​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.
​
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.
​

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;
​

​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

​A look ahead at all the fantastic opportunities to adventure the wilds of Hong Kong with us in 2021!
​
Hiking, cycling, kayaking, mountain biking and stream trekking are what we do best :)

Hong Kong Island packs a lot of beach into a small land. While the north-side districts of Central
and Western, Wan Chai and Eastern are crammed with glass and steel skyscrapers and
towering apartment blocks, the Southern district boasts bay after bay of golden sand and calm
waters that are safe for a splash and swim with family and friends year-round.

Grab your luggage and mark these locations down to plan for a day of outdoor adventure with
your loved ones during the summer months.


Golden Beach
Located at the ever-popular family-friendly Gold Coast Resort, Golden Beach is a picture-
perfect spot that boasts a 545-metre of clean, pristine sand imported from Hainan Island,
complete with fantastic sea views towards Lantau Island. Besides lounging on the beach, you
can also take a stroll along the promenade or set up a picnic on the spacious green lawns in
front of the Gold Coasts Piazza.

How to get there: Take the bus 962B from Causeway Bay (Moreton Terrace) or bus 252B from
Tsim Sha Tsui (Middle Road).


Tai Long Wan
If you’re after a secluded day of relaxation, Tai Long Wan is the place for you. Lying on the
eastern side of the Sai Kung Peninsula, this remote, beautiful bay is made up of four white-sand
beaches, namely Sai Wan, Ham Tin, Tai Wan, and Tung Wan. Hilly formations separate the
beaches, but if you wish to explore them all, you can easily hike from one coast to another as
the trails are marked. The bay is also a popular camping destination, where you can rent tents

and sleeping equipment at the Ham Tin Beach to spend the night beneath the stars for a truly
remarkable outdoor experience.

How to get there: Take the MTR to Choi Hung and leave via Exit C1, then take the green
minibus 1A to Sai Kung Town. Then, take a speedboat from Sai Kung Pier to Sai Wan or Ham
Tin Wan. Or, you can hike from Sai Wan Pavilion (approx. 40 mins) to reach the Sai Wan
Beach.


Long Ke Wan Beach
Hong Kong’s answer to the Maldives, Long Ke Wan Beach is a perennial favourite among sun-
seekers for its turquoise waters and spectacular rocky landscapes. The tranquillity and natural
beauty of the beach are unmatched, offering all holiday vibes and stunning backdrops you need
for a fantastic shot. Facilities are limited on the beach, and there are no restaurants or shops, so
be sure to bring enough water and supplies.

How to get there: You can take a taxi from Sai Kung town to the East Dam of High Island
Reservoir, followed by a 20-minute walk. Alternatively, you can hike the Maclehose Stage 2 trail
from the East Dam to Long Ke village.


Cheung Sha Beach
The lure of a trip to Cheung Sha’s upper and lower beaches on Lantau Island isn’t limited to its
3km long, wide stretch of fine powdery sand. The area is also filled with a plethora of
restaurants and bars serving up fresh seafood dishes and cocktails, meaning you can stay a
little longer to enjoy the golden hour with a satisfied stomach.

How to get there: Take the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then take bus 1 or 2 to Cheung
Sha.

Hiking is incredibly good for the mind, body, and soul. Many people are taking hikes through trails
near the home as a way to clear their minds, exercise, and spend some time in more natural
surroundings than the towns and cities that we have become used to.

Winter is a great time to hike if you want to see some amazing seasonal sights, like snowy hills and
mountains and deer migrating across the countryside. It is important to be prepared for sudden
weather changes when winter hiking. Temperatures can drop quickly, especially when the sun gets
low in the sky. Rainstorms, sleet, snow can also spoil a fun winter hike.

Here is a quick guide to some winter hike essentials that will help keep you warm and dry when
hiking in the winter months. With just a few extra precautions, you can enjoy hiking through the
great outdoors all year round.


Strong, Waterproof Hiking Boots
Whatever the weather or season, you need a strong pair of hiking boots if you are going to have a
successful trip out in the great outdoors. Hiking boots help protect your feet and strengthen your
ankles.

In the winter, it is important that your boots are waterproof. It is highly likely you will be caught in a
rain shower or maybe even some snow on a winter hike. If the moisture isn’t falling from the sky,
you will often encounter it on the ground as streams swell in the winter, and the ground deals with
the extra rainfall. Here are some hiking boots that are great for both urban and rural hikes. Winter
hiking boots that are strong, waterproof, and have soles with a good amount of grip are essential
winter hiking gear.


A Lightweight, Insulated, and Rainproof Jacket
When hiking, it can be difficult to balance your internal temperature with the environment. Hiking
can be very physical at times, yet you also want to be warm and protected from the elements in the
wintertime.

Some winter hikers make the mistake of taking one large and thick jacket to keep them warm, but
very quickly they can start to overheat. The best way to dress for hiking is to use layers that you can
remove or add depending on how you feel and the weather on your hike. When winter hiking, you
should always pack a lightweight rainproof jacket that has some insulation. You can carry this with
you in a backpack and use it when the weather takes a turn for the worst.


Oversized Rainproof Pants
Hiking in the winter can be a lot of fun and allow you to see sights and events that you wouldn’t see
at any other time, such as animal migrations and meteor showers. The weather in winter can change
suddenly, however, and you need to be prepared to give yourself the best protection possible if you
are stuck in a sudden storm.

Carrying a pair of oversized rainproof pants is a good idea when winter hiking. You can put these on
in a hurry, and by being a size or two too big, you should be able to get them on without having to
remove your boots. These are great for giving your lower body protection in severe weather and are
lightweight so they take up very little space in your backpack.

Winter is a great time to hike, as long as you are well prepared. Your hiking boots are always your
most important piece of equipment, so make sure yours are ready for winter. The weather can be
very challenging and difficult to predict in the wintertime so you always need to be ready for a
sudden change in order to stay warm and dry while you find shelter.