Photo: screen grab from internet video
Several media outlets recently reported that some tourists had set up camping tents and other equipment on Basalt Island in Sai Kung. They were suspected of bringing cooking utensils to cook on the ground and even diving into the sea to catch starfish. Others also spotted large amounts of garbage printed with simplified Chinese characters on the island. The media reports stated that it was difficult to confirm whether the tourists were locals or international visitors.
A netizen posted a video on social media showing some people bringing cooking utensils, suspected of making a fire to cook on the island. The netizen criticized, “Do they treat it as their own home and bring a cooking set to cook hot pot?” Although the video did not clearly show the act of making a fire, some people did set up their camping tents, camping stools and other equipment.
In addition, some netizens said that they saw someone catch a large starfish in the video.
Basalt Island is a special area and camping, setting up tents or temporary shelters is prohibited within the area.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) stated that Basalt Island is part of the Ung Kong Islands Special Area and is not a designated camping or barbecue site. Lighting or using fire there constitutes a violation of the Country Parks and Special Areas Regulations. The AFCD stated that it will increase patrols around Basalt Island and take appropriate enforcement action if any violations are detected. From 2023 to the end of August 2025, a total of seven prosecutions were filed for violations of relevant regulations within the Geopark.
Be the first to comment