Shopping isn’t the only adventure to seek in the country also known as Fragrant Harbour.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board has curated a list of outdoor adventures to explore for nature lovers. Travel through this list to inspire your next visit to the country also known as Fragrant Harbour. You may just find new reasons to love Hong Kong.
READ ALSO: Filipinos Shining Bright In: ‘Arts In Hong Kong With Southeast Asian Artists’
Cycling on the new 60km Super Bike Track
For those who don’t mind breaking a sweat, Hong Kong offers various cycling routes for beginners and experienced cyclists alike. Cycle through Hong Kong’s wetlands, parks, and mountains on the new 60km Super Bike Track that connects Tuen Mun and Ma On Shan in the New Territories.
Don’t forget to stop by and take a breath of sea air around Cheung Chau, a beloved island among tourists and locals. Feast your eyes on the promenade’s quaint villages, Instagrammable cafes, and contemporary establishments.
Kayak through 55 million years of history and fascinating volcanic rock formations
Often referred to as a unique Geopark in the City due to it being only an hour away from the bustling center, the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark is nothing short of fascinating geoattractions. These include volcanic hexagonal rock columns, sedimentary rock formations formed over 55 million years ago, as well as mangroves and coral communities, all spread out across the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region and the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region that make up the geopark.
The geopark is unique not only in its various natural attractions but also in how they allow visitors to experience Hong Kong’s natural beauty. Instead of the usual walking tours, a popular and more exhilarating way to explore the park is by kayaking. Marvel at rock formations and sea caves from up close, and even through uninhabited islands via kayak.
Wakesurfing in Sai Kung
If you’re more a fan of riding the waves than touching the clouds, wakesurfing is definitely a fun option to try out while in Hong Kong. A popular activity among locals, wakesurfing is the perfect activity to bask in the Hong Kong warmth.
Filipino model and Hong Kong Superfan Jeanine Tsoi shares how she prefers to spend her weekends outside of the city, and would often go wakesurfing in Sai Kung from summer to mid-fall with friends. Jeanine shared that she’d also like to hike more mountains and try wakesurfing in other areas besides Sai Kung while she’s in Hong Kong for her Master’s degree.
A former fishing village, Sai Kung Town offers visitors a variety of water sports that range from diving to kayaking, making it a top destination come summertime. Surf along the coast of the Sai Kung Peninsula and enjoy the various beaches it has to offer with the wind in your hair and refreshing waters at your feet.
Hiking at High Junk Peak
A go-to destination for hikers, Hong Kong’s many trails not only cater to hikers of varying skill levels but also to nature lovers looking for a way to fully immerse themselves into the natural beauty of Hong Kong.
Beginners can try out the Lau Shui Heung Reservoir hike, taking them to the Instagram famous “sky mirror”. Meanwhile, intermediate hikers can try out the Tai Tam Reservoir hike that takes hikers from Quarry Bay in the north of Hong Kong island to the beautiful beaches in southern Repulse Bay through the Tai Tam group of reservoirs.
Experienced hikers can also challenge themselves with the Wilson Trail — stretching from Stanley Gap, on Hong Kong Island all the way to Nam Chung in the New Territories. Indonesian avid hiker and Hong Kong Superfan Ida Serena Purwati recommends High Junk Peak as one of her favorite trails. Hikers may choose between the easy or leisure trails, both offering amazing views along the way, and chill by the beautiful Clear Water Bay Beach after the hike as a reward!
Stand Up Paddling at Sham Chung
Three Fathoms Cove, right by the seafront villages Yung Shue O and Sham Chung, is the perfect location for a scenic getaway from the city. With views of rolling hills and cerulean waters under your feet, stand-up paddling is the perfect activity to try out while propelling through Hong Kong’s rich biodiversity. Depending on how much you want to challenge yourself, paddlers can go as far as Tang Chau — an uninhabited island around 2.6 km to the west of Sham Chung, to catch panoramic views of Tolo Harbour.
Surrounded by mangroves and fish farms that boast of a vast variety of species, paddling through Yung Shue O will treat you to Hong Kong’s diverse sea life, and maybe even a rare butterfly sighting as the village is also recognized as a butterfly hotspot.
As Hong Kong is gearing up to welcome international guests back into the city, it is now ready to show off more of its diverse and natural wonders. Add these to your itinerary for your next visit and make lasting memories you’ll cherish for years to come while crossing off some items from your bucket list.
Looking for other activities to try out on your next visit? Hong Kong has something for everyone be it shopping, dining, or the arts! Check out more of the new adventures you can explore in Hong Kong at New Adventures at Every Turn.
Banner photo from Hong Kong Tourism Board.
