Cheyenne Suarez

From coastal trails to forest bathing: 4 ways to enjoy Hong Kong's great outdoors

Article (news)

Karen Flores

ABS-CBN News

<p>They say one of the best ways to rejuvenate your body and nourish your soul is to spend time in nature--which, believe it or not, Hong Kong has in spades.</p><p>This bustling city is probably the last thing on your mind when it comes to outdoor adventures and wellness retreats--but if you just take the time to look a little more closely, Hong Kong is actually a treasure trove of natural beauty, from scenic hiking trails to sweeping views of calm waters. </p><p>Like many Filipinos, I&#x27;ve been to Hong Kong several times, but this recent trip easily became my favorite as it allowed me to see the city from another perspective. Sure, it&#x27;s always a good idea to fly to Hong Kong to eat and shop, but its great outdoors bring a different kind of energy--and it&#x27;s something I recommend you try at least once. </p><p>On your next Hong Kong trip, consider swapping skyscrapers and theme parks for some green and blue through these activities:</p><div><strong>Trekking in Sai Kung</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><p>Dubbed the &quot;back garden&quot; of Hong Kong, Sai Kung is endowed with beautiful coastal trails, charming fishing villages, and a vibrant food scene. Go for the <a href="https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/explore/great-outdoor/wellness/high-island-geo-trail.html">High Island Geo Trail</a>, an easy trek that spans views of pristine beaches and stunning rock landscapes dating back to 140 million years. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173960441388020250113_103710.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173960437624020250113_105908.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173960434217720250113_115219.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><p>Stop by the pier for lunch and try one of the restaurants in the area (naturally, most of them are serving seafood), and check out the nearby Volcano Discovery Center to know more about the formation of Sai Kung&#x27;s unique rock columns. There&#x27;s obviously more to see on this side of Hong Kong, but half a day is more than enough for a tranquil escape.</p><div><strong>Cycling at Plover Cove Reservoir</strong></div><p>Just half an hour away from Sai Kung, the man-made Plover Cove Reservoir is considered one of Hong Kong&#x27;s most picturesque cycling routes. Both regular bikes and tandem rides for 2 to 4 persons are available for rent here, so you don&#x27;t have to bring your own. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173960429965820250113_153140.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173960425583820250113_164317.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173960421675720250113_170329.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><p>The dam, which stretches 2 kilometers and offers breathtaking views of the sea, is an ideal spot to ride, jog, walk your dog, or fly a kite (or in my case, have a zen moment by the water). If you have more time, you can explore the rest of the <a href="https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/explore/great-outdoor/plover-cove-country-park.html">Plover Cove Country Park</a>, which has its own set of trails.</p><div><strong>Forest bathing session</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><p>Forest bathing, which originated in Japan, is a growing practice in Hong Kong. Officially called &quot;shinrin-yoku&quot; (which means &quot;taking in the forest atmosphere&quot;), it aims to reconnect people with nature through mindful exploration.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173960417132020250114_105322.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173960412768020250114_113825.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173960408842020250114_114858.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><p>While you can technically try forest bathing on your own, it&#x27;s best to have a certified guide for the full experience. Ours was Amanda of <a href="https://www.shinrinyokuhk.com/">Shinrin Yoku Hong Kong</a>, who brought us to Tai Mo Shan Country Park which is home to the city&#x27;s highest peak. She helped us momentarily unplug from technology and submit to our senses with activities such as walking backwards on a slope, a mini tea session, and going on a &quot;date&quot; with a tree (trust me, it works wonders).</p><div><strong>Hiking the Dragon&#x27;s Back</strong></div><p>Reward yourself with dramatic views of both the countryside and the coastline by climbing the <a href="https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/explore/great-outdoor/dragon-s-back-a-scenic-hike-from-shek-o-to-big-wave-bay.html">Dragon&#x27;s Back</a>, one of Hong Kong&#x27;s most popular trails. Beyond the scenery, the hike is also a great opportunity to strengthen your bonds with your travel companions. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173960404107720250116_075708.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173960397525920250116_075727.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span> </div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173960393587920250116_081931.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Karen Flores Layno, ABS-CBN News </em></span></span></span> </div><p>The partly-paved Dragon&#x27;s Back route has plenty of checkpoints and photo spots, and it only takes about an hour to reach the 284-meter-high Shek O Peak. Just don&#x27;t forget to fuel up and hydrate before you set off, wear proper shoes, and climb and descend at your own pace.</p><div><em>ABS-CBN News visited Hong Kong as part of a trip organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. </em></div><div><em></em><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/life/02/28/23/art-lover-check-out-these-new-spots-in-hong-kong">Art lover? Check out these new spots in Hong Kong</a></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2024/8/14/when-stars-align-ph-s-margarita-fores-teams-up-with-hk-s-vicky-cheng-in-rare-four-hands-dinner-1448">When stars align: PH&#x27;s Margarita Fores teams up with HK&#x27;s Vicky Cheng in rare four hands dinner</a></div>

<p>They say one of the best ways to rejuvenate your body and nourish your soul is to spend time in nature--which, believe it or not, Hong Kong has in spades.</p>

They say one of the best ways to rejuvenate your body and nourish your soul is to spend time in nature--which, believe it or not, Hong Kong has in spades.