Summer is officially drawing to a close, and as the heat eases off in Hong Kong, hiking season sets in. If the hot season has got you out-of-practice on the hiking front, we’re here to help. To get Hongkongers off the couch, we’ve rounded up five easy hikes close to the city – trails that will get you back into hiking mode, and home in time for lunch.
Garden Hill
Distance on foot: ~1.5 kilometres
Time on foot: ~45–60 minutes round trip
How to get there: Take the MTR to Sham Shui Po Station (Exit D2), then walk about 10 minutes along Ki Lung Street and up the stairs beside Mei Ho House to the Garden Hill trailhead.
Garden Hill is a short but steep stair climb in Sham Shui Po, rising around 90 metres above street level. At the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views over Kowloon’s skyline, especially stunning at sunset. If you visit for sunset, pack a flashlight for the descent.
Chek Keng
Distance on foot: 2–2.5 kilometres
Time on foot: 50–60 minutes
How to get there: From central Hong Kong, take the MTR to Diamond Hill Station (Exit C2), then bus 92 to Sai Kung Town. From Sai Kung, transfer to minibus 29R or a taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion, which is the trailhead for Chek Keng.
The Chek Keng hike follows a scenic trail through Sai Kung East Country Park, with gentle climbs and forested paths opening onto beautiful coastal views. After roughly an hour on foot, you’ll reach Chek Keng, a quiet inlet featuring an old Hakka village and a peaceful beachside campsite.
Trio Beach
Distance on foot: 1.5 kilometres (one way)
Time on foot: 30–40 minutes one way
How to get there: Take the MTR to Chai Wan Station (Exit C), then bus 780 or 792M to Sai Kung Town. From there, catch green minibus 1A or a taxi to Hebe Haven (Pak Sha Wan), where you can either take a short sampan ride directly to Trio Beach or start the Trio Beach Family Walk trail from nearby Pak Sha Wan.
The Trio Beach hike is a short, family-friendly walk through shaded woodland and quiet coastal paths. It ends at Trio Beach, a secluded spot with soft sand and calm waters, perfect for swimming and picnics.
Long Ke
Distance on foot: 2.5–3 kilometres from East Dam
Time on foot: 45–60 minutes
How to get there: Take the MTR to Choi Hung Station (Exit B), then bus 101M or 1 to Sai Kung Town. From Sai Kung, take green minibus 29S or a taxi to the East Dam of High Island Reservoir, the starting point for the Long Ke Wan trail.
The Long Ke hike follows a scenic stretch of the MacLehose Trail, with rocky paths leading to volcanic clifftops and far-reaching views of the turquoise reservoir. At the end, you’ll find Long Ke Wan, a pristine white-sand beach often described as one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful.
Tai Hang Tun
Distance on foot: 1.5 kilometres (short coastal section)
Time on foot: 25–30 minutes
How to get there: Take the MTR to Choi Hung Station (Exit B), then bus 101M or 1 to Sai Kung Town. From Sai Kung, catch minibus 3A or a taxi to the Pak Tam Chung Visitor Centre, the usual starting point for the Tai Hang Tun trail.
The Tai Hang Tun hike is a scenic coastal trail with forest paths, rocky shorelines, and open grasslands. While the full hike takes around 2–3 hours round trip (about 5 kilometres), you can opt for a shorter 1.5-kilometre section along a gentle coastal path if you just want a quick escape.
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