IT'S THE PERFECT time of year to enjoy Hong Kong's countryside - cooler weather and, at times, less pollution. And, after a day in the hills, there's nothing better than tucking into a tasty meal ... Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve A highly protected woodland, the reserve is hiker-friendly, with four colour-coded walks of different lengths. There's also a short 700m nature trail. Tai Po Kau, the first nature reserve in Hong Kong, boasts a vast range of animal life. Creatures such as crested-tree lizards, blue-tailed skinks and keelback snakes are common sights as you negotiate the deep forest. The hike At the starting point of the reserve, take the concrete road to the left. Unless you opt for the nature trail, follow the coloured signpost of whichever walk takes your fancy. Little Egret Restaurant (2 Hung Lung Drive, Tai Po, tel: 2657 6628, 11am-11pm) is named after the small birds that feed in the lagoon outside. The restaurant overlooks a vast expanse of water and serves international dishes. Popular items include linguine with prawns and squid sauce (HK$90) and mango cheesecake (HK$40). Dragon's Back A popular ridgeline with hikers and hang-gliders, Dragon's Back has Big Wave Bay at one end and Tai Tam Harbour at the other. Along the three-hour hike there are spectacular views of Clear Water Bay, Shek O Village and the South China Sea. At the finish in Shek O, enjoy the sunset at a beachside bar or eat at one of the many restaurants. The hike From the trailhead at To Tei Wan, take the Hong Kong Trail through bamboo and banana thickets. After a steep flight of steps, you'll be rewarded with great views across Tai Tam Bay to Stanley. The second half of the trail is a tranquil stroll that ends at Big Wave Bay. Shek O Chinese and Thailand Seafood Restaurant (303 Shek O Village, tel: 2809 4426, 11.30am-10pm). Signature dishes include curry crab (HK$140) and chicken with satay sauce (HK$40). Happy Garden (786 Shek O Village, tel: 2809 4165, 11.30am-10pm) Serves Thai dishes at reasonable prices and in big portions. Specialties include raw prawns (HK$98) and chicken wings (HK$60). Black Sheep (452 Shek O Village, tel: 2809 2021, open: Monday-Friday 6.30pm- 10.30pm, Saturday-Sunday 12.30pm- 10.30pm). Features an extensive menu of dishes such as fresh asparagus with mustard vinaigrette sauce (HK$95) and smoked ham and mushroom pizza with mozzarella and tomato (HK$125). The Peak Boasting a view of one of the most wonderful cityscapes in the world, the Peak best exemplifies how easy it is to escape from the city's hustle and bustle into nature within minutes. A walk around or up the Peak is easy and will reward you with an array of dining options. The hike To walk all the way up the Peak, go to the Sir Robert Black College of Education, turn right to find the vehicle gate, walk further up and look for the Morning Trail signpost. If you prefer walking around the Peak and taking in the panoramic views of the skyline, take the Peak Tram from Central, turn right from the Peak Tower and head towards Peak Road. Both trails take about an hour. There's no shortage of restaurants on the Peak, particularly since the Peak Tower's recent renovation added new eateries. Pearl on the Peak (Shop 102, Level 1, Peak Tower, tel: 2849 5123, Monday-Friday 11.30am-midnight, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 9am-midnight). Features modern Australian cuisine. Popular items include red grape-stuffed quail (HK$250) and Boston lobster (HK$420). The bonus is its great view of the harbour. The Peak Lookout (121 Peak Road, tel: 2849 1000, Sunday-Thursday 10.30am- 11.30pm, Friday, Saturday and eves of public holidays close at 1am). Serves international dishes. Among the specialties are seafood platter (HK$398 for one to two people) and baby back-pork ribs (HK$218). The outdoor dining area is often full, so book in advance. Tien Yi Chinese Restaurant (Shop 206 & 306, Level 2-3, Peak Tower, tel: 2907 3888, 11.30am-4.30pm, 5.30pm-11.30pm). Serves contemporary Chinese fare in a stylish setting. Specialities include baked prawns (HK$140) and crispy beef belly (HK$140). Lamma Island The short and easy route from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan is one of the most popular walks in Hong Kong. Most paths are well signposted and fairly flat, and there's a wide selection of places to eat. The hike From the ferry pier, follow the path to the right signposted Yung Shue Wan Main Street. After losing sight of the water, look for a sign reading Sok Kwu Wan. The trip takes about an hour. Han Lok Yuen (16-17 Hung Shing Ye, tel: 2982 0680, 11am-9pm). Famous for its roast pigeon (HK$55). Rainbow Seafood Restaurant (8100, 1A-1B & 16-20, First Street, Sok Kwu Wan, tel: 2982 8100, 10am-11pm). Popular dishes include spicy prawns (HK$200) and sweet and sour pork (HK$60). Book a table in advance and you can skip hiking altogether - the restaurant will transport you by yacht from Queen's Pier in Central to the Sok Kwu Wan pier. Deli Lamma Cafe (36 Main Street, Yung Shue Wan, tel: 2982 1583, Monday-Saturday 9am-midnight and Sunday 9am- 11pm) Offers continental dishes such as Greek salad (HK$45) and marinara seafood pasta (HK$75). Tap Mun Chau Nicknamed Grass Island because of its green fields, Tap Mun is an isolated gem that retains an old-world fishing village atmosphere. It's now inhabited by about 100 residents and there's only one restaurant left. Yet the sense of isolation is more than compensated for by the breathtaking sea view and coastal landscapes. The hike At the pier, turn left and look for Tin Hau Temple on the right. Follow the path on the left to find a sign pointing to the Hilltop, which will lead you to the Balanced Rock and uninterrupted sea views. You can also track north to reach the highest point of Tap Mun. A round trip takes about 90 minutes. New Hon Kee Restaurant (4 Main Street, Tap Mun Island, tel: 2328 2428, Monday-Friday 11am to about 1.30pm; Saturday-Sunday 11am to about 4pm). Serves local seafood such as salt and pepper squid (HK$70) and clams with black bean sauce (HK$60). It can get crowded at weekends. Tai Long Wan Arguably one of the most beautiful spots in Hong Kong, this long bay with four white sandy beaches is remote and undisturbed. To get to the beaches, where the water is among the cleanest in Hong Kong, you have to trek for about 90 minutes. The hike From the bus stop at Pak Tam Au, follow the MacLehose Trail, which will soon reward you with panoramic views. Then, walk down through two hamlets of Tai Long before heading south to Sai Wan. Keep on the Pak Tam Chung path. The whole journey takes about four hours. There are a couple of small Chinese eateries in Ham Tin, with more restaurants around the Sai Kung bus terminal. Hoi Fung Store (Ham Tin Bay, Sai Kung, tel: 2328 2315, 8.30am-9pm). Serves no-frills dishes such as beef udon (HK$35) and Singaporean noodles (HK$35). On Kee Sea View Store (12/G Ham Tin Bay, tel: 2328 2262, open: flexible hours). Low-priced Chinese items such as fried rice with chicken and pineapple (HK$35) and fried udon with pork (HK$35). Anthony's Catch (G/F, 1826B, Po Tung Road, tel: 2792 8474, Sunday-Thursday 6pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday 6pm-11pm; open for lunch on request). Serves only imported seafood from New Zealand and Australia. Signature dishes include broiled swordfish from New Zealand with sun-dried tomato butter (HK$150). Set brunch is HK$200 per person. New Tak Kee Fishing Village Restaurant (G/F, 55 See Cheung Street, tel: 2792 0006, 11.30am-10pm daily). Fresh seafood treats such as steamed and marinated crab (HK$68 each) and fried cuttlefish (HK$60). Kitaro Japanese Restaurant (G/F 9A, Po Tung Road, tel: 2792 1423, Sunday-Thursday noon-3pm and 5.30pm-midnight; Friday-Saturday it closes at 2am). The signature dish is udon with tofu and mixed vegetables in fish soup (HK$98), which features a long-simmered soup.