5 Tranquil Getaways from Hong Kong’s Concrete Jungle
Babette Radclyffe – Guest Blogger
With Hong Kong’s signature skyscraper filled skyline, sometimes it’s easy to focus on the concreate rather than the jungle side of the city. For the times when being in the centre of all of the action gets too much, follow our top tips for a tranquil getaway and much needed R&R in Hong Kong.
Riding the Dragon
Dragon Back
With a mélange of sweeping panoramic views, lush greenery, rambling paths and an awesome name, it’s easy to see why the Dragon’s Back hike has been named The Best Urban Hiking Trail in Asia by TIME (Asia edition). With kite flying and even paragliding spots, and ending with Tai Long Wan’s surf-friendly beach, the full hike can take up to 6 hours so plenty of time to fall in love with Hong Kong’s wildlife.
Secluded Rock Pool Spots
D-Bay Rock Pool
Perfect for evading the heat of the summer, take a refreshing dip in one of Hong Kong’s multiple natural rock pools. Whether it’s Discovery Bay Rock Pools, Silvermine Bay Rock Pools larger pool with waterfalls or Man Cheung Po’s natural infinity pool with surrounding waterfalls, these secluded spots are a great way to feel at one with Hong Kong’s nature.
Discreet Beaches
Pui O Beach
From tourist favourite Repulse Bay to dog friendly Deep Water Bay, Hong Kong boasts its fair share of beaches. If you are looking for more secluded shores, then head to Pui O’s gold and black sand beach. Located on Lantau Island, neighbouring Pui O village is also home to another beautiful beach, Cheung Sha Beach. With body boarding and water skiing on offer, there’s something for the active traveller too.
Fisher Folk
Tai O Village
Tai O is home to a fascinating small village whose people literally live on the water. The Tankas have called this enthralling set up home for years and have built up a whole village of houses on stilts. The old rope-drawn ferry may have been updated to a modern drawbridge, but the fishing village continues to hold its classic charm and its picturesque surroundings.
Holistic Heritage
Chi Lin Nunnery in Diamond Hill, Kowloon is a scenic ode to Tang dynasty tranquillity. A sprawling temple complex full of Buddhist relics, picturesque lotus ponds and traditional architecture, the nunnery is also next to Nan Lian Garden. A Tang dynasty style park, Nan Lian Garden snakes through Diamond Hill’s high-rise apartments, creating a perfect juxtaposition of traditional versus modern, and concrete versus nature.
So this summer whether its Hong Kong’s secluded shores, hidden rock pools or scenic cultural sites that hold an ambient allure, explore a tranquil side to this buzzing city.
Fashion and lifestyle journalist Babette Radclyffe-Thomas is based in the concrete jungle of creativity, Hong Kong. Having spent her formative teenage years in Hong Kong, after a MA in Fashion Journalism from the London College of Fashion, the city’s charms lured her back and she has made it her mission to discover the latest creative hotspots and trend setters.