Exploring Cape D'Aguilar 鶴咀探索之旅

Cape D'Aguilar is located at the Southeastern tip of the Hong Kong Island, south of Shek O. We always wanted to visit this cape, and decided to do so on Friday to avoid the massive crowd.

This is an easy hike. The first 3/4 is along a road with no steep uphill or downhills and is suitable for a nice recovery day walk and exploration with kids and family.

The day was overcast, which worked out great for us (we do not want too much sun). We went to Shau Kei Wan MTR Exit C, to get on bus no. 9. Make sure you get on the bus that says, "Cape D'Aguilar or via Cape D'Aguilar," and we got off at the Cape D'Aguilar Road stop. Some of the buses do not stop by Cape D'Aguilar so be careful.

Continue on Cape D'Aguilar Road for about 2.5km (about 20 to 30min) until you reach the PCCW HF Transmitting Station. Enjoy the coastal view, and the surroundings along the way.

Upon arrival to the station, we saw a hidden path to Lap Sap Wan (literal translation is Trash Bay or Garbage Bay). We walked down there and yes, there is some garbage but not overly buried with it, and no funky stinky smell. We found a lunch spot, enjoyed watching over the waves crashing to the rocks. It was idyllic and peaceful just watching the waves (at this point, we didn't know it was called Lap Sap Wan/Trash Bay, and there was no one at this bay).

We continued our excursion after this, and went back to the main trail. We kept going and came across the Cape D'Aguilar Marine Reserve sign. We followed the sign until we saw the open view of the ocean and cliff side rocks with waves crashing on it. It is a spectacular view!

Before walking down to the waves and rocks, we stayed on the road until the turn-off for Thunder Cave on the left. It is a hidden path, and we walked down the stairs (maybe 10 steps?) and went inside the the small pocket of the rocks opening. The water was crashing in with thundery roaring sound to the cave. Don't walk too close to the opening, as there were crazy waves that would gush in so quickly that you might no able to outrun it, unless you don't mind getting wet or get washed away.

After checking out Thunder Cave, we returned to the main road and saw the white building, The University of Hong Kong Swire Institute of Marine Science was under construction. Hence, the road is closed so we were forced to turn around and walk down the path of "Marine Reserve" sign (1min or less walk only), and you will be met by the open jagged razor cut sharp rocks by the ocean.

We went to check out the infamous skeleton of a whale and the Crab Cave. I was not too impressed by the Crab Cave. Instead we found that climbing and walking around the coastal sharp rocks was super fun, and also we got the first hand view of the waves gushing in and washed up to the rocks with the ocean and horizon as the backdrop. It was mesmerizing and exhilarating at the same time. It is a stunning peninsula.

The skeleton of Ms. Willy looks weathered and not well protected from the natural elements (well, it is 100% exposed). I am not sure how long will the skeleton be there, and if anything will be done to protect it. For now, enjoy it while you can.

We went to check out the battery up the hill. Not many people visited the battery today. We were the only people there. The battery was from the British military back in WWII. It is still pretty well maintained, and really windy up there. It is an amazing view from the hill, and we also got to see the top and other side of the Thunder Cave where the waves came gushing in. There are a couple more batteries which you can visit, but we didn't check those out.

After the battery visit, it was time for us to leave. We went back the same way to Cape D'Aguilar Road and took the bus back to Shau Kei Wan MTR station.

I do recommend people to visit this place for an easy hike or exploration. Check it out on the weekdays if you can!

if you want more information, you can also refer to this website: https://droneandslr.com/travel-blog/hong-kong/cape-d-aguilar/