Hong Kong Sai Kung

Sai Kung, often called the 'back garden of Hong Kong', is a laid-back fishing town on the eastern coast of the New Territories that feels a world away from the skyscraper canyons of Central. This is where Hong Kongers come to breathe – a place of emerald-green islands, clear turquoise waters, and seafood so fresh it’s practically still swimming. Whether you’re hiking the MacLehose Trail, kayaking through sea caves, or simply tucking into a plate of steamed garoupa at a floating restaurant, Sai Kung offers a wild, salty slice of coastal life that’s perfect for a day trip or a longer escape.

Highlights & What to See

• Sai Kung Waterfront & Promenade – Stroll along the typhoon shelter, watching fishing boats bob next to luxury yachts, and browse the lively seafood market where you can pick your own dinner.
• Sharp Island (Kiu Tsui Chau) – A short kaito ride away, this narrow island offers a tombolo (a sandbar) that appears at low tide, plus snorkelling and a quiet beach.
• MacLehose Trail Section 1 & 2 – For hikers, these sections deliver stunning coastal views over Long Ke Wan and the iconic High Island Reservoir, with volcanic rock columns formed 140 million years ago.
• Kayaking in the Geopark – Paddle through sea arches and around the hexagonal rock columns of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark – an unforgettable way to explore the coastline.
• Seafood Dinner at a Floating Restaurant – Head to one of the big floating restaurants in the typhoon shelter for a feast of mantis shrimp, crab, and clams, all cooked to order.

Suggested Time to Spend

Sai Kung makes a brilliant day trip from central Hong Kong, but to truly unwind, consider an overnight stay. With a full day you can combine a morning hike or kayak trip, a seafood lunch, and an afternoon on Sharp Island. If you have two days, add a second hike or a boat trip to the outer islands like Grass Island (Tap Mun) for a picnic and more dramatic scenery. The pace here is leisurely – don’t rush the seafood.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Clear Water Bay Peninsula – Just south, with beautiful beaches like Clear Water Bay First Beach and the scenic Lung Ha Wan Country Trail.
• Tai Po – A market town with the Hong Kong Railway Museum and a huge waterfront park, plus great dim sum.
• Plover Cove Country Park – Home to the Plover Cove Reservoir and the challenging Wilson Trail, with panoramic views from Pat Sin Leng.
• Ma On Shan – Offers the Ma On Shan Country Park with hiking trails and a fascinating abandoned iron mine.
• Lamma Island – Accessible by ferry from Central, this car-free island has laid-back villages, seafood restaurants, and a family-friendly hiking trail.

Please check official sources for current details.