​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.

Conquer this rugged range of hills and one will witness some of the territory’s finest views; gazing down upon Shek Kong on one side and absorbing the immense sprawl of Shenzhen on the other. Meanwhile clearer days atop the summits reveal glimpses across to Lantau Island and the expansive Waters of the Pearl River Delta. Not only is arriving at these mountain tops exhilarating, but the hiking to be had either side of them is most enjoyable. 

​​In my opinion Kai Kung Leng or “Rooster Ridge” is a more beautiful and attainable hiking trail, so I am going to focus on the hill of Kai Kung Leng here. But for those who are much more intrepid, then her sister peak Tai To Yan is also very spectacular and can be done instead of Kai Kung Leng, or in conjunction to create a twin peaks route. 

Lunchtime or early afternoons make for an ideal time to set off if doing just the one hill in the cooler months, ensuring pleasant temperatures and sunset vistas from the summit (however leave first thing in the morning if wanting to do both hills). The route up is most easily accessed from Kam Sheung Road or Yuen Long MTR Stations by taxi, ask for Fung Kat Heung Road, the trailhead is located between a basketball court and the Miu Kwok Monastery. If opting to travel by public transport, then there is the 603 minibus you can catch from Yuen Long to the same starting point. 
​

Once at the trailhead, simply crack on and follow the ridgeline trail upwards. Something you’ll notice quite soon that sets this hill apart from most in HK is how grassy and windswept it is. It translates to very tough hiking in the heat, but for wintertime it is simply sublime with nonstop views and plenty of scope to size up the route ahead. Having clambered over a subsidiary peak at 335 meters above sea level, the gradient eases for a period before reaching Rooster Ridge Summit at 585m.

​Having conquered this beast of a hill, take a perch and soak up the relaxing vibes. Few mountains in HK offer a 360-degree panorama of such variety; aside from the Tai Mo Shan massif, you’re the surveyor of all things in Western HK. On clearer days, the views of Shenzhen are jaw dropping. The sheer size and scale of this city becomes clearly evident from this vantage point, as one can see all the way from Lo Wu in the east to Nanshan in the west. To think that 40 years ago there was next to no development there almost defies logic.
​

Take care heading down afterwards as the path can be quite skiddy at times due to its exposure and lack of stairs. The return route down is otherwise fairly simple to navigate. Keep following the hiking trail directly along the ridgeline and you’ll be 
back to civilization in an hour or two. Compared to the route up, the return trail is more direct in its descent. Once you reach Fan Kam Road, there is the 77K bus route and various minibuses that facilitate travel to the closest MTR stations of Sheung Shui and Yuen Long.
​

​If wishing to do twin peaks as mentioned before, then nip across Fan Kam Road and follow the trail which heads east up to the main ridge line of Tai To Yan. From that ridge, there are a multitude of different paths one can pursue to drop back down towards Fanling, Tai Po or Shek Kong. 
Kai Kung Leng and Tai To Yan are classic winter routes almost anyone can have a crack at, yet keep even the most seasoned of hikers honest. Although the Northwestern New Territories may not be especially well known amongst many hikers, the area has a few nice surprises for those who venture out. Its enchanted forests below and spectacular vistas above will no doubt leave one wanting to revisit for another go.
​

​​Rugged, windswept and diverse, Tung Ping Chau possesses a little bit of something for everyone. From family friendly walks and pristine white sandy beaches to rock formation adventures and historical rekeys. No matter how you wish to play things, this will be a full day outing at the very least.
 
There are only two ways to reach Tung Ping Chau, either by private/chartered boat or by taking the public ferry (Weekends and Public Holidays only) from Ma Liu Shui in Sha Tin. Departing from Ma Liu Shui: 09:00am (or 15:30pm Saturdays only) and departing from Tung Ping Chau: 17:15pm. Fare: $90 return ticket).

​The ferry journey from Ma Liu Shui takes 1.5hours to complete, so sit back and relax enjoying the views of Tolo Harbour. A landscape of tranquil channels lined with red rocks (unique to this part of HK), before emerging upon the open waters of Mirs Bay.
 
Located in the heart of the Tung Ping Chau close to the pier, lies the only major settlement of note on the isle and definitely deserves a pit spot upon arrival. After a refreshing drink and bite to eat, one could easily spend the best part of a couple of hours strolling the adjacent Northeastern beaches, interspersed by crumbling Hakka houses and shade yielding Banyans.

​The unique geology of Tung Ping Chau on the other hand is a much more enduring attraction to spend your time exploring. The best way to discover the island is by circumnavigating the Ping Chau Country Trail, which at 5km typically takes around 2hrs to walk in one go without any long breaks. However, stopping along the way to explore all the incredible sedimentary rock formations on show, or delving into the interior of Tung Ping Chau is what this Island is all about. Possessing the youngest rocks in Hong Kong, there are numerous laminated coastal shelfs and sea cliffs to witness. 

Be sure to catch the final boat leaving the island for return to Sha Tin at five o’clock, unless taking your own boat back or camping overnight is more your thing. Camping in HK can be an awesome experience and Tung Ping Chau is a superb illustration of this. Beware that there is a lot of ambient light coming from China at night, so try to orientate your camp towards Mirs Bay and get more breeze in the process.
 
Among the list of Hong Kong’s many outlying places, the castaway isle of Tung Ping Chau is worth the trip at least once. The adventure to and from it, is as much an attraction as the being there is.

​If you fancy exploring a peaceful area that many folks don’t know about or overlook within Hong Kong, then a day trip out to Shing Mun Reservoir could be in order.

​The simplest way in (other than driving) is to head over to Tsuen Wan MTR station and take exit B1. From the station it’s a five minute walk to the 82 green minibus, which will take you to Shing Mun Country Park terminating immediately below the grassy banks of Pineapple Dam. It is recommended you enjoy a meal or prepare food to bring with you before embarking on a visit, as there are no food vendors at the park other than a small kiosk at Pineapple Dam.

Arriving at the Pineapple Dam bus stop, keep an eye out for some of the delightful wildlife on offer in HK, especially on the quieter weekdays. You could well be confronted by many monkeys, invariably a troop of Rhesus Macaques. Although the Rhesus species is native to Hong Kong, the macaques found today are believed to be re-introduced. During the construction of the Kowloon Reservoirs, the apes were deployed to the surrounding areas in order to combat the spread of a plant that tainted the water supply. They can roam in large numbers and enjoy the area around entrance areas, as the rubbish bins and increased human presence provides the chance of finding a meal. There are signs at the park entrance spelling out the dos and don’ts in regards to the monkeys. From experience, simply be relaxed. Don’t approach the monkeys with food and they will mind their own monkey business. Direct eye contact and sudden movements won’t endear you to them either. With those unpleasantries out of the way, the monkeys are great fun to observe and can be extremely photogenic!

There are a couple of ways to negotiate Shing Mun; the simple way and the adventurous way.

• The simple way being to keep turning right from Pineapple Dam and follow the shoreline in a clockwise direction (Pineapple Dam Nature Trail > Shing Mun Jogging Trail). Going this way there are more points of interest early on and provides the option to turn back after some time if you prefer a short stroll rather than going all the way around the reservoir.
• For those that fancy more of a challenge, there are several routes to follow, primarily the Lung Mun Trail heading West, or both the Wilson and Maclehose Trails that can be done alone as a return hike, or combined to make a loop via Needle Hill. For the most courageous, try a river walk up the Tai Shing Stream!

​Every now and then, a gap in the foliage may reveal framed views of Tuen Wan, Kowloon and enjoy the iconic backdrop of HK Island behind on a clear day. Back at the reservoir, this final leg of any route you take is particularly pleasant, walking along a flat paved surface under large shady trees that cloak the water’s edge. It is most definitely worth it to have a breather down here, soak up the tranquil atmosphere and capture relaxing views across the water.
 
Heading back to Tuen Wan from the country park is equally simple as finding your way in.
 
This discreetly tucked away corner of rural HK has an incredible amount on offer for those who enjoy venturing into the wild, escaping to Shing Mun provides a peaceful retreat at the doorstep of those wishing to find space for reflection or satisfy a burning urge of wanderlust.

While you might think about Hong Kong as a big city, there’s more to it than that. Head out to
somewhere like Sai Kung national park and you’ll never have felt further from the skyscrapers
and hustle and bustle of the city. And the best thing? Because Hong Kong is so small, you can
enjoy a range of outdoor activities and be back in the city in time for dinner.

Head to somewhere like Shek O beach or the UNESCO Geopark of Long Ke Wan Beach and
have a go at the fastest-growing board sport in the world: stand up paddle boarding.  

In this post, we’ll take a look at the essential SUP accessories you’ll need for paddle boarding.
Remember, there’s no need to bring them with you - you’ll be able to rent them in Hong Kong.

SUP Paddle and Board
Let’s start with the absolute essentials for SUP. You won’t get very far at all without a paddle
and a board! If you’re just starting out, all arounders are great for those planning to stay close to
the shore or paddling on a tranquil lake. You can recognise them by their smooth, rounded
curves. A race or touring board has a pointy end and can be quite narrow. Make sure if you’re
going for one of these that you can be stable on it. Boards can be hard or inflatable.
The good news about paddles is that they’re cheaper. You should expect to spend roughly 20%
of your board price on your paddle. A good paddle will have a T-Grip handle where you can rest
your wrist and adjust it to your height. A lightweight aluminium blade (or carbon if money’s no
object) will seamlessly propel you through the water (hopefully), no matter your level of SUP
experience. 

​SUP Pump
If you have a hard paddle board, you don’t need to worry about this one. However, if you’ve got
an inflatable SUP, you’re going to need a pump. Happily, you can get an electric pump which
will mean minimum effort for you to have a fully inflated board. Usually, board inflation takes
somewhere between 7 and 15 minutes depending on the quality and durability of your SUP
pump. Make sure to store it somewhere safe on the beach while you are out paddling!

Hip Pack/Dry Bag
Can’t decide what to leave on shore while you SUP? Well, now you don’t have to with a hip
pack. In there, you’ll be able to store your phone, wallet, sunscreen, and an extra layer.
Usually sealed with zippers, the best hip packs are completely waterproof so you can paddle
without worrying that your belongings will get water-damaged.
If a hip pack isn’t enough for you to store everything - perhaps you’re taking a camera or a
picnic with you to stop on a remote island, there’s an answer for that too. A dry bag will do
everything a hip pack will, but you can fit more in. You can use this for other water activities too,
such as swimming or surfing. 

Waterproof Gadget Bag
Much like a hip pack or an inflatable bag but much smaller, a waterproof gadget bag is perfect if
you want to document your SUP sessions. It can usually fit a smartphone and some cash or
cards. Why not turn back to the sands of Lo Lo Shing Beach and take a photo of the fishermen’s
boats all lined up on the white sand? A handy thing about a waterproof gadget bag is that
they’re see through, so you don’t need to take your phone out of the bag to use the camera.
Great for those who are a little unsteady on their boards! 

Floatable Sunglasses
The crystal-clear blue waters of the South China Sea are one of the big reasons to try SUP in
Hong Kong. However, on a really sunny day they can be super-reflective and disorientating. Get
a pair of floatable sunglasses that you can comfortably adjust to your head with a flexible strap.
Not only will floatable sunglasses help you to see better, but they’ll protect your eyes from
harmful UV rays. 

Waterproof earphones
Sometimes all you want to hear is the sound of the waves lapping against the shore… and
that’s fine. However, if you’re taking a break on your SUP, you might fancy listening to a
podcast. Or, if you’re really paddling hard you might want some motivational music to get you up
to speed. A pair of waterproof earphones are small and can fit into your waterproof gadget bag
so you can be connected while out on your board.
Do make sure that if you’re using waterproof earphones that you’re doing so safely and are
always aware of your surroundings. Especially if you’re out in the open ocean! 

​Wetsuit
This one isn’t always necessary, especially in the warm waters of the South China Sea. But hey,
not everyone wants to show off their bodies! Should you be SUPing in rainy weather or you just
want that extra level of protection, a wetsuit provides an extra layer of insulation. Wetsuits are
also the perfect sunblock… you won’t have to worry about those tricky to reach part of your
backs burning if you’re wearing one of these! 

Final Thoughts on the top paddle boarding
essentials for your beach activities in Hong Kong
Now that you know what you need for your paddle-boarding adventures, you might want some
better ideas of where to go in Hong Kong. If that’s the case, check out Wild Hong Kong to find
out about the best beaches in Hong Kong and adventure tours that you can do in the city.

Getting to the islands is not straight forward, but that is what makes it all the more alluring. The most common way to reach Double Heaven is by a ride on the ferry from Shau Tau Kok to Kat O, however as this falls within the Closed Border Area, an access permit is required. Alternatively, you can join a private island tour to charter a boat or get a water taxi from Wong Shek Pier. The number 94 and 96R KMB buses go to Wong Shek Pier (96R operates on weekends only). For the more intrepid, one can sail or kayak to the region and utilize many of the secluded anchorages the archipelago has to offer.
The primary port of call for all that reach the 4 main islands of Double Heaven is the sleepy village of Kat O. Located on Crooked Island, it is the only major settlement of note in the area and one could easily spend the best part of an hour wondering the laneways; crumbling Hakka houses interspersed with shade yielding Banyans. Enjoy a waterfront stroll and keep an eye out for the three 19th century era cannons, aptly pointed northwards towards the large container port of Yantian. Often visible, this behemoth on the Chinese Mainland provides a compelling juxtaposition between the traditional ways of the Hakka people and the rise of Modern China across the waters.

​From Kat O, there are a few short hikes you can pursue across opposite ends of Crooked Island; the most worthwhile being a shorter trail leading Northeast across to a large sandy beach which has views across Mirs Bay. Make sure to indulge yourself with a decent meal and grab fluids in Kat O, as there are next to no such amenities anywhere else. If you have your own boat or kayak, then Kat O serves as a worthy port of call before venturing to more remote areas of the archipelago.

​For those who are not so fussed about the logistics of venturing offshore and are happy to get a taster for the area, another option is to visit the coastal portion of Double Heaven near Lai Chi Wo Village. One can reach Lai Chi Wo overland by hiking from Wu Kau Tang in Plover Cove Country Park (take green minibus no. 20R departing at Tai Po Market MTR station to Wu Kau Tang), or by taking a ferry (Sunday and Public Holidays only) from Sha Tin (Depart from Ma Liu Shui: 09:00am. Depart from Lai Chi Wo: 15:30pm. Fare: $50 single ticket, $80 return ticket).

​The hike from Wu Kau Tang takes you in an Easterly direction over a pass to reveal fantastic views over the entire Double Heaven area, before descending to the coast. Venturing further afield, there are many trails in Plover Cove Country park to choose from. If taking the ferry from Ma Liu Shui, enjoy the views of Tolo Harbour en route before rounding the headland to enter a new landscape of tranquil channels lined with red rocks (unique to this part of HK). Be sure to catch the final boat leaving the island for return to the mainland at 15:30pm, unless hiking back or camping overnight stay is more your cup of tea. Camping in HK can be an awesome experience; there are a few great options around Plover Cove Country Park, the ‘Sam A Chung’ campsite being the best situated of them.
​
Among the list of Hong Kong’s many regions, the castaway islands of Double Heaven are worth the trip at least once. The adventure to and from Double Heaven is as much an attraction as the being there is.

In late March 2020, Wild HK Founder Rory Mackay embarked on a 5 day Kayaking and camping expedition with Mark Agnew from the South China Morning Post.

The primary aim was to make a tour of the archipelago which creates Double Heaven. Located in the far flung northeastern corner of the New Territories adjacent to the Chinese mainland, it would require us to cover the best part of 140KM in order to achieve this (starting and finishing in Sai Kung).

​​A world onto its own, Double Heaven by any nations' standards would be considered a remote and relatively pristine place - all the more special for us to visit, given this was in Hong Kong. With all this said however; the adventure (rugged scenery, challenging seas and wilderness beachside camps) either side of exploring Double Heaven was just as exceptional, if not more so.

After a shorter half-day on Day 1 in order to get away from Sai Kung town, Day 2 was a mammoth 39KM paddle around the greater Sai Kung Peninsula and across the the mouth of Tolo Harbour to reach Double Island.

After a big second day, we earned the privilege on day 3 to go at a more casual pace and explore the various passages of Double Heaven. Time was taken off to explore the charming village of Kat O and restock supplies, before heading south and camping overnight on Port Island. 

A huge effort followed on day 4 as sea conditions were less hospitable than previous days. It was graft paddling upwind much of the way and most satisfying to arrive at Bluff Island for a short hike and one of the best sunsets I've ever seen (no joke, have seen plenty)! The place was paradise; icing sugar sand, luminescent plankton, no plastic and a decent stash of fire wood.

Last day of the trip we made a detour of sorts to explore sea arches and caves on Basalt, Bluff and Jin Islands, before completing formalities.

Although we don't take this trip as a guided tour, or necessarily advocate getting to Double Heaven in the manner we did (it is hard work and requires ocean going experience) - I highly recommend for anyone who regards themselves as a real 'Hong Konger' to visit this remote enclave at least once in your life. Other than kayaking or taking your own boat out there, one can take a ferry to Kat O on weekends and Public Holidays.