This scorching summer continues to be hot with the particularly intense sunlight . To avoid heat stroke when hiking, careful consideration is needed in choosing routes, distances, departure times, equipment, and the weather on the day. Following our previous Summer Excursions to Hong Kong Reservoirs, this time TrailWatch sets off from three visitor centres to explore the history and ecology of Hong Kong's mountains and coastlines. We visited the Ngong Ping Village on Lantau Island, the urban areas of Hong Kong Island, and toured Hoi Ha in Sai Kung to learn about Hong Kong's biodiversity. Three distinctive routes are also recommended for their rich natural environmental assets. Immersing in these wonders of nature helps foster a deeper care and appreciation for the environment.
Summer Escape Recommendation 1: Ngong Ping Nature Centre
The Ngong Ping Nature Centre is located in the Ngong Ping Village on Lantau Island, a popular tourist destination. Ngong Ping is imbued with a religious atmosphere, near Lantau Peak, Nei Lak Shan and various hiking trails, all rich in biodiversity. Although the Nature Centre is not large in size, it is well-equipped. The centre features three interactive exhibits, including Wandering Ngong Ping, Lantau Stories and Spectacular Lantau, each showcasing the cultural history, flora and fauna, and hiking routes of Lantau Island. Ngong Ping Nature Centre is currently the only facility offering hiking equipment rental services and it also provides online registration for public guided tours.Situated at an altitude of over 400m, the centre and its surroundings have a lower temperature compared to the urban areas, making it an ideal destination for an in-depth nature exploration during the summer.
The Ngong Ping Nature Centre offers hiking equipment rental services.
With the aid of three-dimensional models for projection and simulated navigation, hiking routes of Lantau Peak and Nei Lak Shan are introduced.
An interactive 3D projection storybook that introduces the culture and history of Lantau.
The TrailWatch team participated in guided tours at the Ngong Ping Nature Centre, where guides elaborated on the background of the Wisdom Path.
Visitors can learn about various plants and bird species along the Ngong Ping Tree Walk.
Ngong Ping Nature Centre
Opening hours and information: https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_lea/cou_lea_ven/ngongping.html
Nearby Route: Fa Mun Traditional Path
It takes about half an hour to walk from the Ngong Ping Nature Centre to the starting point of the Fa Mun Traditional Path. The route starts from Dong Shan Fa Mun following a downhill shaded path, passing by many temples and retreats. The paved concrete path is easy and pleasant to walk on.
Fa Mun Traditional Path https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10096667
Summer Escape Recommendation 2: Woodside Biodiversity Education Centre
Located on Mount Parker Road in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong Island, the Woodside Biodiversity Education Centre, also known as the “Red House” is designated as a Grade II historic building. It served as the senior staff quarters of the former Taikoo Sugar Refinery in the old days. After restoration, the building was revitalised into the first biodiversity education centre in Hong Kong, featuring exhibitions with different habitat themes, video screenings, specimen displays, and more to educate visitors on the rich biodiversity of Hong Kong and the importance of ecological balance. The centre is close to several hiking trails and Tai Tam Country Park, equipped with a water refilling station. Hikers can explore the exhibitions to learn about various flora and fauna, as well as the conservation history of Hong Kong's countryside, making it an excellent starting point for a summer hiking trip.
Watch videos to learn about the biodiversity of Hong Kong.
Examine insect specimens.
Observe the Hong Kong Newt up close.
Listen to the sounds of nature while watching videos about common flora and fauna in the mangroves.
Carefully observe the interactions of fiddler crabs and other fish.
Another exhibition introduces ecological research and nature conservation efforts in Hong Kong.
There are photo spots and plant interpretive boards outside the exhibition halls where visitors can gain knowledge while appreciating the architectural features of the Red House.
Woodside Biodiversity Education Centre
Opening hours and information: https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_lea/cou_lea_ven/woodside.html
Nearby Route: Mount Parker
There are multiple hiking trails that pass by the Woodside Biodiversity Education Centre near Mount Parker, leading to the BBQ area on Mount Parker Road and the Quarry Bay Tree Walk. Visitors can appreciate the natural ecology while learning about historical wartime sites during the hike and this section is highly favoured by nearby residents and hikers alike.
Mount Parker https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10333582
Summer Escape Recommendation 3: Hoi Ha Visitor Centre
The Hoi Ha Visitor Centre is located within the woods of the Sai Kung West Country Park, incorporating various sustainable facilities. The exhibition hall is rich in content, primarily focusing on the history and ecology of the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park. Starting with a map of Hong Kong, the exhibition showcases various habitats, marine parks and marine reserves that nurture marine life. Different interactive zones are set up to guide visitors through the biodiversity of Hoi Ha Wan, from the coast to the deep sea. Visitors can learn about corals, coral restoration programmes, as well as the issue of marine debris, deepening their understanding of human waste disasters and how to educate and practise environmental protection. A video is shown at the Hoi Ha Visitor Centre highlighting its environmentally friendly design features such as solar power, rainwater harvesting and recycling systems, and biological wastewater treatment systems. The centre provides maps of Hoi Ha Wan, educational brochures, reference books, hosts workshops on various themes and offers public guided tours, making it an ideal destination for exploring Hoi Ha on hot summer days.
Learn the historical changes of Hoi Ha Wan.
Use iPads to spot little egrets, fiddler crabs, and other marine creatures.
Experience virtual reality.
Interactive exhibitions to learn about marine debris and environmental tips.
Visitors can obtain maps of Hoi Ha Wan at the Visitor Centre, or you can download it here.
Visitors wrote down their commitment to nature after touring the Centre.
An organisation, Here in Nature, utilised over 800 pieces of marine debris collected from Hong Kong's shores to create this marine waste art installation.
Hoi Ha Visitor Centre
Opening hours and information:
https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_mar/cou_vis_mar_vc/cou_vis_mar_vc.html
Nearby Route: Hoi Ha Wan Nature Trail
The starting point of the Hoi Ha Wan Nature Trail is located next to the Hoi Ha Visitor Centre. The trail is approximately 800m and easy and pleasant to walk, allowing visitors to learn about the coastal ecology and coral conservation of Hoi Ha Wan along the way, and enjoy the famous seascape.
Hoi Ha Wan Nature Trail https://www.trailwatch.hk/app/?t=activities&rid=10355719