Shek Kwu Chau, Rehabilitation island in Islands District, Hong Kong.
Shek Kwu Chau is a rehabilitation facility located between Cheung Chau and the Soko Islands, south of Lantau in Hong Kong waters. The site spans roughly 1.2 square kilometers and houses a center dedicated to treating individuals struggling with addiction.
The location remained largely uninhabited and was known as Coffin Island until the Society for the Aid and Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts established its operation there in 1962. This transformation marked the beginning of the modern rehabilitation center.
The rehabilitation facility was shaped by recovering individuals and staff working under Dr. Barrie Hollinrake, who built Roman-style baths, statues, and shrines together. These structures reflect the therapeutic work and creativity that took place on the island.
Access to the island requires official permits, and visitors can take a ferry ride of roughly twenty minutes from Cheung Chau. Planning in advance is necessary since ferry service is not regular.
Biologists discovered several rare species on the island, including a previously unknown whip scorpion species and the uncommon Bogadek's burrowing lizard. These findings reveal that the island serves as an important wildlife refuge.
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