There is a bountiful array of wild waterfalls to explore in Hong Kong, some more remote and some more accessible than others. Our list focuses on some of the easier to reach waterfalls, but ones which are thoroughly wild and unspoilt.

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​Bride’s Pool & Mirror Pool
These beautiful pools are very accessible; both can be sighted with little walking involved. Legend has it that en route to her wedding; a bride fell into the river above and was carried down the waterfall. With that said, these shallow pools do not possess any cliff jumping opportunities and are defined by a picture perfect cascade that drops into the Bride’s Pool. Combine a visit to the falls with some time spent enjoying the nearby village of Tai Mei Tuk. Grab a bite at one of the many restaurants around or dabble in some water sports to make for the perfect day out!

​Getting there: Take the MTR East Rail to Tai Po Market Station and board the 20C minibus to Tai Mei Tuk. From there one will have to walk for a further hour or catch a $40 taxi to the Bride’s Pool car park. However, on Sundays and public holidays you can take the 257R KMB bus from Tai Po Market all the way to the Bride’s Pool.
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Man Cheung Po
Venture out to the far southeastern bounds of HK and Lantau Island to discover a beautiful vista. Less than four kilometers from the Tai O bus stop you can find 200 meters of layered tumbling waterfalls overlooking the South China Sea. If that isn’t enough, couple the adventure with a day exploring Tai O fishing village and keep an eye out for the famous pink dolphins off the coast. Be warned that it is prohibited to swim in the infinity pool on the river, although continue upstream or downstream and there are plenty of rock pools to make your own.

​Getting there: Hop on the MTR to Tung Chung or the Ferry to Mui Wo. From there, grab the number 11 or number 1 bus respectively, to the Tai O. Follow the pier near the bus stop, continuing along the shorefront path. About 3km into the walk you will see a sign on your left for Man Cheung Po, don’t take it. Instead simply stay on the coastal path until a set of stairs on the left comes into view; this is the way up the valley to the rock pools. The whole route from Tai O should take around an hour each way to complete.
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Sheung Luk Stream
The Sheung Luk Stream in Sai Kung Country Park is quickly becoming one of the more popular summer spots to take a refreshing dip. Although the lower waterfall of Sheung Luk Stream is not the most picturesque waterfall going around, it is a lot of fun and serves as suitable refreshment after a day spent at the beach. This hangout spot has deep pools for swimming and cliff jumps of differing heights from little ledges to 7meter drops.

Getting there: From Sai Kung, take the 29R village bus or taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion. Walk for an hour to reach Sai Wan and then a further 10 minutes upstream from Sai Wan beach to reach the pools.
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Hong Kong is the epicenter of travel in Asia. It was under British rule between 1841 and 1997 for 156
years, through the industrial era and the modernization of air travel. Hong Kong has developed into
a multicultural city, making it easier for travelers to navigate and communicate with locals. This has
kickstarted an economic boom in the tourism industry for Hong Kong, capturing its best sights and
building new attractions. If you are heading to Hong Kong soon, here are five things to know before
you go.

Current Travel Restrictions
Since 2019, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Hong Kong has closed its borders to non-citizens to keep
the locals safe. Having gone through previous pandemics such as SARS, it’s unsurprising that they are
extra vigilant this time around. Hong Kong citizens, however, are allowed to travel back, but they are
required to quarantine for 21 days in selected quarantine hotels. In 2022, the Hong Kong
government plans to lift these restrictions and kick start tourism again.

Octopus Card
When you arrive, get yourself an Octopus card. You can purchase these at the airport and at any of
the Train/MTR (Subway) stations. These Octopus cards have been used by residents and tourists
alike for years, as it makes travel much easier. The concept is simple: you purchase a card for
$50HKD and top it up with any amount up to $500HKD. You can then use it for travel, vending
machines, and even at convenience stores. The use is all contactless on buses, train stations, MTR
stations, etc.

MTR Map
If you have not been to Hong Kong before, the MTR is the easiest way to get around the city since it
is quick and there is always another train two minutes away if you miss one. Make sure you print out
or save an image on your phone of a map of the MTR (Subway) lines. This way, you can determine
which color lines you will be going on ahead of your travels, as MTR stations can usually be really
packed and rushed. Knowing which stops you need to change at ahead of time really helps navigate
to your journey smoothly.

Meal Plan
If you’re a huge foodie, then you’re in for a real treat. Hong Kong has something for everyone, from
authentic dim sum restaurants to street food the locals love. You also have your international fast-
food chains if you’re looking for something close to home. As easy as it is to get a bite to eat, it is
also really important to stay on top of your health and wellbeing. So, you might want to consider
getting your meals planned for you so you can keep track of what you eat. It is so easy to
overindulge yourself with these great tasting new cuisines.

Advanced Tickets
There are so many attractions to visit in Hong Kong, including Disneyland, Ocean Park, Huge Buddha
Temples and Madame Tussauds at The Peak. You will definitely need over a week to visit these
wonderful places. To get the best deals and skip long queues, make sure you pre book it all online.
You usually get a cheaper deal and you’ll get to skip the mile-long queues.
Hong Kong, in general, is a destination full of surprises, cheap food and great attractions. Hong Kong
is a very international city, ranked 5th with the world’s best airport in 2019. Traveling to and from
other countries in Asia is also very convenient from Hong Kong. However, until restrictions are lifted,
Hong Kong is accepting only residents and students into the city following a strict quarantine regime.
So, make sure you do your research and check the HK.GOV website for updates before travel.

​Venturing into the wilds of Sai Kung, the plethora of options open to hikers is astounding. Amongst the area’s list of many hills, top of most to do lists lies Sharp Peak. Arguably Hong Kong’s most remote mountain, areas surrounding the mount are simply stunning! Although Sharp Peak isn’t massively high at 468m, it is a very prominent hill and easy on the eye. The unspoilt views from the summit are among the finest in the land.

​Much of the route to and from is simply a segment the MacLehose Trail stage 2, however the meat of this sandwich deviates away to tackle Sharp Peak itself. Getting there can take some time from HK Island and Kowloon (particularly on weekends & Public Holidays), but it is a relatively hassle-free trip. Having reached Sai Kung, grab a cab out to either Pak Tam Au or Sai Wan Pavilion for around $100. Alternatively, one can take the 29R village bus from SK Town Centre to Sai Wan Pavilion or Hoi Ha Minibus and various KMB routes to reach Pak Tam Au.

​If starting at Pak Tam Au (easiest way), walk for an hour along the Maclehose Trail up to the top of the pass just after distance marker M040 where you then need to make a left turn onto a smaller trail. If coming from Sai Wan way, you’ll need to first reach Ham Tin Wan, then at the top of the pass out of Tai Long Wan, turn right instead of left to reach this trail. From there the ribbon trail works its way along a gentle ridgeline, transporting you through some light forests before breaking out into shrubbery, followed by open grassland. From here the way up is clearly evident as the gradient dramatically steps up a gear and Sharp Peak gets ‘sharp’.

The natural rock formations in the area south of Sharp Peak are very special and if you have a little extra time. Exploring the adjacent HK Geopark makes for a fun detour hiking over to the East Dam if you are very fit, or by sea (if there are speedboats operating) out of Tai Long Wan.
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All in all, this is arguably Hong Kong’s most prestigious summit to have bagged. It may not be quite as high as Tai Mo Shan, or as technical as some other hills; but for its remoteness and beauty, Sharp Peak is a true HK heavyweight. For anyone who enjoys a physical challenge and packing in lots of sights, these routes make for an incredible day out. 

​A rugged and windswept headland, Cape D’Aguilar offers breathtaking coastal scenery without the need for a back breaking adventure. However, at the same time there are ways to spice up the day for those who are more intrepid. It can be done either as a half day or full day outing.

​Littered with sculpted granite outcrops and sparse tree cover to obscure the horizon, hiking here is never dull with near constant ocean vistas to stimulate the senses. Located on the southeasternmost tip of Hong Kong Island, Cape Dag was named after British Major General George Charles D’Aguilar and was made the only Marine Reserve in Hong Kong in 1996. For the most part, Cape D’Aguilar remains hidden from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong Island.

​The lighthouse and marine reserve are right at the end of the road on a rocky promontory and easily located; one of the most scenic places in Hong Kong with views out across the Pacific, dotted by various islands forming the Po Toi and Wanshan archipelagos. Once nearby, be sure to scope out the rock formations containing two outstanding features; the ‘Thunder Cave’ rock arch and double ended ‘Thunder Cave’. For more demanding options, give the ribbon marked trail to the abandoned Cape D’Aguilar Battery or a hike up D’Aguilar Peak a go. Passing back through the village having worked up an appetite, there is a little joint called ‘Shun Kee Store’ where you can grab a bowl of noodles and cold drink if desired.

Returning to the city is equally simple as finding your way in. In addition to taking the bus or driving, there are plenty of taxis on Shek O Road to flag down. If not ready to dart straight back to the city, one can also head down to Shek O to cool off with a refreshing drink and dip at the beach.

​Littered with sculpted granite outcrops and sparse tree cover to obscure the horizon, hiking here is never dull with near constant ocean vistas to stimulate the senses. However, be warned; as with many scenic places in Hong Kong, if you have the opportunity to visit on a weekday then this is my absolute recommendation! On a weekday you will pretty much have the island to yourself, whereas on weekends be prepared to contend with queues for busy boats, trails and cafes.

For day trippers there are essentially 2 options when it comes to exploring the islands footpaths; up over the hills then looping back along the coast, or the more conservative option of making a return route following the shoreline. In the summer months, think carefully before hiking over the hills as the route has little to zero shade. The overland trail essentially climbs one main hill then drops back down to the coast, taking an hour or two to negotiate. No matter which of the two routes is taken, one will arrive at Po Toi’s southern promontory where Po Toi Lighthouse is located. For me this is easily one of the most scenic places in Hong Kong, with views out across the Pacific, dotted with various Chinese Islands forming the Wanshan archipelago. This lighthouse trail makes a short loop before rejoining the main coastal route.
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Back in the village having worked up an appetite, Ming Kee Seafood on the main beach is the primary port of call to grab a feast. Although a handful of smaller restaurants further back into the village are also worth checking out.

​Be sure to catch the final boat returning to HK Island, unless an overnight camp (double overnighter on weekdays) is the plan. If camping, the headland near Po Toi lighthouse is the best zone to pitch a tent, welcoming in sunsets, sunrises and the best of what breeze might be on offer.
In summary, Po Toi is a fantastic spot for a relaxing day trip, or cute camping option. It’s charming fishing village and stunning headland walks will live long in the memory for those who make voyage south.

​1st leg - 📌  Sai Kung to Lamma Island - Paddling from Sai Kung to the south, a night was spent camping under the stars on the rugged Ninepin archipelago. From the Ninepins lay an open stretch ahead, across a few easterly swells to Waglan and Po Toi where an afternoon was spent stretching the legs across the Islands’ many footpaths.
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2nd leg - 📌  Lamma Island to Mai Po - Was an absolute pleasure to link up bright and early with DJ on the northern shores of Lamma Island and make a circumnavigation (i went about 90% of the way round) of his home Island together! Once at the power station we parted ways and I crossed in unusually serene sea conditions to Cheung Chau. After a comfortable stay overnight, I linked up with Mark with batteries charged and we made rapid progress reaching the Soko Islands with plenty of time to explore the area. Highlights being the abandoned Vietnamese refugee camp and most vivid bioluminescence I have ever witnessed. Winds picked up a bit over night providing a blustery crossing to South Lantau, home to freshwater pools and a big feed at Tai O. Paddling under the bridge to Macau we’d hoped to see pink dolphins, but without luck. This marked a turning point in our surroundings, which from then on became increasingly industrial as we approached and navigated through Shenzhen Bay. The finale of this leg could not have provided starker contrast, a majestic sunset paddle through the tranquil wetlands of Mai Po. ​

​Info on DJ's series 'Drone & Phone'; https://www.droneandphone.com/​ https://www.facebook.com/droneandphone/​

Info on Mark's row across the Northwest Passage; https://nwpexpedition.com/​ https://www.facebook.com/NWPexpedition​

Filmed by Rory Mackay & Jack Yao Produced by Rory Mackay

#kayakingaroundhongkong​ #wildhongkong​ #kayaking​ #adventure​ #maipo​ #shachau​ #lantau​ #sokoislands​ #Cheungchau​ #lammaisland​ #winter​ #paddling​ #beach​ #hongkong​ #stunner​ #fun​ #hkiger​ #discoverhongkong​ #wild​ #vista​ #bliss​ #hk​ #wildhk​ #hkig​ #photooftheday​ #gopro​ #wanderlust​ #drone #lukkeng​ #tungpingchau​ #tailongwan​ #saikung​ #mirsbay​ #starlinginlet​ #ninepins​ #waglanisland​ #potoi​

​There are many spots in Hong Kong that can feel far removed from the city, but are in fact just round the corner or over the hill from town. Then, there are those rare spots that are genuinely far removed from civilization. The Southern waters off Lantau Island are such a locale. Within these waters lie a somewhat forgotten and neglected archipelago; the Soko Islands.

​A great option for intrepid day trippers, yet still family friendly, little about a visit to the Soko Islands is routine. As there are no scheduled boats you will need to arrange your own, however if you make the effort to venture to this remote area you will be rewarded with a trip back in time! An untarnished landscape bursting with pristine beaches and historical relics lies in wait.

​If not travelling on your own private boat or charter such as a junk, then (other than kayaking), the simplest way to reach the Sokos is via Cheung Chau. From Cheung Chau you can agree a fee with a local boat operator to drop off and pick up within one day. Incidentally if one wants to kayak there, kayaks can be rented from Cheung Chau too, but it is only advised for more experienced sea farers as you will cross exposed bodies of water. If in any doubt, arrange for a guide. There are 2 main islands that one would spend time ashore on here, Siu A Chau and Tai A Chau. Both have several stunning beaches to enjoy and a small pier that a smaller vessel can safely alight at.

​Up till the late 1970s, the Soko Islands were home to merely a couple dozen farming families, tending to small scale agriculture and fishing in order to survive. This all changed in the following decades as Tai A Chau became home to an ever-expanding refugee camp housing people fleeing the conflict in Vietnam. Although the Vietnam War came to an end, the ensuing issue of these refugees was never properly resolved. The Soko Island camp was gradually shut down by the government approaching the 1997 handover and inmates were transferred to camps elsewhere in Hong Kong. It’s absolutely incredible to see just over 25 years on, how little of the camp remains. For the most part, concrete foundations and not much else. But a closer look reveals smaller details of what once stood at the site of the camp.

​Sai Kung native Rory Mackay kayaked 250km around Hong Kong, paddling on the outside of all the outermost islands in an epic local adventure. Rory cast off from the shore just 20 metres in front of his house near Sai Kung, and kayaked in three legs;
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​To see more, you can also see the below article about this trip covered by the South China Morning Post;
​​https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/extreme-sports/article/3124652/kayaker-paddles-250km-around-outside-hong-kong-filling?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=share_widget&utm_campaign=3124652