Beyond the Urban Jungle

 Cheung Chau 

A 30-minutes boat ride away from the city lies a little quaint island with picturesque harbour called Cheung Chau.

Despite its small size, the island is packed with beaches, short hikes, pirate caves and splendid views.

Within easy reach from the city, this lush slice of heritage will make you feel like you're a million miles away.

Getting there: Go out from Exit A of Central MTR Station and walk for 5 minutes to Pier 5 of Central pier to Cheung Chau.

 Big Wave Bay 

Regarded as one of the cleanest and most serene beaches in Hong Kong, Big Wave Bay is little known outside the surfing community. 

Perhaps this explains its mile long of pristine white sands and clear waters that reflect its undisrupted beauty. 

Getting there: Go out from Exit A3 of Shau Kei Wan MTR Station and take Bus number 9 to Big Way Bay beach. 

Hap Mun Bay, Sai Kung

Also known as Half Moon Bay, this picturesque crescent-shaped beach in Sai Kung is popular amongst locals for its clear emerald waters and top water quality.

Bask under the late afternoon sun and take a quick dip in its lush waters afterwards.

A snack bar, barbeque and picnic sites, showers and lockers are also available.  

Getting there: Exit Choi Hung Station exit 2 and take mini bus 1A to reach Sai Kung town. From there, take a boat (kaito ride) to Hap Mun Bay.

Lion Rock Country Park

The best view in town does not come easy.. you have to work for it.

Tie your shoelaces and fill up your water bottles for one of the best hikes in Hong Kong. 

Getting there: Exit B3 from Wong Tai Sin MTR Station and take a taxi to Lion's Rock or walk through Shatin Pass Road. 

 The Big Buddha 

Erected in 1993 in the remote Po Lin Monastery, the Big Buddha (also known as Tian Tan Buddha)

sits an impressive 34 metres high and faces North to look after the Chinese people

who committedly climb up the 268 steps to offer their prayers.

Getting there: MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, then take Ngong Ping Cable Car

Then walk for around 10 minutes to the monastery; or,

MTR Tung Chung Exit B,

then take New Lantao Bus 23 from Tung Chung Town Centre,

Then walk for eight minutes; or,

Catch ferry from Central Pier to Mui Wo,

then take New Lantao Bus 2 to Ngong Ping Village

To view Hong Kong's MTR map, please click here.