Sure, we haven’t seen the last of the summer heat just yet, but September is around the corner and with the cooler weather comes the perfect opportunity to explore some of the city’s outdoor gems. From an afternoon of kayaking to a night of stargazing, there’s something for everyone to do outside of the aircon. And if that all sounds too much like hard work, just head to your nearest alfresco bar and keep cool with a couple of cocktails.
Kayak around the Sai Kung Islets
Take a leisurely kayaking trip around the waters just off Sai Kung’s town center. Head to the old beach hotel at Sha Ha Beach on the outskirts of town, and you’ll find Ah Kwok Watersport Center, where the very friendly Ah Kwok himself will rent you a two-man canoe for around $200 for an afternoon (windsurfers and pedalos are also available). Hop in, and once you’re clear of the slightly grubby beach, you can spend a few hours paddling to and from the numerous small beaches, clambering in and out of your kayak to spend some time swimming or snorkeling in the surprisingly clear water, where you’ll see interesting coral, sea urchins and other marine life. The water is very calm and pretty shallow throughout the entire area, making it ideal for people with less kayaking experience. You can even paddle to the island of Yim Tin Tsai, a tiny 300-year-old Hakka village. After exploring the village and its Roman Catholic chapel, kick back with a soft drink, a bowl of instant noodles and some traditional Hakka puddings from the friendly villagers, who return to the deserted village on weekends to care for daytrippers. Visit
www.yimtintsai.com for more info. Once you’re done there, head back to the beach and reward yourself with a couple of beers at the Sai Kung Beach Club, a chilled-out, dog-friendly beach restaurant and barbecue area next to Ah Kwok’s stall.
Ah Kwok Watersport Center, Sha Ha Beach, Sai Kung, 9170-7513, skbeach.com.hk.Astropark
What better way to spend an evening than gazing up at the stars in the middle of Sai Kung? Located inside the Chong Hing Water Sports Centre, the Astropark is the ideal place for astronomy enthusiasts and romantics. Best of all, it’s free! The park is divided into three zones. A telescopic observation area is equipped with four high-powered binoculars to zoom in on the constellations and ten telescope piers for amateur astronomers. The naked eye observation area, with its specially designed reclining benches, is ideal for lovers wanting to snuggle up under a blanket of stars. The educational zone highlights some of the greatest achievements by ancient Chinese astronomers, complete with a sundial and a replica of an armillary sphere—a tool used to measure the distance of the constellations from the earth—dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Though the park is open to the public 24 hours a day, there is no electricity on the grounds and guests will need to contact the Chong Hing Water Sports Centre (West Sea Cofferdam, High Island Reservoir, Sai Kung, 2792-6810) to fully enjoy the park’s facilities. Camping is also available.
Getting there: From Sai Kung take green minibus 7 (in the direction of Hoi Ha) to Pak Tam Chung, then take a taxi for about 15 minutes. Owing to the remote location, visitors may need to call a cab. Astropark hotline: 2721-0226,
www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Space/Astropark/Lavender Garden
The best time to visit this pretty garden is during the fall and winter months, when the fragrant lavender is in full splendor. Wander through the lavender fields, visit the goats, koi carp and turtles at the petting zoo or even go strawberry picking (between December and April). If you get hungry, fire up a barbecue pit with food packs available for around $80 per head, or enjoy a “poon choi” basin meal during the winter. Don’t forget to pick up some herbs or flowers to take home. There’s a small entrance fee of $5 to access the lavender fields, $10 on public holidays.
Lot DD76, 655 Hok Tau Rd., Fanling, 2674-7822, www.lavendergarden.com.hk.
