Situated on the southern coast of China, Hong Kong is a vibrant metropolis known for its stunning skyline, rich culture, and unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. The city is located on the northern edge of the South China Sea and encompasses Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, and more than 250 smaller islands, covering a total area of 1,104 square kilometers. Bounded by the sea and steep hills, the geographical features of Hong Kong create a natural harbor that offers beautiful panoramic views. Hong Kong enjoys a subtropical climate with four distinctive seasons, characterized by hot and humid summers, cool and dry winters, rain, and typhoon threats from May to October. With great topographical contrast, a land with flat lowlands and steep hills is home to co-existing modern architecture and rural villages.
Hong Kong’s population of around 7.4 million people makes it one of the world’s most densely populated places. The predominant ethnicity is Han Chinese, but over 70 other ethnic minorities and expatriates from different countries can be found here. Chinese and English are the official languages, making Hong Kong one of the first bilingual cities in the world. Hong Kong is known for its high literacy rate and world-class educational system. Expatriates from all walks of life are welcome, making it easy for them to settle in the city. The city follows both Chinese and Western social customs and traditions, providing a pleasing and peaceful living environment.
Geographical and Cultural Overview
Hong Kong, located on the southern coast of China at the Pearl River Estuary, is a vibrant city where East meets West. This Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, with a population of more than 7.5 million people, is one of the most economically dynamic regions in Asia. Its geographical landscape consists of over 260 islands, with Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories being the three primary land masses. A largely mountainous territory with elevations exceeding 950 metres, Hong Kong boasts a remarkable open and dense urban area set against a backdrop of spectacular views of the sea and hills. Its renowned Victoria Harbour is an internationally recognised asset. The convenient transport network of tunnels and bridges provides easy access between the islands and the town of Kowloon across the Harbour.
Hong Kong is a vibrant metropolis with a highly urbanised environment where people share the same culture and lifestyle. It was founded upon Chinese culture, and later significantly influenced by British colonisation, creating a unique blend of Eastern and Western backgrounds. Hong Kong residents today are mostly Cantonese, and the majority speaks Cantonese, a Chinese dialect, in lively street markets and tea houses. At the same time, most locals understand English and live in an expatriate-friendly lifestyle, completing the cosmopolitan character of this vibrant city. This intricate interaction between the two civilizations has thus become a distinctive lifestyle across the city, for both residents and visitors.
Planning Your Trip
Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated and vibrant cities in the world. A true melting pot of Eastern and Western influences, Hong Kong is a bustling metropolis that offers visitors an intoxicating mix of old-world charm and modernity. If you’re planning a trip to this amazing destination, you’ll need to make some preparations ahead of time. Below are some tips to help you get started.
The first step in planning your trip is to check if you need a visa to enter Hong Kong. Many nationalities do not require a visa for stays of 14-90 days, depending on citizenship. Check the Hong Kong SAR Government Immigration Department website for information specific to your nationality. Citizens of the US, Canada, EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and most Southeast Asian countries generally do not require a visa. Note that those with a D visa or who want to work in Hong Kong must obtain an employment visa before travel.
Hong Kong experiences four distinct seasons, making it more appealing to visit in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). The weather during these times is relatively cool and comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer months are hot (32-34°C) with high humidity, while winters are mild (15-20°C), though colder for those not accustomed to it. Typhoon season occurs mostly from May to November; if a storm warning is issued, visitors should remain indoors and stay updated through local weather reports.
Packing for a trip to Hong Kong depends largely on the season. In summer, lightweight clothes, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential due to the heat and humidity. June to August is monsoon season, so bringing a waterproof jacket and quick-drying clothes is advisable. In winter, visitors can get by with layers and a light jacket, as the temperature hardly drops below 10°C. For outdoor activities such as hiking, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, breathable clothes, and bring ample water. A camera is also essential for capturing the breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Visa Requirements and Entry Regulations
Hong Kong, officially known as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, is a popular tourist destination and a vibrant melting pot of cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. It is home to picturesque skylines, bustling street markets, tranquil temples, and stunning hiking trails. In addition to that, it has the world’s highest living density and is regarded as a global financial and business hub. Travelers intending to visit this cosmopolitan city for business or pleasure must navigate visa requirements and entry regulations.
Visa Requirements: Most visitors to Hong Kong are allowed to stay in the city visa-free for up to 14, 30, or 90 days for tourism or business, depending on their nationality. Visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European countries can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. However, nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, Macau, North Korea, Nepal, and some African countries require a visa for entry. Moreover, all visitors must also possess a valid passport (or travel document) with a minimum of six months of validity remaining, along with a confirmed onward journey. Any traveler intending to work in Hong Kong, or study or work in any other capacity, must apply for an appropriate visa before arrival.
To assess whether they require a visa for entry and what documentation they need to obtain it, tourists can refer to the official website of the Hong Kong Immigration Department for further information on the different categories of visas.
Entry Regulations: Travelers must clear the Arrival Hall and go through a customs inspection to enter Hong Kong. The customs examination can be performed only at designated channels and areas upon entering or leaving Hong Kong. Personal belongings, dutiable commodities, controlled items, and prohibited items are subject to inspection at customs. Visitors must declare in writing to the customs if they are carrying anything that requires a declaration.
Best Time to Visit
Choosing the best time to visit Hong Kong depends largely on personal preferences as the allure of this vibrant city is difficult to resist, no matter the season. Hong Kong experiences four distinct seasons: a short, hot summer from May to September; a pleasant autumn from October to December; a cool and dry winter from January to March; and a warm, wet spring from April to mid-May. Among these seasons, winter is a good time for travel. The sunshine is lovely, and the humidity is low. In addition to the comfortable weather, Christmas decorations and local festivals deliver unique charm to the city. Nevertheless, prices are slightly higher during public holidays. Therefore, to save the travel budget, plan your visit during the months before and after peak seasons.
The official language of Hong Kong is Chinese (Cantonese dialect), whereas English is widely used in commercial areas, hotels, and tourist attractions. Travelers can easily get help in English. Currency conversion is necessary before visiting. The local currency is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), which can be easily converted into Chinese Yuan (CNY) at international airports, banks, and hotels around the city. Ensure the safety of money and valuable objects, such as locking them in drawers or safes, and avoiding carrying huge amounts while out. Keeping a photocopy of the important documents in a safe place is recommended. To catch up with friends and family members, purchase a SIM card after arrival. The most suitable type varies, depending on the travel duration and purposes. There are two types commonly available: prepaid SIM cards and postpaid SIM cards, both of which are attached to the phone. For short trips, prepaid SIM cards are best, since they do not require a credit check and lasting contracts. If you plan a long trip or wish to make a call overseas, consider postpaid SIM cards, as they greatly reduce calling costs.
Packing Essentials
Packing essentials. Covering essentials for a trip to any city is extremely vital for a hassle-free trip. This section will cover important topics like currency, documents, clothing, beautification products and medicines, and food and water, in order to ensure the trip is as painless as possible.
Currency. The currency used in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD). Currency exchange services are available at banks, airports, and official exchange outlets in the city. ATMs are another option. It’s best that one changes dollars to HKD, instead of keeping it in dollars to avoid incurring extra fees. Carrying cash is important since some places do not accept credit cards. A small sum should be set aside for miscellaneous expenses like transportation and tips. For long-term trips, it’s better to open an account with a local bank instead of carrying large amounts of cash since theft can happen even in the safest areas. Most shops in the city accept Visa and Master cards. Credit cards from other suppliers like JCB and AMEX can be used in a few stores only. Ensure to inform the credit card company beforehand about your trip to avoid card deactivation.
Essential Documents. The passport, which is valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay date, is the most important document for travelling. 38 countries do not require a visa. It is better to check visa upgrade options if initial entry does not permit a longer stay. Similarly, for travelling to China, one should check with a travel agency as this requires additional paperwork. Dedicated travel insurance, which includes medical costs, is also a good idea. Emergency phone numbers, friends or family contacts, and travel agency contacts should also be kept on paper, phone and email, in case of theft. A photocopy of the passport should also be kept in a safe place and refraining from sending copies via email is advisable.
Clothing. The weather in Hong Kong is tropical and humid near the south coast of China. There are four seasonal distinctions, with the hottest period from July to August. It is best to receive a weather report from a local source before travelling. However, it is better to pack lightly layered clothing that allows easy movement, breathable shirts, dresses, skirts, shorts, and comfortable sneakers. Avoid wearing anything too revealing. Bring a light jacket or sweater even in summer for AC air-conditioned shops.
Beautification Items. Due to the hot weather, it is advisable to carry sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, sunglasses, moisturizers, and lip care. Women should carry basic makeup items to avoid a tired or haggard look. For hair, it is best to opt for a ponytail or updo since the humidity can frizz out hair. Essential oils can be sprayed onto hair or on the neck and wrist to keep the sweat smell away.
Medicines. It is wise to bring along prescription medicines like birth control pills. Additionally, headache pills, band-aids, cotton, an antiseptic solution, an eye drop for contact lens wearers, and anti-allergy pills are important. Both Tylenol and Panadol are available at local pharmacies.
Food and Water. The best way to avoid stomach disorders is to drink bottled water only. Bottled water is widely available in minimarts and supermarkets. Opt for the non-carbonated version and take note of the expiry dates. Unpackaged foods should be avoided as much as possible. Avoid street food since most locals do not even eat it.
Getting to Hong Kong
This section will focus on the journey to Hong Kong, exploring how to fly there, what kind of airport it has, and how to get around the city once you’ve landed. Hong Kong is served by two airports: Hong Kong International Airport on Lantau Island (close to Tung Chung) and the smaller Shek Kong Airport, which is mainly used by military and chartered flights. The vast majority of international flights arrive at Hong Kong International Airport, also known as Chek Lap Kok Airport (Kathleen Couture et al., 2011).
The airport is accessible by train (flying at ground level), bus ride, taxi, and ferry. In planning the trip, the method of how to fly into Hong Kong is an essential factor. Many international airlines service the airport, so it is easy to find a flight. Make sure to check out the details on the local Hong Kong airport. More information about what to expect at Hong Kong’s airport can be helpful as well. Transporting from the airport into the city depends on many factors as well, including the time of day and the method of transport being used; different considerations apply. There are further transport details to amuse curiosity when travelling around the free city: typical fares and look-ahead to travel tips. The latter will be briefly discussed.
Flights and Airports
Located on the southeast coast of China, Hong Kong is easily accessible by air, land, and sea from all over the world. At the heart of the city’s transport network, Hong Kong International Airport is the main gateway into the region.
The airport is located on Lantau Island about 40 km from the city centre and is directly served by the Airport Express link, which takes 24 minutes from Hong Kong Station. This ultra-modern facility is built on an island with extensive runways, taxiways, and aprons. It is also home to the world’s largest passenger terminal building, a whopping 570,000 square meters, and an extensive shopping mall. A wealth of services is available for the commuter, from restaurants and shops to spas and charging stations.
With over 130 airlines providing services to and from more than 220 destinations, the airport is one of the busiest in the world, managing over 64 million passengers, 4,000 flights, and 4 million tonnes of freight a year. The airport is bathed in natural light courtesy of glass panels in the roof, and an automated High-Intensity Runway Operations (HIRO) system helps avoid delays and improve safety.
Hong Kong International Airport does not have an airport bus terminal. However, there are several bus routes connecting the airport terminal with nearby towns and urban areas. Hong Kong’s city bus operator, The Kowloon Motor Bus Co. (1933) Ltd. or KMB, operates bus service to Tsuen Wan, Kwai Chung, Tsing Yi, Tung Chung, and Lantau Island. Chinese New Year bus services are provided for KMB routes A41 and A43, which run to Lantau Island. Long-distance bus services headed for Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Macau are provided by different companies at the airport bus terminal. Passengers from the Macau, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou regions can purchase bus and ferry tickets with free short-distance bus transfers to the ferry terminals. There are also passenger rail services linking the airport and its freighter hub.
Transportation within the City
The MTR (Mass Transit Railway), bus systems, and ferries provide comprehensive coverage and efficient transportation throughout Hong Kong. The island is well connected by the MTR subway system with over 153 miles of railroad and over 100 stations with public transit connections at every station. The MTR provides a service that can minimize the number of transfers required to complete any trip, resulting in the need for little independent route navigation. Although the MTR system is reliable and relatively easy to use, there are many attractions not reached by the MTR, and buses may be more convenient (Wayne Tennant et al., 2008). However, bus systems in Hong Kong are complex with 134 different routes and information that is not always straightforward. Routes are branded by color, but buses of each color will interchangeably serve multiple routes. Buses non-MTR connections typically require another mode of public transits to complete the journey (Kathleen Couture et al., 2011). The majority of ferry routes operate between pier serviced by other forms of transportation. Wan Chai to Central ferries, for instance run a service parallel to the MTR line that connects those two locations. The need to choose between modes of transportation makes navigating ferry routes more complex. Free bus connections provide easy access between ferry terminals and major elsewhere in the city. All bus, MTR, ferry, and tram stops are marked with a name, but names vary widely from the English system in place in Hong Kong and cannot be promptly associated to locations on the map.
Accommodation Options
Travelling to Hong Kong is not only a great experience but also requires proper planning. One of the very important aspects to plan is accommodation. Hong Kong offers a massive range of accommodation options with great diversity. A significant choice of hotels and hostels are provided here, as well as alternative choices such as guesthouses, short-term rentals, serviced apartments, co-living spaces, and youth hostels.
Going to the preferred website section, anybody can use the sophisticated filter to find the right place among thousands of hotels ranging from modest inns to luxurious international high-end chains. On average, hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi, free breakfast, free phone calls to selected destinations, and free use of computer and printer facilities. One common type of accommodation in Hong Kong is the hotels located in several districts on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. There are five-star, four-star, three-star international hotels, and local chains. In Lantau Island, there are also hotels located near the Hong Kong Disneyland, Ngong Ping, and Airport. Besides enjoying Disney’s offerings, guests can also appreciate the beauty of the Ngong Ping plateau and the Big Buddha. Located near the Airport, the Regal Airport Hotel offers airport transfer service round the clock. The hotel with a wide range of amenities is ideal for travellers who want to stay near the Airport. In the outlying islands, there are hotels located in Lamma Island, Lantau Island, Peng Chau, Cheung Chau, and Tap Mun, which is good alternative accommodation for eco-tourists looking for tranquility.
Hostels are another popular type of accommodation in Hong Kong with various choices, rates, and facilities – some even offer dorms for short-time stays exclusively for ladies. Many of them are well-located in the main tourist areas of Tsim Sha Tsui, Mongkok, Wan Chai, Central, and Causeway Bay. Hong Kong also has good-quality and cheap youth hostels run by the Hong Kong Youth Hostels Association (HKYHA). Travellers may check their website for information on its locations, rates, and facilities. Some other recommended hostels include Homy Hostel, Rainbow Lodge, Jockey Club Mt. Davis Youth Hostel, and YMCA Hostel. Throughout Hong Kong, somewhat more than 100 hostels are accredited by HKYHA, of which 20 offer beds at under $200 a night. Wi-Fi service is available at some youth hostels for free, while at others, a nominal charge is made. Access to view websites is not blocked in any of the youth hostels, and access to sites dedicated to gambling, alcohol, or sex is also not denied.
Hotels and Hostels
Hong Kong has a range of accommodation options, from hotels to hostels. The hotel options suit different budgets, from luxury 5-star hotels to budget 1-to-2-star hotels, which are more like inns or small guesthouses. These smaller hotels, typically run by families, are called “pensions” or “guesthouses” and are generally affordable. Most of them are located in the Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok areas, but some are in Yau Ma Tei, Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, and Sheung Wan. Hotels and inns are usually categorized based on the building type. The 5-star hotels listed are large hotels, usually over 500 rooms, and located in huge buildings with extensive hotel facilities and services like health clubs, swimming pools, and restaurants. The 4-star hotels are often smaller than 5-star hotels, usually less than 500 rooms, and some of them do not have large on-site restaurants or extensive hotel facilities. The 1-to-3-star hotels are usually family-run small guesthouses or inns. Going for hotels and inns in the same category means the accommodation standard is similar in terms of facilities, and budget tourists are recommended to stay at hostels, guesthouses, or 1-to-3-star hotels. These hotels with a lower star rating are less regulated than larger hotels with a higher star rating, either having fewer facilities or being more dubious.
Most hostels are located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, and Central/Wan Chai areas, although some are in other districts. The most common 1-to-3-star accommodation available in Hong Kong is hostels, and they have dormitory-type rooms or bunk beds with common bathrooms, toilets, and sometimes kitchens shared with others. Hostels can either be private or run by organizations like the YHA. Private hostels not affiliated with any organization suffered a large crackdown starting in June 2009. The independent private hostels listed are ones still in operation. Most hostels in Hong Kong have basic facilities, and the shared bathrooms tend to be very basic with flimsy separating walls. But they remain popular with budget tourists who cannot afford the more expensive hotels.
Exploring Hong Kong
Hong Kong, the vibrant metropolis known for its impressive skyline, rich history, and unique blend of East and West, has much to offer visitors. This section highlights major attractions, local dining experiences, and outdoor activities that help you experience the best of the city.
Hong Kong is a city with a wealth of attractions, from iconic landmarks to cultural experiences. One of the must-see spots is Victoria Peak, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s skyline, harbor, and surrounding islands. To reach the top, take the Peak Tram, a funicular railway that has been in operation since 1888. Another landmark that symbolizes Hong Kong is the International Commerce Centre (ICC), which houses the Sky100 observation deck on the 100th floor. In addition, Temple Street Night Market is a popular spot for shopping, dining, and street performances after sunset. For a taste of traditional culture, Wong Tai Sin Temple, dedicated to the famous monk who could supposedly predict the future, is worth a visit.
No trip to Hong Kong is complete without trying its world-famous cuisine. Locals often say that one must have dim sum and milk tea when in Hong Kong. Dim sum, a style of Cantonese cuisine with a variety of small servings of dishes cooked in different ways, is best enjoyed at a tea restaurant before noon. A Hong Kong-style café, or cha chaan teng, is an inexpensive and relaxing place to have breakfast. Milk tea, made by mixing robust black tea with evaporated milk, is a must-try drink. Although dim sum is available at most restaurants, Lin Heung Tea House, famous for its traditional setting and trolley carts serving a selection of dishes, is a local favorite. For lunch in a cha chaan teng, visit Australia Dairy Company, highly praised for its breakfast set with silky scrambled eggs and toast.
Hong Kong is often imagined as a jungle of concrete and glass. However, hidden behind skyscrapers lies another side filled with enticing natural wonders—hiking trails, beautiful beaches, countryside, and islands. As one of the best cities for hiking, the city boasts more than 300 designated trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. Dragon’s Back, named one of the best urban hikes in Asia, is an easy trail that takes just two to four hours. For beach lovers, Hong Kong has about 36 beaches along the coastline of two marine parks. Repulse Bay Beach and Clearwater Bay Beach are the better-known options, while Half Moon Bay Beach is a secluded escape from the crowd.
For those who enjoy peace amidst the urban hustle, Hong Kong Park is an oasis with 8.4 hectares of greenery in the city center. With waterfalls, ponds, glass greenhouses, and a café, it is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll. Besides the park, The Peak offers visitors the chance to flee the hustle and bustle of city life. A walk along the Peak Circular Walk will take you around 3.5 km and bewitch you with stunning views of Hong Kong.
Motor paragliding is another popular way to discover Hong Kong from above. Known as paramotoring, it is simple and easy to pick up, and the cruiser is highly stable with gentle take-offs and landings. The journey is a true out-of-this-world experience.
Must-See Attractions
The Hong Kong special administrative region (HKSAR) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is situated on the southeast coast of China and was once a British colony. It has a total area of approximately 1,106 km2. At the western shores of the Hong Kong island is Victoria Harbour, which is one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours. Over 300 islands, including Lantau Island where Hong Kong’s international airport is located, make up the entire region. Hong Kong is famous for its architecture, dense population, shopping and restaurants, nightlife, and seasonal weather.
With history dating back to 1841, there are many famous landmarks in Hong Kong related to the British colonial period and the 1997 handover to the PRC. The Peak is the region’s highest hill and provides great panoramic views of the city and Hong Kong Island. It can be easily accessed via an iconic tram ride. Kowloon is a part of Hong Kong that includes a strip of culturally rich neighbourhoods with a huge open market. Mong Kok, a neighbourhood of Kowloon, has been noted as “the most crowded place on earth.” The Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront promenade is regarded as the best place to experience the views of the city’s skyline. The promenade is well serviced by three mass transit railway stations and is easy to navigate around (Wayne Tennant et al., 2008).
Local Cuisine and Dining Experiences
Rich in culinary traditions, Hong Kong boasts a vibrant food scene with an astonishing variety of dining options. One must-try dish is the egg tart, often enjoyed with a cup of milk tea. Available in bakeries across the city, these tart delicacies come with a smooth custard filling encased in a flaky pastry. Another recommended treat is the Hong Kong-style French toast, a fusion of Asian and Western influences. This dish is made by soaking bread in egg batter, pan-frying it, and serving with syrup or butter. Asian flavors abound, with dim sum being a quintessential experience. Available mostly in tea houses, dim sum consists of small steamed dishes served with tea. Of course, it is not a visit to Hong Kong without trying out the sweet and fluffy pineapple bun right out of the oven with a layer of crispy crust on top followed by a warm and soft bun underneath.
All the culinary delights could easily be indulged in without breaking the bank, as many of the food stalls and restaurants listed above are quite affordable. However, for those with a surplus budget, several fine dining experiences dotted throughout the city should not be missed. The celebration of fine French cuisine at Caprice, for instance, has secured three prestigious Michelin stars since 2010 with its sophisticated rustic decor, ballad music accompaniment, and French chef force. Caprice offers an exquisite voyage through the senses with its menu featuring truffles, matured beef, and lobster, artfully paired with the finest wines from Europe. Other extraordinary venues for food appreciation include the glamorous five-floor establishment, Aqua, perched over the waterfront of Victoria Harbour, boasting stunning views of the city skyline, and The Chairman, a local icon of Chinese restaurants blessed with two Michelin stars and a refreshingly delicate take on traditional Cantonese flavors that uses quality seafood sourced from a local fish farm just hours away from the kitchen.
Dining in Hong Kong is more than just savoring its excessively sumptuous food but should also entail indulging in its unique and exotic ambiance brought by the decor, architecture, arrangements, site selection, and setting of such restaurants, bakeries, and food stalls, all of which are often visually enthralling and deserve to be photographed. The unique venue Mongkok, for instance, combines the bustle of cultural local markets with the more traditional eateries and food stalls. The Temple Street Night Market, on the other hand, offers a different vibe as evening sets on the temple of Tin Hau with the glow of red lanterns illuminating the food stalls hovering beside the incense-laden three-tiered granite shrine of the temple.
Outdoor Activities and Nature Exploration
Discover the breathtaking side of Hong Kong with a myriad of outdoor activities beyond bustling city life. Hike along stunning trails, fern-clad hills, historic paths, or coastal escapes to explore Hong Kong’s diverse landscape. The famed Dragon’s Back hike offers panoramic ocean views or opt for the more arduous MacLehose Trail, stretching 100km over beaches, mountains, and vibrant villages. Join hikes arranged by local hostels, interact with fellow adventurers, enjoy BBQs, bonfires, or simply share climbing lessons while overlooking perfect sunsets. A must-try adventure is the inflatable kayak tour around the picturesque Sai Kung peninsula. Follow local guides through vibrant blue waters, lush rock coves, and misty cliffs dotted with ancient cliffs. Kayak to secluded islands for swimming, snorkeling, and an unforgettable BBQ amid the mesmerizing scenery.
Discover the contrasting side of Hong Kong beyond the concrete jungles: preposterous markets, luxurious shopping malls, and endlessly powerful crowds. The most stunning and spectacular part of HK lies outside the city life: an unseen emerald side of majestic untouched hills and coasts. Being an island, Hong Kong especially has many beautiful hiking trails, not to mention the extensive views of over one hundred other islands around Hong Kong. Most of them are uninhabited and deserted, and some can only be reached by swimming. This means all kinds of hikes, from fern-clad hills, long historic paths unnoticed, or beautiful coastal escapes on sparkling clear blue waters, postcard-style hued beaches on white sands, and giant granite rocks shaded by Macau with accidentally fallen house-sized rocks.
The urban Dragon’s Back hike in the famous Hong Kong Lonely Planet book is one of the prettiest hikes in the world. It climbs a high ridge on the southern beaches of Hong Kong, offering spectacular views over beaches from the top, rolling hills stretching to infinity, and the endless never-sleeping Victoria’s Harbor shining in the distance. Or opt for the more time-consuming and challenging MacLehose Trail, stretching over 100km across most parts of the New Territories, offering the most beautiful hike trails of Hong Kong over beaches, mountains, through lush forests, and many small lively villages with historical old houses. The best service ever offered is overnight hiking arranged by hostels, where kind local people show the way through beauty, while interacting and having fun with many fellow travelers. Enjoy BBQs, bonfires, or just chilling, sharing climbing lessons, how to make fire, or drinking the local fruit wine while enjoying the perfect sunset view and falling asleep to sounds of waves and wailing monkeys in the jungle. Simply unforgettable!
A must-try adventure if any is the inflatable kayak tour around the beautiful Sai Kung peninsula on the east side of the New Territories. Join a daily tour offered by some companies in Hong Kong with local guides. They arrange everything, taking care of tourists while spending just a few bucks. The tour starts with an overnight minibus ride to the far east part of Hong Kong, where civilization dies: huge granite hills and fog-hugged cliffs with raging waves cast shadows and colors on huge rocks while exciting to greater depths, creating beautiful rock coves. All in a burst of a clear sapphire port. Following a breakfast in a local village with the freshest fish ever, tourists leave to sea aboard flaming orange kayaks, rushing towards the waves rising against the cliffs in the best local descent ever. Following guides, enter carved coves, where waves slosh against rocky walls ringing like little waterfalls. Kayaks dive through channel holes, eaves, and caves, far inside opaque emerald coves. The naive beauty of this strong side, unknown oblivions of slow changes under time, is fascinating and soul-capturing. Drifting, exploring nature, and feeling the adrenaline are all vividly new experiences with vibrant recollections. Each passing moment requires prolongation and unwillingness to escape before getting tired of the beauty laid bare.