Jeremiah PatrickIn Part 1, we looked at Hong Kong’s magnificent nature hidden gems, and the amazing adventures you can experience while exploring them. Fortunately, there’s a lot more to explore. Read on to discover more scenic hidden gems in Hong Kong!
More amazing Hong Kong hidden gems
1. Lamma Island
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Only a short ferry ride away from Hong Kong Island, the relaxed vibes, scenic nature spots and old-world charms of Lamma Island make for a perfect break from the city. A part of Hong Kong’s fishing industry for many years, this island is now home to a thriving multicultural community, filled with delightful destinations like quaint fishing villages, beautiful beaches, and tranquil hiking routes.
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Start your Lamma Island adventure by visiting the famed Yung Shue Wan fishing village. This bustling waterfront is the island’s hub and community centre, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore.
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For a more authentic experience, however, consider visiting the Lamma Fisherfolk’s Village. This themed cultural village paints a vivid picture of Hong Kong’s fishing industry, past and present. Take a peek into the daily lives of local fishermen and discover traditional dragon boats, rafts, and homes. Besides that, you can also board a traditional junk boat for a more memorable experience. Lamma Fisherfolk’s Village offers plenty of activities for visitors such as fishing, rope-weaving, and salt-fish-making workshops.
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Take a break and have some fun in the sun at the nearby Hung Shing Yeh Beach next. This gently curving stretch of white sand is Lamma Islands’ most popular spot for swimming. Set at the foot of tree-covered hills, it’s a cosy area that’s perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Also, there are plenty of restaurants nearby where you can enjoy meals and snacks after an invigorating swim.
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Calling all hikers! You’ll want to try out the Lamma Island Family Trail as part of your island journey. It’s a pretty easygoing journey, which also makes this great for newbies. From Pak Kok Pier, follow the tree-shrouded trails to Pak Kok Tsui on the northern end of Lamma Island.
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Midway through, you can stop at Pak Kok Kau Tsuen (after roughly 25 minutes of walking) to admire aromatic flowers in the villagers’ gardens and wild herbal plants growing along the trail. After that, you can head to Pak Kok Shan Lookout Point for a panoramic view of Lamma Island.
Also read: Explore Beautiful Hong Kong Hidden Gems in Nature – Part 1
2. Nan Lian Garden
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Let’s switch gears for a bit because Hong Kong is a destination that’s full of surprises! Not all nature destinations are expansive parks that lie beyond the city limits. A good example of that is the Nan Lian Garden. This Tang Dynasty-style garden is located at Diamond Hill, Kowloon, an easy destination to reach if you’re taking the MTR.
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It’s also connected to another popular attraction, the Chi Lin Nunnery, via a footbridge. Nan Lian Garden is a gorgeous green lung in the heart of Kowloon, adorned with antique timber buildings and landscaped beautifully with trees, rocks, and water features. Make sure to whip your camera out and take some pictures!
3. Repulse Bay Beach
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Exploring the urban paradise of Hong Kong is a gift that keeps on giving. Amidst the skyscrapers and office blocks, you’ll discover a wonderful stretch of white sand and refreshing waters on Hong Kong Island’s south coast.
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This is Repulse Bay Beach. One of Hong Kong’s most exclusive residential areas, the scenic waterfront is a great place to take a dip in the sea. The waters are clear and calm. Fun fact; Repulse Bay Beach has been the island’s main swimming destination since the 19th century.
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Nearby, you can also visit Kwun Yam Shrine, a sacred location that houses the shrines of two important Taoist deities; Kwun Yam, the Goddess of Mercy, and Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea. After that little dose of culture, feel free to head to the Pulse Mall to do some shopping or dine al fresco at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
4. Sai Kung East Country Park
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Natural beauty and scenic views abound as far as the eye can see at Sai Kung East Country Park. This vast stretch of protected land covers much of the east Sai Kung peninsula and contains the largest number of bays and coves among all the country parks in Hong Kong. Exploring the length of this destination in one visit is impossible, and return trips are definitely needed. That being said, some star attractions within Sai Kung East Country Park should be on your list.
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The grandest site within the park has to be the High Island Reservoir. It’s the largest reservoir in Hong Kong and the grandest man-made construction within the park. During the reservoir’s construction, the excavation work revealed the presence of rare rhyolitic, volcanic hexagonal columns which are one of the most sought-after sights when visiting High Island Reservoir.
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On the East Dam, you’ll also be able to enjoy stunning views of the reservoir, dam, and breakwater dolosse. Besides that, the main trail to explore the High Island Reservoir also takes you past a hidden sea cave. This is certainly one of the most Instagram-worthy destinations in Hong Kong, so take all the pictures you can!
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Besides that, Sai Kung East Country Park is also home to the beautiful Sai Wan Bay and a gorgeous undulating coastline of white sand and pristine blue waters. Divided into two beaches, Sai Wan is fed by a flowing stream at both ends. The south bay is a sheltered inlet that remains calm no matter the season, and the north bay boasts a wide beach with rushing swells. Further inland from the beach here, you’ll find the famous Sheung Luk Stream and Four Pools, a series of midstream plunge pools that are popular among tourists.
The rest of Sai Kung East Country Park remains a treasure trove of natural delights to explore. Numerous hiking trails wind their way through the landmass, including parts of the famous Maclehose Trail. Other than that, the park is also home to various important species of local flora and fauna, serving as an important destination that preserves Hong Kong’s natural ecosystem.
5. Hong Kong Wetland Park
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A world-class ecotourism destination, the Hong Kong Wetland Park strives to promote green tourism and educate visitors about the ecological importance of wetland conservation. A visit to Wetland Park is a surefire way to get a little closer to nature and observe interesting specimens like the Great Egret, the black-collared Starling, and tufted ducks.
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The park itself is filled with various facilities for visitors to use, including a Wetlands Discovery Centre filled with interactive exhibits and thematic workshops. There’s also an indoor theatre and multi-function room to further aid in helping visitors understand more about the wetlands.
6. Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
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The Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest parks in the territory. Construction began in 1860, and the gardens were partially opened to the public in 1864 until finally finished in 1871. The gardens span an area of roughly 5.6 hectares and are divided into two sections – east and west – by Albany Road.
The eastern half, also known as the Old Garden, is home to a children’s playground, phenomenal aviaries, a greenhouse, and a fountain terrace garden. Within the aviaries, you’ll see spectacular birds like the American flamingo, Bali crane, Hawaiian goose, red-crowned crane, and much more.
The western half (sometimes called the New Garden) houses various mammal species from around the world like the Bornean orangutan, buff-cheeked gibbon, emperor tamarin, and raccoon, as well as reptiles like the elongated tortoise and spurred tortoise.
Also read: Hong Kong Foodie Bucket List: From Local Secret Hunts to Michelin-starred Dining
Hong Kong might come across as an urban paradise to travellers at first glance. However, as you can see, there are plenty of hidden nature gems scattered across the islands that are ripe for exploration. From beautiful stretches of coastline to epic hikes across scenic landscapes, there’s a lot more to Hong Kong than meets the eye. You just need to pack your bags and see for yourself!
Brought to you by the Hong Kong Tourism Board
