Living in Hong Kong, you must be amazed at its good as a modern city - the fast-moving pace of everything, the brilliant nightlife, the efficient services, the sophisticated transportation network and the great convenience to have all amenities nearby. However, are you aware of that Hong Kong has a lot of beautiful natures that are as attractive as, or even more fascinating than, the night view of those clustered skyscrapers?
Having 23 country parks occupying approximately 40% of our land and 4 marine parks, Hong Kong has some exclusive beauties of the Nature. Some of them are just handy; while others are still easy to reach.
Dragon's Back, Shek O
If you are the unlucky ones who need to work on Saturdays, don't just idle away the rest of the day! A half day is long enough for you to go out for some fresh and soothing breaths. Known as the Best City Trail in Asia, Dragon's Back in Shek O offers stunning vistas of Stanley, Tai Tam and outlying islands. The 3-hour hike starts at To Tei Wan, passes by Shek O Peak, Dragon's Back, Pottinger Gap, then ends at Big Wave Bay. The route is easy. Take the kids with you for some outdoor fun.
To: Bus No. 9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR or No. 309 from Exchange Square, Central (Sundays & holidays only), take off at To Tei Wan
Back: Catch bus No. 9 or red minibus back to Shau Kei Wan MTR
The Peak
The Peak offers 2 other popular trails in the city. Take a short walk (about 2 hours) after a decent lunch at the Peak Tower. Setting off at the Peak Tower, you can choose either to head to High West via the rest point at Harlech Road and then to Pokfulam Reservoir, OR to walk around Victoria Peak Garden along the Governor's Walk and back to the Peak Tower.
Route 1
To: Bus No. 15 or minibus No. 1 (both from Central) or the Peak Tram
Back: Board any buses along Pokfulam Road
Route 2
To & Back: Bus No. 15 or minibus No. 1 (both running between the Peak & Central) or the Peak Tram
Ready for something more challenging? Go a bit further to the islands and try the Lautau South trail or Tung Ping Chau trail.
Fan Lau, Lantau South
The Lautau South trail starts at the dam of Shek Pik Reservoir and ends at Tai O. During the 6-hour hike, you will walk along some of the nicest beaches in Hong Kong, see the historical Fan Lau Fort and pass by some local villages. Fan Lau is so named because it juts out into Lantau Channel where two contrasting currents meet: muddy water in the northwest and beryl clear water in the southeast. It results in the layers of colours near the coast.
To: Bus No. 11 or 23 from Tung Chung or No. 1 or 2 from Mui Wo, take off at Shek Pik
Back: Bus No. 1 back to Mui Wo or No. 11 to Tung Chung
Tung Ping Chau
Tung Ping Chau is one of the 4 Marine Parks in Hong Kong. This trail is a circular walk round the island. There you will find some queer rocks standing out from other geographic features. If you are lucky enough, you may also see some of the cherished marine lives such as corals, starfishes, urchin and more. It is truly a nature classroom of geography and ecology.
To & From: Ferry running between Ma Liu Shui & Tung Ping Chau. Don't miss the boat or you may need to spend a night on the Island. [ferry schedule]
There are many other attractive trails awaiting your exploration. Find out more in Agriculture, Fisheries and Conversation Department's website, http://www.afcd.gov.hk/eindex.html. Live a healthy city life!
