Mountains, Islands, and Deserted Beaches: Travel Hong Kong Like an Explorer 

Looking for an under-explored adventure hub not too far from Australia? Hong Kong should be in your sights. And here’s your guide to seeing it like a local Explorer.

Mountains as far as the eye can see, remote hiking trails with spectacular views, pristine beaches dotted along the coast, and hundreds of islands to explore – Hong Kong is an unsuspecting Explorer’s playground.

While most tourists visit Hong Kong for the food, shopping, and city life, I believe some of its most impressive highlights are the natural areas and adventurous activities. Hong Kong is a must-visit location for anyone seeking a variety of outdoor fun, alongside a bustling city experience, and some incredible local cuisine.

Landscapes like this were a pleasant surprise

About Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers a mixture of stunning wilderness areas and dense population centres. The major language spoken is Cantonese with a large percentage of locals also speaking Mandarin and English. The Hong Kong dollar is the currency, cash and credit are taken but cash is still the main payment method. 263 outlying islands make up Hong Kong with the largest two being Lantau Island and Hong Kong Island.

Where to Stay in Hong Kong

Hyatt Centric Hong Kong

This affordable luxury hotel is situated on the Victoria Harbour front on Hong Kong Island. It’s the perfect launch pad for both inner city and wilderness adventures with a shopping mall and countless dining options nearby. Plus it’s nice and close to MTR the Hong Kong railway, making it easy to get around to your bucket list of attractions, even if you’re short on time.

Where to Eat in Hong Kong

Hung Kee Seafood Restaurant in Sai Kung

This is a favourite among residents and visitors of the fishing village of Sai Kung and a great place to try local cuisine and exotic seafood dishes (alongside traditional dim sum and dumplings).

Hoi Fung Store in Ham Tin Village

Ham Tin is a remote beach only accessible by foot with a small village adjacent. The local residents run a small cafe for passersby that serves some of the best food I ate in Hong Kong! It’s well worth a stop, I’d recommend the ginger fried rice if you do!

Kam Fai Dim Sum Restaurant

A small street vendor in the city on Hong Kong Island, serving fresh dim sum, which is probably my favourite Cantonese dish. A must-try while in Hong Kong.

Things to Do in Hong Kong & Surrounds

• Hike Dragon’s Back on Hong Kong Island; an accessible and short hiking trail with some of the best views around
• Take the Sham Chung Kayak Tour with ‘Blue Sky Sports Club’ or the Kei Ling Ha SUP tour for coastal exploration with untouched beaches and incredible views
• Trek the MacLehose Trail; a multi-day hike spanning 105 km across Hong Kong
• Explore deserted beaches by foot, guided by ’Walk Hong Kong’; venture onto remote beaches and coastline in Sai Kung Country Park
• Find hidden waterfalls on the Ng Tung Chai Waterfall Trail; not far from the city are spectacular waterfalls shrouded by the forest

Giving Dragon’s Back a good scratch

Essential Gear for Visiting Hong Kong

• Day hiking pack for general use around the city and on trails
• Water bladder or water bottle to stay hydrated (especially if visiting in the warmer months)
• Hiking shoes suitable for varying terrain
• Camera or smartphone to capture the beauty of the region
• Multi-day hiking gear if you’re planning to walk a long-distance trail

Read more: 10 Essentials Every Day Hiker Needs

Don’t forget a pack to store it all in!

What It’s Like to Visit Hong Kong

I spent four jam-packed days exploring Hong Kong, spending most of my time outdoors and also getting to experience many aspects of the incredible culture. I was guided throughout my trip by Sidney, a local who grew up on Lantau Island and has a wealth of experience and local knowledge.

Together, we taste-tested some iconic Hong Kong dishes, ventured out of the city and into a variety of country parks for multiple hikes, and then hit the water for a whole different kind of adventure. We were also able to experience the many aspects of Hong Kong culture that make it so unique.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

The noble steed on the Sham Chung tour

Outdoor Activities in Hong Kong

Hiking

Avid hikers visiting Hong Kong will have no problems finding trails to explore. With hundreds of kilometres of walking routes, there’s a little something for everyone. The diversity and accessibility of these trails are what make them so special, you could quite literally be off the plane and hiking within 30 minutes of landing in Hong Kong.

Trail networks surround the city and there are more remote routes in Hong Kong’s many country parks dotted around the region. From coastal walking along pristine sandy beaches to mountainous ridgelines with some of the best views around, whatever hiking mood you’re in, Hong Kong has you covered.

Hong Kong also has a range of multi-day walks, the premier long-distance trail being the 105km MacLehose Trail that winds itself throughout the city and regional areas. I hiked a handful of small sections along the MacLehose, of which my favourite was within Sai Kung Country Park. ‘Walk Hong Kong’ guides groups along this section called ‘The Deserted Beaches Trail’, well worth checking out while in Hong Kong.

Read more: 4 Unmissable Hikes in Hong Kong

Water Sports

Hiking isn’t the only outdoor activity available in Hong Kong. There are plenty of ways to explore the region on the water as well. After all, Hong Kong has an unexpectedly spectacular coastline and is home to 263 individual islands and world-class beaches.

I was lucky enough to head out on both a kayak and stand-up paddleboarding tour around Sham Chung Village and Kei Ling Ha.

An incredibly unique SUPing experience

Paddling around Hong Kong was a lot of fun, we explored hidden beaches without footsteps and accessed parts of the coastline that you couldn’t get to by car or foot. Blue Sky Sports Club hosts water sports tours of all kinds including kayaking (both single and tandem), stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, and dragon boating (large multi-person paddle boats with a long-standing tradition in Hong Kong).

Cycling/Climbing/Trail Running

Hong Kong is more than just a hiker’s paradise – whether you prefer being on two wheels or a rock wall, there’s plenty more adventure to be had. Jump in the saddle and pedal those two wheels along the many cycle routes across the region. The 22km Shing Mun River cycling route along the coastline looks particularly beautiful!

Rock climbing is also a popular activity, especially at Tung Lung Chau where routes are found near old forts and dramatic sea caves.

Trail running is a little more extreme than your standard hike, and Hong Kong is known for some incredible trail running races and routes. With the right gear and knowledge, you can run any trail you can hike, so you know they’re going to be scenic!

Culture and Nature

Aside from the incredible variety of outdoor activities in Hong Kong, there’s a bounty of stunning natural landscapes to see and culture to experience.

There are intricate temples to discover, incredible local cuisine to savour, and historic villages to explore. The people of Hong Kong are proud of their history and accomplishments and it’s an amazing place to immerse yourself.

Don’t shy away from seeing all parts of Hong Kong, not just the big city!

Taoist temple spotted on the way to Tai Mo Shan

While not something I was aware of before visiting, Hong Kong beaches are some of the most incredible in the world. Beach hopping is a popular weekend activity during summer with Cheung Sha Beach (Hong Kong’s longest beach), Shek O Beach, and Big Wave Bay being some of the most popular.

Island hopping is also another summer pastime, with locals and tourists alike heading out to remote, untouched islands to camp, snorkel, and explore.

Tips for Visiting Hong Kong

• Research and plan your activities in advance, you may have a limited time visiting, so making the most of it is key
• Read up on local hiking tips before arriving in Hong Kong
• Don’t spend all your time in the city! The various country parks, hiking trails and small villages across Hong Kong are some of its best parts
• Utilise local guides to explore more than you could alone. Local knowledge and experience will enhance your adventures in every way. I highly recommend ‘Walk Hong Kong’ for hiking and ‘Blue Sky Sports Club’ for water-based adventures
• Train your hiking fitness before arriving to make the most of the multitude of incredible walking trails.
• Familiarise yourself with public transport, currency exchange rates, and local landmarks to make travelling Hong Kong a smoother experience
• Embrace all aspects of the region; the awesome food, the unique lifestyle, and the diverse cultural traditions are intriguing. Participate and experience!

Lion’s Rock will get you spectacular views of the city

FAQs Hong Kong Travel

Do you need a visa for Hong Kong?

There are no visa requirements for Australian and New Zealand passport holders to enter Hong Kong when staying for less than 90 days.

How many days are enough for Hong Kong?

You’ll want to visit for at least 5 days to get a taste of all Hong Kong has to offer, that should give you enough time for a couple of hikes, some city exploration, shopping and dining. A week or more would give you a good amount of time to experience Hong Kong culture and cuisine and head out onto some more unique adventures.

Which month is best to visit Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is a year-round travel destination with all seasons offering different upsides. The most popular months to visit are from late autumn into winter (September – April) when the temperatures drop to more comfortable levels. Hong Kong summer and autumn are best for beach and island hopping, while hiking is best in winter and spring

What do I need to know before going to Hong Kong?

Local currency: Hong Kong Dollar
Language: Cantonese with some English and Mandarin
Climate: Subtropical; hot and humid summers/drier and cooler winters

Final Thoughts About Hong Kong

By incorporating a diverse array of outdoor activities, culinary delights, and cultural insights, a journey to Hong Kong promises an unforgettable adventure for the intrepid explorer. I would highly recommend considering Hong Kong as your next travel destination, it really has something for everyone!

Thanks for having me Hong Kong!