Walks in Hong Kong

For an outing that gets you up close and personal with wildlife, head to Shing Mun Country Park.

As soon as you arrive, you will most likely be greeted by troops of Rhesus Macaques. It's worth reading the signs that provide clear direction on how to deal with these furry marauders. They are natural actors and more than happy to pose for pictures.

A number of hikes are spread throughout the park, but the easiest and most popular is the one to the reservoir. The 3.4-kilometer trail is easy, and the walk across the dam is worth experiencing. For a bit more distance and exercise, consider walking to the top of the hill, nicknamed Monkey Hill.

If you want to extend your walk, you can also hike up or down The Peak on pathways, ducking out onto very low traffic roads here and there. This route, known as the Central Green Trail, can be confusing going up but easier to follow going down.

If you are at the main plaza in front of The Peak Galleria, follow Findlay Road in the opposite direction of The Peak Trail. This is a paved walking trail leading down the hill. Again, this trail is shade-covered but gets hotter as you descend the mountain.

Confusion comes when the trail dead ends on Barker Road. You can turn right or left at this point. If you stay to the right, following Barker Road a short distance, you will eventually see a sign for Chatham Path, and a set of stairs descending the hill.

Most sightseers head up to The Peak (Victoria Peak) for the view from the observation deck or to enjoy a ride on the famous Peak Tram. But if you are looking for a great way to get some exercise and a nature fix, the Peak Trail is a scenic path at the top.

This is a one-way hike that starts at a fairly high elevation and ends at the beach. The trail is primarily downhill, apart from a couple of uphill sections near the start.

Near the end of the hike, the trail splits, but if you stay right, you can follow the trail down to Big Wave Bay, where there is a glorious stretch of beach and some casual outdoor restaurants. Change rooms and other facilities are located at the beach, so be sure to bring your swimwear.

From Big Wave Bay, you can also take a bus or taxi for a quick trip over to Shek O Beach, another popular and larger beach with more dining options. You can also rent a beach chair and umbrella here if you want to lounge for a while.

The Dragon's Back Hike is the most popular hiking trail in Hong Kong. It offers enchanting views over the rugged coast and beautiful beaches of Hong Kong Island that many visitors don't even know exist.

The trail ends at a popular beach, where you can stop for a well-earned swim and a bite to eat before returning to Central Hong Kong just a half-hour away.

This 8.5-kilometer hike takes between two and three hours to complete, depending on how busy the trail is on the day of your hike. Weekends and holidays can be crowded.

The Dragon's Back is a very convenient day hike if you are staying on Hong Kong Island, and can be reached by metro and bus, or a simple taxi ride.

The path follows a ridge, reaching 284 meters at the highest point, and then descends down through dense forest. From the ridge, you can gaze out over the lovely crescent-shaped Shek O Beach, and further on, the beach at Big Wave Bay. In the opposite direction, you can look out over a tranquil bay dotted with yachts.

Hiking might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a trip to Hong Kong, but the trails here are outstanding, with phenomenal views and access to remote areas.

With 300 kilometres of dedicated hiking trails, you can find everything from paved walking paths through lush forest to rugged mountain-top trails and hikes that will take you from one remote village to the next. You can hike to beautiful stretches of lonely beaches, or find trails overlooking the forest of high-rises that dominates Central Hong Kong.

If you have time, take a day trip to one of Hong Kong's Outer Islands or the New Territories to get away from the city for a while. If you're pressed for time and have only a few hours, try a hike above the city, with views out over the harbor.