By Delphine
Remember our last top 5 was all about getting back into shape in time for summer? We’ve said it many times and again, the best way to stay in shape is a balanced diet AND regular physical exercise (see here). In Hong Kong, getting outdoors is easy: exercise, escapades, fresh air, nature and even having a picnic with family and friends... all in a ½ day! So make the best of it and go discover Hong Kong’s magical trails!
On Lantau Island : from Discovery Bay to Mui Wo
This is one of my favourites. Easy to get to (the ferry drops you at the trail start), and is a good mix of challenging parts (starting with 20min uphill), beautiful scenery (the view points with a 360 degree panorama is a nice reward), culture (a pretty trappist monastery on the way), an amazing descent (once at the top it’s all downhill with great views of the island and the bay), and the beach upon arrival where you can get drinks and have a picnic under the trees. Pure bliss!
You can choose to do it the other way around if you want to sweat a bit more.
More information here
Other options: from Pui O to Mui Wo
On Lamma: from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan
The family trail, in keeping with its name: easy, flat, stroller friendly, you can get from one side of the island to the other within 2 hours. Midway take a break at LoSo Shing beach, as well as at the pavilion to take in the view of Cheung Chau. Once you arrive the choice of seafood restaurants is endless, and the shellfish couldn’t be fresher. A Must-do before getting back onto the ferry for Central or the second part of your hike to discover the island by the Ling Kok Shan trail.
More information here
Other option: Peng Chau
South of Hong Kong Island: Dragon’s back
One of the most popular and absolutely mandatory if you live in Hong Kong. It’s actually section 8 of the Hong Kong trail, with different options depending on how fit you are, how you feel, the weather… Personally, I’d recommend starting off at Tai Wan village and ending up at Big Wave Bay beach (or Shek O if you want to take the bus back to town). The views on the China Sea and the different bays are breath taking. OK, it’s not one of the easiest hikes but makes the swim and picnic all the more rewarding!
More information here
On top of the Peak: descend into Pok Fu Lam Reservoir
OK, you know the Peak off by heart and you’ve been 15 times already. But this hike couldn’t be excluded of the Top 5 given its amazing view on Kowloon Skyline and its thick Amazonian -like jungle. This time, don’t go the classic route and head towards Pok Fu Lam reservoir mid way instead. From there on the path is a little trickier and unpaved but the west Hong Kong scenery and arrival on the big reservoir are worth the extra effort. You even get a little cultural intake with the information boards about Hong Kong reservoirs.
More information here
In the New territories: the Mc Lehose trail section 2
This is very rewarding but we don’t recommend doing it when the weather is really hot or if you’re with kids under the age of 10. But it is truly spectacular: beaches, summits, rock formations, wild cows, turquoise waters… Everyone is in awe. To be honest it will take you more than 4 hours at a leisurely pace and if you keep on snapping away at the views. Upon arriving, a green taxi can take you to Sai King town for freshly caught fish!
More information here
If you’ve done it all and are looking for more, take a moment to check out http://hiking.gov.hk/eng/
One golden rule, always remember to bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, hat and water. Happy hiking!
Remember our last top 5 was all about getting back into shape in time for summer? We’ve said it many times and again, the best way to stay in shape is a balanced diet AND regular physical exercise (see here). In Hong Kong, getting outdoors is easy: exercise, escapades, fresh air, nature and even having a picnic with family and friends... all in a ½ day! So make the best of it and go discover Hong Kong’s magical trails!
On Lantau Island : from Discovery Bay to Mui Wo
This is one of my favourites. Easy to get to (the ferry drops you at the trail start), and is a good mix of challenging parts (starting with 20min uphill), beautiful scenery (the view points with a 360 degree panorama is a nice reward), culture (a pretty trappist monastery on the way), an amazing descent (once at the top it’s all downhill with great views of the island and the bay), and the beach upon arrival where you can get drinks and have a picnic under the trees. Pure bliss!
You can choose to do it the other way around if you want to sweat a bit more.
More information here
Other options: from Pui O to Mui Wo
On Lamma: from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan
The family trail, in keeping with its name: easy, flat, stroller friendly, you can get from one side of the island to the other within 2 hours. Midway take a break at LoSo Shing beach, as well as at the pavilion to take in the view of Cheung Chau. Once you arrive the choice of seafood restaurants is endless, and the shellfish couldn’t be fresher. A Must-do before getting back onto the ferry for Central or the second part of your hike to discover the island by the Ling Kok Shan trail.
More information here
Other option: Peng Chau
South of Hong Kong Island: Dragon’s back
One of the most popular and absolutely mandatory if you live in Hong Kong. It’s actually section 8 of the Hong Kong trail, with different options depending on how fit you are, how you feel, the weather… Personally, I’d recommend starting off at Tai Wan village and ending up at Big Wave Bay beach (or Shek O if you want to take the bus back to town). The views on the China Sea and the different bays are breath taking. OK, it’s not one of the easiest hikes but makes the swim and picnic all the more rewarding!
More information here
On top of the Peak: descend into Pok Fu Lam Reservoir
OK, you know the Peak off by heart and you’ve been 15 times already. But this hike couldn’t be excluded of the Top 5 given its amazing view on Kowloon Skyline and its thick Amazonian -like jungle. This time, don’t go the classic route and head towards Pok Fu Lam reservoir mid way instead. From there on the path is a little trickier and unpaved but the west Hong Kong scenery and arrival on the big reservoir are worth the extra effort. You even get a little cultural intake with the information boards about Hong Kong reservoirs.
More information here
In the New territories: the Mc Lehose trail section 2
This is very rewarding but we don’t recommend doing it when the weather is really hot or if you’re with kids under the age of 10. But it is truly spectacular: beaches, summits, rock formations, wild cows, turquoise waters… Everyone is in awe. To be honest it will take you more than 4 hours at a leisurely pace and if you keep on snapping away at the views. Upon arriving, a green taxi can take you to Sai King town for freshly caught fish!
More information here
If you’ve done it all and are looking for more, take a moment to check out http://hiking.gov.hk/eng/
One golden rule, always remember to bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, hat and water. Happy hiking!