We are delighted to announce another boat excursion, by special permission of the Hong Kong Government, to the off-limits historic monument of Waglan Lighthouse, in the restricted area near Hong Kong’s southern sea border with China.  There is also a chance to visit the rest of Waglan Island during the trip.  This is to be followed by a visit to Po Toi, then optional swimming in a remote bay.

The Waglan Lighthouse commenced operation in 1893 and is the most interesting of the five surviving pre-war lighthouses in Hong Kong. Prior to the British lease of the New Territories in 1898, it was recognised by the Governments and the business community that provision should be made for lighting for shipping along the coasts of both the colony of Hong Kong and nearby Chinese islands.

Waglan lighthouse was built of iron, some 52 feet high, painted in white and red, a spectacular sight on its rocky outcrop from the sea. When it first opened, it was equipped with an up-to-date light, using mineral oil with rotating apparatus floating on mercury and was initially run by the Imperial Maritime Customs from Shanghai. Following the British lease of the New Territories in 1898, the lighthouse was transferred to the Hong Kong Government who took over on 1 January 1901.

In the Second World War, Waglan Lighthouse was damaged by bombing, following which there were extensive repairs.  It has been unmanned since August 1989. It acts not only to assist navigation, but also as an outpost where weather information on the eastern corner of the territory is collected and fed to the Hong Kong Observatory.

The boat trip also includes a circumnavigation of Waglan Island to view the spectacular scenery, a visit to Po Toi, then a stop at a remote beach for relaxation.  A full lunch is also to be served aboard the boat.


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Timings:          Meet at Pier 9, Central    10.00 am    Return to Pier 9, Central     6.00 pm
 
Please bring:  Water bottle, walking shoes and appropriate clothing for being outdoors.

Cost:                HK$300 for Members and $350 for Members’ guests, including sea transport on a cruiser and a buffet lunch. Members may bring guests on this trip, subject to availability.

I understand that I am joining the above mentioned trip entirely at my own risk and that the Royal Geographical Society – Hong Kong, having arranged the trip as an agent for its members, cannot be held responsible for any accidents or claims that may arise no matter how they occur.



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Please mail this form with your cheque payable to “Royal Geographical Society – Hong Kong”


N.B.    PLEASE EMAIL A COPY TO THE RGS OFFICE BEFORE POSTING.

GPO Box 6681, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2583 9700
Fax: (852) 2140 6000
Email: events@rgshk.org.hk
Website: www.rgshk.org.hk