Five Places Worth Hiking For When Exploring Hong Kong

As a burgeoning country, Hong Kong is definitely shaping up to becoming quite a tourist destination. Aside from being a shopping Mecca filled with many beautiful spots to boot, travelers also flock to this country for its nature sites which people can hike to find themselves a peaceful getaway from the lively city.

According to Martin Williams on his article for the South China Morning Post, these places that he recommends to go hiking can be toured in a span of just one day. However, some things must be taken into consideration as well. For example, the weather condition (though he did say that the weather in Hong Kong is currently pretty good for hiking) and most especially, the traveler's health. Also, how much traveling he/she is capable to undergo in just one day. Here are five places you should definitely go to as your next hiking getaway while in Hong Kong:

1. Shek O- To get here, it is suggested to take a red minibus or bus 9 which can be found just outside the Shau Kei Wan MTR station. While on top of Tai Tau Chau, an islet by Shek O, travelers can definitely see an astonishing view of the city's coast; with the tip of Tung Lung Chau by the east and Waglan Island found in the southern part.

Shek O slightly resembles that of a Mediterranean village because many two- and three- storey buildings are found all over the place, giving it a distinct vibe. Along with a few old houses, an old village can also be found inland as well as barns which contribute greatly to the rural atmosphere of Shek O. Williams also claims that its beach is "one of the best in Hong Kong".

2. Tai Tam Tuk- Tai Tam Tuk is found in the inmost area of the inlet between Cape D'Aguilar and the Stanley peninsulas. To get there, it is suggested to take a bus 14 from Chai Wan (via Shau Kei Wan and Tai Tam Road and Shek O Road Roundabout, according to Williams.) Found at the center of forested hills is the biggest reservoir on the island. Because there is hardly any space for cars on the road across the large dam, many vehicles usually find themselves in the middle of traffic.

Williams says that when he went to Tai Tam Tuk, "A narrow trail drops through the woods, to the edge of the inlet, and a jungle-style path above the last mangrove forest on Hong Kong Island. Crabs scuttle for cover, gaps in the foliage afford glimpses of the shore with small boats moored close by, a simple looking hamlet next to the water, school buildings rising beyond. And while he found the path pretty easy to cross, he did say that it is essentially a dead end and that it's better to go back up the slope, go across a road and instead walk on Stage 6 of the Hong Kong Trail.

3. Tai Tam country park- The thick woodland hillsides of Tai Tam Country Park provide a much need shade not only to the trail but also helps in regulating the water flow to not just one, but three reservoirs which can be found here. According to Williams, it is essential to take visit Tai Tam Mound Waterfall since it rained lately in Hong Kong. He says, "There's no sign to the falls; just arrive at the third footbridge from Tai Tam Road - the one with slender wooden planks - and you scramble down a tiny stream channel. It's a beautiful waterfall with a cool, shady plunge pool. The trail meets a narrow road that's off limits to most vehicles."

There is so much to see in Tai Tam Country Park; you can opt to go hiking or just go about strolling all over the place. Aside from the aforementioned waterfall there is also the Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail. This trail features infrastructures like bridges, dams and aqueducts which were built during the late 19^th to the early 20^th century. As for magnificent views from the top, there are also routes which go uphill such as the Hong Kong trail which climbs up to Mount Butler.

4. Chung Hom Kok Beach- This beach can be found below a headland west of Stanley peninsula. On maps, this place is seen as an intense green; meaning that it is a nature park, where there are no nearby developments, such as housing nearby. There are various options on how to reach this beach, including taking a minibus 40 from Causeway bay.

Williams chronicled his trek over to Chung Hom Kok beach saying, "There's still some more hiking required, down steps and past a large children's playground, before arriving at the beach, which proves to be a wonderful stretch of sand in a small bay set between steep bluffs. It is certainly refreshing to see so much landscape and so many trees which frequently dot the place. It also offers a great view that spans across Ocean Park, Lamma and Lantau Hills. Repulse Bay is also one spot you should check out to de-stress after a long walk.

5. High West- High West is summit that is accessible by going through a path that stems from the tiny park found at the end of Lugard Road. Williams recommends this as "what may be the wildest summit on Hong Kong Island." So, for travellers who are seeking for thrills, this is definitely the hiking spot for you. Williams furthermore describes High West as "a good trail, though somewhat tough with steep steps up to the top." However, looking for its beginning would be pretty easy to overlook since it seems that there are not enough signs to point it out, giving the impression of discouraging a high amount of visitors.

Though it is much common for tourists to use the Peak Tram to get here, taking a bus like No. 15 from the Central Ferry Piers would save you a large amount of time which can be used to explore the place. For a shorter way back to the Peak Tram station, Harlech Road can be used as an alternative which also offers a little detour where you can take photos of a beautiful waterfall.