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