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Tai Long Wan, Sai Kung, undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking views in Hong Kong. Photo: SCMP

The best camping spots in Hong Kong, from beach views to mountain vistas

  • Hong Kong is packed with varied and beautiful camping spots to give you a break from the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle
  • Break up long hikes with camping or just spend a night isolated on a beach

Hong Kong is best known as an urban centre with a stunning skyline, but it does not take long to get out of the crowded city and camp.

If you need a tent, you can buy reasonably priced ones from Decathlon in Central, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok, or high-end gear from the likes of RC Outfitters in Causeway Bar or Mong Kok and Chamonix, also in Mong Kok.

Here are some of the tops spots to visit for camping. Bare in mind, the public camping sites, run by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, are shut during Covid-19. Wild camping is not allowed, but often goes unnoticed if you are sensible, careful and considerate with your rubbish and noise pollution. But head into the wild at your own risk.

Tai Long Sai Wan

Undoubtedly one of the most spectacular camping spots in Hong Kong. These three isolated beaches, with pristine white sand and the iconic Sharp Peak rearing up behind, are as scenic a spot as anywhere in the world.

You can access the beaches by hiking, either around 7km of MacLehose section two backwards or MacLehose one the normal way (15km). You can go by bus or taxi to Sai Wan Pavillion and walk about 3km to the first beach and a further 2km over to Ham Tin, the most famous and beautiful of the beaches.

 

You can also take a boat, when the weather permits, from Sai Kung Pier. The cost is around HK$150, and you can take it back too. It offers incredible views of awesome rock formations, but be prepared to hike out just in case the waves are too large for the return journey the next day. In winter, the prevailing winds mean that is rarely calm enough for the boat to make one trip, let alone there and back on consecutive days.

At Sai Wan and Ham Tim, there are small restaurants for water, soft drinks, some beer and wine and a selection of food.

Lower and Upper Cheung Sha Beach

These long beaches on south Lantau stretches out before you with the lush green mountains of Lantau behind.

Looking out to sea and you will feel a million miles from anywhere, but it is actually very accessible and you can take a bus or taxi from Mui Wo or Tung Chung.

Once you have pitched your tent, walk along the towards the village of lower Cheung Cha, where there are a number of beach side restaurants, from Lantana Pizza to Bathers, making it one of the most convenient places to pitch a tent in all of Hong Kong.

Cheung Sha beach is accessible and stunning. Photo: Martin Williams

Sunset Peak

A different perspective on Lantau can be found 800m above the beach, on Sunset Peak’s plateau. Surrounded by small cabins and long waving silver grass, you will find flat spots to pitch a tent.

As the name suggests, this is a truly magnificent place to watch the sun set and an equally incredible place to watch it rise.

Sunset Peak is a great camping spot for wide vistas and viewing the sunset. Photo: Martin Williams

Part of the location’s charm is it’s isolation, but that means it is not easy to get to. Expect to lug your tent, food and water up from either Pak Kung Au or the entrance to Lantau Country Park from the Mui Wo side. The hike is steep either way, but well worth the effort.

Grass Island/Tap Mun

Grass Island, also known as Tap Mun, is a short ferry ride away from Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier or Wong Shek Pier. There is a large flat area with nothing but short grass, perfect for camping.

 

You can wander around the sleepy fishing village and treat yourself to great local meals, including delicious fried squid.

Spend time exploring the island and check out Balanced Rock and Tin Hau Temple.

The Island offers great views of the vast Mirs Bay and east coast of Hong Kong. You can see the distinct shape of Sharp Peak in one direction and the shores of China in the other direction. It is the perfect get away for a chilled night or two.

Hok Tau

Take a bus from Fanling to Hok Tau Tsuen, followed by a short walk along well maintained paths and you will find a great camping site with amenities including benches, BBQ pits and toilets, nestled in the midst of a breathtaking landscape.

A camp spot near Hok Tau reservoir is serene. Photo: Martin Williams

It is surrounded by lush trees and near a lovely reservoir, in the midst of Pat Sin Leng Country Parks, where some of Hong Kong’s most stunning mountains and ridges, such as the Eight Immortals, are located. It is a great spot to base yourself and then head out for a day hike.

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