I can't speak to camping here, though from what I have observed, it's really a nice place to camp…read more If you've got the supplies for it, then you'll have an awesome time here. Every time I've visited, there were always groups of people camping overnight. Maybe one day, when I come back to Hong Kong, I'll go camping here with my friends. I learned about this beach from previous coworkers, who probably heard of this beach from someone else. My typical journey to Long Ke Wan involved me traveling from the Education University to University MTR Station, then taking a New Territories taxi cab all the way to East Dam. This taxi ride will take about an hour, but it's still much faster than attempting to bus there (and eventually having to late take another streamlined mode of transportation, i.e., a taxi or a motor boat). Once you arrive to East Dam (after what is probably the most terrifying car ride you will ever experience, as you go up a mountainside road that is oftentimes wide enough for only one car), be prepared to hike for fifteen minutes down to get to the beach. The real tricky hike is the one back up to get home (especially tricky if you leave after sunset). On that note, remember to bring bug spray, sunscreen, and drinking water. Phone service here is spotty at best, at least mine was. When approaching the beach, you will notice how white the sand is, how blue and clear the water is, and just how awesome it is to be at a mountainside beach, relatively secluded from the rest of Hong Kong. You are in fact in a country park, a place meant to preserve pristine natural beauty. If you're lucky/privileged to go when there aren't as many people, it's paradise. If you go on a weekend, don't be surprised if you see party junk boats in the water, crowding it up and blasting their music: water and noise pollution. Even then with the trash that gets swept to shore, I have had relatively little to complain about at this beach. Another mammalian species to take note of would be the cattle that roam freely in the area. They will smell your food and be drawn to it on the beach, so just be prepared in case your belongings get surprise frisked by bovine. Also, plenty of potential for cow feces on your hike to the beach. What's truly breathtaking is being able to watch sunset from the beach, as the sky turns pink and reflects into the water. My first sunset here was by accident, when a couple of my friends and I wanted to try to swim to some mountainside sea caves. I was on an inner tube that saved me from drowning in the open ocean. It was one of the most terrifying and nerve wracking moments of my life, being constantly at risk of my inner tube deflating and ending me and my career. Thankfully, it survived the whole trip to and from the cave, so I survived as well. I arrived back to shore when the sun was dipping below the horizon, allowing the sky to take on a pastel pink hue. It felt like the perfect end to the day. Going up the mountain at night is another story however. Expect to take breaks often, especially if you're in a group. Going up a mountain is never forgiving, so take your time and be safe. Taxis are usually opportunistically waiting at the other end of the hike, back at East Dam, to pick up travelers looking to go back to Sai Kung Town or wherever else they want to go. While we were waiting at the East Dam taxi stand in the dark, we observed a troupe of more elderly Hongkongers exiting their cab, seemingly coming to camp/hike at Long Ke Wan at night. One particular gentleman let rip one of the longest and loudest farts I had ever witnessed. Right in front of us. Old people just don't need to care anymore.

Going on a nature walk after the rain subsides is one of those simple pleasures in life that rivals…read moredrinking lemonade on a hot day or napping after lunch. As far as I know, taking the 82 minibus from Tsuen Wan is the easiest way of getting here. Because of the distance traveled and the limited seating, it's best to stand in line early, since the wait at the bus stop can be pretty long. Near the trailhead, there's a shop for snacks and drinks as well as public restrooms. There are a number of ways to go about your adventure. Since we were trying to get back before dark and avoid the next rainstorm, we covered Pineapple Dam and Waterside Paperbarks, extended a little past Shing Mun Reservoir Delta before turning around to check out Shing Mun Reservoir Main Dam. While there were a few stairs and some incline, the trail was mostly flat as well as well-kept and easy to traverse. Breaking away from the main loop, there were portions with gnarly trees, rocky boulders you can climb, and flatlands for day-camping. Another perk is that the wildlife around here roam freely. A herd of cattle were grazing near the reservoir's edge unbothered by passersby. A local troop of monkeys made their appearance, with a few more brazen than others. Word of advice: If you've got your phone in hand or any other small object, they might mistake it for food and lunge towards you, so maintain some distance. If you happen to have driven and parked in an area with monkeys, well...they might just make it their bed and scratch it up, perhaps even leave a dollop or two...We also chanced upon a kaleidoscope of butterflies along the way, many of which were uniquely patterned. Finally, there was a shared rest area completely occupied by a pack of dogs before they went on their way. Fun, fairly straightforward, and not too physically demanding trail for most folks. For humidity and possible chance of rain, bring an umbrella, a water bottle, and change of clothes. Next time I'll try completing the entire loop.

A good place for hiking with friends and family, not too harsh route , great for relax hikeread more