When picturing Hong Kong, shopping, delicious food, and skyscrapers come to mind. Never had I…read morethought to pay a half-day visit to Sai Kung East Country Park. Of course, if you were only visiting Hong Kong for one or two days, I wouldn't prioritize Sai Kung. But if you have three or more days, I highly recommend a day visit here. Sai Kung East Country Park is great for hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, and lying on secluded beaches.
Starting from HK Central or Kowloon, the best transportation is the mini bus, which will take you to Sai Kung town. From there, you can catch another bus that brings you to Sai Wan Pavilion or hire a taxi. Given how the park is nearly 45 sq km (about 17 sq mi), start your day early and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated and some food for fuel.
From Sai Kung town, the taxi driver drove us to the HK Geopark by the East Dam of the High Island Reservoir. Here, 140 million year old volcanic remains form phenomenal polygonal columns, which can be appreciated throughout a 2.2 km (1.3 mi) round trip trail hike. Parallel to the East Dam is the manmade Dolosse Wall: concrete geometric structures laid out to minimize the erosion from ocean waves.
Along the East Dam is section 1 of the 100 km long MacLehose Trail, which connects eight country parks, with Sai Kung East Country Park being one of the larger ones. The hike along MacLehose Trail from the East Dam towards Long Ke Wan is mild to moderate, but the lush green countryside views are beautiful. Plus, once you reach Long Ke Wan beach, you'll appreciate the untouched pristine blue waters and beautiful white sand. There's much more to Hong Kong than city life; the secluded and peaceful countryside with breathtaking views is such a worthwhile getaway, and you never would've thought you were still in Hong Kong.