When it comes to viewing scenery in Hong Kong, nine out of ten tourists head straight for Victoria Peak. But if you ask local seasoned players, they'll laugh and say: "The Peak? That's territory overtaken by tourists. Our Sai Kung peaks are the real Hong Kong summits."
This is no exaggeration. Located in the eastern part of the New Territories, the Sai Kung Peninsula is surrounded by sea on three sides and boasts Hong Kong's oldest geological formations—billions of years of crustal movement have left profound marks here. There are no shopping malls, no crowded peak plazas, only the most primitive mountain-sea interplay's spectacular views. From the East Dam of the High Island Reservoir to the old street fishing village at Sai Kung Pier, every step offers a rare slow-paced experience in Hong Kong.
Those who come to hike in Sai Kung usually aim not for "reaching the summit" but for "changing perspective." Standing on Sai Kung's mountains, what you see isn't dense skyscrapers, but an entire coastline's curve—Clear Water Bay, Kiu Tsui Chau, Kau Sai Chau, spreading out like a string of jade necklaces. Unobstructed skylines are secrets that photography enthusiasts have kept to themselves for years.
The most recommended spot in Sai Kung is the High Island Reservoir East Dam. This is Hong Kong's easternmost reservoir, and the adjacent Geopark showcases world-class hexagonal columnar rock formations—traces of volcanic activity approximately 140 million years ago. At the far end of the High Island Reservoir's West Dam, there's a hidden hiking trail on the left slope, offering panoramic views of the entire Sai Kung inner sea; on clear days, you can even see the opposite shore of Pak Kung. For those with good fitness, a round trip from East Dam takes about three hours, but the scenery is absolutely worth it.
If you're looking for an easier route, the entrance to Sai Kung Country Park is near Sai Kung town center. Follow the first segment of the MacLehose Trail— the first half is a gentle service road, the second half has steps but isn't too steep. There are multiple viewing platforms along the way, and in spring you can see blooming rhododendrons. The key point: there are almost no tour groups from mainland China here; occasionally you'll see local families with children—the atmosphere is completely different.
Want to see Sai Kung's full panorama? Long Ke Wan is a severely underrated spot. Starting from Pak Tam Au, follow the MacLehose Trail to the end of the third segment (about two hours), and you'll find this hidden bay. Long Ke Wan's water quality ranks among the best in Hong Kong, with fine soft sand and few visitors—yes, you read correctly, Hong Kong still has beaches with few tourists. It's perfect for spending an entire afternoon by the sea, watching the tide rise and fall, completely letting go.
If time is limited, Sai Kung Pier itself is worth half an hour of wandering. The Tin Hau Temple beside the pier is over a century old, and local fishermen come to worship before going to sea. The seafood street is located on the ground floor of a row of old tong houses behind the pier—a dozen seafood stalls lined up, where visitors can choose their own seafood, negotiate the price, and then have it cooked by the neighboring restaurant.
In recent years, thanks to the rise of local deep travel, Sai Kung's weekends have become busier than before. According to industry observations, starting from 2024, the proportion of Hong Kong locals traveling locally on weekends has increased significantly, with people preferring to explore their home rather than go abroad. Sai Kung's role as "Hong Kong's backyard" has become more important. Many players who used to only go to Cheung Chau and Lamma Island now include Sai Kung in their itinerary.
For transportation, the most convenient option is to take minibus 1A from Exit C2 of Choi Hung Station to Sai Kung town center, about a 20-minute ride with a fare of HK$7.6. You can also take minibus 101M from Exit B of Hang Hau Station. From the city center, bus 299 goes directly from Sha Tin Town Center to Sai Kung with a fare of HK$9.8. If you miss the minibus on the way back, there are green taxis at the end of the street that you can flag down; the fare back to the city center is approximately HK$150-200.
Sai Kung itself has no entrance fee; seafood dining costs approximately HK$150-300 per person, depending on the restaurant and ingredients chosen. The Geopark is free to enter, but entering some protected areas requires advance application for a permit from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
Final advice: definitely don't treat Sai Kung as a "do it in one day" destination. This place is perfect for slowing down, choosing a clear weekday, and finding a trail to walk slowly and appreciate. Hong Kong's beauty isn't just the Victoria Harbour skyline—Sai Kung's mountains and seas prove this city has another possibility.
