Hong Kong is famous for its skyline, but some of its best days out happen far from any tower. Tap Mun, better known in English as Grass Island, is a small island off the northeast tip of Sai Kung where rolling green meadows tumble down to the sea and wild cattle wander between picnic blankets. It is one of the city’s most rewarding day trips, and a reminder that the New Territories hide some genuinely wild corners. For a complete guide to one of the best island escapes, see our Lamma Island Day Trip Guide.
Why Tap Mun Is Worth the Trip
Tap Mun trades on a rare combination for Hong Kong: open grassland, a rugged coastline, and almost no traffic. The island’s signature image is its grassy plateau on the eastern side, where feral cows graze against a backdrop of open ocean and kites bob overhead on a breezy afternoon. There is a small village, a centuries-old temple, a handful of seafood restaurants, and very little else, which is precisely the point. It pairs naturally with the rest of the city’s outdoor life.
How to Get to Tap Mun
There are two ferry routes, and both use small kaito ferries rather than big vessels. The quickest is from Wong Shek Pier in Sai Kung: take bus 94 from Sai Kung town to the end of the line at Wong Shek, then hop on the kaito for the short crossing. The longer, more scenic option leaves from Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier near University MTR station, a roughly 90 minute journey that loops through the channel. Sailings are limited, typically twice a day on weekdays and three times on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, so timing your return matters. Always check the current kaito ferry schedule on the Transport Department website before you set off, as times change seasonally.
Want to skip the planning hassle? You can book a Sai Kung & Tap Mun day tour on Klook and have the ferries, transfers and timing sorted for you.
What to See and Do
Tap Mun rewards slow wandering. The highlights are easy to cover on foot in a half day:
- The grassland plateau – the island’s star attraction, ideal for picnics, kite flying and watching the cows
- Balanced Rock – two stacked slabs forming a tilted tower on the rugged southern coast
- Tin Hau Temple – a roughly 400-year-old temple with century-old ceramic figures on its roof, set above the waterfront
- The old village lanes off Hoi Pong Street, a quiet glimpse of fishing-village Hong Kong
- Camping – the plateau is a popular and very scenic overnight spot for those with their own gear
If you enjoy this kind of escape, it sits comfortably alongside the city’s best beaches and weekend getaways for a slower side of Hong Kong.
Where to Eat: Seafood and Sea Urchin Fried Rice
For such a small island, Tap Mun punches above its weight on food. The cluster of seafood restaurants near the pier is the place to refuel, and the long-running New Hon Kee is the name regulars return for. The dish to seek out is the sea urchin fried rice, a local speciality, alongside a cup of strong Hong Kong-style milk tea. Portions are generous and the setting, looking back over the water, is hard to beat.
Making a full day of it? Browse Sai Kung tours, boat trips and seafood experiences on Klook to round out your Tap Mun adventure.
Tap Mun at a Glance
| Location | Island off northeast Sai Kung, New Territories (塔門 Grass Island) |
| Getting There | Kaito ferry from Wong Shek Pier (bus 94 from Sai Kung) or Ma Liu Shui Pier (near University MTR) |
| Ferry Frequency | About twice daily on weekdays, three times on weekends and public holidays – confirm on the Transport Department site |
| Time Needed | A half to full day; or camp overnight |
| Highlights | Grassland plateau, feral cows, Balanced Rock, 400-year-old Tin Hau Temple |
| Eat | Seafood restaurants near the pier; sea urchin fried rice and milk tea |
| Bring | Water, sun protection, cash, and a picnic; food options are limited |
| Best Time | Clear, dry autumn and winter days; check the tide and weather |
Planning the rest of your Hong Kong trip? Browse tours, tickets and experiences on Klook to book everything in one place.
Tips for Your Visit
Plan your day around the ferry, not the other way around: missing the last sailing is a real risk on a small island. Bring cash, as card payment is not guaranteed, and carry enough water and sun protection because shade is scarce on the plateau. Weekends and holidays are busiest, especially in good weather, so an early start gives you the quietest version of the island. For a longer trip, check official guidance from the Hong Kong Tourism Board and editorial guides such as Time Out for seasonal tips.
The Walk Around the Island
Tap Mun is small enough to explore on foot in a half day. A satisfying loop of around two hours runs from the pier up Hoi Pong Street to the roughly 400-year-old Tin Hau Temple, then out to the grassland plateau on the eastern side where the cows graze and kite-flyers gather, south along the coast to Balanced Rock, and back through the old village lanes. The terrain is easy, mostly flat paths and gentle slopes suitable for families, though there is very little shade, so time it for the cooler part of the day.
Camping on Tap Mun
The grassland plateau is one of Hong Kong’s most scenic and popular camping spots, prized for its sunrises and star-filled skies. There is a designated camping area, but facilities are basic, so bring everything you need, including plenty of water, and pack out all your rubbish. Weekends in good weather get busy, so arrive early to claim a flat pitch with a sea view, and check the forecast carefully, as there is no shelter if the weather turns.
When to Visit and What to Bring
The best months are the clear, dry days of autumn and winter, which bring the bluest skies and the kite-flying crowds; summer is hot, hazy and prone to typhoon disruption that can cancel the ferries entirely. Whenever you go, bring cash (there is no ATM on the island), water, sun protection and a hat, because shade is scarce. Above all, keep a close eye on the last ferry, as sailings are infrequent and missing the final boat from a small island is a genuine problem; always check the current kaito schedule before you set out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Tap Mun (Grass Island)?
By small kaito ferry, either from Wong Shek Pier in Sai Kung (reached by bus 94) for a short crossing, or from Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier near University MTR for a longer, roughly 90-minute scenic route. Ferries run only a few times a day, so check the Transport Department schedule first.
What is Tap Mun famous for?
Its open grassland plateau, the feral cows that graze there, sea views and a roughly 400-year-old Tin Hau Temple. It is one of Hong Kong’s most scenic and laid-back day trips, and a popular camping spot.
What should I eat on Tap Mun?
Head to the seafood restaurants near the pier. The local speciality is sea urchin fried rice, best paired with a Hong Kong-style milk tea. New Hon Kee is a long-standing favourite.
Can you camp on Tap Mun?
Yes. The grassland plateau is a popular and very scenic place to camp for those with their own gear. Bring everything you need, including water, as facilities are basic.
Official Resources
Quick Info
| Location | Tap Mun (Grass Island), northeastern New Territories |
| Getting There | Ferry from Wong Shek Pier or Ma Liu Shui (Kaito) |
| Best For | Hiking, grassland views, wild cows, seafood lunch |
| Duration | Full day trip (5 to 7 hours including ferry) |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate (well-marked trails) |
| Food | Seafood restaurants near the pier |
| Cost | Ferry around HK$20 to HK$50 per way |
| Map | Google Maps |
