Kuk Po
Kuk Po 谷埔 is a lush, green valley which time forgot. It is located on the shore of Starling Inlet in the far north of the New Territories. It consists of a cluster of historic Hakka villages around a reed marsh. The coastline here is fringed with mangroves. From the shore there is a clear view across the inlet to the starkly contrasting border between Hong Kong and Mainland China: the low-rise buildings of Sha Tau Kok on the left and the rampant development of Shenzhen City’s suburbs on the right.
In 2013 development plans were announced for the Kuk Po valley area, but apparently work has yet to begin; be sure to visit this place soon to appreciate its remote, unspoilt beauty.
The ghost village
This cache brings you to Kuk Po Lo Wai 谷埔老圍, the ‘old village’ of the Kuk Po valley. It appears to be completely abandoned, with many homes boarded up and some falling into ruin, but if you take a few minutes to walk the narrow streets, you will see that at least one house is still lived in and there are several well-kept family shrines.
Getting there
The simplest way to reach Kuk Po valley is to take the 56K green minibus service from Fanling Station to Luk Keng. Kuk Po is then an easy 1 hour stroll east along the coast. The terrain rating and attributes for this cache are based on the assumption that you will take this route.
There are also hiking trails from Lai Chi Wo to the east and Bride’s Pool to the south. These routes are much longer and involve a significant hike, so please plan your trip carefully.
Useful to know:
• Don't rely on your mobile data connection, out here you will be roaming. Download all the info and hints beforehand.
• On a fine weekend, there can be long queues for the minibus back from Luk Keng to Fanling at the end of the day. Arrive in good time if you are planning to return this way.
• At weekends there are cafes and stalls where you can buy refreshments at Luk Keng, Fung Hang and Kuk Po (along the sea shore). I can’t say if these are open in the week.
• I recommend you bring insect repellent. There is a lot of water around.
• You cannot take a boat to Sha Tau Kok from Kuk Po pier unless you have a permit (we tried!).