The Ninepin Group is made up of South Ninepin Island, North Ninepin Island, and East Ninepin Island, along with several small rock islets. North Ninepin Island has the most eye-pleasing abrasion landforms with hexagonal rock columns overspread with joints formed by geological movements.

The Ninepin Group or Kwo Chau Islands is a group of 29 islands in the easternmost waters of Hong Kong. Photo credit: zolimacitymag.com

Address: Ninepin Group, Sai Kung Sea, New Territories
Website: www.geopark.gov.hk

How to get there:

• From MTR Diamond Hill Station, Exit C2, take bus 92; or

• From MTR Choi Hung Station, Exit C2, take minibus 1A; or

• From MTR Hang Hau Station, Exit B1, take minibus 101M to Sai Kung Pier.
  From the pier, hire a boat to Ninepin Group

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

The Ung Kong Group consists of Bluff Island, Wang Chau and Basalt Island. The forces of sea and wind have helped develop numerous steep cliffs and sea arches on the southeast coast of the islands, including the 30-metre-high sea arch at Wang Chau, the 45-metre-high sea arch at Basalt Island, and the Tiu Chung Arch at Jin Island.

Together known as the Ung Kong Group, Wang Chau, Basalt Island and Bluff Island consist of hexagonal columns, which are well exposed along the coast. Photo credit: hongkongcheapo.com

Address: Ung Kong Group, Sai Kung Sea, New Territories
Website: www.geopark.gov.hk

How to get there:

• From MTR Diamond Hill Station, Exit C2, take bus 92; or

• From MTR Choi Hung Station, Exit C2, take minibus 1A; or

• From MTR Hang Hau Station, Exit B1, take minibus 101M to Sai Kung Pier.
  From the pier, hire a boat to Ung Kong Group

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

Sharp Island is an important relic of an ancient supervolcano that erupted more than 140 million years ago. The island is covered by rocks formed from volcanic fragments and magma. In the west of the island, you can see an interesting natural bridge — a tombolo — which forms an almost 250-metre-long sand bar connecting Sharp Island and the nearby Kiu Tau Island. At low tide, it emerges above the water, creating a temporary bridge between the two islands.

Sharp Island (Kiu Tsui Chau) is just 2,000 metres off Sai Kung Pier. Photo credit: infinitenation.wordpress.com

Address: Sharp Island, Sai Kung Sea, New Territories
Website: www.geopark.gov.hk

How to get there:

• From MTR Diamond Hill Station, Exit C2, take bus 92; or

• From MTR Choi Hung Station, Exit C2, take minibus 1A; or

• From MTR Hang Hau Station, Exit B1, take minibus 101M to Sai Kung Pier.
  From the pier, hire a village ferry (kaito) to Sharp Island.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

Har Gow is a traditional Cantonese dumpling served in dim sum. Surely the #1 top pick from customers in all dim sum restaurants. A must try when you are on your Hello! Hong Kong day tours especially on our food tour!

If you love to cook and would like to try making Har Gow recipe, the procedures are pretty simple to make once you have the right ingredients. The only challenge that you will probably face is folding the wrapper. Do not worry! if you find yourself struggling with it, there are several youtube instructional videos to help you. As what they say practice makes perfect!

A must try dimsum on your Hello! Hong Kong Tour1

Photo credit: Thewoksoflife

INGREDIENTS

For the filling

• 1/2 Pound raw shrimp (225g, peeled, de-veined and patted dry)

• 1 Teaspoon oyster sauce

• 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1/4 Teaspoon white pepper

• 1 Teaspoon sesame oil

• 1/4 Teaspoon salt

• 1 Teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 Teaspoon Ginger (minced)

• 1/4 cup bamboo shoots (finely chopped)

For the dough:

• 1 cup wheat starch

• 1/2 cup cornstarch (or tapioca starch)

• 1 1/4 cups boiling water (add an additional 1 to 2 teaspoons in dryer climates)

• 3 teaspoons lard (or oil)

PROCEDURE

For the filling:

• Mix everything (except the bamboo) together; whip in one direction for a few minutes until the mixture starts to look sticky. Now add the chopped bamboo shoots, and mix everything together. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the dough.

For the dough:

• Mix the wheat starch and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Slowly add in the boiling water, while stirring rapidly. Now add in the lard (or oil) and continue to stir. Knead the dough for a couple of minutes, until it turns into a smooth dough ball. Roll the dough into a long cylinder, and divide it into 18 equal pieces. Cover the dough pieces with a damp paper towel.

To assemble and cook the dumplings:

• Turn on the stove to pre-boil the water in the steamer. Take one piece of dough and roll it into a 3” diameter circle. Add a spoonful of filling and fold the dumpling as shown in our video. Continue assembling until all the dumplings are made.

• Once the water in the steamer is boiled, steam the shrimp dumplings for 6 minutes using high heat and serve hot. Make sure that they each have an inch and a half to expand during the cooking process.

Now you can try making your own Har Gow dumplings! If you are in doubt and would like to see how to properly fold the wrapper, you can check out thewoksoflife Hargow recipes as they have given a very detailed instruction on how to make this very delicious dish. Happy cooking!

Recipe and instruction credits to Thewoksoflife

The easiest location to view the park’s remarkable geological heritage is High Island. From here, the hexagonal volcanic columns are visible along the coast, as is the rock column wall near the East Dam of High Island Reservoir. You’ll also see other geological features such as twisted columns and dyke intrusions. To provide a safe environment for visitors to view the sea cave up close, the High Island Geo-trail is undergoing enhancements which include a wooden boardwalk and interpretation panels at the end of the trail. 

Also note the volcanic-rock coast of Tai Long Wan — voted by locals as one of ‘Hong Kong’s Top Ten Natural Attractions’.

High Island, known in Chinese as Leung Shuen Wan island is a former island in the southeast of Sai Kung Peninsula, Hong Kong. Photo credit: hulutrip.com

Address: High Island, Sai Kung, New Territories
Website: www.geopark.gov.hk

How to get there:

• Join the East Dam Half-day Tour, available on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Round-trip itinerary is available. Enquiries: +852 2394 1538 (Volcano Discovery Centre); or

• Take bus 94 from Sai Kung town centre or bus 96R (service on Sundays and public holidays only) from MTR Diamond Hill Station. Get off after Pak Tam Chung and walk along Tai Mong Tsai Road to the junction ahead. Turn right on Man Yee Road and walk about 9 km; or

• Take a taxi from Sai Kung town centre or Pak Tam Chung to the High Island Geo Trail.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

Hong Kong UNESCO Geopark Volcano Discovery Centre conveniently located at Sai Kung Waterfront Park offers comprehensive information to advise visitors the best way to explore the Geopark. Visitors can take a peek at rock specimens collected locally and from around the world, as well as a 1:1 scale exhibit of hexagonal rock columns produced by a series of violent volcanic eruptions in Sai Kung 140 million years ago.

The Volcano Discovery Centre is the first exhibition centre on the theme of volcanology in Hong Kong. Photo credit: http://tungbama.blogspot.com/

Address: Sai Kung Waterfront Park, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, New Territories (next to Sai Kung Bus Terminus)
Telephone: +852 2394 1538
Website: www.volcanodiscoverycentre.hk

How to get there:

• From MTR Diamond Hill Station, Exit C2, take bus 92; or

• From MTR Choi Hung Station, Exit C2, take minibus 1A; or

• From MTR Hang Hau Station, Exit B1, take minibus 101M to Sai Kung town centre then walk to the centre.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

You don’t have to be a rock buff to enjoy the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. Located in the East and Northeast New Territories, the park includes the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region and the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region and showcases Hong Kong’s timeless and eerily beautiful landforms.

Tips

Many island or coastal landforms in the Geopark are best viewed from a boat. In areas with loose and slippery rocks it is best not to go ashore. Also, to protect these landforms, please don’t climb or make any kind of markings on the rocks. Get more out of your visit by joining a guided tour and reading the Geopark information online before departing.

In September 2011, UNESCO listed the Hong Kong Geopark as part of its Global Geoparks Network. Photo credit: hulutrip.com

Volcano Discovery Centre

Hong Kong UNESCO Geopark Volcano Discovery Centre conveniently located at Sai Kung Waterfront Park offers comprehensive information to advise visitors the best way to explore the Geopark. For more information, click here.

High Island

The easiest location to view the park’s remarkable geological heritage is High Island. From here, the hexagonal volcanic columns are visible along the coast, as is the rock column wall near the East Dam of High Island Reservoir. For more information, click here.

Sharp Island

Sharp Island is an important relic of an ancient supervolcano that erupted more than 140 million years ago. The island is covered by rocks formed from volcanic fragments and magma. For more information, click here.

Ung-Kong-Group

The Ung Kong Group consists of Bluff Island, Wang Chau and Basalt Island. The forces of sea and wind have helped develop numerous steep cliffs and sea arches on the southeast coast of the islands, including the 30-metre-high sea arch at Wang Chau, the 45-metre-high sea arch at Basalt Island, and the Tiu Chung Arch at Jin Island. For more information, click here.

Ninepin Group

The Ninepin Group is made up of South Ninepin Island, North Ninepin Island, and East Ninepin Island, along with several small rock islets. North Ninepin Island has the most eye-pleasing abrasion landforms with hexagonal rock columns overspread with joints formed by geological movements. For more information, click here.

Double Haven

Rising sea levels 6,000 to 8,000 years ago submerged the river valleys in Double Haven, leading to the formation of indented shorelines with headlands and bays. But the mountains in the area were mostly formed some 160 million years ago, when lava mixed with volcanic ash formed rock strata. For more information, click here.

Tung Ping Chau

Crescent-shaped Tung Ping Chau, Hong Kong’s easternmost island, has long been popular with locals for its picturesque rock formations. It boasts the youngest rocks in Hong Kong — merely 55 million years of age, give or take! For more information, click here.

Port Island & Bluff Head

China Danxia — a name for red-coloured landforms specific to China — was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010, and Port Island has a similar rock formation of these rare geological landforms in a seascape setting. Rich iron oxide gives the island’s sandstone and siltstone a bright red hue. For more information, click here.

Tolo Channel

The oldest rocks in Hong Kong are found along the north coast of Tolo Channel. Ma Shi Chau located west of the channel, features sedimentary rocks formed some 280 million years ago which are the second oldest in Hong Kong. For more information, click here.

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

Hong Kong-style eggs waffle in an all-time childhood food favorite and long-standing popular street food in Hong Kong. It is best served hot and mostly plain which is a must-try snack on your Hello! Hong Kong tour!. There are several hawker stores that sell egg waffle and some of them put a little twist by serving it with fruit and flavors such as strawberry, coconut, or chocolate.

Hong Kong-style egg waffles are very easy to make and the ingredients are easily available in all stores. below is the easy recipe that you can do at the comforts of your home!

INGREDIENTS

• 180g of all-purpose flour,

• 1 tbsp of custard powder,

• 7g of baking powder,

• 28g of tapioca starch,

• 2 eggs

• 120g of sugar,

• 28g of evaporated milk,

• 1 tsp of vanilla extract,

• 140ml of water,

• 25ml of vegetable oil,

• extra vegetable oil to grease the pan
  

  PROCEDURE

• Sift the flour, custard powder, baking powder and tapioca starch into a large bowl and then set aside.

• Whisk the eggs and sugar until well homogenised/mixed.

• Add in the evaporated milk, vanilla extract, water and vegetable oil until smooth.

• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk briefly until just combined. Sift this mixture with a strainer into a measuring jug with a spout.

• Grease an egg waffle pan liberally with vegetable oil. Preheat both sides for 1 and a half minutes over a medium flame.

• Pour batter and fill about 80% full. Close pan and flip the pan quickly to evenly distribute the batter.

• Cook on each side for 2-3 minutes. Once done, use skewers or a fork to remove the waffle.

• Let cool slightly and serve warm whilst crispy on the outside and soft on the inside

Try the egg waffles on your Hello! Hong Kong Tours

Now you can make this very tasty snack for your family, friends especially for kids!! Happy snacking!

Video Credits to iSaamuel
Photo credits to themissinglokness

Egg tart is a local dessert that consists of an outer pastry crust filled with egg custard. A favorite snack of locals and tourists alike because if its sweetness and also the snack is a representation of the colonial history of Hong Kong. You can buy egg tarts at any Chinese bakeries, where you might be lucky enough to get a warm one or if you book Hello! Hong Kong tours food tour this is one of the local food that you will be trying out.

Luckily, egg tart can be made at home. he recipe and procedure is not that complicated at all!

Video credits: Room For Dessert

INGREDIENTS

For the Tart

• 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour

• 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter (1 Stick)

• 1 Egg Yolk

• 1/8 Cup Powdered Sugar

• 1/8 Cup Water

• 1/2 Tsp. Salt

For the egg custard

• 1/8 Cup Water

• 1/8 Cup Sugar

• 1 Egg

• 1/4 Cup Milk

• 1 Tsp. Vanilla Extract

PROCEDURE

For the tart

• Mix and kneel well until all ingredients are mixed well.

• The dough is done when there are no chunks of butter left and you can form a ball.

• Wrap the dough in a plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes.

• Roll the dough to at least 1/4 inch thick

• Cut the portions of the dough for your tart crust and put it on your tart molder

For the egg custard

• Mix 1/8 cup of sugar and 1/8cup of water and melt in the microwave

• Mix 1 egg, 1/4 cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract stir well

• Add your melted sugar onto the mixture

• Pour the mixture onto each of your egg tart molds

• Bake for 425F for 15minutes

Voilà! you can now enjoy your homemade egg tart Hong Kong style! Happy snacking!

Recipe and procedure credits to Room For Dessert
Photocredits buzzfeed

Every week, we are featuring one of our Hello! Hong Kong tour guides to share with you their Corona Diary. This week it’s Mel!

A graduate of Engineering, Mel found passion and happiness in tour guiding. You can genuinely feel his passion for his hometown during his tours. His sweet smile and very calm personality make people love him and feel at ease. Aside from being a professional tour guide of Hello! Hong Kong tours, Mel also loves theatre and acting. During the downtime from tourism, Mel has been making a Hong Kong TV commercial themed healthy family, fight against Coronavirus.

We had a short interview with him, and below he shared with us a glimpse of his Covid-19 everyday life.

Hello! Hong Kong Tour guide Mel (Tallest guy with a nice smile ; extreme right) shooting for a commercial themed “Healthy family fight against corona virus”

On a normal day, you are usually out on the streets showing our guests the beauty of Hong Kong. Given the travel restrictions imposed by several countries. How are you spending your time now?  What keeps you busy?

I am a keen gardener, and now its the best time for doing some spring preparation and home improvements. But I think I am not the only one thinking this way. You can see the long lines at IKEA and at the garden centres! 

What keeps me busy? More quality time at home, more reading and more preparations for myself for future challenges.

We know that you also suffer from wanderlust. When this Pandemic is finally over, and you can go anywhere overseas where will your wanderlust take you and why?

My heart goes to Italy. I have some very good friends in Florence. I kept them updated with the news and practice on how to stay safe of the virus outbreak. I also sent them some supplies to make sure that they have enough physical protections. 

Italy is a great country with the highest number of UNESCO sites in the world. Also its a place with great food and a wonderful mix of landscapes. 

I really want to check on my love ones there and celebrate there together after such a hard time that we have been having these last months. As the governments of countries mentioned, the impact of this pandemic has been comparable to WWII or 911. It’s really one of the hardest times in the history of mankind.

After the world comes out of this dark time and that everyone can travel to Hong Kong once again what is the thing or place you are most excited about showing our guests and why?

It will be Wong Tai Sin Temple. The shrine of the God of Medicine, as he has been blessing Hong Kong. Hong Kong was one of the earliest territories with the virus outbreak, but the number of cases is one of the lowest in the world. We all need to pay the patron god a tribute for his great protections to us!

What is the one thing that this very unfortunate event has taught you and why?

We learned that all mankind are equal, no matter your colour/background/money or any differences. We need to show more love and respect to each other, and this can help the survival of mankind, and make this world a better place. 

Mel’s personal message to everyone:

Since January, Hong Kong was the first place to be affected by the Corona virus. It started to affect the cruise lines and package tours to Hong Kong. Visitors showed lots of concern to be in this crowded city, and were not sure how to protect themselves from the virus. 

For the guests that joined my tour at that time, they all learned the info on how to put on personal protection. Hong Kong has gone through similar epidemics since the Millennium ( i.e. SARS, Bird Flu, Swine Flu and MERS ), so the whole city is well trained on how to keep the city and its people safe. 

I am sure that those guests have taken away a great lesson from me, besides the sightseeing! It will make a life-changing difference as they know how to do the same back in their own countries after the safety drill which I showed them. 

I have faith that Hong Kong will have a quicker recovery of business and economy, comparing to many regions that will still have to rebuild the physical loss and public confidence. Again, I hope the whole world will know that Hong Kong is a safe and great city to visit.

#thetravellingnomads #intravelist #backpackersintheworld #travel #beautifulseason #tripscout #digitalnomad #sustainabletravel #photographeveryday #amazing #photographyislife #keepexploring #livetoexplore #wandering #travelanddestinations #seetheworld #tlpick #travellingthroughtheworld #postcardsplace #missyoutoo #wewillgetthroughthis #wewillriseagain #coronadiaries #coronavirusstories