Local Health

Sai Sha Road

Hong Kong’s back garden gets a face lift

Charmaine Ng looks at Sai Kung’s current and upcoming road developments

Dubbed the back garden of Hong Kong, Sai Kung is popular for its rural villages, hiking trails, beaches, islands and geological formations. In the wake of Covid-19 restrictions, Hongkongers have flocked to this isolated part of the city to enjoy the fresh air and hidden beaches.

With only two main access roads to the town, weekend traffic has become a serious problem over the years, causing many accidents and delays.

In order to accommodate the influx of visitors Sai Kung has begun a large number of construction works. Including the widening of Hiram’s Highway and Sai Sha Road. Here’s an update on the current developments and road works taking place in the back garden of Hong Kong.

Hiram’s Highway

As the only principal road linking Sai Kung to Kowloon East and Tseung Kwan O, the ongoing improvement works at Hiram’s Highway is one of the most prominent projects in the area.

The existing highway was designed based on old standards. As a result, the narrow carriageway, which retains sharp bends, insufficient pedestrian crossing facilities and insufficient laybys (an area at the side of a road where vehicles may pull off the road and stop), have caused adverse traffic impact throughout the years.

Split into two stages of development to turn the current highway into a dual two-lane carriageway, the public project proposed by the Highways Department is currently wrapping up its first stage. Stage 1

Construction work at Hiram’s Highway began in March 2016 with a focus on two sections: between Clear Water Bay Road and Pak Wai; and the existing Ho Chung Road and Luk Mei Tsuen Road. The proposed improvement works will relieve the traffic congestion near Marina Cove, enhance the safety of the road section and improve local access to Ho Chung and Luk Mei Tsuen.

Stage 2

As the first stage of improvement works finalises, the second stage is under review with preliminary design and investigation works in progress.

Essentially, this stage will improve the section of Hiram’s Highway, Po Tung Road and Tai Mong Tsai Road from Marina Cove to the south of Sha Ha. Similar to Stage 1, the proposed works will relieve traffic congestion and enhance the safety of the road section around the Sai Kung area.

Sai Sha Road

Sun Hung Kai Properties, a major developer in Hong Kong, is currently in the works of a largescale housing development located off Sai Sha Road in Shap Sze Heung. With 9,500 apartments of around 610 square feet each, the project will amount to a population equivalent to that of Sai Kung Town, assuming that it is fully occupied with three members per family.

Sai Sha Road is currently a single carriageway that will more than likely become congested when serving the influx of population. Acknowledging this, Sun Hung Kai Properties is in the process of widening the road into a four-lane carriageway with additional traffic interchanges and up to three footbridges. The project will also include a public car park and coach stable, a cycling track, noise barriers, greening works to compensate for the affected trees, as well as extensive water and sewage utility provisions.

Roadworks are expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2023.

Hiram’s Highway

Hike-arumba

Hiking season is upon us, Nicole Slater rounds up the best treks to do this autumn

Sharp Peak

One of Hong Kong’s most difficult hikes, Sharp Peak was voted hike of the year in our Sai Kung Readers’ Choice Awards 2020. Suitable only for experienced hikers, the climb is so strenuous that the AFCD recommends against hiking the trail altogether. However, its splendid views of Tai Long Wan and its four beaches make it worth the climb.

Sunset Peak

Hong Kong’s third highest peak and Lantau’s second highest mountain, Sunset Peak is known for its gorgeous sunset views overlooking the Lantau coastline. The sunsets here are so beautiful, they have even been featured on Cantopop singer Eason Chan’s album Taste the Atmosphere. Be sure to bring along a flashlight since descending from the peak after dark can be dangerous.

Dragon’s Back

Dragon’s Back took home the prize for Hong Kong’s favourite hike in our Hong Kong Living Awards 2020 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. It is easily accessible from the city which means it gets busy, particularly during weekends. Get there early, or prepare to queue just to get onto the trail.

Standing at 934 metres above sea level, Lantau Peak is the second highest peak in Hong Kong. Due to its elevation, strong winds and fog are a common occurrence on this mountain, but if you can break through the panoramic views of Lantau Island make it all worth it. The peak can be reached from the less strenuous, Lantau Trail.

Twin Peaks and Violet Hill

If you’re looking for a challenge then Twin Peaks and Violet Hill is the hike for you. This workout packs a serious punch and is commonly referred to as the “Terrible Twins” due to its seemingly never-ending series of steps (over 1,000 actually). We strongly advise doing this hike from Parkview to Stanley, rather than in the opposite direction as when you’re halfway up the first peak, thinking you should have gone for brunch instead, the visions of Stanley’s restaurants, along with the gentle ocean breeze, will keep you going. There is a roaring lion to the north. This hike is slightly lesser known but certainly up there in terms of grandeur. Conquer this rugged ridge to witness some of Hong Kong’s finest views. Feel the intense sprawl of Kowloon against the scenic backdrop of the island. When you reach the peak, you’ll feel incredible and the hiking conditions on either side are also most enjoyable. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, in particular monkeys.

Suicide Cliff at Kowloon Peak

Standing at 603 metres above sea level, Kowloon Peak offers panoramic views of bustling Victoria Harbour from one direction and serene Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay from the other. The hike starts with a steep incline up to the summit which takes around an hour. Once there you can follow the trail down to Suicide Cliff (called so because of its rocky feature which resembles a diving board). Here you’ll enjoy stunning views of Hong Kong island from above, far better than any rooftop bar.

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. This hike will take you off the concrete path and up a river course, offering a combination of waterfalls, clear rock pools and cliffs which are ideal for jumping off. Those with a fear of heights might want to sit this one out as it involves climbing the 25-metre Thousand Silk Falls. Hiking up a watercourse and over wet rocks provides obvious hazards, making this one unsuitable for younger children.

Rhino Rock

Well-known for its Rhinoceros shaped rock formation, this Stanley trail is one of the shortest in Hong Kong, taking less than 30-minutes. Starting at Stanley Fort, the trail is just one-kilometre each way and leads you to the perfect Instagram location. Remember to keep your mask on for the photo.

Lung Ha Wan Country Trail

Lung Ha Wan Country Trail is perfect for those wanting a hiking experience without feeling suffocated. The two-kilometre hike will take you above Clearwater Bay Country Park where you can enjoy fresh air while overlooking Sai

Lantau Peak

Lion Rock

Kung and the outlying islands.

Bowen Road

Popular with joggers and dog-walkers alike, Bowen Road is the perfect place for an evening stroll, offering panoramic views of Central, Wan Chai and Happy Valley. The fourkilometre trail is paved and flat, with plenty of rest stops so you’ll never be short of breath.

Braemar Hill

A short 20-minute hike will take you to one of Hong Kong’s most iconic viewing points. The trail starts off steep but soon flattens out. Follow the red ribbons conveniently located along the route and be rewarded with stunning views of Hong Kong Island.

Trio Beach

This scenic stroll in Sai Kung leads you to Sai Kung’s best beach, as voted in our Readers’ Choice Awards. The trail is mainly flat with a gradual incline half-way through taking around 30-minutes to reach the beach. With current beach regulations you won’t be able to cool off at the end, but you can enjoy some shady grassland nearby.