• 

Mok Min Cave (木棉桐) is a fascinating sea cave located within the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark in Sai Kung. There a few sea caves in Sai Kung area but Mok Min Cave is the only see-through cave that can be easily reached from the nearby Pak Lap Village. What make this cave fascinating is that when the tide is low, we can get inside and walk through the cave.

• 

This hike starts from the Pak Lap Village junction on the Sai Man Yee road. This road is used by many hikers to reach the East Dam of High Island Reservoir. From this junction, it takes only 20 mins to Pak Lap Village and also Pak Lap Wan Beach. From the Beach, it will take roughly 45 min to an hour to reach the opening of the sea cave. After exploring the cave, we continue the thrilling coastal hike to Poh Pin Chau near the High Island Reservoir. This post describes our journey to the cave.

The start of the trail can be reached from Sai Kung town center. Once you are in Sai Kung, there are few options. If cost is not an issue, then taking a taxi is the most convenient method (~around 160 hkd). Otherwise, you could opt to take a bus (94) or minibus (7) from Sai Kung Pier to Pak Tam Chung, and then take a taxi from there (~ 75 hkg). Recently there is a new minibus service (9A) running only on Sunday or public holiday from Pak Tam Chung to the East Dam. However, timing is limited (from 1500 to 1900) and on public holidays there could be 200+ more hikers queuing in line for the bus. Strongly suggest to get the number of taxi centers just in case you do not want to wait for the mini bus.

Things to prepare before going on this hike:
• Check tidal information if you want to climb down and walk into the cave
• May consider bringing a pair of gloves for the climb to the cave opening
• A good hiking shoes is a must. The trail near the cave is steep and can be slippery

Pak Lap Village is surprisingly elegant, clean and beautiful. Most villages in Hong Kong have their own uniqueness but majority are not well maintained. In fact, at the entrance of the village there is a small yet beautiful lavender farm. In the months of January and February, this flower farm is alive with tulips and is quite popular among visitors.

Pak Lap Wan is relatively small of beach with very fine sand and turquoise colored water. It is also a very popular spot for beach camping. There are public toilets at Pak Lap Wan and one seaside café that also rents out canoes, snorkeling and other water activities equipment.

The trail that leads to Mok Min Cave is actually around 10 meter behind the beach. We completely missed this junction with the white sign board as there was constructions nearby. Have a look at our trip video below to have an idea on how to reach Mok Min Cave.

In 15 mins hike up a hill, you will reach a clearing where you can see the whole of Pak Lap Wan Beach and its surrounding coastline. There is also small protruding rock at the top of this hill. From here, you will have to search for the trail to the Mok Min Cave which is on your left hand hand side. There is no clear sign board in this area and there can be many smaller trails going at the same directions. We made a mistake going straight down. In fact we have to find a trail that goes left.

This stretch of trail going to Mok Min cave is quite pretty. The sea, coastline and jagged rocks made the whole landscape quite pretty. You cant really see the cave from here though as the cave is located at the sea level which is hidden.

The cliff at the top of the cave is spectacular. It is quite high, steep and can be dangerous if one is not careful. You could also see many hexagonal volcanic column here that makes this UNESCO Global Geopark famous.

The cliff from another perspective. Can you see the little people at the top of the cliff? That was where we stood earlier. Mok Min Cave opening can be seen here too…on the left of the picture.

Finally we reached Mok Min Cave is roughly 75 minutes. Quite a simple hike and the view is worth every minute spent hiking. At the time we were at the cave, the wave was really strong and high. As such we could not walk into the cave. Still, the sights and sounds of roaring waves splashing and jetting through the cave is an experience by itself. You could feel the power of nature in that cave.

The surrounding shore and tiny rock island are all beauties. We wanted to find another way to the opposite side of the cave opening, but since we still have few hours of hiking to Poh Pin Chau, we decided to leave this magnificent Mok Min Cave in our photos and videos.