Hong Kong has earned reputation as one of the best places in the world for plenitude of shopping options and a bustling nightlife. The city’s world-class bars, restaurants and nightclubs add to its image as the place for unending parties, and perpetual revelry. Given this widespread belief, it is very easy for adventure enthusiasts to overlook Hong Kong when searching for thrilling adventure destinations. But we are here to break the myth. For those prepared to dig deeper, past the city’s glittering night clubs and towering skyscrapers, there are ample avenues for adventure in Hong Kong.
Here are top five adventure activities you can undertake during your Hong Kong trip:
Participate in Your Favourite Water Sports
Windsurfing, Kayaking, Wakeboarding, Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Paddle Boarding, Kiteboarding – you name it, and Hong Kong has it for you. Being surrounded by the South China Sea, Hong Kong is able to offer its visitors adventure activities at par with some of the most adventure-friendly cities in the world. Start your snorkelling adventure at the Clearwater Bay which has excellent marine life or head to Tai Tam Tuk Village for professional wakeboarding lessons. Those looking for less intensive sports should be able to find best spots for kayaking and hiking in Sai Kung. No matter what you choose, fun times are guaranteed here.
Hike with Your Family to the Big Buddha
Hong Kong flaunts scores of untamed forests and unexplored beaches where you can find the nature at its best. Taking a hiking tour to one of these places is the best way to see the panoramic views of the city and its various landscapes. You can follow the common trails or charter your own course. However, if you don’t know where to start from, we recommend that you hike to one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city – the Tian Tan Buddha near Po Lin Monastery. The Big Buddha, as it is popularly called, stays hidden amongst the lush mountains on the Lantau Peak. The 360 degree views over the bays of South Lantau, many small monasteries, abandoned houses and gushing streams await your arrival during this hike.
Explore Hong Kong on a Bike
Cycling around a city is one of the best ways to explore it at your own pace. It gives you a chance to appreciate its architecture and history, meet with locals and spend a few leisurely hours at the places you like the most. In Hong Kong, you can take the 3-hour cycling trip from Sha Tin to Tai Po, a 15 kilometre long stretch starting at Shin Mun River where the famous Dragon Boat Race festivals take place. Alternatively, you can also take an eco-friendly tour of the New Territories by Tin Shui Wai and Yuen Long, a tour that will familiarise you with oyster farming in Hong Kong, treat you to delectable seafood and take you to the best place in Hong Kong for witnessing the sunset.
Ride the Rollercoaster at the Ocean Park
While Disneyland enjoys a huge popularity in Hong Kong among families, Ocean Park is the place to be if adventure is on your mind. Some of the most thrilling rides in the park include Bumper Blaster, The Dragon, Hell Raiser as well as The Abyss. Don’t blame us, however, if the gravity-defying and stomach churning rides leave you overwhelmed. You have been warned!
Climb the Rocks
For those looking for a challenging outdoor adventure in Hong Kong, there are plenty of rock climbing locations in the city. One of the best ones among these is Cape Collinson in the East Hong Kong Island, offering 55 routes over three sectors to the climbers, both novices and experts. The bonus is that you are treated to mesmerising views if the surrounding coastal villages from here.
