JARDINE'S LOOKOUT
Start: Hong Kong Parkview (Tai Tam Reservoir Road)
Finish: Kornhill (Quarry Bay)
Length: 6 km / ~2 hours 30 mins
Follow the path to explore this tranquil area of Hong Kong Island with lush greenery and spectacular sea views. Along with the beautiful, natural landscape you’ll also find numerous heritage sites, from an old quarry to hillside Buddhist sanctuary and colonial houses. Look out for the WWII Hero Plaque located just beyond the H052 marker on the Hong Kong Trail. The plaque commemorates the Winnipeg Grenadiers and John Osborn, who sacrificed his life by flinging his body on a grenade as it exploded, saving several of his comrades.
LAMMA ISLAND EXCURSION
Start: Yung Shue Wan Pier
Finish: Sok Kwu Wan Pier
Length: 4.5 km / ~1 hour 45 minutes
Named in Chinese for its Y-shape, Lamma Island is the third-largest island in Hong Kong and, with its relaxing and tranquil atmosphere, forms a sharp contrast with Hong Kong Island, although it is only 30 minutes away by ferry. From Yung Shue Wan Pier, walk past the shops and through different villages while admiring over 600 different types of plants. After passing Lo So Shing Beach, you’ll walk by the local Tin Hau Temple and a number of “Kamikaze Grottos,” large caves where the Japanese used to hide and launch suicide attacks during WWII. This is also where the native Romer’s Tree Frog was discovered in 1952. Before you leave, treat yourself to some fresh and tasty seafood in one of the local restaurants.
LANTAU ISLAND
Start: Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery
Finish: Tung Chung MTR Station
Length: 7.5 km / ~ 2 hours 30 mins
Best planned as a half- or full-day outing, this hike has it all with cultural, natural and historical elements. The mountaintop Po Lin Monastery is home to the famous bronze Buddha statue and further down the path you’ll pass a number of smaller temples, such as the Po Lam Zen Monastery and the Lo Han Monastery with monks and nuns still working and chanting inside. The walk also provides great views of the airport, Tung Chung and Ngong Ping 360 cable-cars along the way. You can choose to end the journey at Tung Tseng Tau by taking a bus coming down to Tung Chung Road, but if you keep on walking, you’ll arrive at Tung Chung Fort. Occupying a 70- by 80-meter site, this structure was built by the Qing government to fight pirates.
MT. AUSTIN ROAD
Start: The Peak Tram Station
Finish: The University of Hong Kong
Length: 3.5 km / ~2 hours
High atop the Peak, this hike offers spectacular views of the harbor and mountains, as well as some interesting buildings and stunning houses. The main historical attraction is Pinewood Battery which was originally built in 1901-1905 to defend against entry to Hong Kong’s harbor. While guns were installed, these were never used and were removed until the Battery was needed as an anti-aircraft defense during World War I when several buildings and shelters were also added. You’ll also see The Gate House, which was built in Edwardian times as the gatekeeper’s quarters to the long-gone Mountain Lodge, the governor’s summer home.
PEEL RISE
Start: The Peak Tower
Finish: Wan Chai Gap
Length: 8 km / ~2 hours 30 mins
This trail on the Peak provides impressive natural scenery including a waterfall and views of Mt. Kellett, two reservoirs and even the far South China Sea. Be sure to read the map and signposts along the way carefully since there are a number of forked roads. The path also leads you to two historical sites: Matilda Hospital and the Police Museum. The former was an estate donated by Granville Sharp in memory of his wife and was then transformed into a hospital, while the latter gives you information on the history of the Hong Kong police force including photos of old police teams and even the head of the Sheung Shui Tiger.
THE SHING MUN REDOUBT
Start: Pineapple Dam (top of Shing Mun Road)
Finish: Tai Po Road at Piper’s Hill
Length: 5.4 km / ~2 hours
The most important historical site of this hike, the Shing Mun Redoubt, was the main defensive structure against Japanese invasion during WWII. The fortification fell in just one night in a surprise attack, though it was supposed to hold the enemy for at least a week. With concrete tunnels, bunkers and pillboxes still intact, you can feel the intensity of the battle. Following the path, you’ll pass by four reservoirs and may encounter dozens of monkeys so take care, especially if you bring food with you.