Hong Kong Outdoors and Fantastic Natural Landscapes

Hong Kong Nature and Wildlife: Tai Long Wan Coastline

Hong Kong Fantastic Landscapes: The Tai Long Wan Coastline

One thing this pandemic has made us realize is how fortunate we are to have so many fantastic outdoor opportunities in Hong Kong.

It is hard to believe that not far from the hustle and bustle of the city, there's wide open areas, beautiful beaches, marshes and wetlands teeming with life...

Leave the towering skyscrapers, crowded markets and hectic traffic behind, take a day or half-day respite, there are certainly some beautiful areas a short ride away and Hong Kong's convenient transportation makes a visit out of the city a snap.

Many of the public areas that were closed due to the Covid-19 measures are beginning to open up with enhanced safety and health measures.

For wildlife lovers, Hong Kong's New Territories are a heaven for birdwatchers specially in the winter months when tens of thousands of migratory birds flock to the marshes and mudflats of Deep Bay, including several endangered species like the black-faced spoonbill.

The outlying islands offer beautiful walks and hike trails, complete your outing with a stop at a seafood village for brunch or dinner... It is all just a short ferry ride away from Central.

And yes, there are the beaches also, although crowded on weekends and public holidays during the summer months when everyone is wishing for a cool splash.

Here are some of our favorite places and things to do to enjoy the outdoors, the wildlife and the natural beauty of Hong Kong, catch some fresh air and don't forget to social distance!

Open Now: Hong Kong Outdoors and Nature, Things To Do

Hong Kong Nature Reserves and Wildlife: Mai Po Reserve
Pink Dolphin Watch Cruises
Stanley Village and Beach - sail on weekends with the Aqualuna
Saikung Beaches and The Saikung Peninsula - Hiking, Kayaking, Cycling...
Island Hopping: Cheung Chau Island
Lamma Island
Hiking in Hong Kong: Saikung Peninsula
Dragon's Back Trail
Tai Mo Shan Waterfalls Hike
Lantau Hikes and Biking Adventures

Nature Reserves and Wildlife

Hong Kong is home to fantastic ecosystems offering a rich habitat for resident and migratory birds.

These areas in the New Territories are a bit far from the city but can be easily accessed with public transportation.

There are two main parks or reserves dedicated to the protection and conservation of the habitats and wildlife of the area, the Mai Po Nature Reserve and Hong Kong Wetland Park (temporarily closed).

Hong Kong is also home to the unique and endangered Pink Dolphins.

Here's more on Hong Kong's Nature and Wildlife.

Mai Po Nature Reserve

Birdwatcher with scope at the Mai Po Marshes

The Mai Po marshes in Deep Bay in the New Territories are a protected area and an important bird sanctuary where hundreds of migratory species find their way in the winter months, making it a paradise for bird-watchers and nature lovers.

This is a fragile ecosystem located just a stone-throw away from mainland China.

The reserve is jointly managed by the World Wildlife Fund and the Hong Kong government.

Visitors need a special permit to enter the protected areas and this can be obtained online. Or just join one of the eco-visits that can be arranged by the WWF.

Our Beloved Pink Dolphins

Go on a Pink Dolphin Watch cruise and look for this rare and endagered species that inhabits the waters surrounding Hong Kong.

Kids specially enjoy the cruises which provide a way to enjoy and observe these lovely creatures in the wild.

The trip is conducted in a way that minimizes disturbance to the dolphins, and it is at the same time an educational experience as the guides are very knowledgeable about the Chinese dolphins and are more than happy to tell you all about them, their habits, characteristics, habitat and the plight they face.

Stanley Village and Beach

Stanley is a beautiful seaside village in the southern part of Hong Kong Island, although more well-known to tourists for its lively market than for its beaches, it has a pleasant waterfront promenade lined with small pubs and cafes.

It is only a 50-minute bus ride from Central, but one of our favorite outings include taking the Aqualuna, the gorgeous red-sail sampan, that sails on weekends to Stanley. That way you combine a harbour cruise that leaves from either Central or the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry piers and brings you in an hour and a half to Stanley. You can then stroll the promenade, get a bite to eat, relax by the beach, pick up a few souvenirs at the market and then catch the bus back to the city whenever you are ready.

Here's more on Stanley Village and Beach.
Cruising to Stanley With the Aqualuna (Saturdays and Sundays)

Saikung Beaches and The Saikung Peninsula

Sai Kung is a delightful picture-perfect seaside town in the eastern part of the New Territories. It takes about one hour and a combination of public transport to get to it as there is no direct MTR station nearby but it is well-worth the time and effort to get there.

The main draw to the town is a very colorful and bustling floating market and the waterfront seafood restaurants.

In addition, Sai Kung Town is a gateway to the surrounding area which contains fantastic country parks with the territory's most fabulous hiking spots and beaches, a myriad of small islands and also the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.

Some of the favourite activities in the area:

Sai Kung Promenade and the colorful seafood floating market
Glorious fresh seafood!
Sampan rides
Beaches
Nearby islands
Geopark formations
Hiking
Watersports: kayaking, paddleboarding, jetskiing...

Here's more on Sai Kung Fishing Village and many options for outings in the Sai Kung Peninsula .
The following excursions have reopened:
- Geopark Kayaking Adventure - 7 hours, meets at Hang Hau MTR Station
- Sai Kung Standup-Paddle Adventure - 5 hours, meets at Hang Hau MTR station
- Sai Kung Wild Beaches Customizable Adventure - 8 hours, meets at Hang Hau MTR Station
- Ma On Shan Climbing Adventure - 6 hours, starts at Heng On MTR ends in Saikung town
See more hiking adventures below.

Island-Hopping

Perfect for a half-day or day trip, the outlying islands are great for all sorts of outdoor activities: leisurely walks and hikes, swimming in crystal clear waters, kayaking, etc. Getting to the islands is easy with Hong Kong's vast, convenient and inexpensive ferry system which is currently running.

Cheung Chau Island

Cheung Chau Island is a little jewel of an island which is mainly known for its iconic Bun Festival in May. But festival or not, a visit to this small island is well-worth your time whether you have only a few hours or a whole day.

Getting to the island is totally hassle-free with frequent ferry service from Central Pier 5. It takes only 40 minutes to get there and once in the island, there is much to keep you busy.

These are just some of the main highlights in Cheung Chau:

Stroll the waterfront promenade and the small alleys in town
A bustling and colorful harbour
Pak Tai Temple as well as several Tin Hau temples
Beaches
Coastal hiking walks and paths with stunning views, even a "Mini Great Wall"
Sampan rides
Cheung Po Tsai Cave, "the pirate's den"

Here's more on Cheung Chau Island and how to get there

Cheung Chau Island Discovery Tour: This adventure covers all the main points of Cheung Chau, Pak Tai and Tin Hau Temples, Tung Wan Beach, a sampan ride, Cheung Po Tsai Cave and a traditional dim sum lunch!
Night Paddle at Cheung Chau Island: Kayak beneath the night sky along Cheung Chau's coastline and drop by Cheung Chau's famous night market and try out a variety of snacks like the island's iconic buns, seafood and cold drinks

Lamma Island

Whether for a day or only a few hours, Lamma Island is another great option for an escape from the tumult of the city and it is only a 20 minute ferry ride away.

It is one of the very few places in Hong Kong that still hangs on to its old fishery ancestry customs and traditions and a real treat to visit any time of the year.

Lamma has some of the best hiking trails in Hong Kong, a very enjoyable activity during the cooler months. If temperatures run high, then the beaches are a better option. And one of the main highlights? Its seafood! All year-round!

There are two main villages with a hiking trail that connects both. Yung Shue Wan is the main "town" with a livelier vibe. Sok Kwu Wan is the small "fishing village town".

Sok Kwu Wan's waterfront is lined with seafood restaurants where you can sit out in the open and enjoy the views from the lively harbour.

These are some of the main highlights and things to enjoy in Lamma:

Stroll the alleys in town in Yung Shue Wan
The harbour and waterfront at Sow Kwu Wan
Seafood at Sok Kwu Wan
Beaches
Hiking Paths with fantastic views
Temples

Here's more on Lamma Island.

The following activities can be booked now on Lamma Island:

Klook.com

Hiking In Hong Kong

Rugged mountains, untouched beaches, gleaming waterfalls... get out of town and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of rural Hong Kong. There is something for all levels of trekking enthusiasts.

But you don't really have to go far, some of the best views and strolls are right from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong Island:

Victoria Peak Private Evening Hike - 2 hours, meets at Central MTR Station, Victoria Peak Tram tickets for return optional

For the DIY trekkers, by far the most comprehensive resource on anything Hong Kong Outdoor-related is Martin William's Website www.hkoutdoors.com which I encourage you to check out.

The following are some top picks for guided hikes, some are offered only during the dry and cooler season autumn through spring when temperatures are most pleasant.

Saikung Peninsula Hike

Arguably the crown jewel of rural Hong Kong, the Sai Kung peninsula is genuinely idyllic and remote offering you the perfect way to escape from the city and experience a different side to Hong Kong.

With no roads in sight, the only way to get there is to hike or come by boat. With mountains, waterfalls, beaches, unique rock formations and more, Sai Kung is most unlike the rest of Hong Kong, and is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a more 'off the beaten track' experience.

Saikung Peninsula Hike - 8 hours

Dragon's Back Trail

From mountain ridges and secluded forest trails, to the white sands of Tai Long Bay, it's no surprise the Dragon's Back trail was named by Time Magazine as Asia's best urban hike.

First navigate the dragon-like peak from which the mountain got its name and then descend down to the beautiful white sands of Tai Long Bay where you can have a swim or even sport some surfing. Finish the day's hike by enjoying a nourishing meal and refreshing beverage - the perfect way to cap off an awesome day!

The Dragon's Back Hike and Tai Long Wan Beach - 5 hours, meets at Shau Kei Wan MTR station

Tai Mo Shan Waterfalls Hike

Nestled within dense jungle on the breathtaking slopes of Tai Mo Shan mountain, lie the Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls. The falls which are the main stop on this 3 hour hike are actually a collection of spectacular falls spread over several kilometres, each more dramatic than the last. The hike finishes at the spectacular 'Main Falls', the highest in Hong Kong.

Along the way, climb past rural villages and temples into a world far from Hong Kong as you know it. Hidden within the dense jungle you can uncover some truly stunning places. The city never felt so far away.

Tai Mo Shan Waterfall Hike the tallest waterfall in Hong Kong - 4 hours, meets at Tai Wo MTR station

Lantau Peak Sunrise Climb

Lantau's diverse landscape offers a unique side to Hong Kong unbeknown to most travellers.

Lantau Peak, Hong Kong's second highest point, is also one of the toughest peaks, even for serious climbers.

Typically beginning around 4:00am, climb up the mountain's north ridge to reach the summit just in time to enjoy the amazing sunrise from atop Lantau Peak. Then, one has a choice of routes down, either returning via the north ridge or tackling the south face finishing with a visit to the Tian Tan Buddha.