Great Outdoors of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is well known for being a cosmopolitan hub with its many restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Many don't realize, however, that there are also many outdoor activities and sights in Hong Kong. Its location on the beautiful seas affords great water sports and activities as well as other geographic formations are great for exploration. When planning your trip, think about all the things there are to do in the great outdoors of Hong Kong.

The Coastline

Many of Hong Kong's outdoor activities are dependent upon its abundant coastline and islands. With more than 450 miles of coastal beaches and rock formations, as well as 200 islands, Hong Kong offers many different locations to get some fresh air. Follow the MacLehose Trail along the coast and you will get to traverse volcanic rock outcroppings, lush greenery, and breathtaking sea caves as you take in amazing views of the ocean. There is plenty of fishing as well. Most tourists opt for the saltwater route, and the ocean is usually just a subway ride away. Many people fish from Hong Kong's harbors, primarily between Kowloon and the Hong Kong Island. Expect to land a variety of fish and sea creatures, including eels and crabs. If you'd like to fish in freshwater, there are 17 stocked reservoirs in Hong Kong with plenty of carp and edible goldfish.

Traveler Tip: Securing a fishing license isn't difficult, so don't worry about it too much. Most are issued in the same day you apply for one at the Water Supplies Department.

Mountains

Kowloon and the New Territories are home to mountain ranges that any hiker will enjoy. Trails range in difficulty from easy to very difficult, so hikers of all skill levels and experiences will enjoy themselves. Observatories on mountain peaks offer panoramic views of large swathes of land including Ma On Shan city center. Hong Kong's mountainous hiking trails also act as a self-guided tour through history. Some mountains also have great military history with dugouts used by Japanese soldiers as well as trenches constructed by the British.

Golf

Hong Kong offers great golf at the Kau Sai Chau Public Course. Two eighteen-hole courses, designed by Gary Player, provide challenging play, and the on-site pro shop can outfit you with all of the equipment you need. Bringing your own clubs can be very expensive, so unless you have money or pride on the line, you're probably better off just renting them. Find more information on Hong Kong golf courses to begin planning your game.

The great outdoors of Hong Kong provide ample opportunities for leisurely exploration of the region's history and culture. There are plenty of fun and challenging things to do all over the terrain, so take a break and get out into the great outdoors of Hong Kong.