Tourists rarely associate one of the densest cities in the world with hiking. In fact, most people are surprised to learn that 25% of Hong Kong is undeveloped land and another 40% is officially reserved for country parks and nature reserves. That means the majority of the territory is green and ripe for the outdoor adventurer, offering everything from mountains, rivers, waterfalls and bamboo forests to beautiful coasts, remote villages and sea cliffs. For a city with a reputation for skyscrapers and dense urban living, it is quite a contrast. In the morning you have breakfast at your hotel, and by lunch you can be picnicking on a white sandy beach with hardly anyone around (except for the occasional water buffalo or monkey). There is something incredibly unique about being able to escape the urban jungle and return to the city in time for cocktails at the hotel bar.

Since it is hard to experience everything that the Hong Kong outdoors has to offer, the best way for visitors to see the land is through the territory’s superb hiking trails, many of which are easy for even the first-time visitor to find and follow. Most hikes are part of Hong Kong’s main footpaths: the 50-kilometre Hong Kong Trail from Victoria Peak to Big Wave Bay on Hong Kong Island, the 70-kilometre Lantau Trail on Lantau Island, the 78-kilometre Wilson Trail from Stanley to the New Territories, and the 100-kilometre MacLehose Trail from Sai Kung to Tuen Mun in the New Territories.

The not so athletically-inclined visitors may be asking, why hike in Hong Kong? Well, it’s beautiful, it’s relaxing, it’s cheap, and it’s a great way to walk off all that famous Hong Kong dim sum. Try one of these trails to see the other side of the city.

The Peak Trail

Length: 3.5km
Time: 45min (15min travel time from Central)
Level: Easy

One of the easiest and most quintessential hikes in Hong Kong is the Peak Trail. Almost every visitor to Hong Kong visits Victoria Peak, but many do not know that there is a circular trail that wraps around the rim of the Peak and gives 360-degree views of Hong Kong Island. The shaded trail is nice and even, covered by pavement and well signposted the entire way. What makes the path stand out is that it highlights the contrasts of Hong Kong; at some points, it looks over the skyscrapers in Central, while at other points it offers views over the island’s quiet and tranquil south side, which is dotted with bays and beaches.

Reach the trail by taking the Peak Tram up the mountain from the Peak Tram Station in Central. The ride up the steep funicular railway is an adventure in itself. Once you reach the top, exit the tram terminus and turn right. You will come to an intersection with, on the left, The Peak Lookout restaurant, which has a red roof, and Lugard Roard to the right. Continue on to Lugard Road and the road becomes a path, first passing an Indian rubber tree with impressive aerial buttressing roots and then a waterfall underneath a canopy of trees. Further on, the trees give way to openings with sweeping views of the city and harbour, and below that is a view you have to see to believe. When Lugard Road intersects with Harlech Road, veer on to Harlech Road to continue on the path back to The Peak Tower where you began.

The Peak to Aberdeen Trail

Length: 13km
Time: 4hours (15min travel time from Central)
Level: Moderate

The Peak to Aberdeen trail encompasses Stages 1 and 2 of the Hong Kong Trail, and is known for its views of the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir and Aberdeen’s floating fishing village. Follow the Peak Trail (see previous page) until Lugard Road meets Harlech Road. Instead of continuing on Harlech Road, take the path down towards Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road. The path is well marked with directions and information on local history and plants.

At the bottom of the path, Stage 2 of the Hong Kong Trail begins by following the signs for Peel Rise up some lengthy steps. The steps lead to another paved path which later turns into a smaller paved trail where you catch the first glance of Aberdeen. Continue to follow the signs as the trail becomes narrower along the side of a hill. These are the views of Aberdeen and the fishing village below that most visitors do not get to see. The trail ends after crossing a dam and taking a flight of steps down to Aberdeen, where you can take a taxi or CityBus number 7 to take you back to the Central Ferry Piers.

Dragon’s Back Trail from Shek O to Big Wave Bay

Length: 8.5km
Time: 3hours (40min travel time from Central)
Level: Challenging

The Dragon’s Back Trail, also known as Stage 8 of the Hong Kong Trail, is famous among outdoor adventurers. The trail’s name comes from the up-and-down terrain that is said to resemble the back of a dragon. Selected by Time Asia as the best urban hiking trail in 2004, it does not disappoint as an escape on the fringe of the city. The trail has it all: turquoise waters, curvaceous coastlines, lush greenery, rocky boulders, and ragged hills. It is a must for anyone seeking a hike worth remembering in Hong Kong.

To reach the beginning of the route from Central, take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan Station. From here, take bus number 9 to the To Tei Wan bus stop on Shek O Road. The trail begins next to the To Tei Wan pavilion.

Now it’s time for the real journey. Start climbing the last leg of the Hong Kong Trail through bamboo shoots and trees. As the land rises, the views below to Shek O, the golf course, Tai Tam Bay and Waglan Island are astonishing. The ridge top portion of the trail is windswept and, as a result, very popular with paragliders. After the demanding hike up, the trail starts to turn down to the calmer area around Mount Collinson, marked by flowing streams and green hillsides. Have a rest at the Pottinger Gap gazebo and follow the signs down to Big Wave Bay, a beach area known for its surf and the end of Hong Kong Trail.

For the return journey, walk along Big Wave Road for 15 minutes to Shek O to catch bus number 9 on Shek O Road, and reverse the route to Central.

Safety First

What to bring on the trails:

• Trail maps
• Sunscreen
• Lots of water
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Hat
• Insect repellent
• Mobile phone

For more information, visit these websites:

http://discoverhongkong.com/eng/attractions/green.html
www.hkwalkers.net
www.hkoutdoors.com
www.hiking-hong-kong.com