Sai Kung

Sai Kung is Hong Kong’s wild backyard, a laid-back coastal town where the pace slows and the outdoors beckon. Known as the ‘back garden of Hong Kong’, this patch of the New Territories is all about sea breezes, seafood, and spectacular hiking. The waterfront promenade buzzes with seafood restaurants and fishing boats, while the surrounding Sai Kung Peninsula and offshore islands offer some of the most pristine beaches and dramatic trails in the territory. Whether you’re here to kayak among volcanic rock formations, hike the MacLehose Trail, or simply feast on freshly caught prawns, Sai Kung feels a world away from the city’s neon rush.

Highlights & What to See

• Sai Kung Town Waterfront – Stroll the promenade, watch the fishing boats bob, and choose your live seafood from tanks at the famous waterfront restaurants. The nightly seafood street market is a sensory overload of clattering crabs and shouting chefs.
• Hong Kong Global Geopark – Sharp Island & the Hexagonal Rock Columns – Take a short kaito (ferry) to Sharp Island to see extraordinary hexagonal volcanic columns and tidal pools. Alternatively, join a boat tour to the remote High Island Reservoir area for the full geopark experience.
• MacLehose Trail Section 1 & 2 – These are the most scenic sections of Hong Kong’s classic long-distance trail. Section 1 undulates along the High Island Reservoir with stunning sea views; Section 2 drops into the beautiful beaches of Long Ke Wan and Ham Tin Wan. It’s a full-day commitment but utterly rewarding.
• Tai Long Wan (Big Wave Bay) – Actually four beaches (Sai Wan, Ham Tin Wan, Tai Wan, and Tung Wan) linked by a coastal trail. Powdery sand, clear water, and a surfer vibe – the perfect reward after a hike.
• Sai Kung Promenade & Seafood Street – In the evening, the promenade comes alive with families and couples. Don’t miss the chance to buy seafood directly from the boats and have it cooked at a nearby restaurant.

Suggested Time to Spend

For a satisfying taste of Sai Kung, allocate at least a full day. Arrive mid-morning, explore the town and waterfront, then take a ferry to Sharp Island or a short hike on the MacLehose Trail. Have a late seafood lunch, then spend the afternoon on a beach or kayaking. If you’re keen on serious hiking (e.g., the full Section 2), plan for a second day. Many visitors combine Sai Kung with an overnight stay at a village guesthouse or a camping trip on one of the outer islands.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Clear Water Bay Peninsula – Just south of Sai Kung, with quieter beaches, the Tin Hau Temple, and the scenic Clear Water Bay Country Park.
• Plover Cove Country Park – A vast park to the north with the dramatic Bride’s Pool waterfall and the Plover Cove Reservoir trail.
• Ma On Shan – A mountain with a challenging hike offering panoramic views of Tolo Harbour and Sai Kung.
• Sheung Sze Wan (Sharp Island) – A short ferry ride from Sai Kung town, perfect for a half-day trip to see the geopark formations.
• Kowloon East (Kwun Tong & Lei Yue Mun) – Combine a Sai Kung day with a seafood dinner at Lei Yue Mun, a fishing village turned seafood strip, or explore the street art and markets of Kwun Tong.

Please check official sources for current details.