Eastern New Territories

This is Hong Kong’s least developed zone, which makes it an outstanding place to really experience the wilder side of the territory. The Sai Kung peninsula and ClearWater Bay to the south offer Hong Kong’s best beaches and a host of kayaking and hiking opportunities and if you’re seeking serious escape this is the place to come.

The Sai Kung Peninsula

The Sai Kung Peninsula offers some of the best vistas in Hong Kong, full of rugged headlands and clusters of small islands. The whole area is covered with lush vegetation and foliage. The potential for walks through the country is endless. The main town, Sai Kung, is also a pleasant escape, retaining a sleepy laid-back atmosphere, centered on an old fishing port. There are a number of good seafood restaurants, cafés and bars that cater to the expats who have taken up residence in the area. Sai Kung also makes a great place to explore the nearby islands and beaches. You can rent sampans from the harbor (HK$50 per 30 minutes) and a short trip will give you a brief glimpse of the coastline, but you’re better off negotiating a price for a half-day so that you can go out and really explore. Two of the best islands to head for are Tai Long Wan and Yim Tin Tsai, which remain quiet and remote.

Sai Kung Country Park, Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung. The highlight of any trip to this spectacular area is a visit to the Sai Kung Country Park, which covers a vast part of the eastern New Territories. Virgin Forest and lush grasslands cover the park, dropping down to secluded golden sand beaches. The area has been a country park since 1978 and has escaped the development of the surrounding areas. The country park offers some of the best hiking in Hong Kong and sections of the MacLehose Trail pass through here, along with plenty of other rambles. With so many possible options and limited public transport you’ll need careful planning in order to maximize your time in the park and it’s worth sitting down with the staff at the tourist office before your visit. On arrival you could also pay a visit to the Sai Kung Country Park Visitor Center in Pak Tam Chung, which provides a whole range of information about the area, including some free maps. Although it is possible to visit the area in one very long and tiring day, it’s best to come for a few nights. Hostels are the order of the day here, and they offer some fantastic locations, along with useful advice about the area.

Clear Water Bay lives up to its name and offers some of the most beautiful coastline in the New Territories. The terrain that engulfs the bay is rugged and green, providing attractive vistas over the coastal area, especially on clear days. Two of the best and most popular beaches are the originally named Beach One and Beach Two, which offer pristine golden beaches and, you guessed it, clear waters. It’s also worth taking a walk to the Tin Hau Temple, the oldest in Hong Kong. To get there, walk south along the road from the Clear Water bus stop until you see the Golf and Country Club and follow the signs for the Tin Hau Temple that will lead you along a small path from the club car park. The temple dates back to 1274 and has been re-built and renovated many times over the years.