New Territories & Outlying Islands

The Dragon's Back Trail on the southeast side of Hong Kong Island was awarded by CNN as the best urban hike in Asia — and rightly so. The 8.5 km trail leads over a mountain ridge with panoramic views of the open sea, the Shek O Peninsula, Big Wave Bay, and the mountains of the New Territories.

Trail Details

• Length: 8.5 km (Shek O Road → Big Wave Bay).
• Duration: 3–4 hours.
• Difficulty: Medium — steep ascents, but well-developed steps and paths. No climbing required.
• Getting there: Bus 9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR to the To Tei Wan stop (starting point).
• Highlight: The ridge itself — the view on both sides is breathtaking. At the end: Big Wave Bay Beach to cool off and Shek O Village for seafood.

Sai Kung (西貢) is Hong Kong's "green backyard" — a region in the east of the New Territories with some of the most beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and marine landscapes in the entire area. Here, you understand why Hong Kong is one of those places that continually surprises.

Sai Kung Town

The small fishing village of Sai Kung Town is the starting point for boat trips and hikes. The Seafood Market at the harbor is legendary: you choose your live fish, shrimp, or shellfish directly from the tanks of the fishing boats, and a nearby restaurant prepares them (preparation costs: about 100 HKD extra). Seafood doesn't get any fresher.

Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark

The Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark around Sai Kung is home to 140-million-year-old volcanic rock formations — hexagonal basalt columns reminiscent of the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. Boat tours (from 200 HKD) take you to the rock formations in the High Island Reservoir region and to the remote beaches of the peninsula.

Beaches

• Long Ke Wan: One of Hong Kong's most beautiful beaches — white sand, turquoise water, hardly any people. Only accessible by hiking (2.5 km from High Island Reservoir East Dam) or boat. No infrastructure — bring water and food!
• Ham Tin Wan: Accessible via the MacLehose Trail (Stage 2) — a dreamy beach in a bay surrounded by green hills. Small snack bar on site. Perfect camping spot.
• Tai Long Wan (Big Wave Bay): Four connected bays with surfing potential, hiking trails, and untouched nature. The hike from Sai Wan Pavilion (30 min by minibus from Sai Kung) is a highlight.

Lamma Island

Lamma Island is Hong Kong's hippie island — car-free, green, relaxed, and with a bohemian atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the mainland. The main settlement, Yung Shue Wan, has cafés, bookstores, and vegetarian restaurants, and the hiking trail to Sok Kwu Wan (1.5 hours, easy) leads over hills with sea views to waterfront seafood restaurants. On weekends: a favorite excursion for Hongkongers.

• Ferry: From Central Pier 4, every 30 minutes, 20-minute ride, 18 HKD.
• Must-Do: The hike Yung Shue Wan → Sok Kwu Wan, seafood lunch, then ferry from Sok Kwu Wan back to Central.

Cheung Chau

Cheung Chau is a dumbbell-shaped island with a lively fishing village, temples, a Mini-Great-Wall (coastal walk with rock formations), and the famous Bun Festival (Cheung Chau Bun Festival, May) — a Taoist festival where giant bun towers are climbed. The main beach (Tung Wan) is suitable for swimming, and the village's alleys are full of food stalls and souvenir shops.

• Ferry: From Central Pier 5, every 30–60 minutes, 35–55-minute ride, 14–28 HKD.
• Must-Eat: Giant fishballs at the harbor, mango mochi, and freshly grilled squid skewers.

Peng Chau

The smallest and quietest of the Outlying Islands — a place where time has stood still. No cars, few tourists, old temples, and a Finger Hill (95 m) with panoramic views of the surrounding islands and Lantau. Perfect for a half-day of tranquility after the hustle and bustle of the city. Ferry from Central Pier 6 (30 minutes, 16 HKD).