Did you know that Hong Kong is 75% green areas, 38% of which is designated National Park?
We often think of Hong Kong as a bustling metropolis, but it is easy to step out of the cities and breathe fresh air, hike mountain trails and swim at its beautiful beaches. It’s safe, affordable and you are never far from the city and your hotel home base. I recommend that you download the “Alltrails” app, which will give you all the details of the various hiking trails around the world, including Hong Kong.
When the family has had too much of life in the fast lane, jump on the ferry from Central Station to Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay/Lantau Island). There’s a choice of ferries – the old vintage chug-chug ferry, which takes between 50-55 minutes to get to Mui Wo, or the more modern, fast ferry, which takes 35 to 40 minutes. The cost is approximately AUD$3 per adult on the chug-chug or AUD$6 on the fast one, with children about half price.
Once you arrive at Mui Wo there is a coastal walk to Pui O, which is a great family-friendly option for kids and the elderly. This will take an hour and a half to two hours of easy walking, seeing giant spiders, water buffalo, wild cows and great views over the water. The trail is 7 kilometres long, but it is easy to enjoy, mostly flat ground and an easy pace.
There is a restaurant called Treasure Island on Pui O beach which is a great place to stop and savour the views as you relax with a rewarding cold drink and lunch, (open on weekends only).
Secrets of Hong Kong's National Parks
After your morning walk, you can either catch a taxi back to the ferry terminal in Mui Wo (approximately a 10-minute drive) or head to Tung Chung (20 minutes by taxi). From Tung Chung you can catch the MTR back to anywhere central in HKG itself. If you do go to Tung Chung you can catch the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to the Big Buddha statue (climbing is required to get right up to the statue) and eat at the Monastery near where you disembark the cable car, note, vegetarian food only. The views from the cable car are awesome!
Ngong Ping 360 cable car
There are many walks and hikes in Hong Kong.
You can see how the locals live outside of the city, enjoy the fresh air and swim in pristine waters. There is so much more to see and do in Hong Kong when you get out of the city. Incredible wildlife, such as dolphins and buffalo, beautiful gardens and forests, dams and lakes, waterfalls await you. You can go paddling in kayaks, horse riding, cruising in the harbour or hire a junk. Get the tram up the Peak then climb down to Aberdeen. You can visit the Eastern New Territories at Sai Kung where the main beach is Tai Long Wan – a real treasure! This is only accessible by boat or walking – no ferries, buses or cars!
Tai Long Wan Beach, Hong Kong
So, next time you’re in Hong Kong, experience it like a local and get out of the city! Most hotel staff will be able to direct you to the ferry terminal and your trusted travel agent will recommend the best way to book the ferries, Ngong Ping 360 cable car and Peak Tram.
If you'd like your own adventure into Hong Kong's Great Outdoors, please get in touch.
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