Tung Chung to Tai O Ramble

Adventure
$200.00
Year 10, Year 11, Year 12
Moderate
What you'll do and see
Tai O fishing village is a picturesque and popular tourist destination in Hong Kong. It attracts numerous visitors who come to spend their day and soak in the village’s idyllic life, admire the traditional stilt-houses, and savour local treats. It’s a great place to discover a very different part of Hong Kong. The fishing village is located on an islet by the same name on the southwest side of Lantau Island. The Tai O River splits and engulfs this tiny islet before flowing into the sea. The old fishing village is built on the banks of this river, and that’s how it gets its name – Tai O meaning large inlet.
Tung O Ancient Trail starts at Tung Chung Fort, which was built in 1832. The site became a naval headquarters in 1898, then turned into a police station and later a school. Following a short visit to learn more about the history of the Fort, the group will make its way along the gently undulating Tung O Ancient Trail, passing centuries-old villages, vestiges of Lantau’s traditional agricultural and fishing life, where students may catch a whiff of incense from an old temple or of drying seafood and fermenting shrimp paste. The coastal trail eventually turns into a mountain trail as the distinct stilt houses of Tai O appear in the distance, sitting above the water as they have for generations.
The group will venture deep into Tai O village and enjoy the sights and smells of its famous foods, such as salted fish, duck egg yolks and shrimp pastes. A couple of hundred metres later, the group will arrive at the end of the trail, the Tai O Heritage Hotel. Perched high on a lush hillside, this colonial-style building was originally a police station from 1902. Students will have the opportunity to explore the village sights and learn about local history and traditions before departing at 3.00pm
Itinerary
Depart DC on a private bus at 8.30am
Arrive at Tung Chung Fort at approx 9.00am
Following a short visit to the Tung Chung Fort, start the coastal
hike
Packed lunch along the way at 12.00pm
Arrive in Tai O Village at around 1.30pm
Cultural and historical exploration of the village until 3.00pm
Private bus departs at 3.00pm and returns to school between
4.00 - 4.30pm (traffic dependent)
What to Bring
Sportswear (Breathable t-shirt and shorts)
Trail shoes / comfortable sports shoes (not thin-soled shoes)
Good quality cotton socks to avoid blisters
Light backpack
Plenty of water (~1.5L bottle) which can be refilled)
Sunscreen
Hat
Packed lunch and snacks
Optional extra change of clothes and socks