Po Toi


Po Toi is the main island of the Po Toi Islands and the island of Hong Kong, with an area of 3.69 km².

Name

It is said that the island used to produce dried seaweeds, which were shaped like the cattail hassock used by the monks for sitting; therefore the island was originally called 蒲苔島, the present common name being a corruption. Another explanation states that Po Toi looks like a floating platform when viewed from a distance on sea. 蒲 is another character meaning "to float" in the local dialect, thus giving the island its name.

History

The island historically had a maximum of about 1,000 fishermen and farmers, whose economic activity consisted mainly of fishing, farming and seaweed harvesting. The population lived mainly in two villages, Chang Shek Pai and Shan Liu. The population decreased sharply over the past decades, with the younger generations moving to the city.

Features

Po Toi is famous for its rock formations, such as the Buddha Hand Rock aka. Palm Cliff, the Coffin Rock, the Tortoise Climbing up the Mountain and the Supine Monk.
Ancient rock carvings on the island, believed to date back to the Bronze Age, were discovered in the 1960s. They have been listed as declared monuments of Hong Kong since 1979. These may be viewed on a spur-track on the track that runs between the main harbour, and the lighthouse.
A Tin Hau Temple is located on Po Toi, facing the bay of Tai Wan. While its construction date is unknown, it is documented that the temple was renovated in 1893.
Mo's Old House, or the "Deserted Mansion of Family Mo", usually referred to as the "Haunted House", is a popular venue of "adventure" for the young visitors. The existing house was built in the 1930s at Chang Shek Pai and has fallen into ruins.
There is a lighthouse on Po Toi also known as Nam Kok Tsui Lighthouse.

Transport

The island is accessible by kai-to or water taxi. Tsui Wah Ferry provides scheduled ferry services connecting Po Toi Island with Aberdeen and Stanley.

In fiction

The climax of John Le Carre's novel The Honourable Schoolboy takes place on Po Toi.