Sai Kung Beaches- The Wild Column

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.

Arrival at Long Ke, the first of many stunning beaches en route

From the turning circle, depart the paved road and follow a footpath up and over the hill. Before long you will be greeted by the inviting sight of Long Ke Wan, our first beach en route. The path leads straight down to some of the whitest sands and clearest waters in all of Hong Kong. Often on weekdays, you will have this little slice of paradise all to yourself.

Soak it up before biting into the heart of this route, the hike up and over Sai Wan Shan. Working one’s way up to the 314m Summit is hard work on a summers day, however it is all worth it for what awaits on the other side. 

Canine camera crew

Long Ke

Walking Northwards looking back to Long Ke Wan

Relaxing on Sai Wan Beach

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.

Panorama from the summit of Sai Wan Shan

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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