Secrets of Hong Kong - Hoi ha Wan
|
LOCATION
Hoi Ha Wan is a bay located at the north of Sai Kung Peninsula in New Territories of Hong Kong. However, it officially belongs to Tai Po District, not Sai Kung. It is a marine park which covers an area of about 2.6 square kilometers. The seaward boundary is demarcated by linking the tips of Heung Lo Kok and Kwun Tsoi Kok through the northern end of Flat Island and Moon Island. The landward boundary is following the high water mark along the coastline (see the maps for further details). |
|
HISTORY
More than 200 years ago, Hoi Ha Wan Hoi Ha Village was founded by the Yung’s brothers who came from Shantou of mainland China. In the beginning, the villagers were mainly working in fishery. In 1800 to 1939, they switched to produce lime. Lime kiln industry was one of the oldest industries in Hong Kong. There were total 4 lime kilns but only 2 still exist. Nowadays, there is no more lime kiln industry and fisheries. It becomes a famous natural tourist spot. Most of the houses are rented to outsiders. From government statistics, Hoi Ha has 110 residents in 2013.
|
|
Importance of Hoi Ha
Environmental Aspect
- Hoi Ha Wan has a high biological value as it shows significant biodiversity. It is because Hoi Ha Wan is a
- sheltered bay with excellent water quality, so it provides a good environment for housing a great variety
- of marine organisms. Numerous kinds of mangroves, coral, reef-associated fishes, starfish and jellyfish
- could be found in Hoi Ha Wan. Some of them are even endangered species.
Cultural Aspect
Besides the natural scenery, Hoi Ha also has its unique historical sites. There are two lime kiln ruins in
Hoi Ha which witness the development of lime industry in the early days. The ruins are located at the
East of Hoi Ha Wan.
Besides the natural scenery, Hoi Ha also has its unique historical sites. There are two lime kiln ruins in
Hoi Ha which witness the development of lime industry in the early days. The ruins are located at the
East of Hoi Ha Wan.
Social Aspect
Hoi Ha is a relaxing place. It is a hot spot for diving and hiking. Many people will visit it in weekends.
However, there is an increasing social tension on rural areas development. As Hong Kong is lacking of
residential areas, the supporters said that developing rural areas can increase the housing supply. But
the opponents said that the development will destroy the biodiversity and water quality due to pollution
and clearance of land. Hoi Ha is one of the major discussion fields.
Hoi Ha is a relaxing place. It is a hot spot for diving and hiking. Many people will visit it in weekends.
However, there is an increasing social tension on rural areas development. As Hong Kong is lacking of
residential areas, the supporters said that developing rural areas can increase the housing supply. But
the opponents said that the development will destroy the biodiversity and water quality due to pollution
and clearance of land. Hoi Ha is one of the major discussion fields.
Recent Issues
2013 Hoi Ha Development
Hong Kong Town Planning Board is consulting Hoi Ha land for village development in order to build
more than 90 village houses. Environmental groups worried the environmental impacts on the country
park and marine park.
2014 Hong Kong Reef Check
The research is conducted by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department annually. It gives
good news in 2014 research. Hoi Ha Wan coral reef coverage is 79.4% which is the highest in Hong
Kong. Also, the coral are in good health and stable growing.
2013 Hoi Ha Development
Hong Kong Town Planning Board is consulting Hoi Ha land for village development in order to build
more than 90 village houses. Environmental groups worried the environmental impacts on the country
park and marine park.
2014 Hong Kong Reef Check
The research is conducted by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department annually. It gives
good news in 2014 research. Hoi Ha Wan coral reef coverage is 79.4% which is the highest in Hong
Kong. Also, the coral are in good health and stable growing.
How to get there?
1) Green Minibus Route No. 7: Sai Kung Ferry Pier to Hoi Ha
Frequency: (Mon-Sat) 30 mins (Sun and Public Holidays) 20 mins
Fare: $11.4 per person
2) New Territories (Green) Taxi
From Sai Kung Ferry Pier to Hoi Ha
Fare: About $110
1) Green Minibus Route No. 7: Sai Kung Ferry Pier to Hoi Ha
Frequency: (Mon-Sat) 30 mins (Sun and Public Holidays) 20 mins
Fare: $11.4 per person
2) New Territories (Green) Taxi
From Sai Kung Ferry Pier to Hoi Ha
Fare: About $110
Further Readings
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department – Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park
http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_mar/cou_vis_mar_des/cou_vis_mar_des_hoi.html
Hong Kong Reef Check
http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_mar/con_mar_cor/con_mar_cor_hkrc/con_mar_cor_hkrc.html
Town Planning Board
http://www.info.gov.hk/tpb/en/whats_new/whats_new.html
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department – Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park
http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_mar/cou_vis_mar_des/cou_vis_mar_des_hoi.html
Hong Kong Reef Check
http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_mar/con_mar_cor/con_mar_cor_hkrc/con_mar_cor_hkrc.html
Town Planning Board
http://www.info.gov.hk/tpb/en/whats_new/whats_new.html
