Active Hong Kong
Hong Kong may not scream “great outdoors” to you, but hear us out — because this little corner of Asia has adventure in spades.
This itinerary eschews big-city living in favour of more active pursuits as you hike, bike and kayak through Hong Kong’s islands, hills and country parks.
If you’ve been to Hong Kong before and are looking for something new — or you’re just not keen on cities (hey, it’s OK!) — this is the trip for you.
Pricing
Key facts
Transport in detail
Besides two included airport transfers by private car, you’ll be getting around independently using Hong Kong’s excellent public transport system.
What's great
This trip will keep you moving with three different outdoor activities: hiking, cycling and kayaking
You’ll get to see a natural side of Hong Kong that most tourists miss
Things to consider
This itinerary focusses on the great outdoors, so don’t expect to have much time for city exploration
Kayaking is only available from March through October due to adverse weather conditions
The experience
We designed this trip for those who want to discover Hong Kong’s great outdoors. If you’d prefer more of a balance between city and countryside, just say the word and we’ll design a trip to suit you.
Day 1-2
Hong Kong Island
Mere minutes from one of the busiest urban centres in the world is a peaceful wilderness cloaked in forest, where azalea and rose myrtle cover the hillsides and moths, ants and spiders grow to several times their ordinary size. This is where you’ll join the Dragon’s Back Trail, which snakes for 8.5 km along Hong Kong Island’s ridgeline, seeming almost to brush the tops of the skyscrapers as it passes through bamboo groves and woodland full of birdsong. If you’re lucky enough to get a clear day, the views of the city jutting up between jewel-like islands and turquoise seas is surreal and completely stunning. Finish with a dip in the sea and some super-fresh seafood in the village of Shek O.
Highlights
Lose yourself in nature on the Dragon’s Back Trail, one-time winner of Time Magazine’s best urban hike in Asia
Enjoy views over Hong Kong and the islands of the South China Sea (if weather permits)
Learn about the legend behind the mountain, which is said to be a living being with force lines known as “dragon veins”
Day 3
New Territories
You’ve been up to Hong Kong’s heights, now it’s time for some sea-level exploration as you set out in a kayak to chart the coastline of Sai Kung Country Park. With a group of adventurous travellers and a full day on the water, you’ll paddle through forests of tangled mangrove roots, explore craggy sea caves, admire dramatic rock formations and stop to relax on deserted beaches. All in all, it feels a million miles from the rush of urban Hong Kong — and yet you’ll be back in time to contrast this rugged scenery with the glittering lights of the city this evening.
Highlights
Balance out yesterday’s leg workout with a day of upper-body exertion on the water
Explore coastal caves and tangled mangrove forests under paddle power
Hop out of your kayak to relax on deserted beaches
The finer detail
What's included
- Breakfast every day
- One Lunch: a dim sum lunch during the cycling tour of the New Territories
- Three full-day experiences: Shared hike of the Dragon’s Back Trail; Shared Kayaking Tour of Hong Kong Geopark; Private Cycling tour of the New Territories
- All entrance fees to sites included in guided experiences
- All internal transport & accommodation
Logistics & journey times
Day 1:
Car transfer from Hong Kong airport to hotel (40 minutes)
Day 5:
Car transfer from hotel to Hong Kong airport (40 minutes)
What's not included
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned
- Entrance fees to any sites not included in guided experiences
- Tips for guides & porters