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Views of the lit-up skyline and harbour, an attempt at seeing the stars. These are our picks of the best night hikes in Hong Kong.

With over 75 percent of Hong Kong covered in greenery, it's hard to keep track of all the reservoirs, waterfalls and peaks this stunning city has to offer. But if you find the sticky, humid heat too much to bear, try making tracks at night — it’s an entirely different experience: cooler, less demanding and star-lit (or perhaps, skyscraper-lit).

Some things to know about hiking at night:

• As with all hikes, hike with one more person (at the very least). You’re safest in a group, of course, but it’s always good to have someone with you if you get lost or injured.
• Go for a trail you or a companion are already comfortable and familiar with — don’t try out a new one for the first time at night. Start with something easier and build your confidence.
• Bring a handheld torch light or headlamp, and backups. Your phone’s flashlight won’t cut it.
• Bring everything you need and more. Government countryside maps, ropes, kneepads, gloves — you name it. There’s no harm in bringing it. And pack plenty of water.

The Peak (Pok Fu Lam to The Peak)

Let’s start with the Hong Kong skyline! There's no need to explain this one — the view from Victoria Peak at night is stunning. This is a relatively easy trek through lovely greenery with more than one lookout point. Start at the Pok Fu Lam Country Park entrance and keep walking on Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road. You have an option here to make your way to the Mount High West viewing point that’s located within the country park. Otherwise, follow along the road to Lugard Road, stop at the lookout and then finally make your way to The Peak Tower.

You can take any bus to the Pok Fu Lam Country Park’s entrance on Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road (including buses NWFB 30X and 4X, CTB 7 and Green Minibus 22 from Central). To cut this hike by half, start at Lugard Road.

Distance: 6km (3.5mi) | Duration: 2-3 hours | Difficulty: Beginner

Braemar Hill (Sir Cecil's Ride)

Easy with a simple trail — this one is perfect for a brand new night hiker. Skip waiting at the summit for the city lights to come on by starting after sunset. To avoid missing any viewpoints, start from Mount Butler and take Sir Cecil's Ride up to Red Incense Burner Summit. Take your time with this one and feel free to venture off the main trail (but not too far!) to get sweeping views of Central, the Harbour and Kowloon. Braemar Hill's viewing point is just a little way up from Red Incense Burner Summit.

You can take the MTR to Admiralty Station and catch a 24M Green Minibus and alight at "Mount Butler Block C & D". To cut this hike to a walk, you can always make your way to the Braemar Hill bus terminus (or any nearby bus stop) and do a short walk up to the Braemar Hill viewing point.

Distance: 3km (1.8mi) | Duration: 1 hour | Difficulty: Beginner

Kowloon Peak

Be warned, this one is for experienced hikers. While not the most gruelling in the day, it's always good to be careful when hiking at night. Try hiking this one in daylight before committing as it can be very overwhelming in the dark — but the view is spectacular and worth the treacherous climb. (Please note: The hike has some parts that require using rope.)

Kowloon Peak is part of Ma On Shan Country Park and boasts the infamous "suicide" cliff that happens to make for a really beautiful photo spot — with caution. Inside the park, make your way to Fei Ngo San Road where you'll find a pagoda and the Kowloon Peak Viewing Point. You'll be able to see Lion Rock, Mount Davis, Victoria Peak, and Mount Butler — and plenty more — from here. Hike across Elephant Hill to reach the summit and then descend (very carefully) to the cliff where you'll be greeted with panoramic views. Take your time!

You can take the MTR to City One Station on the Tuen Ma line, and then take a minibus (like Green Minibuses 65A and 65K) from Exit D. Alight at Wong Nai Tau Bus Terminus.

Distance: 9km (5.6mi) | Duration: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced

Devil’s Peak

This beginner-friendly historic hike is an easy and relatively short trek. Named for the pirates that captured the area during the Ming Dynasty, the hill was later seized by the British who built military stations, including gun batteries. It starts at a former fishing village and travelling past ruins and relics, including Gough Battery and Pottinger Battery (mostly lost to vegetation). If you can, start just before sunset.

Make your way to Yau Tong Station and take Exit A1 into Domain Mall. Take the escalators to the mall’s ground floor and exit from the back (next to Tai Hing Restaurant) and get on to Ko Chiu Road. Walk past Lei Yue Mun Estate, take a right and walk uphill towards Tseung Kwan O Permanent Cemetery until you see the Wilson Trail ‘Pau Tai Shan’ (Devil’s Peak) entrance.

Distance: 3-4.4km (1.8-2.7mi) | Duration: 1-2 hours | Difficulty: Beginner

The Twin Peaks (Violet Hill)

Ah, the terrible twins. In fact, maybe the non-pros should just skip this entry — this is probably the most challenging hike on the list. Still here? The hike past Twin Peaks and Violet Hill takes you from Wong Nai Chung Reservoir to Stanley. Part of the first stage of Hong Kong's Wilson Trail, this hike features beautiful greenery and blooms, mountains and water. End at Stanley Gap Road.

Make your way to Wong Nai Chung Reservoir — from Central, you can take Citybus 6 and Green Minibus 66 to Parkview on Tai Tam Reservoir Road.

Distance: 5km (3.1mi) | Duration: 2-3 hours | Difficulty: Advanced

Garden Hill

Expect plenty of hikers with camera equipment around you — Garden Hill is popular with night photographers. Less of a hike, this "urban trek" (read: a 15-minute walk) is on the list because it really is a lovely spot at night to look out across the city from.

There are few ways to do this walk. You can take the MTR either to Shek Kip Mei Station and start from Exit A or to Sham Shui Po Station and start from Exit D2. Make your way to Mei Ho House and then walk up the hill.

Distance: about 1km (0.6mi) | Duration: 10-20 minutes | Difficulty: Beginner

( Hero and featured image courtesy of Chi Hung Wong via Unsplash, image 1 courtesy of Tobias Mrzyk via Unsplash, image 2 courtesy of Ed 259 via Unsplash)

The post The Best Night Hikes in Hong Kong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Learn a little about our home's past on these hikes with history in Hong Kong.

With over 75 percent of Hong Kong being greenery, it's hard to keep track of all the mountains and reservoirs and peaks this stunning city has to offer. Take a trip back in time, far away from flashier new building to delve into the past with these heritage trails, declared monuments and historical sights.

Ping Shan Heritage Trail

The very first of its kind in Hong Kong, this heritage trail is in the Ping Shan area of Yuen Long. It passes through historical sights dating as far back as the 12^th century when the Tang Clan (one of the Five Great Clans of the New Territories) settled in the area. The 1993-inaugurated trail features walled villages, ancestral halls with courtyards, and declared protected monuments and buildings. Keep your eye out for the Hung Shing Temple, built by the Tang Clan during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, and the Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda, built over 600 years ago – the only ancient pagoda in Hong Kong.

Take the MTR to Tin Shui Wai Station, exit E3. Go any day except Tuesday and make sure to start early, sites close by 5pm. Find out more here and here.

Distance: 1.6km (0.9mi) | Duration: Under an hour | Difficulty: Beginner

Cape D'Aguilar

A #hkig favourite, this truly scenic trek has everything from rock formations to a pre-war lighthouse, surreal caves and relics. It’s an easy 8km walk (round trip) that comes with stunning views. Make time for this – you’re sure to make plenty of detours and take photos. Pass through the tiny Hok Tsui Village, walk around the PCCW Radio Transmitting station, and visit sights including the Cape D’Aguilar Lighthouse, the Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve, the Crab Cave, beach, and (of course!) the Thunder Cave. The Cape D’Aguilar Lighthouse, also known as the Hok Tsui Beacon, is the oldest in Hong Kong - it's one of five pre-war surviving lighthouses and began service in 1875.

You can make your way to Cape D'Aguilar by catching a number 9 (NWFB) bus at Shau Kei Wan MTR station, Exit A3. Make sure to find a bus that clearly says Cape D’Aguilar, either "via" or "terminating at" - other number 9 buses skip the stop entirely.

Distance: 4-8km (2.5-5mi) | Duration: 1-3 hours | Difficulty: Beginner

Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail

This stunning reservoir offers a brilliant trek through one of Hong Kong's six pre-war reservoirs. Full of waterworks heritage, 22 out of Hong Kong's 41 historic waterworks structures fall along the Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail. Go on a blue-sky sunny (but not too hot!) day for the best experience: this hike has masonry bridges over crystal clear water, and aqueducts and reservoir dams all shrouded in beautiful green - some dating as far back as 1883.

You can take public transport to Wong Nai Chung Gap near Hong Kong Parkview or to the junction of Tai Tam Road and Tai Tam Reservoir Road where the trail is located.

Distance: 5km (3.1mi) | Duration: 2 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail

Just a walk away from the Peak, this trail is centred around a historic military site within the Lung Fu Shan Country Park. Dating back to 1901, it was built as a fort and later used as an air defence battery - the highest coastal defence in Hong Kong, at 307 metres above sea level. During the Battle of Hong Kong, the battery came under repeated air raids and was severely damaged by the Japanese. The site features ruins, all heavily shelled, and on a clear day, you'll be able to spot the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir and even Lamma Island.

You can go to the Peak and walk to where Lugard Road intersects with Harlech Road, then turn on to Hatton Road and either follow along the road or take the Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail up to Mount High West until Pinewood Battery. Including this walk, the trek is about 2.3 to 2.5km.

Distance: 0.45-2.5km (1.5mi) | Duration: 20-40 minutes | Difficulty: Beginner

Shing Mun War Relics Trail

The shortest part of the MacLehose Trail, this is a great way to have a go at the famous 100km hiking trail and get your dose of history in one. This 250-metre section is on the slope of Smuggler’s Ridge of Shing Mun and Kam Shan Country Parks. As the name suggests, this is full of relics from the second world war. Part of the British military defensive Gin Drinker’s Line, it features marker stones, pillboxes, and underground tunnels named after streets in London. You’ll be able to find embedded bullets and even carvings made by Japanese soldiers who captured the redoubt. For a longer hike - just follow along and join the rest of the MacLehose Trail.

The start of the trail is through the memorial arch that leads to section six of the MacLehose Trail. You can take the green 82 minibus from Tsuen Wan Shiu Wo Street and get off at the Ho Fung College bus stop near the Shing Mun Reservoir/Shing Mun Country Park Visitor Centre. Go from the Pineapple Dam to Barbecue Site No. 5 up to the MacLehose Trail Memorial Arch. Find out more here - make sure to hit 'Eng' at the top!

Distance: 0.25km (0.1mi) | Duration: Over half an hour | Difficulty: Beginner

Devil’s Peak

An easy and relatively short trek, this is the perfect scenic hike for beginners. Named for the pirates that captured the area during the Ming Dynasty, the hill was later seized by the British who built military stations, including gun batteries. Gough Battery, built in 1898, was bombarded by a Japanese unit during the Battle of Hong Kong. Keep an eye for ruins of the Pottinger Battery (mostly lost to vegetation) as well as sweeping scenes of Junk Bay and more – for the best view, go before sunset.

Make your way to Yau Tong Station and take exit A1 into Domain Mall. Take the escalators to the mall’s ground floor and exit from the back (next to Tai Hing Restaurant) and get on to Ko Chiu Road. Walk past Lei Yue Mun Estate, take a right and walk uphill towards Tseung Kwan O Permanent Cemetery until you see the Wilson Trail ‘Pau Tai Shan’ (Devil’s Peak) entrance.

Distance: 3-4.4km (1.8-2.7mi) | Duration: 1-2 hours | Difficulty: Beginner

Wong Nai Chung Gap Trail

This relatively peaceful trail actually marks the terrain of battle: the Battle of Wong Nai Chung Gap – when Japanese forces overran British troops, leading them to surrender on Christmas Day of 1941. This hike marks key moments from the day - stop at every station to explore abandoned world war two ruins including old bunkers, pillboxes lost to vegetation, and anti-aircraft batteries.

Take any bus to Wong Nai Chung Reservoir and walk towards Parkview. The Wong Nai Chung Gap Trail entrance is opposite Parkview, next to the entrance for Wilson Trail to Jardine’s Lookout.

Distance: 3km (1.8mi) | Duration: 1-2 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Tung O Ancient Trail

Also known as the Tung Tai Trail, this heritage trail takes you from Tung Chung to Tai O village. Before the development of the residential Tung Chung area, this used to be the main route between villages, dating as far back as the Song Dynasty. You’ll find old Chinese settlements along the way, ending at probably the most famous (and the very last) fishing village in Hong Kong: Tai O. Keep an eye out for traditional shrines amongst the greenery and mangroves, as well as the beautiful waterways and houses on stilts in Tai O.

Take exit A at the Tung Chung MTR station and make your way to the Hau Wong Temple (it was built in 1756!), where you can start the trail.

Distance: 15km (9.3mi) | Duration: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Dr Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail

This list wouldn’t be complete with at least one urban walk. Technically not a green hike – the Dr Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail is still a lovely trek with a lot of history. The walking tour follows Dr Sun’s education in Hong Kong, schools he attended, places he lived at, as well as the sites of revolutionary activities. Revitalised by the government, this heritage trail is full of beautiful art installations and plaques – perfect for photo-ops. Find out more here.

Distance: 3.3km (mi) | Duration: 2 hours | Difficulty: Beginner

(Hero image courtesy of Chingleung via Wikimedia Commons, featured image courtesy of Sakina Abidi, image 4 courtesy of Wishva de Silva via Wikimedia Commons, image 7 courtesy of Starcopter via Wikimedia Commons)

The post The Best Hikes with History in Hong Kong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Head to these scenic picnic spots with your favourite people, a blanket, and a basket brimming with delicious things.

When the weekend arrives and the weather is right, there’s arguably no better way to while away a sunny afternoon than having a picnic. Whether it’s with family or friends, planned or impromptu, a picnic offers a literal breath of fresh air and the chance to enjoy your favourite bites in some lovely surroundings. Luckily, Hong Kong is filled with beautiful locations to spread out on a blanket and relax for a few hours.

For your next picture-perfect get-together, read on for our list of the city's most scenic picnic spots.

Victoria Peak Garden

Pet-friendly: Yes

Occupying the grounds of what was formerly the Mountain Lodge — a summer residence for Hong Kong’s governors during the colonial period — Victoria Peak Garden is a beautiful and bucolic green space towering high above Hong Kong. Only a 15-minute walk from the Peak Galleria, this lovely retreat exudes an old-school charm with its Victorian-style gazebos and landscaped gardens. A very short hike up to the summit is the perfect way to conclude any picnic day.

Cyberport Waterfront Park

Pet-friendly: Yes

A popular destination for dog owners and their furry friends, Cyberport Waterfront Park is an expansive green lung where picnickers can enjoy flat stretches of grass and views of Lamma Island. Aside from pups running around, kites and drones flying overhead are sure to add some entertainment to any alfresco meal, and the nearby Fusion supermarket makes it easy to restock on food and drinks. Be sure to stick around for the scenic sunset — it’s the best part of the day.

Tamar Park

Pet-friendly: Yes

Smack dab in the middle of Admiralty, Tamar Park is the place to picnic for amazing views of Victoria Harbour, Kowloon’s waterfront and the dramatic Hong Kong Island skyline. Sitting adjacent to the Legislative Council Complex, the manicured lawns offer plenty of space for leisurely picnics and admiring the surrounding skyscrapers. Given its prime location, this is a popular spot for city dwellers who like to linger until the evening and watch Hong Kong light up at night.

West Kowloon Art Park

Pet-friendly: Yes

Part of the fast-growing West Kowloon Cultural District promenade, Art Park offers fabulous waterfront views of the harbour, Hong Kong Island and dramatic sunsets. When you’re not soaking up some sun or admiring the scenery, be sure to check out the rest of the district, including greenery in Nursery Park and new cultural centres under construction like M+. For a post-picnic activity, you can rent a SmartBike and cycle along the waterfront to take in the sights.

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park

Pet-friendly: No

Offering a similar experience to Tamar Park but with fewer crowds, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park sits on the waterfront in Sai Ying Pun and is a popular place for yoga, sports, sunbathing and, of course, picnics. While you’re there, treat yourself to a history lesson about the life of the Chinese revolutionary who lends his name to this green space — a statue of him stands at the centre of the lawn — and don’t miss the sculptures and reflecting pool on the waterfront promenade.

Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre

Pet-friendly: No

Mountainous backdrop, lush greenery and a placid body of water — Lantau Island’s Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre has all this and more. Though it’s technically part of Hong Kong Disneyland Park, Inspiration Lake is open to the public daily and has no admission fee. Add some activity to your picnic outing by renting a bike or a pedal boat to glide across the surface of the tranquil manmade lake.

Tap Mun (Grass Island)

Pet-friendly: No

To escape the city life and get a real change of scenery, take a 30-minute ferry ride from Wong Shek Pier in Sai Kung to the pastoral grounds of Tap Mun, also known as Grass Island. The best place to picnic is the large grassy field that looks out at the sea and Sharp Peak, but just be mindful of the wild cows that roam the meadow so that your lunch doesn’t get eaten by them. Since you’ve come this far, be sure to visit 400-year-old Tin Hau Temple before you leave the island.

Kwun Tong Promenade

Pet-friendly: Yes

If an evening picnic is what you’re after, claim a spot on the kilometre-long Kwun Tong Promenade for panoramic nighttime views of the harbour and the eastern part of Hong Kong Island. The vibe here is definitely more urban than tranquil, but this former cargo handling area has been transformed into a lovely strip with a boardwalk, waterfront tree walk and colourful, industrial-inspired art installations that light up and release mist at night.

Tai Po Waterfront Park

Pet-friendly: No

Sprawling across 22 hectares of green space on Tolo Harbour, Tai Po Waterfront Park is the largest park in Hong Kong managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. That means there’s no shortage of grassy areas for having a picnic, not to mention bowling greens, a kite-flying area, colourful flower displays, landscaped gardens and the winding Spiral Tower, which you can ascend for a better view of the surrounding scenery.

Jordan Valley Park

Pet-friendly: No

Don’t let the name confuse you — Jordan Valley Park is actually located in Kwun Tong. This former landfill site has really cleaned up over the years, and today it’s a popular, family-friendly destination for picnicking and other forms of leisure. The massive central lawn is where you’ll want to station yourself, but be sure to explore the park’s other features, including a kids’ playground, maze, bougainvillea garden and a radio-controlled model car racing circuit.

The post Where to Find the Most Scenic Picnic Spots in Hong Kong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Head to these scenic picnic spots with your favourite people, a blanket, and a basket brimming with delicious things.

When the weekend arrives and the weather is right, there’s arguably no better way to while away a sunny afternoon than having a picnic. Whether it’s with family or friends, planned or impromptu, a picnic offers a literal breath of fresh air and the chance to enjoy your favourite bites in some lovely surroundings. Luckily, Hong Kong is filled with beautiful locations to spread out on a blanket and relax for a few hours.

For your next picture-perfect get-together, read on for our list of the city's most scenic picnic spots.

Victoria Peak Garden

Pet-friendly: Yes

Occupying the grounds of what was formerly the Mountain Lodge — a summer residence for Hong Kong’s governors during the colonial period — Victoria Peak Garden is a beautiful and bucolic green space towering high above Hong Kong. Only a 15-minute walk from the Peak Galleria, this lovely retreat exudes an old-school charm with its Victorian-style gazebos and landscaped gardens. A very short hike up to the summit is the perfect way to conclude any picnic day.

Cyberport Waterfront Park

Pet-friendly: Yes

A popular destination for dog owners and their furry friends, Cyberport Waterfront Park is an expansive green lung where picnickers can enjoy flat stretches of grass and views of Lamma Island. Aside from pups running around, kites and drones flying overhead are sure to add some entertainment to any alfresco meal, and the nearby Fusion supermarket makes it easy to restock on food and drinks. Be sure to stick around for the scenic sunset — it’s the best part of the day.

Tamar Park

Pet-friendly: Yes

Smack dab in the middle of Admiralty, Tamar Park is the place to picnic for amazing views of Victoria Harbour, Kowloon’s waterfront and the dramatic Hong Kong Island skyline. Sitting adjacent to the Legislative Council Complex, the manicured lawns offer plenty of space for leisurely picnics and admiring the surrounding skyscrapers. Given its prime location, this is a popular spot for city dwellers who like to linger until the evening and watch Hong Kong light up at night.

West Kowloon Art Park

Pet-friendly: Yes

Part of the fast-growing West Kowloon Cultural District promenade, Art Park offers fabulous waterfront views of the harbour, Hong Kong Island and dramatic sunsets. When you’re not soaking up some sun or admiring the scenery, be sure to check out the rest of the district, including greenery in Nursery Park and new cultural centres under construction like M+. For a post-picnic activity, you can rent a SmartBike and cycle along the waterfront to take in the sights.

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park

Pet-friendly: No

Offering a similar experience to Tamar Park but with fewer crowds, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park sits on the waterfront in Sai Ying Pun and is a popular place for yoga, sports, sunbathing and, of course, picnics. While you’re there, treat yourself to a history lesson about the life of the Chinese revolutionary who lends his name to this green space — a statue of him stands at the centre of the lawn — and don’t miss the sculptures and reflecting pool on the waterfront promenade.

Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre

Pet-friendly: No

Mountainous backdrop, lush greenery and a placid body of water — Lantau Island’s Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre has all this and more. Though it’s technically part of Hong Kong Disneyland Park, Inspiration Lake is open to the public daily and has no admission fee. Add some activity to your picnic outing by renting a bike or a pedal boat to glide across the surface of the tranquil manmade lake.

Tap Mun (Grass Island)

Pet-friendly: No

To escape the city life and get a real change of scenery, take a 30-minute ferry ride from Wong Shek Pier in Sai Kung to the pastoral grounds of Tap Mun, also known as Grass Island. The best place to picnic is the large grassy field that looks out at the sea and Sharp Peak, but just be mindful of the wild cows that roam the meadow so that your lunch doesn’t get eaten by them. Since you’ve come this far, be sure to visit 400-year-old Tin Hau Temple before you leave the island.

Kwun Tong Promenade

Pet-friendly: Yes

If an evening picnic is what you’re after, claim a spot on the kilometre-long Kwun Tong Promenade for panoramic nighttime views of the harbour and the eastern part of Hong Kong Island. The vibe here is definitely more urban than tranquil, but this former cargo handling area has been transformed into a lovely strip with a boardwalk, waterfront tree walk and colourful, industrial-inspired art installations that light up and release mist at night.

Tai Po Waterfront Park

Pet-friendly: No

Sprawling across 22 hectares of green space on Tolo Harbour, Tai Po Waterfront Park is the largest park in Hong Kong managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. That means there’s no shortage of grassy areas for having a picnic, not to mention bowling greens, a kite-flying area, colourful flower displays, landscaped gardens and the winding Spiral Tower, which you can ascend for a better view of the surrounding scenery.

Jordan Valley Park

Pet-friendly: No

Don’t let the name confuse you — Jordan Valley Park is actually located in Kwun Tong. This former landfill site has really cleaned up over the years, and today it’s a popular, family-friendly destination for picnicking and other forms of leisure. The massive central lawn is where you’ll want to station yourself, but be sure to explore the park’s other features, including a kids’ playground, maze, bougainvillea garden and a radio-controlled model car racing circuit.

The post Where to Find the Most Scenic Picnic Spots in Hong Kong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

These Hong Kong hiking trails are where you can get a great workout, the best views of the city, and enough Instagram-worthy pictures to amp up your social media feed.

Hong Kong is constantly described as an urban jungle filled with skyscrapers and concrete, but the fact is that roughly only 25 percent of the city’s 1,108 square kilometres has been developed.

The remaining three-quarters consists of spectacular natural settings, and there’s no better way to explore Hong Kong’s natural beauty than on foot. Indeed, the countless trails dotted across the SAR offer ample opportunities to escape that big-city feeling while enjoying breathtaking views of green mountains, glistening waters, and, yes, that million-dollar skyline from various vantage points.

If you’ve got itchy feet and eager for spectacular sights to soak up, these are the best hiking trails in Hong Kong with killer views.

High West

Distance: 6.2km (3.8mi) round trip | Duration: 1–2 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Starting out in Kennedy Town, the hike from Sands Street to the viewing point atop High West includes roughly 2,000 steep steps and ends at an elevation of 494 metres (1,620 feet). It’s no walk in the park, but you’ll be rewarded at the end with panoramic views of everything from Sheung Wan to Cyberport, not to mention Kowloon and Lamma Island. You can shave time and distance by starting the hike on Pok Fu Lam Road, or you can cheat and walk an easy 2km (1.24mi) from Victoria Peak.

Lion Rock

Distance: 6.9km (4.3mi) | Duration: 2–3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Towering high over Kowloon at 495 metres (1,624 feet), Lion Rock is a must-do for any keen Hong Kong hiker. At the summit, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island beyond; along the way, of course, you’ll get a closer look at this iconic geological feature made from granite estimated to be 140 million years old. The loop trail begins at the Wong Tai Sin MTR station, but you can take a taxi to Fat Jong Temple to bypass the initial steep incline.

Jardine’s Lookout and Mount Butler

Distance: 4.2km (4.3mi) round trip | Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Head up to Hong Kong Parkview to tackle this loop trail offering both incredible city views and vistas of rolling hills and Tai Tam Reservoir. It’s a short 20-minute ascent to Jardine’s Lookout, where you’ll enjoy a west-facing perspective of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour and West Kowloon. You could just turn around and call it a day, but it’s worth it to continue on for the southward views from the top of Mount Butler before heading down to the reservoir.

Violet Hill and Twin Peaks

Distance: 7.1km (4.4mi) | Duration: 2–3 hours | Difficulty: Strenuous

Also starting from Hong Kong Parkview, this is the hike for those who want a challenge. Getting to the top of Violet Hill is a challenge in itself, and it offers some nice skyline views, but then you’ll go on to tackle not one but two more summits: the dreaded Twin Peaks. Often referred to as the “Terrible Twins,” these leg killers won’t be easy, but power through and you’ll fall in love with the view of Repulse Bay and the panorama of Stanley during the final descent.

Pineapple Hill

Distance: 5.9km (3.6mi) | Duration: 1–2 hours | Difficulty: Easy

It’s less of a hike and more of a walk from Leung King Plaza in Tuen Mun to the top of Pineapple Hill, which takes its name from Hong Kong’s iconic pineapple buns. The major draw here is what has come to be called Hong Kong’s own Grand Canyon, technically named the Leung Tin Au Gorge. Parts of the route are located close to the Tsing Shan Firing Range, so it’s best to check the government’s firing schedule beforehand to avoid disappointment.

Kowloon Peak and Suicide Cliff

Distance: 7km (4.3mi) | Duration: 4–5 hours | Difficulty: Strenuous

Kowloon Peak, otherwise known as Fei Ngo Shan, is the tallest point on the peninsula at 602 metres (1,975 feet), so scaling this mountain is quite the challenge. More of a climb than a hike at some points, your sweat (and maybe tears) will pay off with unparalleled views from the viewing point at the top. About halfway down the mountain, you’ll find it’s most Instagrammable feature: Suicide Cliff. It’s a sight to behold, but in case the name didn’t tip you off, please be careful when posing to avoid any accidents.

Dragon’s Back

Distance: 8km (6.9mi) | Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours | Difficulty: Easy

Arguably Hong Kong’s most famous trail, and certainly one of its most popular, the Dragon’s Back is long but relatively leisurely, particularly after the initial ascent to Shek O Peak (284 metres/931 feet). From there, you can enjoy views of Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay; 30 metres ahead, from the Dragon’s Back Viewing Point, you can also see Tai Tam Harbour. The best part? The undulating green hills which gave this trail its name.

Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak

Distance: 15.5km (9.6mi) | Duration: 5.5–6.5 hours | Difficulty: Extremely strenuous

If you want bragging rights for conquering Hong Kong’s toughest hike, here it is. You’ll start out in Mui Wo and work your way up to Sunset Peak (800 metres/2,624 feet) and then continue on to Lantau Peak (934 metres/3,064 feet), the second-highest point in Hong Kong. At this height, there’s a good chance you’ll be above the clouds, which makes for a spectacular sight in its own right, but if it’s clear then you’ll be able to see out to Macau and mainland China.

Tai Mo Shan

Distance: 9.7 km (6 mi) | Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Here it is: Hong Kong’s highest peak, standing tall at 957 metres (3,140 feet), yet it’s not as difficult to reach the summit as you might think. After a steep initial ascent, it’s mostly ridge-top walking rather than rock climbing. There isn’t much of Hong Kong you can’t see from here on a clear day, but note that the view is often obscured by clouds or fog, which is part of the draw for many photographers who come here looking to shoot dramatic images.

High Island Reservoir East Dam to Tai Long Wan

Distance: 10.7km (6.6mi) round trip | Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Undoubtedly one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful areas, Tai Long Wan is also one of the hardest to reach. To get here, you’ll start out at High Island Reservoir East Dam, located about a 30-minute taxi ride from Sai Kung Pier. From there, the sometimes-challenging hike takes around three hours and ends in paradise, on the beaches of Ham Tin or Tai Wan, popular places for camping when the weather’s not too hot.

Sharp Peak

Distance: 11.7km (7.2mi) round trip | Duration: 3.5–4.5 hours | Difficulty: Strenuous

For a bird’s-eye view of the beaches of Sai Kung East Country Park, make your way to the top of Sharp Peak (468 metres/1,535 feet). This hike, which begins and ends in Pak Tam Au, requires climbing and dealing with unstable terrain, so it’s best left to advanced hikers only. For those who succeed, the views of the beaches, crystal-clear waters and the country park are simply stunning.

High Junk Peak

Distance: 8.5km (5.3mi) | Duration: 3–4 hours | Difficulty: Strenuous

The narrow summit of High Junk Peak (344 metres/1,128 feet) is the highest accessible point on the Clear Water Bay Peninsula, and it offers amazing views of the bay and the surrounding scenery. On both High Junk Peak and Tim Ha Shan, which you’ll also scale on your way to the fishing village of Po Toi O, there are sections of gravel you’ll have to scramble up and steep sections to conquer, so this one is best left to the experts.

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Sitting at the edge of the Blade, a soaring dolerite column at the end of Cape Pillar, with Tasman Island bursting from the sea to the front, and the coastline advancing and retreating off to the right, can make a person feel very insignificant. At 300 metres above sea level in Tasman National Park, the Blade is the highest sea cliff in the Southern Hemisphere, a vertiginous landmark that irresistibly instils a humbling respect for and wonder of nature.

Naturally, it’s one of the highlights of the Three Capes Track, a four-day hike in Tasmania’s jagged southeast. When it opened to the public in 2015, the 48km trail with boardwalks and gravel paths was an instant hit, even though the only option for visitors was to stay in modern, functional national park huts and bring their own food.

That changed last year with the introduction of Three Capes Lodge Walk, which includes accommodation in the form of two luxurious eco lodges artfully hidden along the track that enable adventurers to enjoy the jaw-dropping scenery without sacrificing creature comforts. At the end of a day led by insightful guides, hikers can decompress in hot showers, nibble on canapés in front of a fire, enjoy freshly cooked meals accompanied by Tasmanian wine, and retire to rooms with large windows looking out to the forest.

My four-day hike traverses a heart-stirring trail that rises from sea level, taking in a cloud forest, undulating coastal heath and sheer-drop cliffs in a region rich with history. Dutch explorer Abel Tasman landed on the island in 1642, its first railways were built by convicts in the 1830s and Point Puer was the British Empire’s first boys-only prison, with inmates as young as nine years old. I learn all this during the first moments of the walk, as we slowly climb the hills above the official starting point of Denman’s Cove, a short boat ride from Port Arthur, itself a 90-minute drive from central Hobart.

[caption id="attachment_159498" align="alignnone" width="3983"] Cape Pillar Lodge[/caption]

With a maximum of 14 people allowed on the Three Capes Lodge Walk at a time, and the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service permitting only 48 hikers each night in the cabins for the normal route, the beautifully maintained trail is blissfully empty. Taking five years to build and requiring 18,000 helicopter flights to transport gravel, timber and other materials, it’s devoid of slushy sections and rocky terrain, making it passable year-round.

On an easy first day, my group strides past towering she-oaks, brown-top stringybark trees and silver peppermint bushes, with the occasional stop at benches made by design students. We see the outline of Cape Raoul, its shape broken because it was used for target practice by naval ships in the last century. In the autumn sun, the sky mottled with clouds, a light breeze on my face, and plants such as sword-grass and banksia everywhere, the setting feels almost Mediterranean.

By late afternoon, we arrive at Crescent Lodge, accessed by a faint trail off the main track. One of the three guides -- Charlotte, Josh and Gus -- arrived earlier to prepare some hors d’oeuvres of cheese, charcuterie, crackers and condiments, accompanied by Tasmanian wine.

Over these bites, we soon settle into the rhythm of old friends. Our enjoyment is amplified by a three-course dinner taken on a huge wooden table that includes lamb stew and panna cotta with mixed-berry coulis (the ingredients and drinks served are almost exclusively from Tasmania). After the meal comes a rundown of what to expect the following day, followed by more wine in front of a fire and some old-fashioned, digital-free conversation. I notice a possum outside sniffing at the lodge windows, eager to get inside to sample the amiable ambience.

[caption id="attachment_159500" align="alignnone" width="2448"] Soaring Dolerite Columns en route to The Blade[/caption]

The dark ash-coloured timber lodge took a year to build and is sealed with a fire-retarding coating. Plate-glass windows wrap around its main lounge, while terraced rooms and a separate Relaxation Pavilion are set among the trees. The lodge was planned with the environment in mind: showers use low-flow recycling systems so water isn’t wasted, solar panels and wind turbines help generate energy, and buildings sit on stilts to reduce footprints. Rooms feature large windows that can be opened to cool and ventilate the space, and the firm bed with soft sheets deserves a special mention as I fall into a deep slumber, serenaded by the haunting sound of wind whipping through trees.

The next day’s early start is preluded by freshly baked bread, smooth tangy yoghurt and crunchy granola. We set off in the clear morning air and I soon fall into the tempo of the walk’s pleasant metronomic crunch of gravel underfoot. We learn about epicormic growth and how fire helps the forest to regenerate (seed pods drop from trees when triggered by heat and smoke). At times, the guides point out the different flora -- candle heath, cheeseberries, dogwood, casuarinas, blanket leaf, snow gums, sassafras, stinkwood leaf, mountain pinkberries, a weird bush nicknamed bushman’s bootlace for its strong stalks -- and birds such as the flame robin, yellow-tailed black cockatoo and green rosella. I spot a fern covered in small water droplets, and as the sunlight hits it, it appears swathed in crystals.

The Tasman Peninsula, one of the guides explains, was created by epic tectonic shifts. As Gondwana pulled apart, magma rose, cooled and cracked, creating the vertical igneous dolerite. The trail passes through microclimates, including a section of cloud forest that feels like Tolkien’s Middle Earth with its huge boulders covered in moss and lichen.

[caption id="attachment_159497" align="alignnone" width="7360"] Three Capes Lodge walk[/caption]

The next two nights are spent at Cape Pillar Lodge, set on a zigzag walk above the track. The set-up is reassuringly similar to the first, except that it comes with a spa and on-site therapist. After a day of ambling, we settle in with some olives and pineapple cake, followed by a dinner of chicken pot pie with mushrooms, and some local riesling and pinot noir. My favourite spot is the pavilion, where I watch the sunrise each morning. The nascent light slowly illuminates the tall eucalyptus trees and coastline, firming up Cape Raoul’s shape with its strengthening rays. As I sit on the outdoor deck and warm up to the sounds of bees, birds and breeze, the feeling is transcendental.

By the third day, I’m able to identify Tasmanian laurel and pepperberry, though I continue to confuse black currawongs, an endemic bird species, with ravens. As we tread a boardwalk winding through undulating plains, our guide stops to discuss aboriginal history and explains how people have lived on the island for 40,000 years. We hug the coastline until the steep-cliffed Tasman Island comes into view. From the Blade, it’s a breathtaking sight -- the windswept, precipitous and forgotten outpost seems almost medieval in its austerity.

On the final day, a walk through a forest is immensely moving. The guides space everyone two minutes apart and ask us to walk in silence to better appreciate our surroundings. Devoid of distractions, I see how the fallen trees provide growth, marvel at the sculptural beauty of burned-out hollows and listen to the creak of branches in the wind.

The walk ends at Fortescue Bay, where a few of us swim in the bracing sea. After drying off and raising glasses of champagne for a farewell toast, we officially end the trip. In this place of inspiring beauty, my joy is doubled in the camaraderie of new-found friends.

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