If anyone’s looking for something different from the usual sights and sounds in Hong Kong, I highly recommend a trip out to Sai Kung in the New Territories. More specifically, try a hike in the Sai Kung country park along the MacLehose trail.

The entire route spans about 100 km from the Sai Kung coast to the Tai Lam mountain range and is divided into six sections. On moley’s advice, I did the second stage, starting from the East Dam, winding towards Long Ke village and passing through three different beaches.

Hikers are warned that the route is ‘strenuous’ and constantly advised to be well prepared with water, food, back-up mobile phones etc.. I can say it wasn’t that bad. Some parts resembled an incline of 15 on the treadmill but there were also a lot of flat areas. Overall it was a manageable trek, with a mixture of stone paths and paved roads.

After the myriad stages of transport to get from downtown to East Dam, I started my hike at 11.30am. There are no exit points along the entire second stage except for half way at Chui Tung Au so I decided to walk to Ham Tin Wan and then double back to Chui Tung Au, where I would be able to get a cab back towards civilisation.

To cut a long story short, I was at Ham Tin Wan for over an hour. I dipped my toes in the cold water but was too chicken to immerse myself completely. Then I lazed on the sand, napped and got a sunburn. It was worth all the effort.

Including my two hours on the beach, my entire hike took over five hours, with no other breaks. I thought the way out towards the exit at Chui Tung Au would be a short walk but I ended up taking over an hour.  As it was pushing past 5pm I got a bit worried because I had to get back to get ready to attend a concert. Thankfully the taxi calling service came through and I was on my way pretty quickly.

Ham Tin Wan

Nary a soul

Sai Wan village with one or two restaurants and cafes