The Best Weekend Getaways in Hong Kong
Categories: Hong Kong, Lifestyle, Travel | Published on December 05, 2012
A flurry of bright colours across a chilly Victoria Harbour can only mean that Hong Kong is ready again for Christmas. Tourists and locals flock to the very best harbourside photograph spots, join the biggest parties and celebrate along the busiest streets in the world.
Occasionally though, a break somewhere quiet and remote calls out to the wanderlust in us all, and our ‘Fragrant Harbour’ has one or two surprises to offer. Discerning travellers or adventurous locals who tire of shopping on turbulent high streets are invited to explore some of these surprises in our guide to Hong Kong’s Best Weekend Getaways. We’ll outline places to visit, activities to enjoy and things to see whether you have a couple of hours free, or a long weekend away.
Country Camping
Glittering lights and smoggy skylines are the images usually summoned when thinking about Hong Kong, but the rural countryside is often overlooked. A substantial 42 percent of Hong Kong’s land is inside Country Park borders or specially protected areas where keen hikers and eager campers are free to ramble on.
The 25th Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Murray MacLehose, had a 100 kilometre trail named after him which is the scene of an annual fundraiser race (Oxfam Trailwalker) from Pak Tam Chung to Tuen Mun. If running the 100 km does not appeal, don’t worry, the trail is divided into stages which are regularly tackled by casual hikers. Stages vary in degrees of difficulty so trying 1 or 2 at a time can be a great way to spend the day, and several of the routes end at large clearings or empty beaches. These spaces are great spots to set up a tent for the evening, and many campsites will have shops or stalls where you can re-stock on drinks and snacks.
There are numerous trails and campsites scattered around the twenty four Country Parks, but here are some locations better suited for groups of friends or families:
Plover Cove – About 5 km away from Plover Cove Reservoir is Bride’s Pool; a nature trail that features cascading waterfalls and a woodside pool. Continue further into the country park to find Tung Ping Chau, and pitch a tent up for a starry night.
Pak Tam Chung to Long Ke Wan – This walk can take about 3 hours in one direction, but you are rewarded with a stunning vista of green and blue all along High Island Reservoir. The relatively flat walk ends at a pristine beach and a campsite. (If you are short for time, take a taxi from Pak Tam Chung to the High Island Dam, and the beach is about a 20 minute hike downhill.)
Twisk Campsite – Easily accessible by car or bus, this campsite makes our Guide because it is central to a number of trails. Situated in Tai Lam Country Park and right next to Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s highest peak, the campsite works as a base to explore the surrounding countryside. The MacLehose Trail runs directly past the middle of the site and experienced hikers can attempt to climb the 957m summit, while laidback campers explore the ‘Twisk Nature Trail’ and the ‘Kap Lung Forest Trail’ for a more tranquil experience.
Heritage and Nature Trails are fantastic ways to involve even the youngest members of the family. The slower pace allows strollers to soak in the tradition and ancient rhythms of Hong Kong. Most of these trails have a focus, and a goal during the walk lends an added purpose. Here are a few to explore:
Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail – This government funded trail takes walkers through the ‘Five Wais’, or five walled villages of Fanling. Starting in Siu Hang Tsuen, the trail heads south, passing each of the walled villages and a Tin Hau Temple.
Hung Mui Kuk Nature Trail – Starting at the entrance of Lion Rock Country Park, the Hung Mui Kuk path carries on for 1.3 km with panoramic views of Sha Tin, until ending near Amah Rock, one of Hong Kong’s famous countryside landmarks.
Pineapple Dam Nature Trail – Located in Shing Mun Country Park, this trail should take less than an hour over a 0.8 km distance. The path runs along a reservoir which provides wonderful scenery, and ends at Pineapple Dam; named so because of the prevalent pineapple fields during the area’s history. The forest trail features numerous types of trees including the Chinese Banyan, and there is chance you may stumble across some wild coffee.
Depending on the season, weather conditions can make it difficult to bring very young children on long walks, as temperatures can reach above 35°C in the day and drop well below 10 °C in the evening. The cool breeze and lower humidity however makes winter walks much more pleasant than journeys during the summer, as you are rewarded with crisp air, crystal skies, and a feeling that you understand Hong Kong just a little bit better.
Isolated Islands
Hiring a Junk for a night-time cruise inside the Harbour can provide a spectacular backdrop with a fresh perspective and some unique views. It can get chilly out on the ocean during Christmas time, so bring a jumper and your favourite hot beverages. Summer trips are hugely popular during school and university holidays, but a little luck can lead you to pristine beaches and deserted islands.
And what better way to escape the busy Hong Kong city than to escape Hong Kong itself. Of the 263 islands in and around Hong Kong, there are a few definitely worth visiting during a weekend:
Lantau Island – Getting to Lantau can be an experience in itself, with the new Ngong Ping 360 cable cars carrying passengers across the sea and over the mountains into the centre of the island. Lantau offers a number of beaches all equipped with restaurants and bars for an evening’s entertainment. Silvermine Bay Beach is easily accessible from the Mui Wo Ferry Pier, with oceanside restaurants only a walk away. (Bus 3M from Tung Chung MTR also goes to Mui Wo.) A popular afternoon destination is ‘The China Bear’, a British styled establishment with old pub grub favourites. Tong Fuk on Cheung Sha Beach is another option, and somewhat of a local favourite. Boasting over 100 guest houses, it is a popular place for BBQ parties; perfect for large gatherings or groups of families.
Lamma Island – Lamma Island also has several popular beaches with restaurants, cafes and bars to cater for hungry visitors. Anyone travelling to Lamma will probably be looking for somewhere a little more remote though, and Tung O Beach in Shek Pai Wan has the best chance of being totally deserted. Apart from one pier, sand and rocks are the only thing you’ll be exploring on this side of the island; perfect for people looking forward to a restful reprieve.
Cheung Chau Island – Cheung Chau has a surprising amount to offer for such a small island. Stretching down the east coast is Tung Wan Beach with its various restaurants and cafes facing the water. Situated around the middle of the island is a market to browse, selling local items from traditional tea to weird and wonderful dried seafood. If the occasion calls for a little luxury, an anniversary or special weekend, book a room at the Warwick Hotel. Rates start from HK$1290 a night but an upgrade from guest houses can be worthwhile now and again. For an extra special evening, somewhere hidden and undisturbed, keep reading.
Romantic Rendezvous
Routes and walks that lead to secluded spots are all over Hong Kong. When walking in the countryside, bring a tent if the trip back will take too long, and maybe pack a themed picnic.Take a late night harbour stroll from Hung Hom to Tsim Sha Tsui and enjoy the city lights and cool sea breeze. Wait till after midnight, (it’s usually very crowded otherwise) and take a car to the top of Kowloon Peak. Otherwise known as ‘Fei Ngo Shan’, the summit boasts arguably the finest 360 degree view of Hong Kong. The foggy, narrow, winding road up to the top sets an atmosphere of almost complete solitude, and ends with a dazzling display of the entire city at night.
There’s nothing quite like indulgence if you do it the Hong Kong way. Chalk up the money and bring your significant other to one of the Luxury Hotels along the iconic waterfront. Stay for a night and visit some of best restaurants in the world:
The Four Seasons – Rooms start at around HKD$5000 a night, and dinner at the three Michelin Star Caprice is the perfect way to conclude a weekend of luxury.
The Peninsula – Rooms start at similar prices to the Four Seasons, but a romantic evening with Gaddi’s finest French cuisine is guaranteed to leave an impression.
Amorous anonymity can only be achieved by completely avoiding everybody else you know, so don’t be afraid to take drastic measures. Get on a ferry to Macau and leaving Hong Kong altogether! Technically, this shouldn’t count under ‘Best Weekend Getaways in Hong Kong’ but it feels odd to classify Macau as a destination like Thailand or the Philippines. The various ferries from Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan can get you onto colonial Portuguese streets in less than two hours, where you will be less likely to bump into friends or co-workers (just don’t tell them you’re there!). There are hotels across the region, but choosing one will depend on the activities you are looking for; whether they be swimming in a pool, standing on the Macau Tower, or rolling some dice.
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Camping Trails
Plover Cove: A bus runs between Ting Kok Road in Tai Po and Bride’s Pool on Sundays and public holidays from October to April
Long Ke Wan: Walk from Pak Tam Chung Country Park entrance, or take a Taxi to the High Island Reservoir Dam and walk for 20 minutes.
Twisk: Bus 51 from Nina Tower or Tsuen Wan MTR station. Walk for 5 minutes to Tai Mo Shan Country Park
Heritage and Nature Trails
Lung Yeuk Tau: Green Minibus 56C from Fanling MTR Station to Siu Hang Tsuen
Hung Mui Kuk: Entrance of Lion Rock Country Park. 88M Bus from Kowloon Tong MTR
Pineapple Dam Nature Trail: Shing Mun Country Park. Bus 40X, 46X, 47X, 73X or 278X from Tsuen Wan to Wo Yi Hop road.
Outlying Islands
Lantau Island: Cable Car from Tung Chung MTR or Ferry from Central Pier 6
Lamma Island: Ferry from Central Pier 4
Cheung Chau Island: Ferry from Central Pier 5
Macau Ferry Pier: Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan