Riding the surf at Big Wave Bay Out & About HONG KONG’S NATURAL APPEAL The diminutive island and its satellites offer far more than urban glitz and glamour, writes ANNE SANDOVER, who explores the natural splendour of one of the world’s most densely populated metropolises JESSICA HROMAS/GETTY IMAGES HongKong has certainly earned its reputation as a hedonistic wonderland, but for locals and those in the know it’s an exhilarating adventure playground as well, with nearly 75 per cent of land unspoiled countryside and 262 picturesque islands dotted around in its waters. It is on this little-known tableau that a bevy of outdoorsy pursuits beckons. Take Tai Tam, a calm, sheltered lagoon that’s a 30-minute car journey from the central business hub where enthusiasts wakeboard and wakesurf, courtesy of purveyors like Rider Philosophy (wakeboardhongkong.hk). For those who want to move under their own power, there is stand-up paddleboarding at the HK Aqua-bound Centre (aquabound.com.hk), located on the main beach of neighbouring town Stanley. A little more off-the-beaten track is Big Wave Bay, a sunny cove with consistent swells ridden by HongKong’s burgeoning surfing community. Arrive on the road from nearby Shek O – a laid-back seaside village with an attractive but often jam-packed beach – or via the Dragon’s Back trail, one of the best urban hikes on the globe. But don’t let the word urban fool you: the 8.5km trail meanders through lush bamboo jungle and across verdant hills before rising to a breezy ridge overlooking the D’Aguilar Peninsula and shimmering South China Sea. The more daring might consider a moonlit night hike. Strap on a head torch and tread along stage five of the MacLehose Trail towards Lion Rock. Scramble atop the granite peak and behold the twinkling lights of Kowloon. Farther afield – 45-60 minutes by car from Central – is Sai Kung in the New Territories, which is known for its beaches. Rent kayaks or paddleboards from Blue Sky Sports Club (bluesky-sc.com) then cruise off to explore hidden coves and secret beaches or head out to Sharp Island and snorkel over vibrant coral gardens. From nearby Sai Kung Country Park you can hike along stage two of the undulating MacLehose Trail to Tai Long Wan, a strip of four pristine, peaceful beaches. As you pass Ham Tin and Sai Wan, drop into the village restaurants for spicy noodles, chilled tofu desserts and frozen pineapple rings. There’s also a white-knuckle speedboat ride back to Sai Kung for those seeking a hit of adrenaline before returning to the oft-lauded attractions of the city. ♦ CONTACT PLATINUM CARD SERVICE FOR BOOKINGS DEPARTURES-INTERNATIONAL.COM 31
