Big day out

SIZZLING SUMMER ESCAPES With travel restrictions still on, enjoy these Hong Kong day trips that are just a ride away. By Rik Glauert and Katrina Lau

For the Instagrammers

Mui Wo

From pastoral scenes, breathtaking waterscapes to beachside restaurants, Mui Wo has it all. Also known as Silver Mine Bay, Mui Wo was the largest settlement on Lantau Island before Tung Chung took over. And unlike Tung Chung, Mui Wo still boasts quaint villages, tiny temples and you can still see cows roaming around. Follow the Olympic Trail and you’ll be taken to the three waterfalls of Silver Mine Bay – Pearl Falls, Silvermine Lower Falls and Silvermine Main Falls. You can also stop by the Silver Mine Bay Waterfall Garden which looks over a picturesque waterfall that is totally Instagrammable. How to get there: Ferries leave from Central Ferry Pier 6 every 40 minutes.

For outdoor enthusiasts

Sai Kung

Sai Kung ticks off boxes for unspoiled beaches, azure waters and undulating hills of tropical forest, making for one of the best getaways

from the city. All you have to decide is whether to charter a boat to picnic on a small island, paddleboard around rock formations or conquer the mountains. We suggest ending the day with a sumptuous seafood feast on the waterfront.

How to get there: Take the MTR to Hang Hau and then take a minibus or taxi. Minibuses also run from Mong Kok and Kwun Tong.

For a taste of old Hong Kong

Tai O

This ancient fishing village is about as far as you can get from Central without crossing a border. Take a boat trip around the atmospheric stilted village or join one of Hong Kong Dolphinwatch’s ecotours and head out to sea in search of Hong Kong’s playful pink dolphins. Take a walk along the coast for lunch at the Tai O Lookout, a renovated colonial police station, to refuel amidst lush surroundings. Those in the mood for an adventure should take the coastline path south in search of Man Cheung Po, the infamous natural infinity pool formed by a waterfall.

How to get there: The easiest and quickest way to arrive is by taking the MTR to Tung Chung and then hopping on bus 11. If you want to make a real day trip of it, you could take the Ngong Ping Cable Car to Ngong Ping Village then board bus 21.

For history buffs

Ping Shan Heritage Trail

Plunge into some of Hong Kong’s oldest history. This 1.6-kilometre trail in Yuen Long features

Mui Wo

Tai O

pagodas, temples, ancestral halls and police stations spanning the full gamut of Hong Kong’s history. The Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery at the trail’s end is located in an old police station built in 1900. Sitting atop a hill, it offers great views across the New Territories to Shenzhen as well as back towards the skyscrapers of Kowloon and Central. For a fully-packed day trip, consider spending some time at the Hong Kong Wetland Park nearby. Alternatively, have a go at the 15-kilometre ancient trail between Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun.

How to get there: The trail is well signposted from MTR Tin Shui Wai Station Exit E3.

FOR DAY TRIPPERS

Lamma Island

As one of the most accessible days trips from Hong Kong, Lamma Island has a handful of charming hikes, beaches and seafood restaurants just waiting for you. One of our favourite ways to visit is to take the sampan ferry from Aberdeen to the tranquil Mo Tat Wan. You can then take your way exploring the neardeserted beaches of the island’s south side as well as the abandoned sun-dappled village of Luk Chau. Later, you can trek north to the cafés, trinket shops and seafood restaurants of Yung Shue Wan before taking the ferry back to Central.

How to get there: Ferries leave from Aberdeen and Central Ferry Pier 4.

For laidback souls

Peng Chau

Lying next to Lantau Island is the laidback neighbourhood of Peng Chau. Once famous for housing the biggest matchmaker in Asia, Great China Match Factory, Peng Chau is now a peaceful island with ancient relics, unspoiled wilderness and locally known seafood restaurants. Unlike neighbouring islands, Peng Chau is untrampled by huge crowds, and with no car in sight, it is the perfect escape from the bustle. Take a hike at Finger Hill, cycle around the island, visit Lung Mo Temple or shop at the bright and quirky local shops. Feel free to bring along your furry friends as there are allocated seats on the ferry too.

How to get there: Ferries run from Central Ferry Pier 6 every 45 minutes.

For the young and the old

Tai Mei Tuk

Away from the islands, Tai Mei Tuk is a family favourite in the New Territories. Get ready to spend a full day there as Tai Mei Tuk is filled with fun activities and perfect for family gettogethers. Close to the Plover Cove Reservoir and Country Park, the line of restaurants along Ting Kok Road overlooks a scenic view of the waters. If eating at a restaurant is too easy for you, enjoy a summer grill with your family and friends at The Bradbury Jockey Club barbecue area. As you walk across the Plover Cove Reservoir, you’ll be greeted by young cyclers and kite-flyers. The Tai Mei Tuk Water Sports Centre nearby also offers kayaks, windsurfing boards and sailing dinghies for hire.

How to get there: Take the MTR to Tai Po Market Station and then take minibus 20C or bus 75K.

For intrepid foodies

Cheung Chau

Hong Kong’s very own tropical island paradise is just 40 minutes away by ferry. This tiny island has everything you need for a vacation, compacted into just one day. Gorgeous sandy beaches, seafood restaurants along a bustling harbour and ancient temples are all yours to explore. Check out the quirky snack shops serving up island specialities like mango mochi and fish balls as big as tennis balls. We recommend hiring a bicycle and peddling your way around the island to get a complete picture in just a few hours.

How to get there: Ferries run from Central Pier 5 every half an hour.

For beach lovers

Tai Long Wan

We’re all missing our summer getaways to Phuket, Guam or Boracay, so Tai Long Wan is the perfect dupe to get our dose of sunshine. Hidden behind Sai Kung Country Park, Tai Long Wan is a bay with three magnificent beaches – Ham Tin, Sai Wan and Tung Wan. The white sands and clear blue water resembles the Maldives and the unspoiled beaches are popular among surfers and campers. Water sports equipment and camping tents are available for rental in local stores by the beach. If you are up for a hike, follow Maclehose Trail 2 and go in for a dip in the Sai Kung rock pools and Sheung Luk Stream along your way. Tai Long Wan boasts the clearest water in Hong Kong and is the best summer escape for cooling off.

How to get there: Take a taxi to Sai Wan Pavillion and hike along the path. If you’re not a hiking person, speed boats also leave from Sai Kung Pier.