Cruising along Hong Kong

Hong Kong is surrounded by over 250 islands and one of the best way to explore these islands is to charter / rent a 'Junk'. The term 'junk' was initially applied to traditional Chinese fishing boats, but now refers to  any motorized pleasure boat.

It's a good idea to hire a junk on a Saturday, so you have Sunday to rest before you start your work week.

 Boats / the junk can either pick you up from the Central Pier 9 or the Kowloon Public Pier. 

We had the opportunity to be on a junk this weekend. We started from the Central pier and headed east towards Tai Long Wan, Sai Kung. It took us roughly 2.5 hours to get there. There are many other islands that you will cross on the way. You could stop to explore those too.

Tai Long Wan has four beaches along the bay - Sai Wan, Ham Tin Wan, Tai Wan and Tung Wan.

While it's lovely to swim on the beaches in Tai Long Wan, one has to careful as the water has jellyfish. It might be a wise idea to carry a jellyfish sting relief ointment / spray with you.

Things to carry with you on a junk: Swimwear, Sun Tan Lotion, Extra pair of clothes, camera, food and plenty of water.

Lamma Island , Hong Kong

If you want to get away from the hustle bustle of Hong Kong, you can take a day trip to the Lamma Island. A thirty minute ferry ride from Central pier, Lamma Island offers a laid back island life with beautiful beaches, old villages, temples, hiking trails with stunning coastal views and more!

The ferry ride costs less than 20 HKD and you have a variety of options on how would want to spend your time on the island. If you don't want to walk around too much, you could simply relax on the beach.

The other thing to do on the island is to go see the wind turbine. (We unfortunately didn't do that). It is free for the public and there is also an exhibition about renewable energy. Just follow the road signs.

We instead, went for the hike to Sok Kwu Wan. You cross stunning sea views, the hilltop pavilion and a temple on the trail. It is a paved path and can be easily done by anyone who is reasonably fit. 

If you are seafood lover, you must visit the seafood street on the Lamma Island. Unfortunately, we went to Lamma Island on the Chinese New Year Weekend and most of the restaurants were shut. :-(.

Walk around the Peak - Lugard Road, Hong Kong

This was quite an impromptu plan, and boy I love them! Post our scrumptious lunch at the Peak Galleria, we decided to go on a leisurely walk around Lugard Road. It may not have been the right time to go for a walk, but it wasn't too sunny and the Lugard Road stretch has a canopy of trees which makes the walk quite pleasant.

Lugard Road built in 1913's  and is named after the 14th Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Fredrick Lugard. Its a simple walk (no steep inclines) with the best panoramic view of the Victoria Harbour.

The stretch begins near the Peak Tower and ends there too through Harlech Road. The time to complete this Peak Circle walk would depends on how many times you stop to admire the spectacular views. 

You can sit on these benches and admire the view or read a book. It's simply lovely!

Cycling in Hong Kong

I simply love cycling! According to me, cycling is not only a good form of exercise, but also a nice way to explore a city / area. Hence after some persuasion, the husband and I decided to go on a cycling trail. 

Hong Kong, especially the New Territories (where the government is investing large sums of money in building new cycling tracks),  offers quite a few options for those who want to go on cycling trails.

We opted for the Tai Po to Tai Mei Tuk stretch. One weekend we did Tai Po to Tai Mei Tuk and the next weekend we did Tai Mein Tuk to Tai Po.

How To Get There: 

MTR: If you stay on Hong Kong Island, you take the Red Line from Central / Admiralty and get down at Mong Kok. At Mong Kok you take the Green Line to Kowloon Tong. From Kowloon Tong you take the train that goes to Lo Wu / Lok Ma Chau and get down at Tai Po Market.

If you wish to cycle from Tai Mei Tuk to Tai Po, then there is minibus 20C from outside Tai Po station, that will drop you at the start of the cycling track in Tai Mei Tuk.

How to get a Cycle:

There are plenty cycle renting shops outside Tai Po Market station and at Tai Mei Tuk. You can rent a cycle for a day on the weekend for 70 HKD. (It might be cheaper on weekdays). 

Once you have got yourself a ride, hop on and enjoy the scenic views along the cycling trails.

This route makes for a leisurely ride. It is not difficult at all, perfect for beginners and families with small children.

It is a paved cycle track that will take you through some beautiful parks and stunning views of the waterfront.

Tsz Shan Monastery in the distance.

The entire stretch can be done in about 1.5 to 2 hours. There aren't that many eateries on the way, hence it is better to stock up on food and water. 

If you are cycling from Tai Po to Tai Mei Tuk, then there are quite a few BBQ and open restaurants that you can enjoy at the end of your cycling trail.