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Hit the Hills

Hike (mask-free) high above the mountain tops with Charmaine Ng

The coronavirus outbreak means that most people are avoiding crowded areas as it poses a bigger risk of infection. Instead of hitting the malls over the weekend, why not head outdoors for a hike, sans mask? Here are some of the best trails in the city for you to conquer during this difficult time.

Tap Mun Balancing rocks and kite flying are the first things that come to mind when we think of Tap Mun. Renamed Grass Island in 1898 but still usually referred to by its Chinese name, Tap Mun is an easy hike with gentle inclines and lots of grassy slopes for kids to run around and play. The entire island is marked with signposts, so don’t worry if your map reading skills are lacking. Look out for the Balanced Rock, a stack of two unique formations, on the trail. Getting there: From Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier or Wong Shek Pier, take the ferry to Tap Mun Escape the crowds

Credit: Eric Ho @chopsticksontheloose

Trio Beach Walking to Trio Beach is a great family day out. Split in two by a rocky outcrop and a lifeguard tower, it has soft gently sloping sand and is perfect for splashing around in the shallows. Most beach-goers get there by sampan from Pak Sha Wan Pier, but for a healthier and more scenic option, take a hike – it’ll take around one hour with kids in tow, and you’ll get to enjoy incredible views of Pak Sha Wan on the way. Don’t forget your swimsuit! Getting there: From Sai Kung town, take minibus 1A or 101M to Chek Keng Tuk Road Kids in tow

Po Pin Chau Po Pin Chau is one of Hong Kong’s lesser-known hikes. It starts at the East Dam of High Island Reservoir and explores the southern coastline of Sai Kung. The hike is a feast for the eyes, with dramatic coastal scenery and a chance to get up close to the area’s famed geological rock formations. The walk is relatively short but it’s anything but easy – you’ll be clambering up steep slopes, weaving through overgrown shrubbery and picking your way through dense woods. It’s definitely not one for beginners! Getting there: Take a taxi to East Dam, High Island Reservoir For rock fanatics

Po Pin Chau

Po Toi Po Toi comprises a group of islands to the southeast of Hong Kong Island almost an hour away by ferry. The short circular trail from the pier takes you past landmarks like Ngau Wu Teng Pavilion, Nam Tam Wan and the now Instagram-famous Nam Kok Tsui lighthouse. Look out for the peculiarly shaped rocks on the way, which appear as if they were sculptured for art. Getting there: From Aberdeen pier, take the ferry to Po Toi trending on instagram

Hoi Ha Hoi Ha’s crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches and dense forests will take your breath away. This hike follows the Tai Tan trail around the southern coastline of Sai Kung West Country Park before descending down into Hoi Ha. Along the way, hikers will be treated to stunning scenery, ranging from lush mangroves to vast sea views. The trail is simple to follow but the path is uneven at times, making it a nice step up from the introductory hikes. Getting there: From Sai Kung town, take bus 94 to Tai Tan PIX coastal walk

Challenge yourself Sheung Luk Stream If waterfalls and cliff diving sound like your kind of thing, then Sheung Luk Stream is one hike you do not want to miss. Daredevils and thrill-seekers, take note. This hike will take you off the concrete paths and up a river course, offering a combination of waterfalls, clear rock pools and cliffs for jumping off of. The going is moderately strenuous, involving some rock hopping and scrambling up the streambed. Those with a fear of heights might want to sit this one out as it involves climbing the 25-metre Thousand Silk Falls. There are obvious hazards with hiking up a watercourse and over wet rocks, making the hike unsuitable for younger children. Getting there: From Sai Kung town, take bus 29R to Sai Wan Pavilion

catch the sunset (sunrise) Sunset Peak Hong Kong’s third highest peak and Lantau island’s second highest mountain, Sunset Peak is, as its name suggests, known for its gorgeous sunset views overlooking the Lantau coastline. The sunset on the hike has even been featured on Cantopop singer Eason Chan’s album – that’s how beautiful it is. Make sure to bring along a flashlight because it will

Po Toi Island

be dangerous descending from the peak after dark. If you are a beginner, consider catching the sunrise instead.

Tai Long Wan Tai Long Wan is perhaps the most beautiful place in Hong Kong. Despite its remote location, it is a perennial favourite for hikers for its clear water, distinctive hills and

Camp overnight

Dragon’s Back Dragon’s Back took home the prize for Hong Kong’s favourite hike in our Hong Kong Living Awards 2019 and it’s not difficult to see why. Popular with both locals and tourists, beginner or expert, the Dragon’s Back trail boasts beautiful coastal views of Shek O, Tai Long Wan and Tung Lung Island. Its stunning views and easy access from the city, though, means that it is always packed, especially on weekends. Get there early or prepare to queue up just to get onto the trail! Getting there: From MTR Shau Kei Wan Station, take bus 9 to To Tei Wan on Shek O Road take a visitor

Dragon’s Back four lovely beaches covering three kilometres. The 8.84-kilometre hike takes around four hours to complete, offering sweeping views over High Island Reservoir. If you like camping, make it an overnight trip and bring your outdoor equipment along – there is a campsite along the trail, just behind Long Ke beach, with barbecue pits, picnic tables and toilets. Getting there: Take a taxi to East Dam, High Island Reservoir

Sunset Peak

Lion Rock Growing up in a local family, Lion Rock, with its many cultural references, was one of the most frequently mentioned mountains on radio and TV. And now – you can hike it. The iconic peak is known for its peculiar shape that resembles a crouching lion and from the top, offers breathtaking views of the cityscape. It’s a popular trail that gets crowded on weekends, so if you do decide to take on this quintessential hike (and you should!), try and go during the week. Getting there: From MTR Wong Tai Sin Station, take minibus 18M to Fat Jong Temple Tai Long Wan enjoy the view

Lion Rock

Anxiety during a pandemic

Psychologist Angela Watkins shares advice to help manage anxiety during the current virus outbreak

Hong Kong, and the world, is anxious about the possibility of catching the Wuhan Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19 as it was recently named. But this is not the pandemic you need to be most worried about. The bigger problem right now is the contagion of anxiety spreading through our community, especially via social media. It can be easy to get swept up in the panic. If you do, the following anxiety management techniques should help;

How does anxiety spread through a community? Anxiety is made worse when it is fed. Searching for more information about what is making you anxious will usually increase your anxiety.

Rumour and mistruths exacerbate anxiety. Sharing rumours on social media is the equivalent of sneezing in a crowded MTR carriage. It spreads worry. What cures anxiety in cases such as this? Challenge all sources of information. The media often include panic inciting headlines and bury calming information.

Acknowledge your anxiety – give it a voice, but not a megaphone. Talk to your anxiety as you would a worried child. Accept that it exists, how it might perceive the situation, and offer alternative ways of looking at the issue. Be kind to yourself.

Be careful when you share information. Search for facts, not rumours. Do not spread the contagion of panic.

Panic buying can add to your experience of panic. Sure if you need toilet paper buy a pack, but don’t buy 10 packs “just in case”.

Don’t judge those who leave, or those who stay. People make the choices that they think are best for their family.

Adopt a new perspective, try to focus on the positive: • Hong Kong is currently exploring business continuity plans and conducting what is probably the world’s largest “work from home experiment”. This experiment may lead to greater work flexibility for Hong Kong in the future.

• With schools closed, parents get to spend

more time with their children (if they choose).

• You may finally have time to sort out that spare room or messy cupboard.

• When Hong Kong experienced SARS there

were drastic improvements to public hygiene practices, as well as massive benefits for those who bought apartments during that time.

Angela is a qualified psychologist, counsellor, SEN-educator and founder of Red Door based in Central. To contact her, email reception@reddoor.hk. reddoor.hk