Sai Kung Country Parks

Just a short hop from the urban buzz of Hong Kong, Sai Kung Country Parks offer a stunning escape into rugged coastlines, volcanic rock formations, and emerald-green seas. This collection of protected areas — including Sai Kung East and West Country Parks — is a paradise for hikers, kayakers, and nature lovers. With its dramatic sea cliffs, pristine beaches, and the iconic hexagonal rock columns of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, Sai Kung feels a world away from the city's skyscrapers. Whether you're traversing the MacLehose Trail or island-hopping by sampan, this is Hong Kong at its wildest and most beautiful.

Highlights & What to See

• Sharp Island — A short ferry ride from Sai Kung town, this island features a tombolo (a sandbar exposed at low tide) and geothermal rock formations, perfect for snorkelling and hiking.
• Long Ke Wan — One of Hong Kong's most beautiful beaches, with turquoise water and white sand, accessible via a scenic hike from the High Island Reservoir.
• High Island Reservoir East Dam — Part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, marvel at the giant hexagonal volcanic rock columns and the striking sea caves formed by wave action.
• MacLehose Trail Section 2 — This iconic hike takes you through lush hills, over ridges with sweeping sea views, and down to the idyllic Ham Tin Wan and Tai Long Wan beaches.
• Sai Kung Town Seafood Street — After a day on the trails, feast on freshly caught seafood at the waterfront restaurants, where you can pick your own fish from tanks.
• Sheung Yiu Folk Museum — A restored Hakka village that offers a glimpse into rural life in the New Territories, complete with traditional houses and a kiln.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least a full day to explore Sai Kung Country Parks — ideally two days if you want to hike a major trail section, kayak around the islands, and linger on the beaches. Many visitors base themselves in Sai Kung town for easy access to ferries and trailheads. For a day trip from Hong Kong Island, start early to catch a sampan to Sharp Island, then tackle a short hike to Long Ke Wan before returning for a seafood dinner. Overnight camping is possible at designated sites like Ham Tin Wan (bring your own gear).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hong Kong Global Geopark — Extends across Sai Kung and includes other volcanic landscapes like the Ninepin Group and Ung Kong Group, accessible by boat tours.
• Clear Water Bay Country Park — South of Sai Kung, this park offers coastal trails, the Clear Water Bay beaches, and the scenic Tai Au Mun lookout.
• Ma On Shan Country Park — Adjacent to Sai Kung West, with the challenging Ma On Shan summit hike and the Ngong Ping plateau.
• Tai Long Wan (Big Wave Bay) — A series of four stunning beaches on the eastern coast of Sai Kung Peninsula, linked by trails and popular with surfers.
• Kowloon Peak (Fei Ngo Shan) — For panoramic views of the region, this peak on the boundary of Sai Kung offers a tough but rewarding climb.

Please check official sources for current details.