Hong Kong is known for being a diverse, massive metropolitan city. Some of the most breathtaking skyscraper views and endless stores can be found here, but did you know it’s also full of gorgeous beaches? That’s right – if you’re looking for the perfect vacation spot for the hotter months, Hong Kong is it. 1. You Get the Best of Both Worlds Sometimes it can be difficult to choose whether you want to spend your vacation in a bustling city or away from the crowds, relaxing on the sand. With Hong Kong, you don’t have to make that difficult decision! A great way to start your time off would be to head up to Victoria Peak, which is a lookout point offering stunning views of the city and the harbor underneath, complete with telescopes. Later in the day, you can checkout Victoria Harbor up close. Have dinner at a harborside restaurant at golden hour, and head outside for the nighttime light shows that are sure to impress! 2. World-Class Food Hong Kong offers some amazing traditional food here, but if you’re in the mood for something different, you’ll also find just about any other kind of cuisine you can think of! From Mexican, Southeast Asian, and Hawaiian to barbecue, Mediterranean and vegan dishes – it’s all there! You’ll often be accompanied by some live music, perfect to have a drink to! Grab a mojito, a glass of wine, or an ice-cold beer and watch the sunset! If you feel like having a quick snack, there’s also some delicious street food to be found around here and really, shouldn’t be skipped over. 3. Surfing If you’re a surfer, visiting Hong Kong should be on a list of your top destinations. With places called “Big Wave Bay” you can tell it’s just made for the sport! While you won’t find waves quite as tremendous as those in Hawaii, they’re still quite impressive and HK has a long history of surfing. As winter is one of the best times to go, it’s time to leave the cold and enjoy an array of different spots. Cheung Sha is great if you want to get away from crowds of people and have your own space without waiting. Pui O is perfect for beginners or those who are trying to improve their skills to an intermediate level. The aforementioned Big Wave Bay is reserved for the more experienced surfer and is easily the city’s most popular surf spot. However, beware of strong riptides and rocks at both ends of the beach. It’s a wise idea to bring your own surfboard if you have one! The easiest way to travel with it is to bring a dedicated travel bag. 4. Theme Parks Who doesn’t love a good theme park? Whether you’re bringing kids along or are just an adrenaline junkie, you’re sure to find something up your alley. Disneyland Hong Kong is yours for the taking, and the perfect way to spend an entire day if you don’t feel like heading to the beach. If you don’t feel like visiting Mickey and Minnie, there’s another great alternative: Ocean Park. It’s a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park. The rollercoasters you’ll find here are some of the world’s best, and offer awe-inspiring views of the harbour. One thing is for sure, you’ll never run out of things to do or look at. Both Disneyland and Ocean Park make up the 2 biggest theme parks in Hong Kong, too! 5. Relax at Repulse Bay Beach
Going to the beach doesn’t always mean you have to partake in extreme activities like surfing! Sometimes it’s more than enough just laying on the beach, closing your eyes, and listening to the sounds of the tide rolling in. Repulse Bay Beach is the perfect location to do so, with white sands, relatively calm waters, and lush trees that surround it. Instead of a rugged feel, it offers a kind of resort vibe, complete with bay houses, designer stores, and incredible restaurants perfect for casual and upscale settings. You’ll want to pack a swimsuit just in case you feel like taking a dip in the water, along with some water shoes to protect your feet from any rocks or garbage, though you probably won’t find a whole lot of that here. Pro Tip: If you’re up for it, there’s a more “secret”, tree-lined beach called “South Bay” around 3 miles away. Summary Now that you’ve had a chance to read all about the 5 reasons why you need a beach vacation in Hong Kong, which adventure will you be starting out with? The great thing about Hong Kong is that you can easily and realistically accomplish all of them! Weather is typically climate – not too hot nor too cold. However, there are periods where it can get quite humid so make sure to plan accordingly! No matter what your interests or goals are, there’s at least one activity on our guide that you’re sure to enjoy and remember for years to come! Thanks for tuning in and we’ll see you again soon. Happy traveling! For more similar articles, check out; outsidepursuits.com
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There is a bountiful array of wild places to explore in Hong Kong, some more remote and some more accessible than others. Our list combines the best of both on offer in HK, with all offering respite along the way from the summertime heat. All the places below we offer customised tours to. East Dam & Long Ke (East Sai Kung Country Park) –Beaches, Cliff Jumping, Hiking, Kayaking, Rock Climbing WILD FACTOR- ★★★★☆ Venturing into the wilds of Sai Kung, the plethora of options open to adventures is astounding! The East Dam is a great launch pad from which to mount an expedition. Coming in, the drive around the azure waters of High Island Reservoir makes for a scenic introduction. Upon arrival at the east dam one can venture in a couple of directions; either head down the slope to the dam wall and Geopark beyond, or follow the Maclehose trail northwards. The Geopark is rugged and truly wild. Littered with islands, caves and hexagonal rock formations, there are many opportunities for the more intrepid of folk to enjoy some fishing, climbing & cliff jumping. Following the Maclehose Trail in the opposite direction, one can explore arguably the most Idyllic beach HK has to offer in Long Ke Wan and some extraordinary hiking routes over to Sai Wan and beyond. Getting there: Having reached Sai Kung, grab a cab out to the East Dam of High Island Reservoir for around $120. Returning from the East Dam, a taxi is again the best option instead of walking. From Sai Wan, one can hike up to the road or take a boat back to Sai Kung. If hiking back remember to check the 29r bus timetable or call for a taxi in advance, as mobile reception in that area can be fickle.
An untarnished landscape bursting with deserted beaches, fertile valleys and lush jungles lying in wait. Getting there: To reach the start of the trail, catch either the ‘number 11’ bus from Tung Chung, or ‘number 1’ bus from Mui Wo to Tai O. Keep an eye out for Shek Pik Reservoir and disembark at the first bus stop immediately after crossing the dam wall. Take in the beautiful sight of Shek Pik Reservoir and Lantau Peak behind before turning away and following the Lantau Trail south. Additionally, if hiking 15-17 kilometers sounds like biting off more than you can chew, there is always the option to hike either end of the trail as a shorter return from Shek Pik or Tai O, to Fan Lau and Man Cheung Po/Yi O respectively. Ping Nam Stream (Pat Sin Leng Country Park) –Cliff Jumping, River Walk, Waterfalls WILD FACTOR- ★★★★★ If you fancy exploring a natural world that most folk don’t know about within Hong Kong, then a day trip out to Luk Keng could be in order. Located within the innermost depths of Pat Sin Leng Country Park, it is a region that is as much unknown as it is remote. However, the area is easily assessable via public transport and totally worth the effort to reach. Nestled amongst rolling hills and the gateway to the northern parts of Pat Sin Leng Country Park, Luk Keng is truly rural. Life moves at a different pace here, the locals are as relaxed as they come in HK. It rubs off quickly and once there, you certainly won’t be in a rush to leave. From there one can venture into higher peaks of Pat Sin Leng and discover hidden gems that lie within, namely the Ping Nam Stream. A challenging route upstream with many dramatic cascades and pools along the way to take in. However, beware of slippery rocks in the wet, the use of a guide would be strongly recommended. Getting there: Make your way to Fanling MTR Station, exit A and hop on the KMB 78K Bus. After 20-25 minutes or so, hop off at Nam Chung stop and cross the main road looking for Luk Keng Road. A further 20 minutes walk and one will reach a small village, turn right here onto South Bay Road and keep going till you meet a small reservoir dam wall. Find the goat track on the right hand side, this will bypass the dam and lead you to the Ping Nam Stream. On the way back, keep an eye out for a 56K minibus. Catch this back to the MTR if the opportunity arises. Sharp Peak & Ham Tin (East Sai Kung Country Park) –Beaches, Hiking, Mountain Climbing WILD FACTOR- ★★★★☆ I think this could regarded be Hong Kong’s most remote mountain and the 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. It is a steep and dramatic final ascent to the summit, but well worth the effort on a fine day. It is a top draw route deserved of top draw conditions, so save this one for the best weather available (clear skies, high visibility). Get up there for sunrise/sunset if you can. Be warned, that this is a tough route in the warmer summer months! Getting there: From Sai Kung town, take the 29R village bus or $100 taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion. Walk for an hour to reach Sai Wan and then a further hour in a northerly direction along the beaches of eastern Sai Kung Country Park. Dominating the landscape, Sharp Peak will often be in view. The simplest way to ascend is to take the direct route up the mountain ridge from the northern end of Tai Long Beach. Heading down there are a few options route wise, either returning via Sai Wan or following Mclehose Trail section 2 towards Wong Shek Pier and catching a bus from Pak Tam Road. This route can be done in either direction. Yellow Dragon Gorge (Lantau North Country Park) –River Walk, Waterfalls WILD FACTOR- ★★★★★ Hidden away within the depths of Lantau Island is the Yellow Dragon Gorge, a secluded oasis away from all the hustle and bustle. Boulder by boulder, one ventures upstream into a vertical landscape. Surrounded by cliffs and waterfalls, you would not believe you're in Hong Kong. The adventure culminates at the end of the gorge where three massive cascades fall down onto you from high above! Be aware that this route is of a technical nature, requiring jumping between stones on the river and bouldering in places to reach the upper waterfalls. The use of a guide would be strongly recommended. Getting there: Make your way to Tung Chung MTR station and from there; walk through the estates of Tung Chung Town to Wong Lung Hang Road. Follow the paved road all the way to the end and find the river on your left. Venture as far upstream as you dare.
Life moves at a different pace here, the locals are as relaxed as they come in HK. It rubs off quickly and once there, you certainly won’t be in a rush to leave. From there one can venture into higher peaks of Pat Sin Leng and discover hidden gems that lie within. It’s perfectly feasible to walk the lakeside loop in a clockwise direction, but the anticlockwise adventure makes for the best experience and simplest navigation. Getting there: The simplest way in (other than driving) is to head into the northern New Territories on the MTR East Rail Line before disembarking at Fanling Station. From there, one can catch the 52B minibus that departs roughly every 20 minutes. Hop off the bus at Hok Tau Wai and make your way to the t-junction in the road. Continue along the sealed road in a southerly direction following signs for Hok Tau Reservoir. Walking in is easy going on a sealed access road. The imposing ranges of Pat Sin Leng become ever nearer and before you know it you’re in amongst the rocky peaks. After rising up, one reaches a dam wall and the impressive panorama of the lake held behind is unveiled; from this point onwards the adventure begins in earnest, following signs for the ‘Hok Tau Family Walk’.
Getting there: The best way to reach Ng Tung Chai from central HK is by catching the MTR to Tai Wo Station, then descending below the station where one can either taxi or bus it up to Ng Tung Chai Village. The 64K bus runs every 15-20 minutes during the day, you can catch this to Ng Tung Chai stop and follow the sealed side road up the hill. However, I recommend hopping in a taxi on the way there as it enables you to whizz right up through the village and be deposited at the trailhead. A taxi ride only sets you back around $50HKD. Lion Rock (Lion Rock Country Park)
–Hiking, Wildlife, City Views WILD FACTOR- ★★☆☆☆ For those who thought The Peak was the most dramatic summit looming over Victoria Harbour, think again. There is a roaring lion to north. It may not be as well known, but the Lion Rock is right up there in terms of grandeur. Conquer this rugged ridge and one will witness some of Hong Kong’s finest views. Feel the intense sprawl of Kowloon and enjoy the iconic backdrop of HK Island behind. Meanwhile a gaze round the other side reveals Sha Tin Valley and the expansive hills of the New Territories. Not only is being at the top incredible, but the walking to be had either side is most enjoyable. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, in particular monkeys! The path will undulate for an hour until arriving at the foot of the Lion Rock. Upon the reaching the summit at 495 meters above sea level, the footpath emerges from the undergrowth to reveal unrivaled panoramas of Kowloon and its surrounds. Getting there: The route up is easily accessed from Wong Tai Sin MTR Station. Find exit E and begin climbing up Sha Tin Pass Road, stay on Sha Tin Pass Road and you shall gradually rise above the tower blocks of Kowloon. After about 45 minutes of walking, you’ll intercept the MacLehose Trail and signage for the Lion Rock Country Park on your left hand side. The return route down is fairly simple. Keep turning left at all junctions in the hiking trail and you’ll be back to civilization in an hour. The simplest way to the MTR is to turn left once reaching Lung Cheung Road and follow the highway into Wong Tai Sin. Alternatively, you can cross Lung Cheung Road and head into either Lok Fu or Kowloon Tong.
The beauty and diversity of Hong Kong’s landscapes is simply stunning, we are immensely fortunate to have such places in our ‘back yard’ to explore at will. During the hot summer months, kayaking is an ideal way to do this. Although paddling opportunities in Hong Kong are well documented for the most part, there are a few other options out there that fly under the radar a little bit. Below I share with you two different locations in the wilds of Sai Kung Country Park that will take your breath away.
Despite feeling like a complete wilderness, there are parts of the outermost Sai Kung peninsula that are very accessible. The village of Hoi Ha provides an ideal spot for beginners and families that almost anyone could have a crack at; whilst our other featured location at Pak Lap Wan is a much more intrepid paddling experience at the best of times.
HOI HA
Nestled on the southern end of a stunning coastal inlet, Hoi Ha is a sanctuary for many types of marine life and is among the most pristine places to be found in Hong Kong. Never mind the kayaking, for many the beautiful journey just to get there is worth the effort. However, once you dip your paddle into her clear calm waters, Hoi Ha takes on an entirely new aura. Getting to Hoi Ha is pretty simple despite its far-flung location. Simply make your way to Sai Kung ferry pier, then embark on either a 20-minute minibus or taxi ride to Hoi Ha village. The minibus runs every half hour and a taxi will set you back around $120. Try to make this trip on weekdays, as there is a lot of pressure on transportation during weekends and public holidays! Don’t leave it too late in the day to head home either. From the bus stop, walk through the village directly down to the waterfront where there are a couple of different vendors of kayaks. One can rent a single kayak, life vest and paddle for $100 per day or double kayak at $200 (locker expenses included on weekdays). Once on the water, Hoi Ha inlet is a joy to explore. With abundant sea life, scattered coral beds and beaches aplenty, there is more than enough to fill a day. If you’re eager to venture out further, navigate around the headland towards Wong Shek or Tap Mun Island and capture fantastic vistas of Sharp Peak.
PAK LAP WAN
Tucked away in the secluded eastern reaches of Sai Kung Country Park, Pak Lap Wan is a great location for a number of activities and serves as an ideal launch pad into the Hong Kong Geopark. Pass the dramatic High Island reservoir and through grassy fields home to numerous wild cattle, before reaching the white sands of Pak Lap Beach. Embark on an adventure in search of rocky islands and untouched beaches. But unlike peaceful Hoi Ha, once you escape the confines of Pak Lap Wan, you’re out in pretty exposed territory. Between April and September, the easterly trade winds tend to deviate elsewhere and this is the prime time to paddle the Geopark. You may get lucky during the other half of the year, but be prepared to paddle through swell and stay clear of the rocks. If the conditions do indeed turn out to be a little choppy on the day, then one can hug the coastline and head for the sheltered waters of Sai Kung harbour to the west. Although the rock formations there are not as pronounced, they are still impressive. But when winds and swell come from the east, make sure you are fully prepared! Pay close attention to forecasts and sea conditions prior to departure on the day; if you are not sure, then it is better to paddle somewhere safer like Hoi Ha or Sai Kung Town.
The best way to reach Pak Lap Wan is by taxi from Sai Kung Town ($110) and walk down the hill from the road to the beach, the walk should take no more than 10 minutes. Once at the beach, there is a small building that rents out kayaks, camping equipment and prepares basic meals. A single sit down board will put you back $100 for the day; this includes a paddle and life vest. On busier days, there is sometimes the option to return to Sai Kung by speedboat. Out on the water one can either; follow the coastline northwards past rugged cliffs and around to the white sands of Long Ke for a picnic lunch, or paddle southeast to explore the dramatic sea arches of Wang Chau and Basalt Island.
I will reiterate that heading out on the open waters around the Geopark is not recommended for beginners and would recommend joining a tour group. Two operators provide tours here; ‘Kayak and Hike Ltd’ run by Paul Etherington who specializes in Geopark paddles and my company ‘Wild Hong Kong’ operates tours to both the locations mentioned above.
IN THE MARCH ARTICLE OF OUR MONTHLY COLUMN IN SAI KUNG/SOUTHSIDE/EXPAT PARENTS MAGAZINES; WE VENTURE OUT TO THE REMOTE SOUTHERN TIP OF LANTAU ISLAND FOR A MEMORABLE ADVENTURE
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 confines that are genuinely far removed from civilization. The Southern tip of Lantau Island is such a place. Take the time to venture this enclave and you will be rewarded with a trip back in time! An untarnished landscape bursting with deserted beaches, fertile valleys and lush jungles lying in wait.
Despite Southern Lantau’s geographical isolation from the rest of Hong Kong, it is easily accessible and can be reached from the city within a couple of hours. Once there, Southern Lantau is best explored by foot. My favorite route here follows the regions inspiring coastline, starting at Shek Pik in the east and finishing at Tai O in the west. As a direct hiking route, the more athletic types can complete the 15 kilometers within 4-5 hours. However, there are many sights worthy of a cheeky detour along the way and it is worthwhile dedicating an entire day to this adventure. As a coastal hike, the main path avoids any major hills and is ideal for families who enjoy the outdoors. It is advisable to bring a map along if unsure of your directions and plenty of fluids during the warmer months.
To reach the start of the trail, catch either the ‘number 11’ bus from Tung Chung, or ‘number 1’ bus from Mui Wo to Tai O. Keep an eye out for Shek Pik Reservoir and disembark at the first bus stop immediately after crossing the dam wall. Take in the beautiful sight of Shek Pik Reservoir and Lantau Peak behind before turning away and following the Lantau Trail south. The first part of the walk follows a catch-water and serves as a gentle warm up before hitting the dirt track. Staying up above the coastline, there are beautiful views to be had across many bays and beaches on this section. The path then descends to the idyllic Fan Lau Peninsula and its two sandy beaches. There is a small dai pai dong here with a friendly owner that will do you a wholesome bowl of noodles, complete with drinks and fruit. This is the only such facility along the way, so make sure to recharge here before heading on. If interested in historical sites, one can take a half hour excursion to visit Fan Lau Fort on the far end of Fan Lau Peninsula. Built in 1729 during the reign of the Yongzheng Emperor, the fort was subsequently abandoned by the British in 1898 and a large stone rectangle is most of what remains today. The second half of the walk from Fan Lau to Tai O follows a much more sheltered section of coastline and is more heavily forested. The area possess great biodiversity, so keep an eye out for interesting plants and animals. Pass through the majestic village of Yi O; complete with agricultural farmland, grazing cattle and abandoned buildings, it’s an exceptionally surreal settlement to stroll through. Shortly after passing through Yi O the path meets an area of mangroves on the coast, at this juncture there is an option to check out the most stunning of detours at the Man Cheung Po waterfalls and infinity pool. Turn right onto a less distinct path and follow your way up the hill past a few abandoned houses. Continue for around 20 minutes up the valley until you reach the pools. It’s quite a popular spot nowadays, so you may suddenly see more folk in the first five minutes up there than you would have on the entire walk to that point. But upon reaching the pools on a sunny day, it is clear to see what all the fuss is about. Although it is prohibited to swim in the infinity pool (as it serves as a reservoir for Tai O), the numerous rock pools and waterfalls behind it are fair game. Go back down the same way you came up and upon returning to the main path, it’s a simple walk for one hour to reach Tai O.
Additionally, if hiking 15-17 kilometers sounds like biting off more than you can chew, there is always the option to hike either end of the trail as a shorter return from Shek Pik or Tai O, to Fan Lau and Man Cheung Po/Yi O respectively.
Once in Tai O, it’s always good to have a wonder around the village, no matter if it’s your first or one hundredth time there. Enjoying the sights and a refreshing beverage always go down a treat after a decent walk. From Tai O you can simply hop on the bus back to civilization, although beware that the ‘number 11’ bus to Tung Chung can sometimes have massive queues during holiday seasons. If this happens, then I strongly recommend cutting your losses by opting for the ‘number 1’ bus to Mui Wo and an onward ferry to Central. Southern Lantau is such an incredible part of Hong Kong to explore. Any adventure here will leave you with a bunch of great memories and a sound nights sleep! THE SECOND ARTICLE OF OUR MONTHLY COLUMN IN SAI KUNG/SOUTHSIDE MAGAZINES; WE HIGHLIGHT A SOLID SUMMER HIKE OVER SAI WAN SHAN, EXPLORING THE BEST OF SAI KUNG'S BEACHES ALONG THE WAY. "Venturing into the wilds of Sai Kung, the plethora of options open to hikers is astounding! Amongst the area’s finest beaches are Long Ke and Sai Wan. Of the many people who visit these spots, few manage get the sand of both beaches on their feet in a single visit. However it is possible! Essentially this route is simply a segment the MacLehose Trail stage 2, however it is the optimal way to see many of the regions finest beaches in one go; from Long Ke in the south, all the way up to Tai Long Wan in the north. Getting there can take a little time from HK Island and Kowloon, but it is a relatively hassle free trip. Having reached Sai Kung, grab a cab out to the East Dam of High Island Reservoir for around $100; tell the taxi driver to head towards Long Ke and you will know when you are at the dam because it is the end of the road. The drive around the azure waters of High Island Reservoir is very scenic and upon arrival at the east dam it is definitely worth having a look around before charging up the trail. The natural rock formations in the area are very special and if you have a little extra time, exploring the adjacent HK Geopark makes for a fun detour.
The path is very well trodden and the panoramic views from the top of the hill are so good it’s silly. Overlook upon the entire eastern Sai Kung peninsula; encircled by golden beaches, piercing peaks and rugged headlands. The contrasts between the waters of High Island Reservoir and the South China Sea are particularly easy on the eye. Drop back down into the shady valley below, following the MacLehose Trail to Sai Wan Beach where cooling refreshments await! From that juncture one can either return up the paved footpath for 45minutes to reach the Sai Wan access road or continue onwards. The beaches to the north at Tai Long Wan are more expansive and well worth the effort to reach. Heading onwards, the extensive walk around the Sai Kung Peninsula to Wong Shek Pier will take quite a long time to complete and is better left to the more intrepid during the warmer months. But in the cooler months it makes for a truly jaw dropping day on the move away from civilisation. For those who don’t want to bite off more than they can chew, venture as far north from Sai Wan as you feel comfortable with, before returning to Sai Wan. From there, one can hike up to the road or take a boat back to Sai Kung. If hiking back remember to call for a taxi (+852 2729 1199) in advance, as mobile reception in the area can be fickle."
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About usWe are one of Hong Kong's premier adventure & eco tour operators. This is our blog, documenting many of the wild places we explore and show guests. Archives
September 2024
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