158 Light House
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The Protected Pre-war Lighthouse
Cape D’Aguilar Lighthouse is the first and one of the five pre-war lighthouses in Hong Kong. It is located on the D’Aguilar Peninsula in the southeast of Hong Kong Island, Cape D ‘Aguilar. It was listed as a declared monument in Hong Kong on 3 March 2006.
Cape D ‘Aguilar was designated as a Marine Reserve by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in 1996. It is the only Marine Reserve in Hong Kong. The natural reserve is dominated by scientific research. A total of four major rock types can also be found here, as well as other landforms of erosional coasts such as the Thunder Cave and the Crab Cave.
Remote Place 158
The Cape D ‘Aguilar Lighthouse, currently numbered 158, was built in 1875 and occupies an important place in Hong Kong’s maritime history. The lighthouse was manned that year for lighthouse management. There are still some red-roofed houses next to the tower. Ten of the rooms inside them were the quarters of the former lighthouse keepers.
In the old days, when land and water transportation were difficult, the keepers would stay for a month. When the fog over the sea, the lighthouse keepers would sound their horns to keep their ships from running aground.
With the complete construction of the Waglan Lighthouse in 1893, the use of the Cape D ‘Aguilar Lighthouse was replaced and it ceased to operate in 1896. In 1905, the lighting facilities were removed and moved to the Green Island Lighthouse to improve its operation efficiency. The mission of Lighthouse 158 was not continued until 1975, when the Cape D ‘Aguilar Lighthouse was reopened after an automated system was installed.
The Photography Spot for Sunrise & Star Trails
There are no high density buildings in the vicinity or on the other side of Cape D’Aguilar, hence its light pollution level is kept to the minimum. It is a nice place to photograph the star trails and Milky Way. Cape D’Aguilar is also the best place to watch the sunrise. The sea stretches as far as the eye can see, and the light from the lighthouse matches the sunrise, which is definitely a feast for the eyes.
Standing next to the tower, you can see the Hong Kong University Swire Institute of Marine Science below the hill and Kau Pei Chau across the river. If you reach the gun emplacements and war shelters near the lighthouse, you can see the lighthouse and the red houses towering over the seaside hills. The image is magnificent and you can enjoy the panoramic view of the ends of the earth.
| Address: Cape D’Aguilar Peninsula, southeast of Hong Kong Island |
| Opening hours: Public space, open 24 hours |
| Admission: free |
| How to get to there: MTR: Shau Kei Wan MTR station Exit A2, take NWFB bus no. 9, and drop by the stop “Cape D’Aguilar Road” . Walk till you see the sign indicating “Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve”, and then through the Cape D’Aguilar village. During the trip, you can see the old village school and Hok Tsui watchtower (please beware of the village dogs), pass through the “Nga Choy Hang Tsuen”, the path is on your left next to the meadow whilst you see the “private” gateway. until you see a gate printed with “private property”. After passing PCCW Cape D’Aguilar H.F. Radio Transmitting Station, continue walking to the stairs and you can reach the lighthouse. |
