Keen to surround yourself with nature after so much time at home? Here we tackle Hong Kong’s great outdoors with three half-day hikes that you could potentially do in a single weekend. (Full disclosure: we did one hike each day over the three days of a long weekend. It’s still technically a weekend though, right?) Head to discoverhongkong.com for pdf maps and more information about these routes.
The Hikes
Hong Kong Trail (Sections 2-3)
Location: The Peak and Pok Fu Lam Country Park
Length: Approximately 15km (around four hours)
Level: Easy to moderate
What is it?
The Hong Kong Trail is a 50km walking track that meanders around the forests and ridges of Hong Kong Island. It’s divided into eight sections; Section 1 starts at Victoria Peak (“The Peak”), whose famous panoramas have been attracting visitors since the mid-1800s. Each section can be tackled individually or you can devise your own route that takes in several sections at a time. I did the whole of Sections 2 and 3, together with some bits of 1 and 4.
What’s good about it?
Rio de Janeiro and Singapore might be the only two cities in the world with rainforest within their city limits, yet in my mind neither can rival Hong Kong as far as an immediate contrast between towering steel-and-glass cityscapes and dense, lush forests is concerned. I was lucky enough to get a misty morning, too, which only heightened the distinction.
Who’s doing it?
It depends on the section; close to the Peak, you’ll find plenty of tourists and locals (especially couples); further along the trail, runners training for long-distance events.
What’s at the end of it?
If, like me, you finish at the end of Section 3 or 4, you’ll find yourself on the south side of Hong Kong Island. Plenty to do here: get on a junk in Aberdeen, explore trendy Wong Chuk Hang, or get a bus further east to Stanley to see the markets and grab some lunch.
How do you get there?
You can get to the Peak on the famous Peak Tram; it’s a fun start to the day. I actually walked up from Central instead – quite a steep climb, but a great way to get the heart pumping for the kilometres ahead. Lan Kwai Fong to the Peak is anywhere from around 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace. To get to the start of Section 2, I followed Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road for 10 minutes.
Dragon’s Back (Hong Kong Trail, Sections 8)
Location: Shek O Country Park, on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island
Length: 8-9 km (around three hours)
Level: Easy to moderate
What is it?
It’s been over 15 years since this stunning path on top of the southeastern peninsula of Hong Kong Island was named Asia’s best urban hiking trail by Time magazine. A lot of boots have trudged along its undulating hills since then, including around a zillion on the day I did it. It was a public holiday, though, so I should have seen it coming; you could almost hear the dragon groaning from the weight.
What’s good about it?
Happily, the crowds don’t matter. You still get glorious, unimpeded views of the South China Sea and Hong Kong Island’s various bays and beaches – especially from Shek O Peak (284m).
Who’s doing it?
Weekend sightseers, community groups, families. Try a weekday morning if you prefer a bit of solitude.
What’s at the end of it?
The beach! There are two options: you can either stop at Big Wave Bay, known for its decent surf break, or continue on to Shek O, where families enjoying late afternoon barbecues and ball games are the order of the day. There are plenty of places to eat, drink and buy provisions at both villages.
How do you get there?
Easy options include driving or taking a taxi (around HK$150 from Central). If you’re relying on public transport, follow these steps:
- Go on the MTR Island Line from Central to Shau Kei Wan (20 minutes).
- Take Exit A3, then board bus 9 from Shau Kei Wan to To Tei Wan.
- The stop is 11 stops or 6km along the route, on Shek O Road near To Tei Wan village. Ask the bus driver or a fellow passenger if you’re not sure where you are.
Maclehose Trail (Section 3)
Location: New Territories
Length: 10km (around four hours)
Level: Moderate, with a tricky ascent at the beginning
What is it?
The Maclehose Trail is a famous 100km walking track that cuts through the middle of Hong Kong’s New Territories. The first of its 10 sections begins in the east, not far from Sai Kung, and the Trail then follows an east-west direction (with plenty of meandering) before ending up in Tuen Mun. You can tackle any or all of the sections; the prettiest is probably Section 2 with its stunning coastal views, but because I’d done that on an earlier visit I opted for Section 3 instead.
What’s good about it?
The Maclehose Trail is a world-class walk – and an eye-opener for anyone who equates Hong Kong with hundreds of highrises clustered around a harbour. Highlights of Section 3 include woodlands, meadows and streams, plus several testing hills. (The first one is a real thigh-burner.) A few wild cows will block your path from time to time, adding an extra challenge.
Who’s doing it?
Maybe I got lucky, but I didn’t pass a single person on Section 3 of the trail. The inclement weather may have helped, but I think even on a good day you’re going to have this part of Hong Kong largely to yourself if you make the effort to get here.
What’s at the end of it?
Section 3 finishes kind of in the middle of nowhere, but at least there’s a bus stop on the quiet country road so you can get back to Sai Kung (bus 99, 15 minutes). Before returning to the city, grab some plates of dim sum in one of the waterfront restaurants of Sai Kung, or go on a boat trip.
How do you get there?
A taxi from Central would likely cost HK$300 to $400; public transport is your best option, though it takes around an hour.
- MTR Central to Choi Hung; change to the green line at Mong Kok (20 minutes)
- MTR Central to Hang Hau, then Minibus 101 (every three to five minutes) to Sai Kung Pier (20 minutes)
- Exit C at Choi Hung, then Minibus 1A (every four minutes) to Sai Kung Pier (20 minutes)
- KMB bus 94 to Pak Tam Au bus station, start of Section 3 (20 minutes)
See more in our Things To Do section!
