Basalt Island Island
Uninhabited volcanic island near Hong Kong, sea cliffs
Basalt Island at a Glance#
Address: Basalt Island (Guishan Dao), Southeastern New Territories waters, Hong Kong
About Basalt Island#
Basalt Island is a small island off the eastern New Territories of Hong Kong noted for its exposed columnar basalt rock formations and coastal cliffs. It sits within the area covered by Hong Kong’s geopark initiatives and is uninhabited.
The island’s geology formed during Cenozoic volcanic episodes that produced the basalt lava flows; later marine erosion sculpted the columns and coastal features now visible. It has no historic settlements and has been used mainly for navigation and occasional recreational visits.
Positioned off the eastern coast of Hong Kong near Sai Kung, the island lies in open coastal waters east of the New Territories and is reached by small boats from Sai Kung piers.
- Access: Accessible mainly by private boat or organized sea tours from the Sai Kung area; there are no regular ferry services.
- Geology: Part of Hong Kong’s coastal volcanic landscape and included in the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark network for its columnar basalt formations.
How to Get to Basalt Island#
Reachable only by private boat or charter from Sai Kung or other southeastern Hong Kong piers. Tours and local boat operators in Sai Kung can arrange sightseeing trips; landing is often restricted and depends on sea conditions.
Tips for Visiting Basalt Island#
- Be aware of strong currents in channels around the island; use a licensed boat operator.
- Basalt Island's rock formations can be slippery-sturdy footwear is recommended if landing is permitted.
- Check Hong Kong Marine Department notices-certain landing areas may be closed to protect wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Basalt Island#
Best in spring and autumn for calmer seas and better visibility; avoid typhoon season (June-September).
Weather & Climate near Basalt Island#
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 12°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2003 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 24 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.8h |
| February | Good | 13° - 18° | 15° | 48 mm | overcast | 78% | 3.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.3h |
| March | Good | 16° - 21° | 18° | 77 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.9h |
| April | Good | 20° - 24° | 22° | 162 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 12.6h |
| May | Good | 23° - 28° | 25° | 300 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.1h |
| June | Good | 25° - 30° | 31° | 333 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.4h |
| July | Good | 26° - 31° | 34° | 291 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.2h |
| August | Good | 26° - 31° | 33° | 343 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 2.9 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.8h |
| September | Good | 25° - 30° | 30° | 245 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Excellent | 22° - 27° | 25° | 116 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.5h |
| November | Excellent | 18° - 24° | 21° | 33 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.9h |
| December | Very Good | 14° - 20° | 17° | 31 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 3.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.7h |
