Star treks: Hong Kong's best night hikes

went on their first night hike last month, crossing the Twin Peaks above Stanley in southern Hong Kong Island. "We set off about 9pm," he says. "It was much more exhilarating than hiking in the daytime. There was only a narrow focal point, in our torch beams, and it was a lot cooler. During the day, there are usually others and noise. But at night you're in touch with nature; it's just you and your friends."

Tough, but well worthwhile. "We got to the tops of the peaks and looked over Repulse Bay, which was a pretty amazing backdrop," Li says. "Hiking at night was more private and serene, more magical."

Li and more and more people are discovering the rewards awaiting those who brave the dark — tranquillity, scintillating scenes, cooler temperatures, and an easy fit with busy work schedules.

EMBRACING THE DARK

The upsurge of interest in night hiking arose, at least partly, through the advent of Barclays MoonTrekker, a fundraising trail walk on Lantau that began in 2009. Founder and director William Sargent is a long-time night hiker.

"I grew up here and hiked Sunset Peak at four years old, with help from my parents," says Sargent. "I've been night hiking since I was 13 or 14, looking for snakes. I love wildlife, and you can see a lot more at night — like porcupines, owls and sleeping birds."

For the first MoonTrekker, Sargent was surprised to see 400 people joining, although the number was capped at that for safety reasons; this year, 1,500 people will run and walk the route. "MoonTrekker has become a 'gateway' event for many people," he says.