[2] Tap Mun is located in the northeastern part of the Hong Kong territory, between Mirs Bay and the North Channel.

A tablet in the Tin Hau Temple on the island states Tap Mun, as part of Mirs Bay, was registered under the administration of the Dongguan County by the Tsui and Yip clans before 1573 and that they thus held the subsoil (地骨; dei6gwat1; 'the bones of the land') rights as taxpayer under the Customary Land Law.

By the late 17th century, Tanka fishermen began to use the anchorage and built the temple, the topsoil (地皮; dei6pei4; 'the skin of the land') rights being granted to them in perpetuity by the subsoil title holders.

[5] By the 1960s, the Tankas were living in wretched conditions on the island and, in response to their need, a charity from New Zealand funded the erection of a New Village to house them.

[8] The hilltop of Tap Mun is a popular camping site, renowned for the contrast in temperature and wind conditions between day and night.

[9] To its south, Shui Yuet Kung (水月宮; 'water moon temple'), built in 1788, is dedicated to Kwun Yam (Guan Yin) and the Earth God.

[9] In addition, a marine parade is held once every ten years to celebrate the Tin Hau Festival.