Recently, we embarked on an adventure to the eastern side of Hong Kong and uncovered the stunning Clear Water Bay Country Park. If you’re searching for a serene escape from the bustling city, this picturesque park is the perfect destination. Nestled in the southeastern part of the New Territories, Clear Water Bay Country Park boasts breathtaking views, pristine beaches, and tranquil hiking trails. Whether you’re an avid nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply yearning for a peaceful getaway, Clear Water Bay offers something for everyone. In this blog post, I’ll outline our half-day itinerary, provide tips for a seamless trip, and share valuable recommendations to enhance your experience, including ways to transform it into a full-day adventure.
Spanning an impressive 615 hectares, Clear Water Bay Country Park features a unique and diverse terrain, making it a popular spot for nature and outdoor activities. The park has numerous country trails, each offering a distinctive experience catering to all hiking levels. From gentle walks suitable for families to more challenging trails for seasoned hikers, there truly is a hike for everyone.
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Getting to Clear Water Bay Country Park
Reaching Clear Water Bay Country Park is quite convenient. There are multiple options to get there, including taking a bus or minibus to the park. Here are a couple of recommended routes:
- You can take Bus 91 from MTR Diamond Hill Station, which offers a direct route to the park.
- Alternatively, you can board Minibus 103M from MTR Tseung Kwan O Station for a faster option.
For first-time visitors to Hong Kong, I strongly recommend getting an Octopus Card. This handy card allows you to travel effortlessly on various modes of public transport, such as buses and the MTR. Additionally, it can be used for purchases at convenience stores, streamlining your experience. Learn more about the Octopus Card here for guidance on acquiring one before your journey.
When you get off the bus stop, you have to walk about 20-30 minutes to Clear Water Bay Country Park.
Our Half-Day Itinerary
For our half-day itinerary, we began the day with a delightful lunch at Hollywood Plaza, conveniently located near MTR Diamond Hill Station. After a satisfying meal, we made our way to the bus terminus adjacent to the shopping mall and boarded Bus 91. The bus ride took about one hour, during which we enjoyed scenic views and took a quick power nap to refresh ourselves for the hike ahead.
Exploring Clear Water Bay Country Park
Arriving at the park around 1:30 PM, we were instantly captivated by its natural beauty. Clear Water Bay Country Park is not just a premier hiking destination; it’s an oasis where one can reconnect with nature and take a break from the frantic pace of city life. Whether visiting solo, with friends, or as a family, this hidden gem highlights Hong Kong’s stunning landscapes and idyllic scenery.
The park offers various facilities, including a BBQ site, a designated kite-flying area, and a family-friendly trail known as the Clear Water Bay Tree Walk—an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoyment.
Clear Water Bay Tree Walk
The Clear Water Bay Tree Walk is a 1.2 km family-friendly trail that takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. This leisurely walk features 12 informative stops, each providing insights into different plant species found in the area. The trail is designed to be an easy stroll, making it a perfect choice for families looking to enjoy a peaceful outing while immersing themselves in nature’s wonders.
Lung Ha Wan Country Trail
After getting a glimpse of what Tai Hang Tun offers, we made our way to the parking lot to embark on our hike along the Lung Ha Wan Country Trail. According to the information board at the trailhead, the hike spans approximately 2.3 kilometers and typically takes around one hour to complete. While I didn’t track our exact time to reach the peak, we spent about three hours exploring the captivating scenery of Tai Hang Tun and the Lung Ha Wan Country Trail.
The trail
Though this trail is classified as easy, the steep staircases at the beginning will definitely get your heart racing! We found ourselves taking numerous breaks to catch our breath, as the stairs posed a bit of a challenge for us. (Let’s just say, stairs are not our strong suit, haha.)
Most of the trail is exposed to the elements, making it particularly tiring to navigate those stairs (more so during the sweltering summer heat). Be sure to plan your hike with that in mind!
Tai Leng Tung
Upon reaching the summit, Tai Leng Tung, we were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views that made the effort worthwhile. This highest point of the trail, at 291 meters above sea level, is renowned as one of the best stargazing spots in Hong Kong. From here, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of the neighboring islands, which are nothing short of spectacular.
For those who love sharing their adventures on social media, I highly recommend getting an Airalo eSIM card. It has been a game changer for travelers in need of affordable and reliable mobile data, eliminating the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards. Get your Airalo eSIM here to stay connected effortlessly throughout your journey.
Once you reach the peak, you can retrace your way back or continue and head towards Lung Ha Wan. We continued our way down to Lung Ha Wan and then walked back towards the bus stop at Tai Au Mun.
Pro tip: Remember to wear comfortable hiking shoes and pack plenty of water, especially during the warmer months. Staying hydrated and comfortable will enhance your hiking experience.
High Junk Peak
This unique-looking peak caught my attention while we explored Tai Hang Tun. This is the High Junk Peak. As we made our way toward the Clear Water Bay country park, we noticed many hikers disembarking at the Ng Fai Tin stop. Turns out, this is the starting point for the challenging High Junk Peak trail. This hike is tailored for experienced hikers seeking an adventurous challenge. Standing at 344 meters tall, High Junk Peak features a demanding final ascent, earning its reputation as one of Hong Kong’s four treacherous peaks.
While this particular hike may be beyond my current skills, I am optimistic about someday tackling it and enjoying the remarkable views that await at the summit. The total distance of the High Junk Peak trail is approximately 8 kilometers, and it generally takes about four hours to complete. For anyone interested in finding more details about this hike, you can visit Discover Hong Kong.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
If you want to make this a one-day itinerary, I recommend starting your day by visiting the Nan Lian Garden.
Nan Lian Garden
This Tang Dynasty-style garden is located near Diamond Hill MTR station. It is peaceful and serene in the middle of a bustling city. Inside the garden, you will find the Pavilion of Absolute Perfection. This iconic structure features a Gold Pavilion and a striking red bridge. You can’t miss it. Another attraction is the Chi Lin Nunnery. This place is open to the public, and best of all, admission is free.
Lunch at Hollywood Plaza
After a relaxing stroll inside Nan Lian Garden, you can grab lunch at Hollywood Plaza. If you have some extra time, take advantage of the shops in the plaza. You can explore everything from trendy fashion boutiques to unique gift stores. Once you’re ready to continue your journey, head to the bus terminus and catch bus 91 to the country park.
Spend the afternoon in Clear Water Bay Country Park
Upon your arrival, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the country park. You can spend a delightful afternoon enjoying a picnic while listening to the cheerful sounds of nature. If you’re interested in exploring more of the landscape, consider hiking up Tai Leng Tung (just like we did). Where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. With activities ranging from leisurely relaxation to invigorating exploration, there truly is something in store for everyone to enjoy.
Tips for a Smooth Day Trip to Clear Water Bay Country Park
Before you head out, here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:
- Start Early: Arriving early allows you to enjoy cooler temperatures for hiking and fewer crowds at the beach.
- Stay Connected: With an Airalo eSIM, you can navigate, share photos, and stay in touch without worrying about roaming charges. Learn more here.
- Plan Your Transport: Use an Octopus Card to save time and avoid the hassle of carrying cash for public transport. Get your Octopus Card here.
- Check the Weather: Avoid hiking on rainy days, as the trails can become slippery.
- Sun Block: Most of the trail is exposed to the sun, so be sure to apply sunscreen.
- Hiking Stick: The trail is easy and manageable. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to bring one for extra support when ascending and descending the peak.
- Hat/Cap: Since there is little to no shade on the trail, wearing a hat or cap is advisable.
- Picnic Prep: If you plan to have a barbecue or picnic, remember to bring all your essentials. After your meals, dispose of your litter responsibly.
- Water: Bring your water bottle. There is a water refill station near the picnic area. Refill your bottles before starting your hike to Tai Leng Tung.
Best Time To Visit
Avoid summer because the trail is exposed. Best to avoid the rainy season as well because the dirt trail will be muddy and can be slippery when wet.
Conclusion
Our day trip to Clear Water Bay Country Park was nothing short of amazing. It reminded us of the beauty just outside the city—a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. If you’re looking for a day trip, Clear Water Bay Country Park should be at the top of your list. It combines scenic views, outdoor activities, and a peaceful escape—perfect for families.
On your next trip to Hong Kong, I hope you will have time to explore this incredible city. If you have any questions or need more tips, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy traveling!