Need a break? Four short trips to explore Hong Kong’s great outdoors – all year round
The city’s outlying islands and countryside can be easily enjoyed in a day, but adding an overnight stay ensures a more immersive experience
For nature lovers, the 1,110 sq km (430 sq mile) city of Hong Kong – which includes many unspoilt islands, mountains and coastlines – stands apart. The city’s outdoor delights can be explored all year round and easily covered in a single day, but adding an overnight stay ensures a deeper, more immersive experience.
From tranquil Hakka village to dramatic volcanic geopark
You can begin your trip from Wu Kau Tang village – a short minibus ride from MTR Tai Po Market Station – with a two-hour scenic hike on the Double Haven Country Trail in the northeast New Territories to the 300-year-old Hakka village of Lai Chi Wo.
Spend your day visiting well-preserved traditional Hakka houses, sustainable farms and village food stalls and cafes before catching the kaito ferry for the 1.5-hour journey to Ma Liu Shui New Ferry Pier near MTR University Station, where you can choose to stay overnight at the nearby Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin.
The following day, make your way to Sai Kung, a seaside town in the eastern New Territories that is also the starting point for exploring the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region of the Hong Kong Unesco Global Geopark.
The many itineraries include a two-hour experience that allows you to discover dramatic archways and hexagonal volcanic rock columns. Back to town, you can wrap up your visit on Sai Kung Hoi Pong Street, known for its quintessential local seafood experiences.
From rocky island hike to family seaside town
Po Toi, Hong Kong’s southernmost island, is popular for the three-hour round-the-island hike where you can explore quirky rock formations – including one like a tortoise or a giant hand, known as “Buddha’s Hand Rock” – and the Nam Kok Tsui Lighthouse for an unobstructed view of the South China Sea.
Make a quick pit stop at one of the village’s stalls to sample local dishes featuring seaweed or fish maw, or a sweet soup with green beans and kelp, before catching the kaito ferry to Hong Kong Island’s southside seaside town of Stanley. Here, you can end the day with a relaxing meal at the international dining scene along the waterfront.
Flanked by these food and beverage hotspots is Stanley Oriental Hotel, which has accommodation offering balconies with sea views for those planning to stay overnight.
The following morning, take a short, leisurely stroll to Stanley Main Beach, a relatively calm beach popular for water activities, including kayaking and stand-up paddling.
Hiking, surfing and dining on Cheung Chau
Dumbbell-shaped Cheung Chau, where many fisherfolk traditions remain, is an island of many charms.
Your day can begin with the beach or a walk along the Mini Great Wall, a family trail named for its Chinese-themed stone railings. For the afternoon, explore the village and enjoy a meal at one of the many seafood restaurants near the pier.
For your stay, consider Saiyuen Camping Adventure Park, which offers unique themed accommodation.
Spending a night here will allow you extra time to explore more of Cheung Chau’s nature, including its highest spot, North Lookout Pavilion, to take in the spectacular view across the island and beyond. This is also a notable spot for watching the sunset.
Before heading back to the city, savour the island’s increasingly cosmopolitan dining scene, especially around Cheung Hing Street, which includes trendy spots for people-watching.
Family oasis rich in nature and culture
Also a former fisherfolk island, Ma Wan, sheltered under the Tsing Ma Bridge, offers visitors a range of experiences, including the Ma Wan 1868 lifestyle complex – housing boutiques, galleries, restaurants and wellness studios in preserved village buildings – where you can also board the boat for the island discovery tour. After that, consider a quick trek up Tai Leng Tau hill for sweeping views of various islands and districts of Hong Kong.
After sunset, you may join the Ma Wan Night Eco Adventure – a guided journey that starts from the flagship theme park and resort, Noah’s Ark Hong Kong, and takes you across the island and reveals its nocturnal wildlife and the secrets of its coastal ecology.
For an overnight stay, your choice of accommodation includes a local resort or hostel nestled in an area of lush greenery.
The second day can be spent at Tung Wan Beach and enjoying Noah’s Ark Hong Kong’s daytime interactive entertainment dedicated to the topic of sustainability, including live zoo Ark Expo and multisensory walk-through ePlanet.
Hong Kong offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Protect the environment, follow safety guidelines, check weather conditions and prepare properly for safe hiking and water sports exploration.