Hear from our Expat Living Hong Kong team!
Hong Kong is famous for its stunning harbour and great shopping, but there’s much more to the city than the concrete jungle and neon signs we see on the postcards. Once relatively remote and inaccessible, Hong Kong’s largest island Lantau has become one of city’s tourist hotspots.
Ngong Ping 360 is one of Hong Kong’s must-see attractions. The 5.7-kilometre cable car ride offers spectacular views over the airport and North Lantau Country Park during the 25-minute journey up to Ngong Ping village. Once there, you can visit Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha. A short bus or taxi ride away is the unique village of Tai O where you can see traditional stilt houses and get a glimpse of life in a Southern Chinese fishing village. Lantau is also home to Disneyland and the starting point for the recently opened Hong Kong-zhuhai-macau Bridge, which allows you to reach Macau by bus in 40 minutes.
Lantau also has stunning beaches along the south coast and a relaxed atmosphere that offers a completely different experience from the city. The island has some of the best hiking trails in Hong Kong, and given that more than half of the island is classified as country parks, there are plenty of trails to choose from. – DANIELLE HIGGINS, AUSTRALIAN
No trip to Hong Kong would be complete without visiting Sai Kung in the New Territories. Easily reached by public transport or a 40-minute taxi ride from Hong Kong island, Sai Kung is affectionately known as Hong Kong’s Back Garden. Stroll along the bustling seafront and enjoy a seafood lunch or take a sampan boat trip to explore the nearby Geopark, islands and beaches.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Sai Kung Country Park offers a range of well-signposted trails suitable for all abilities. The Pak Tam Country Trail is an easy hike suitable for families and younger kids. More adventurous hikers can enjoy the challenging Maclehose Trail. My favourite part of this trail is Section 2. Be warned: it’s not for the fainthearted, but you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking coastal views.
Insider tip: visit Yau Lay Seafood Restaurant at High Island Reservoir. A much-loved Sai Kung institution enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, this rustic family-run restaurant has been serving up the freshest seafood for nearly 20 years. Must-try dishes include squid with chilli and garlic and yeung chow fried rice. You can only reach Yay Lay by foot (take a taxi from Sai Kung to Pak A, then walk) or by boat. Call ahead (+852 2791 1822) and the restaurant will arrange their boat to pick you up from Sai Kung pier and return after lunch . – KATE WOODBURY, BRITISH