4 Best Sights in Sai Kung, Hong Kong

Spanning across 150 square km of the New Territories, the Geopark consists of two geological regions: the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region and the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region. The sites comprise islets, sea caves, and villages, but the star may be on the honeycomb-shape columns formed by volcanic eruptions 140 million years ago, the most dramatic of which can be witnessed on the coast of High Island. The Volcanic Discovery Centre located in downtown Sai Kung provides helpful information about the area and serves as the gateway to the Geopark. Tours by Recommended Geopark Guides (R2G)---a number of which are available through the Volcanic Discovery Centre---is the best way to experience the park.

Named after a former Hong Kong governor, the 97-km (60-mile) MacLehose Trail is the grueling course for the annual MacLehose Trailwalker charity event. Top teams finish the hike in an astonishing 15 hours. Mere mortals should allow three to four days or simply tackle one section on a day hike.

This isolated trail starts at Tsak Yue Wu, beyond Sai Kung, and circles High Island Reservoir before breaking north. A portion takes you through the Sai Kung Country Park and up a mountain called Ma On Shan. Turn south for a high-ridge view, then walk through Ma On Shan Country Park. From here, walk west along the ridges of the mountains known as the Eight Dragons, which gave Kowloon its name.

After crossing Tai Po Road, the path follows a ridge to the summit of Tai Mo Shan (Big Hat Mountain), which, at 3,140 feet, is Hong Kong's tallest mountain. Continuing west, the trail drops to Tai Lam Reservoir and Tuen Mun, where you can catch public transport back to the city. To reach Tsak Yue Wu, take the MTR to Diamond Hill, then Bus 92 to Sai Kung Town. From Sai Kung Town, take Bus 94 to the country park.

An easier way to access Tai Mo Shan is via an old military road. En route you'll see the old British barracks, now occupied by the People's Liberation Army. Take the MTR to Tsuen Wan and exit the station at Shiu Wo Street, then catch Minibus 82.

To the east of Sha Tin, the Sai Kung Peninsula is home to one of Hong Kong's most beloved nature preserves, Sai Kung Country Park. It has several hiking trails that wind through majestic hills overlooking the water. The hikes through the hills surrounding High Island Reservoir are also spectacular. Seafood restaurants dot the waterfront in Sai Kung Town as well as the tiny fishing village of Po Toi O in Clear Water Bay. At Sai Kung Town you can rent a sampan that will take you to one of the many islands in the area for a day at the beach. 

Fishing villages and a nearly 400-year-old temple highlight Tap Mun Island, also known as Grass Island, where strong waves periodically beat the shores. Many visitors opt to have a seafood lunch at the New Hon Kee Seafood Restaurant. Thereafter, enjoy an "is this still Hong Kong?" moment while watching cattle graze at the hilltop pavilion. A kaito (local ferry) from Wong Shek pier in Sai Kung Country Park will speed you to the island; however, public transit access to Wong Shek pier is limited to weekends and holidays.