlife

Observe the wild cows from a distance and do not feed them. Keep the island clean. Reddit

🥾 Comfortable Footwear

Wear sturdy shoes for walking and exploring the hilly terrain. Instagram

🏕️ Camping Prep

If camping, bring all necessary gear and be mindful of designated areas. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(251 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Tap Mun Grass Island is praised as an underrated gem offering a peaceful escape with beautiful green hills and unique wildlife like wild cows. Visitors appreciate its natural beauty, historic temple, and suitability for camping. However, some reviews note concerns about litter and the impact of visitor numbers on the environment.

"Let’s protect 塔門。Underrated day trip. Be sure to be wary and respectful of the environment. So many fun things to see, Tin Hau temple, wild cows, beautiful views, local folklore, and pretty walkable. Distant from the main island, more peaceful."

Jen

"Very nice and great outdoors to enjoy. You can have very good camping experience. All you need to good arrangement and other all in this Grass Island. Come and enjoy 😊"

Suresh CL

"Tap Mun (Grass Island) is an island located just north of the Sai Kung West Country Park that makes for a popular day trip and overnight wild camping location for Hongkongers. It is relatively small at 1.7 square kilometres and is known for its grassy hilltop (hence the name) and numerous ferrel cows that share the island with visitors and those who reside here.

Historically, the island has been habited since at least the mid 16th century. At its height there were likely 2000 residents, mostly tanka fisherfolks. Like most remote villages on the outlying islands of Hong Kong, those numbers dwindled to a spartan few towards the end of the 20th century, as youth opted to move to the city or abroad in search of better living conditions. Today it is estimated that around 100 people continue to reside here at Tap Mun.

To visit Tap Mun, most take daily ferries from the Ma Liu Shui ferry terminus at Science Park (1.5 hour one way) or the nearby Wong Shek Pier (15 minutes one way). Check the schedule online for exact sailing times before setting off to visit Tap Mun.

Upon arrival at the main ferry pier at Tap Mun, visitors will find public toilets and a few casual eateries and restaurants at the Old Fisherman's Village. Just to the south is a New Fisherman's Village where there are a few more places to eat. Otherwise, few options for food and drink provisions on Tap Mun so best to pack what you need prior to making your trip to the island.

Sightseeing around Tap Mun includes a roughly 1 hour long loop trail which circles the southern tip of the island. It passes by the 400 year old Tin Hau Temple at the Old Fisherman's Village, the grassy hilltops and gentle sloops that overlook the the western and southern coast. This is a very popular area for wild camping, particularly on weekends and public holidays.

There are a few pavilion rest stops along or near the main trail as well as a few interesting geological features for visitors to enjoy. These include the Balanced Rock and the Tap Mun Cave both accessible along the boulder and pebble beach just below the main trail.

Another popular geological land formation to find is Long Keng Kan (Neck of the Dragon) found at the end of the informal trail north of the Hilltop Pavilion. This beautiful natural landmark is accessible by way of rope repelling down the step wooded hillside. There are rewarding views of the sea and other outlying islands to the north and east from this location and along the trail. They rival the very good views found along the main loop trail to the south.

Overall, Tap Mun is a neat place to visit if you've done the rounds of island trips around Hong Kong and are looking for somewhere different to spend half a day. There is a nice mix of heritage, history, geology and natural beauty to enjoy and while time consuming to visit from the city, everything is pretty straightforward and easy to experience once you are there."

Brad

What People Like

Beautiful green hills
Wild cows
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Litter concerns
Crowded on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common ways to reach Tap Mun involve taking a ferry. You can depart from Ma Liu Shui Pier (near Science Park) or Wong Shek Pier. From MTR University Station Exit B, you can walk about 15 minutes to Ma Liu Shui Pier or take a taxi. Alternatively, from Diamond Hill MTR Exit C, take bus 96R to Wong Shek Pier. Ferry schedules vary, so check online before your trip. TikTokInstagram+3

University Station (East Rail Line) is the closest MTR station to Ma Liu Shui Pier. From Exit B, you can walk or take a short taxi ride. TikTok+1

The ferry journey duration varies depending on your departure point. From Ma Liu Shui, it's about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. From Wong Shek Pier, it's a much shorter trip of around 35 minutes. Instagram+1

Yes, you can take a taxi to both Ma Liu Shui Pier and Wong Shek Pier. It's advisable to tell the driver your destination clearly, such as 'Ma Liu Shui Pier' or 'Wong Shek Pier'. TikTokInstagram+1

While ferries are the primary mode of transport, some private boat services might be available. However, the public ferry is the most reliable and cost-effective option. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ferry fares are generally affordable. From Ma Liu Shui, it's around $30 HKD for a round trip. From Wong Shek Pier, it's approximately $16 HKD. Prices can vary slightly, so it's good to have cash on hand. TikTokInstagram

It's not typically necessary to book ferry tickets in advance, but on weekends and public holidays, ferries can fill up quickly. Arriving early at the pier is recommended to secure a spot. TikTok

No, there is no entrance fee to visit Tap Mun Grass Island itself. The main cost associated with visiting is the ferry fare. Reddit

Ferry schedules are limited and can change. The first ferry from Ma Liu Shui is usually around 8:30 AM, with another around 12:30 PM. The last ferry back is typically in the late afternoon. Always check the latest schedule online before your visit. TikTokInstagram+1

It's best to carry cash for ferry tickets, as many smaller piers and services on the islands may not accept credit cards. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Tap Mun is famous for its beautiful grassy hills, wild cows, the historic Tin Hau Temple, and unique geological formations like the Balanced Rock and Tap Mun Cave. It's also a popular spot for camping. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, there's a pleasant loop trail around the southern tip of the island, offering scenic views. The terrain is generally gentle, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Reddit

Yes, public restrooms are available near the main ferry pier at the Old Fisherman's Village. Reddit

Tap Mun is a very popular wild camping location, especially on weekends. Be sure to bring all your camping gear and be respectful of the environment. Reddit

Walking is the best way to explore Tap Mun. The island is small enough to cover on foot, and the trails are well-marked. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are a few casual eateries and restaurants located in the Old Fisherman's Village and the New Fisherman's Village, offering local seafood and dishes. Reddit

You can find local Hong Kong-style seafood dishes and other simple fare at the island's restaurants. Reddit

While there are dining options, they can be limited, especially outside peak hours. Packing some snacks and drinks is a good idea, particularly if you plan to hike or camp. Reddit

Options for cafes and convenience stores are very limited. It's best to come prepared with your own provisions. Reddit

Prices for food on Tap Mun are generally reasonable, reflecting the local island dining experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The rolling green hills, the wild cows grazing, the coastline views, the Balanced Rock, and the Tin Hau Temple are all fantastic photo opportunities. The island offers a serene, natural beauty. Instagram+2

Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the lush greenery still looks great. Instagram

While drone usage might be possible, be mindful of local regulations and respect the environment and other visitors. Always check for any restrictions before flying. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for photographing the cows from a safe distance. Instagram

The juxtaposition of the wild cows against the green hills, the ancient temple, and the dramatic coastal rock formations make for unique photographic subjects. InstagramReddit

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