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High Island | island map

High Island

High Island, formerly known as Dragon Boat Bay, was named after the long, narrow boats that were once used by local residents for transportation. Another version suggests that in the past, many ships passed through the waters of Leung Sheun Wan, including those transporting food and goods. Leung Sheun Wan also served as a shelter and a supply station for ships to replenish their food and water. In fact, the Chinese name for this bay reflects its historical role as a supply station for ships. It used to be the largest island in the Sai Kung area, but in 1969, two dams were built to connect it to the Sai Kung peninsula, forming the High Island Reservoir. There are four villages on Leung Shuen Wan: the Hakka villages Tung A, Pak A and Pak Lap, and the fishing village Sha Kiu. In the past, fishermen anchored their boats in the bay in front of the Tin Hau temple. The name “High Island” reflects its distinctive feature as the highest island in the Sai Kung area, with a peak 278 metres above sea level.

Tin Hau Temple

The Tin Hau Temple is the oldest and most important historical building on the island. The temple has an ancient bell with the characters of the sixth year of the Qianlong era (1741) inscribed on it. The Temple was rated Grade 3 historic building in 2010.

Leung Shuen Wan Public School

Traditionally boat dwellers rarely had the opportunity to receive education. Inhabitants on the island, who were mainly Hakka people, had access to a traditional private school in 1925, while the Tin Hau Temple of Tung A village and the Catholic church of Pak A village also offered lessons.

After the Second World War, the three Hakka villages hoped that school services could continue. In 1947, a licence was granted and the name of “Leung Shuen Wan Public School” was confirmed. From there on, both Hakka people and fishermen enjoyed equal right to education.

Pak A
Pak A Pavilion
Tung A
Sha Kiu
Mariculture Rafts

Mariculture rafts at High Island where fishermen carry out marine fish culture and also reside.

Hexagonal Rock Columns

High Island is uniquely formed by hexagonal rock columns. Around 140 million years ago, the eastern part of China experienced a period of volcanic activity. During that period, several large volcanoes were found in Hong Kong, one of which was located in what has become the present-day Sai Kung. When the huge amount of molten volcanic materials cooled and contracted, hexagonal rock columns were developed and these were widely distributed on High Island and a large area of Sai Kung, forming an impressive landscape.

Tin Hau Festival

The Tin Hau Kung Association of Leung Shuen Wan celebrates the Tin Hau Festival every year on the 23rd day of the third lunar month. In even-numbered years, religious Cantonese opera and sea parade are organised. During the sea parade, people stay out of the path while other boats also escort the divine boat to show respect. The Tin Hau Festival in High Island is also listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong.

Selected Artworks

Registration Information

The online registration will be open from 2 Nov (Wed) 10am on a fortnightly basis, for the coming 2-4 weeks upon the system’s update. The registration schedule is as follows:

Date Open for Registration Newly Open Dates of the Programmes/Tours*
2 Nov (Wed) 16 Nov - 30 Nov
16 Nov (Wed) 1 Dec - 14 Dec
30 Nov (Wed) 15 Dec - 28 Dec
14 Dec (Wed) 29 Dec - 16 Jan
*Public may register for the programmes and guided tours that are still available for booking from the previous period. Quotas are limited and registration is open on a first-come-first-served basis. For programmes/guided tours that are already full, a waiting list with 20 quotas is available for signing up. If any successful registrants withdraw from the event, notification will be sent to registrants on the waiting list in their order of registration. They will need to confirm the registration within 24 hours upon receipt of the notification to get the place. To sign up for the waitlist of a full programme/guided tour, please visit the registration page directly.