Greater access to Sai Kung is needed for agents to better promote this hidden gem in Hong Kong.
It appears the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, despite being known in the scientific circles since 2009, will remain one of the city’s best kept secrets and lay in wait off the beaten track.
A ferry and a bus service were recently made available to the park − located in the Sai Kung East Country Park in the East and North East New Territories − but at present they operate only on Sundays and public holidays, placing limits on opportunities for more to discover the park.
Since starting operations in January, the 160-seat Kaito Ferry Service has been plying from Ma Liu Shui in Shatin to Lai Chi Wo, a manageable walk to the geopark. The ferry leaves Ma Liu Shui at 09.00 and returns from Lai Chi Wo at 15.30.
The 26-seat shuttle bus tour service was launched by the Sai Kung District Community Centre in May 2016, taking just 40 minutes to travel from its terminus in Sai Kung Town to the East Dam of High Island Geo-area.
Despite receiving “only a handful of enquiries” about the geopark, Cary Chiu, general manager of PC Tours and Travel, is certain the interest will grow.
“The new services are better than nothing, (but) what worries me is the availability of seats. If the bus is packed it would be a long wait for the next departure. If there isn’t regular public transport, travellers may not consider going.”
Chiu played down the suggestion that the present situation would encourage FITs to bypass agents to visit the park on their own.
“Clients may approach us for a tour guide to accompany them and we can even arrange transport from downtown to Sai Kung… There is still a way for agents to survive,” he emphasised.
ATI Travel managing director, Richard Woss, commented: “I will combine (the geopark attraction) with our hiking tours to enhance the itinerary. Frankly, such nature themed tours (interest) a very small market but the (improved) access is better than nothing.”
Meanwhile, developments are underway in the Sai Kung area, with the Volcano Discovery Centre opening in Sai Kung Waterfront Park in 2014, and the High Island Geo-trail enhanced with visitor facilities including a boardwalk and information panels.
This article was first published in TTG Asia, July 8, 2016 issue, on page 24. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe
