Description
THE HARBOUR AND THE ISLANDS
As a city by the sea HK enjoys a spectacular natural setting. From the many temples dedicated to the sea-goddess Tin Hau, to the bustling harbour, Hong Kong's past and present is defined by the sea: whether island hopping, riding the Star Ferry between HK Island and Kowloon or relaxing on a sandy beach, the water is a constant presence.
• Hong Kong is home to the Bai Ji or Chinese estuarine dolphin, popularly known as the Pink Dolphin because of its distinctive hue.
• It has some 260 islands, most of them uninhabited, featuring rocky coasts and deserted beaches.
• A really different way to experience Hong Kong is to stay on one of the islands. Lantau, Cheung Chau and Lamma are some of the larger ones, or you could choose a more rural experience on a smaller island (holiday flats can be rented on Cheung Chau and are particularly popular with locals - book mid week for good availability and cheaper deals).
• Although Lamma is the third largest of the outlying islands, it has only two villages and no cars. Just 45 minutes from Hong Kong island by ferry, there are a dozen daily departures. It has green hills, beautiful bays and lots of restaurants and bars in the villages.
• Lantau has a 70-kilometre Trail affording fantastic views. In the mountains you'll find the world's largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha and the amazing red and gold Po Lin Monastery (which serves up tasty vegetarian meals).
• Smaller islands with hostels or camps include Po Toi Island and Tung Lung Chau. Po Toi is actually a group of islands, inhabited by only a handful of people. It is home to a number of strange rock formations, attracting adventurous explorers.
• Tung Lung Chau has a 300 year-old fort with a well-preserved interior. Again, adventurous visitors can hike along the cliffs and hills.
• Cars aren't allowed on Cheung Chau, which is great for biking - and the seafood is not to be missed.
GREEN HONG KONG
• 70 per cent of Hong Kong is forest, farmland or mountains. Ecological highlights include the Mai Po Marshes, a globally significant bird sanctuary and wetlands, the Pat Sin mountain range with eight summits, and the Sai Kung Peninsular, an area of wild and challenging natural beauty including pristine beaches, isolated villages and deep valleys.
• There is also a superb network of well-signed hiking trails and bushwalks, including the dramatic, 100km Maclehose Trail, crossing the New Territories from coast to coast, and the 70km Lantau Trail.
• Hong Kong's compact size and excellent transport means that these undiscovered areas of the country are easily accessible, even to visitors who may not have much time.
WALKS & TRAILS
Pineapple Dam
This short and easy trail leads along the western shore of the Shing Mun Reservoir. From the fringes of Tsuen Wan, it leads into the heart of a forested valley that cuts deep into the hills north of Kowloon.
Bowen Road
This flat, paved path on Hong Kong Island is perfect for a relaxing urban walk or convenient jog. The 2.5-kilometre trail snakes through dense tropical foliage, occasionally broken by views of the harbour and the city skyline. Halfway along is Lovers' Rock, a nine-metre-high granite monolith worshipped by those in search of romance.
The Peak - Harlech Road & Lugard Road
Stroll around Victoria Peak on this leisurely 3.5-kilometre circuit to enjoy stunning views of Victoria Harbour and gain a sense of Hong Kong's rich colonial heritage. This is a great way to walk off a meal after dining at one of the Peak's many restaurants.
Tai Po Kau
The Tai Po Kau Nature Trail follows a footpath on the northwestern slope of a hill in the Tai Po Kau Special Area. It leads through a piece of woodland where unique aspects of ecology can be observed, including sub-tropical plants like buttress roots, as well as areas of forest regeneration and superb bird-watching.
Lantau Trail
The 70-kilometre Lantau Trail on Lantau Island is divided into 12 stages and offers some of Hong Kong's most rugged and beautiful scenery. This is a strenuous hike, winding through forests and crossing over two of the island's highest summits, but it offers stunning views of the South China Sea.
Wilson Trail
Two stages of the rugged 78-kilometre Wilson Trail are on Hong Kong Island, stretching from Stanley on the south side to Taikoo Shing on the northern coast. Trekkers then cross the harbour via public transport for the other eight stages of the trail, which finally ends in Nam Chung in the northern New Territories. The Wilson Trail is only recommended to experienced hikers as the terrain can be hard going.
MacLehose Trail
Serious hikers can trek at least part of this 100-kilometre trail, which soars through the highlands of the New Territories from the Sai Kung peninsula to the Tai Lam mountain range. The trail is divided into 10 stages and takes about 35 hours to complete. It is named after former governor, Sir Murray MacLehose.
See the HKTB website for more information on hiking trails and tours:
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Kayak and Coral
Hoi Ha Wan is situated on the northern coastline of Sai Kung Peninsula and is one of the four marine parks in Hong Kong. The bay is sheltered and is a perfect place for kayaking, and viewing coral and various reef fish.
The tour takes you to Pak Tam Chung for an orientation visit, followed by a short drive to Hoi Ha Wan. Snorkelling, paddling and just plain relaxing in this beautiful marine park is also ideal. Depending on your interests and level of fitness, a trip to Tap Mun Island for a seafood lunch and overnight stopover can also be arranged.
|
