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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​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.

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

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.
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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.
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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

​​You don’t need a big backpack
Although the hiking in Hong Kong is undoubtedly great, you’re not going to be doing any multi-day hikes like you might in the Himalayas or the Andes. So, you don’t need a huge backpack. Just bring a daypack that’s big enough for the bare essentials like any extra layers you might need, plenty of water, and of course, your camera. Anything you leave behind, you’ll be reunited with it back in your accommodation later on. Whatever time of year you’re travelling to Hong Kong, it can get quite hot, sweaty, and humid. A great option to stay comfy and (relatively) dry, is a bag with a space for air between your back and the pack itself.

It’s not only being hot you should be prepared for but keeping yourself safe from the sun.
Sunscreen is one of the most important things to bring with you, as on a wide-open hiking trail, that hot sun can be relentless. And you don’t want to miss out on another hiking trail because you’re sheltering inside from those UV rays.

​Be prepared to get wet
One of the downsides of Hong Kong is that the weather is often unpredictable. So even though in the morning, there may be brilliant sunshine and no clouds in the sky, don’t let that fool you. It’s a rookie error to go out without a waterproof, no matter when you travel. In the cooler months from December to February, consider something a little heavier. For the rest of the year, something lightweight that can easily fold up into your day pack should suffice. Quick drying and lightweight travel pants are also a great idea to keep try. Not only will they protect you from the rain, but they’ll save plenty of space in your pack too.

​Make sure you’ve a good pair of walking boots​
Even if you’re not going hiking in Hong Kong, it’s a great idea to have sturdy walking boots or trainers. There’s so much to see in the city that you will spend the majority of the day on your feet exploring, so you’ll need support. However, if you’re reading this post you probably are going hiking, so keep reading. Specialist hiking shoes will assist you on the rough and uneven tracks like the Po Toi and Lung Ha Wan country trails. They’ll also provide you with extra grip should you find the track wet and slippery. On the subject of footwear, it’s not just about having an appropriate pair of shoes. Socks are important too. Pick up a wool or synthetic blend to keep your feet dry and minimise the risk of blisters. Avoid cotton, as that attracts moisture and leaves your feet prone to rubbing and blisters. That can easily ruin your hike.

​Don’t bring anything that isn’t essential​
Sometimes it can be hard to decide what’s essential and what’s not on a hike. But you do need to be ruthless. An overweight and heavy pack can ruin your experience of hiking, and you certainly don’t want that! Although it’s a lovely idea to read a book on top of a mountain during a break, things that add extra weight and you’re not 100% sure you’ll use can be left back in your accommodation. If you can’t decide what’s essential and what’s not, just ask yourself if you could live without it for 8 hours. If the answer is yes, leave it behind! Make sure you don’t leave anything behind anything important on your hotel or on the
place where you stay. And speaking of a place to stay, there are lots of vacation rentals in Hong Kong so there’s no need to worry as they are very comfortable so you can relax and chill after your hike.

​​But do bring toiletries that are…
Toiletries are an important one when it comes to essentials. They’re some of the weightiest objects we take on holiday with us, and a lot of the time we don’t use them all. However, the two biggies that you’ll need for your hiking adventures in Hong Kong are sunscreen and insect spray. Don’t forget ‘em. Hand sanitiser is a good idea too, especially just before eating.

So, now that you know exactly what to pack for your hiking adventures in Hong Kong
It can be tricky to plan adventures in a different country. To find the best hikes in Hong Kong, why not search out a little bit of expert help? Wild Hong Kong is one of the top adventure and eco-tourism operators in the country, and they’re on hand to help you with any questions and queries you might have about your trip. They offer a number of day tours of the coolest hiking spots in HK, including the Dragon’s Back Trail, and sunrise and sunset climbs of the mountains surrounding the city.

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Trip101 is a one-stop travel guide, offering the latest guides on different ways to travel and places to check out. Featuring content contributed by travel writers and enthusiasts, showcasing top hotels, Trip101 features the best vacation rentals and private accommodations for your travels.
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​(Photos by Rory Mackay of Wild Hong Kong)

​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.

If you fancy a memorable speed boat adventure in HK, we suggest you look no further than Zoom HK! Nigel (Top left of image) is now up and running taking folk out on trips around the waters of Hong Kong. We had a fab time yesterday seeing what all the fuss was about  :)
Find out more at http://www.zoomribs.hk/

Don’t let the towering skyscrapers fool you, Hong Kong has mountains, sandy beaches, trekking trails, waterfalls and practically everything you expect to find in any other Southeast asian country that is known for its wild, unspoilt landscape. With 40% of Hong Kong reserved as parkland and 80% of its total area green, it is one of the greenest places on our planet, and home to a diverse ecosystem that offers nature lovers endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. If you are a family with kids, Hong Kong is an ideal destination to have fun in nature in one of its large and perfectly preserved country parks, or spend your day soaking up the sun at the beach, while at night you can still return to the top notch food, shopping and entertainment opportunities that the city offers. It is a city that has it all, so why not enjoy it all during your holidays?
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Read on (on the link below) to discover the top outdoor activities in Hong Kong for families and for those who are looking for easy, enjoyable hikes through the countryside’s most scenic parts.

Should you fancy leaving city life behind and exploring what is arguably the most beautiful, and less discovered side of Hong Kong, then a tour with Wild Hong Kong is the perfect place to start. Their tours focus on exploring Hong Kong’s wild areas, in the sense that the tours are, for the most part, going to places as far removed from human development as possible.

Hikes to be explored are those such as the Dragon’s Back trail which will reward you with stunning views over the southern Hong Kong island. It combines many of the areas finest attributes from mountain ridges and sheltered forest trails to the white sands of Tai Long Wan (Big Wave Bay).

​Or there is the Tai Mo Shan (Ng Tung Chai) waterfalls, found nestled within dense jungle on the breathtaking slopes of Tai Mo Shan mountain. The tour takes you on climbs past rural villages and temples from other worlds to find a series of cascades spreading over several kilometres, each waterfall being  more dramatic than the last. Then there’s the Sai Kung beaches. Described as the ‘crown jewel’ of rural Hong Kong, the Sai Kung peninsula is idillic and remote with no roads within the region’s outer reaches. In fact the only way there is to either hike or travel by boat.​