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Nature/ Wildlife Areas in Hong Kong

THE 10 BEST Hong Kong Nature & Wildlife Areas

Nature & Wildlife Areas in Hong Kong

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What travellers are saying

  • EastmeetsWestAB
    London, UK1,448 contributions
    Easy to walk, a great day out
    A great day out and it is not too difficult to get to from central as there is a direct bus to get to the wetland park.

    The park is nicely done and the entrance fee is reasonable. Unfortunately there are a lot of big ants now and the park will not treat it. Make sure u bring an insect repellant with you. Food here is OK but do bring your own food or drinks.

    The hides is lovely. It is really a brilliant hiding place to cool yourself down and take pictures of birds. I can sit in the hides for ages provided there are no swarms of ants.

    Would definitely recommend.
    Review of: Hong Kong Wetland Park
    Written 13 May 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Eun
    1 contribution
    Great
    Exploring Mai Po Tour of 10 ppl: convenient pick up spot (Yuen Long station), knowledgable & friendly guide, interesting content, relaxing walk, nice to see kids being inspired
    Review of: Mai Po Nature Reserve
    Written 24 October 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BradJill
    Hong Kong, China157,307 contributions
    One of the 4 Big Trails in Hong Kong, nearly 50km from start to finish
    The Hong Kong Trail is one of the four Big Trails in Hong Kong and was inaugurated in 1985. It is around 50 km in total distance and made up of a series of 8 stages from west to east, taking in various mountain, forest and seaside terrain and landscapes.

    Because of the extensive network of transportation, it is very easy to pick and choose stages that you want to hike and to make way to trailheads and back home (or hotel) when hiking the Hong Kong Trail.

    The trail includes some popular hiking spots including a couple of the most frequented trails in Hong Kong such as Stage 1 (The Peak) and Stage 8 (Dragon's Back). Other stages provide fine hiking and scenery. I enjoy the stage 4-6 trails covering the area from Wong Nai Gap to Mount Parker. There are heritage and war era relics in the area as well as peaks and viewpoints that easily rival the famous Peak at Victoria Gap but with a fraction of other visitors and crowds.

    As with all trails, do be mindful of weather and prepare adequate water, snacks and footwear before setting off. Also best to have some familiarity with transportation routes, knowing bus and mini-bus routes between trail sections. Taxis are relatively easy to locate or contact throughout Hong Kong Island. HKTaxi hailing app can be useful if you want to contact one for quick pick up. The CityMapper app can help you with bus routes and timing information while Hiking Trail HK App can providing the exact trail section routes to help you make way from one stage to the next.
    Review of: Hong Kong Trail
    Written 23 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maggie.C
    Hong Kong, China66 contributions
    Great place for sunset 🌅
    It is a secret place for taking photos of beautiful sunset. If you are brave enough to explore and walk around, you will find many interesting spots to take photos.
    Review of: Ha Pak Nai
    Written 18 February 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mosto
    Hong Kong, China2,946 contributions
    Well maintained park with hiking trails for all fitness levels
    This huge park is easily accessible from the city and has hiking trails for all levels of fitness. You can stay on the concrete route or make diversions to dirt trails. Comparatively with other hiking trails in HK, there are not a lot of uphill or downward steps but enough to get some cardio work. I find the trails pretty scenic with green mountains, foliage, 2 beautiful reservoirs with open views, lots of rock formations and small waterfalls if you make diversions into smaller trails. I’ve hike here a few times. You can spend at least 3 hours or more in the park and then end your hike either at Wan Chai for shopping and food or at Wong Chuk Hang and from there go to Ap Lei Chau for seafood or local food. I see a few solo hikers bringing their own food to eat in the park and then continue hiking. It’s a fabulous place to hike there if you don’t want to spend too much time on transportation to start point. To start at Wan Chai, you can access the Park via Wan Chai Gap and Wan Chai Heritage Green trail (the Park is just opposite the Heritage Green Trail). Alternatively, you can take the MTR to Wong Chuk Hang Station Exit A and take a mini bus to the Park. Either way, you plan the route you want to take when in the Park but whatever routes you take, don’t miss the Upper and Lower Reservoirs.
    Review of: Aberdeen Country Park
    Written 6 February 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BradJill
    Hong Kong, China157,307 contributions
    Conveniently located country park and simple hikes near the Peak
    The Pok Fu Lam Country Park is situated in the area directly south and west of Victoria Peak. This is a 270-hectare park designated in 1979 that provides hiking trails and outdoors area for residents and tourists to enjoy on Hong Kong Island.

    The most common way to enjoy Pok Fu Lam Country Park is by way of the paved walking trails that wind through the park between the Pok Fu Lam Village and Victoria Peak. They are well maintained and a fairly easy grade of walk up and back down from the Peak. The scenery throughout is lush, green and forested.

    In addition to the hikes within Pok Fu Lam Country Park, you will find a small reservoir which was constructed in 1863, four masonry bridges (1863-1871), the Former Watchman's Cottage (1860-1863) and other structures which are collectively designed as a Declared Monument or historical value in Hong Kong.

    Note: For those who hike from the Peak down through the country park. At the end of the trail, you can take bus transportation back towards MTR stations or Central district, reconnecting you back to the main sightseeing areas of the city.
    Review of: Pok Fu Lam Country Park
    Written 16 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Leonhkny
    Hong Kong, China13,101 contributions
    Weekend respite
    Lake Egret is a hidden gem in Tai Po. Quite distant from any tourist area, it is a popular place for picnic or weekend escape from the urban jungle. Many come for sports activities or simply have a nice meal in the two restaurants. Food is pretty nice, too.
    Review of: Kerry Lake Egret Nature Park
    Written 9 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BradJill
    Hong Kong, China157,307 contributions
    UNESCO Geopark - rare and beautiful sedimentary rocks at Lai Chi Wo
    One of the most interesting things to see at the historic village of Lai Chi Wo is the stretch of coastline lined with beautiful sedimentary rocks - the result Lai Chi Wo being is included in the Hong Kong UNESCO Geopark. It is a great place to view rare and impressive geology while spending time enjoying the outdoors of the Plover Cove Country Park.

    The sedimentary rocks are identified as point (6) on the Lai Chi Wo Trail. The trail starts at the village and makes it way through a really nice Heritiera forest, mangrove forest and mudflat. You then start to see some of the sedimentary rocks before walking over a an old village dam structure. Once you reach the other side, you are treated to a trove of brightly coloured rock structures that are amongst the most beautiful we have found around Hong Kong. Just look at the pictures attached to this review to get a feel for what you can expect to see here.
    Review of: Lai Chi Wo Village and Nature Trail
    Written 22 June 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BradJill
    Hong Kong, China157,307 contributions
    Brown & Yellow trails make for a quality 1/2 day hike
    We recently spent a morning hiking in the Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve. This is a rare sub-tropic rainforest in Hong Kong with heavy wooded lands and forest, situated around a stream and with extended mountainside with elevations over 600 metres. There are a range of colour coded trail routes you can take, depending on how much time you have and how much of a challenging hike you are interested in doing.

    The Red (3.5 km) and Blue (4.5 km) trails are run around the the lower level grounds and the stream. They are shorter and take no more than a 1-2 hours depending on how many stops you make for picture taking. The Brown (7.8km) and Yellow (10.3 km) trails are considerably longer and make much higher ascends up the mountainside. These are much less trafficked if want to experience a more personal nature experience of Tai Po Kau. Particularly in the early mornings, you won't see many people on these two longer trails.

    During our recent hike, we took on the first half of the Yellow before reconnecting with the Brown Trail around the midway point. Very much enjoyed the thick and rich vegetation along these routes. Some serious mushrooms seen along the paths. Had some lovely bird sightings, highlighted by spending around 20 minutes with a group of feeding Minivets, the scarlet coloured males and bright yellow females are so lovely to see.

    Note: Do bring binoculars if you want to see the birdlife in Tai Po Kau up close. The park is one of the two finest locations in Hong Kong for birding and is particularly well-known for woodland species. Winter time visits are best as our resident birds are joined by numerous migratory visitors.

    Note: Tai Po Kau is one of the outdoor areas in HK where macaques live. However, they are they are far fewer here compared to what can be found at Lion Rock, Kam Shan or Shing Mun Country Parks back in Kowloon.

    Note: There are a few public toilet spots in the reserve but no shops or kiosks. Make sure to pickup whatever sufficient water and snacks before making your way there.

    Overall, Tai Po Kau is a great nature reserve. This is the best rainforest like environs we have in Hong Kong, mature forests provide plenty of shade and chances are high of seeing some wildlife, be it birdlife or the macaques that call the reserve their home. And the hikes are great if you enjoy ecology, green and heavily forested scenery.
    Review of: Tai Po Kau Special Area
    Written 7 November 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • EastmeetsWestAB
    London, UK1,448 contributions
    Absolutely loved it. Easy but long, great views, changing scenary
    We started our hike from adventist hospital after taking mini bus 95 from tsuen wan west mtr E2 exit.

    The hike is not difficult with beautiful views along the way. There are steps but they are quite easy to climb. The walk is long, but the views and scenary are changeable. From view to the harbour and bridge, to bamboo and wooded forest. The walk is sign posted well. Start early so that you can really enjoy the hike.

    A great way to finish the weekend. Remember to bring plenty of water and food. As there are no supplies in between.
    Review of: Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail
    Written 28 February 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BradJill
    Hong Kong, China157,307 contributions
    Very interesting ghost village in Plover Cove Country Park
    So Lo Pun is one of the ghost villages in the Plover Cove Country Park in the Northeast of the New Territories of Hong Kong. It is an eery place with several rows of abandoned homes when can be accessed by way of country trail between the heritage village of Lai Chi Wo to the south and fellow ghost village Yung Shue Au to the North.

    The history of So Lo Pun includes Hakka roots and many generations of the Wong family, the likely original settlers of the village . The are interesting legends about So Lo Pun, including a reported mass disappearance of everyone in the village just before a ceremony during the era of the Japanese occupation (1940s). As well, hikers over the years having reported having their compasses stop working while they wandered the village hence the modern name - So Lo Pun which means locked compass in Cantonese.

    So Lo Pun is around 1 hour hike to the north from Lai Chi Wo or approximately 1 hour hike south from Yung Shue Au. The path is well maintained and easy to follow. If hiking on weekends, you will most likely see others hiking as well but in far fewer numbers to what you find in Hong Kong's more easily accessible trails.

    Arriving in the village, you will find three rows of abandoned homes that various states of ruinous condition. Most rooftops have caved in or given way to the weight of banyan trees which have grown upon them. However, most of the home entrances have remained standing. They are adorned with bright orange signs with various Chinese characters, evidence that while abandoned there remains a So Lo Pun Village Committee that tends to the village.

    You can walk the main walking paths in So Lo Pun and comfortably view the exteriors of the old homes. Notice the similar layout, grey brick constructions and simple interiors of most. However, best to not enter the actual homes for safety reasons.

    A few other interesting things to see at So Lo Pun include the modern shrine at the mouth of the village when approaching from Lai Chi Wo. The original shrine was damaged by a fallen banyan tree in 2018. It has since been replaced with the one you see today by the village committee. When exiting the village towards Yung Shue Au, there is a giant fallen tree that once laid across the walking path. It has now been cut through and cleared leaving a passage through a fallen tree. You'll next find is an old water well that is now filled in. Keep your eyes peeled and you'll find a small fenced off area completely overgrown with trees and other vegetation. Look carefully, you can make out playground gym items that rest now in thick forest. This would have been a children's playground area long ago.

    In the end, you can easily spend half an hour browsing and taking pictures of So Lo Pun. It is more photogenic than fellow ghost village Yung Shue Au and more eery and taken over by nature compared to the heritage village of Lai Chi Wo. Combined these make for a really neat day hiking through Plover Cove Country Park. It is interesting to see the ghost villages and to think about what sort of lives the villages would have lived here in centuries past.
    Review of: So Lo Pun Village
    Written 6 February 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rocky
    4 contributions
    Boat Tour to observe corals
    It is my second time to go to Hoi Ha, compare to the first time I go there with other tour company, WWF's glass-bottomed boat has more space and time for the visitors to observe the marine life easily ,furthermore the docents on the boat are very helpful, they indicate the corals so we do not miss the chance to say hello to it, besides they give a briefing on do's and don'ts and put safety at first, coxswain is familiar with the surrounding waters and sail us to a clam and clear water area for us to enjoy the ride. I highly recommended this activity to every Eco lover.
    Review of: Hoi Ha Wan - WWF Marine Life Studies Centre
    Written 6 June 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Douglas H
    Hong Kong, China136 contributions
    A walk among the trees with butterflies and all kinds of interesting insects around.
    The weather is a bit cooler so there is a less problem of mosquitoes.
    You pay the entrance fee at the reception, and then make your way to gardens/hillside/fields. Though not a very big area, on a warm day, you can see A LOT OF BUTTERFLIES of different types. Apparently many rare types too!
    Just remember to respect the insects and respect the place.
    Review of: Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve
    Written 27 November 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BradJill
    Hong Kong, China157,307 contributions
    Multiple hiking trails to see remote ghost villages
    The Plover Cove Country Park has some great half and full day hiking trails some of which pass by or through old ghost villages which in centuries past where populated with communities of Hakka people who eventually moved out preferring life abroad or relocating into the city for employment opportunities and to higher living standards during the second half of the 20th century.

    Several of the villages are undergoing restoration projects and general works sponsored by local organisations and collectives of locals who have ancestral connections to the villages. These start with Lai Chi Wo which is serviced by weekend ferry boat services which bring in quite a few tourists on weekends now.

    Between Lai Chi Wo and the present village of Wu Kau Tong where you can catch bus service to/from the Tai Po Market MTR Station. Between the two villages, you can hike past two old villages including Kop Tong. What is left here is rather small but neatly maintained with a fruit garden, weekend cafe and interesting murals painted on several of the buildings. Next, you can hike past Mui Tsz Lam, where you will find real and true restoration projects taking place. Several buildings are being reconstructed, there are some exhibition areas setup to display some local history as well as more colourful murals. These make for interesting old villages to visit as part of your hike across the country park.

    Other villages that make for interesting stops include the ghost villages of So Lo Pan and Yung Shue Au north of Lai Chi Wo. These are both completely depopulated now and left in ruins. Yet there are old house facades, school yard equipment and other buildings which you can peek around the look at. It is all rather eery yet photographic and accessible by ancient and country trails that connect them to other ghost villages around the country park. So they are fairly popular with weekend hikers eager to explore and find the old ghost villages in the area.
    Review of: Plover Cove Country Park
    Written 4 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BradJill
    Hong Kong, China157,307 contributions
    Natural Wonder - Hidden Gem in Hong Kong
    This is one of the special places in Hong Kong if you are a fan of geology and/or enjoy seeing unique seaside cliffs and coastlines. Po Pin Chau is an island that was once part of a cape that extended into the sea just south of the High Island Reservoir East Dam in the Sai Kung Country Park. If that were all to the story, Po Pin Chau would be an absolutely beautiful island to see. However, what makes this place so remarkable is that the entire island is made out of 50-60 metre tall stacks of rare hexagonal volcanic columns which can only be found at a few places on Earth.

    The island is part of the UNESCO Geopark in Hong Kong and can be seen by way of a trail south of the East Dam which ascends up the cape to a cliffside viewpoint, where you find full frontal view of the Po Pin Chau cliff face, a straight vertical wall of volcanic columns. You can also see the small channel below, where the sea carved its way through and separated Po Pin Chau from the cape. Depending on the time of year and if you are lucky, you may see kayakers going through the cut below. The trail to Po Pin Chau is moderately difficult and will take no less than 20 minutes to climb for experienced hikers and probably 30+ for those with less experience or fitness.

    As part of your visit to see Po Pin Chau, it is well worth visiting three other places nearby. The easiest and most accessible is the High Island Geo Trail which goes down into the buffer area below the East Dam. Here you walk right past some of the volcanic hexagonal columns, the same you will see at Po Pin Chau. These are much shorter but it is nice to see them up close and there is posted information to help you understand how this rare geology was formed millions of years ago.

    A second add-on is a bit more challenging but even better than the previous mention. As you climb up to the Po Pin Chau viewpoint. You will pass a rope assisted climb down to the Kim Chu Wan pebble beach. Trust me, do this if you have time! Once you make it down to the beach, you will encounter much taller stacks of the hexagonal columns up close. These are not as tall as Po Pin Chau but they still tower above you. This is where you can really appreciate the uniqueness of the geology you are seeing.

    A third rewarding add-on are the remarkable viewpoints along the Po Pin Chau trail towards Pak Lap Beach. You have to climb over a fairly high hill. Afterwards, you find yourself at several incredible viewpoints, looking back towards Po Pin Chau from around 500-600 metres away. From here you can see the hexagonal column stacks extending into the distance, forming an entire coastline of towering hexagonal columns which only end at Po Pin Chau.

    These are three stops that you can consider adding to your hike up to see Po Pin Chau while in the Sai Kung East Country Park. We usually do all of them at least once or twice a year. Combined, they make a great way to spend 3-4 hours seeing the volcanic columns from different heights and proximities, they also represent some of the very best of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.
    Review of: Po Pin Chau
    Written 8 January 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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