Hong Kong Adventure Travel Guide

Introducing Hong Kong (Continued...)

ts metropolitan sprawl, this is only a small part of the makeup of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is partly attached to China, but the country also consists of a number of islands.
Hong Kong Island is the well-known urban centre, home to all the high rising buildings and seemingly endless shopping malls. Super-modern and trendy it serves as the de facto capital.
The largest island is actually Lantau, which is mainly forest. And there are a number of smaller islands that are popular short-break destinations for the Chinese.
The mainland section is dominated by the New Territories. This verdant and scenic area is home to Tai Mo Shan; peaking at 957m, it is the highest point in the country. Just to the south of the New Territories is the Kowloon District, one of the most densely populated areas in the world.
The climate is highly seasonal. The summer is very hot and humid, whilst the winter descends to an icy chill. The milder spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit.

Cultural

The British influence on Hong Kong still looms large, making it a fascinating place to visit from a cultural standpoint. An amalgamation of western and Asian values has created a society which is simultaneously reserved and vibrant, and very different from anything you have seen before.
Even within itself Hong Kong has distinct and dissimilar regions. The primary heart, Hong Kong Island, has the familiar busyness of a flourishing metropolis. Venture outside and you’ll be treated to oriental mysticism and charm.

Multi-Activity

You can plan a holiday in Hong Kong just on the basis of city-sightseeing and shopping. But that’s not for everyone. There is a surprising variety of things to do here, and it will be highly region dependant.
Fans of the outdoors will find numerous exploits in the wilderness of the New Territories or on Lantau and some of the smaller islands. Of course the more populous areas of Hong Kong have intriguing prospects for fun too.
The majority of prescribed multi-activity holidays here will also see you venture into China, Hong Kong’s sovereign state to the north.

Overland Tours

An overland tour gives you the chance to see the Hong Kong that most people aren’t even aware of. Get away from the main city area on Hong Kong Island and you’ll find a range of landscapes.
The largest section of Hong Kong, the New Territories, has a highly varied mountainous terrain with idyllic country parks. Lantau has beautiful nature trails often leading to remote and attractive monasteries.
As many overland tour operators sell packages as part of a journey into China, you are likely to get a taste for a number of cultures. This gives you the chance to see how different Hong Kong is from much of Asia.

Paragliding

In a country like Hong Kong, brimming with scenic beauty, paragliding is unbelievable. There are a number of locations across all of the island, the highest being the Cloudy Hills in the New Territories reaching over 2,500ft.
Paragliding’s popularity in Hong Kong means it won’t be a struggle to find a trip. Even if you have never tried it before, you can take lessons and be flying solo before too long.

Sailing

Sailing is extremely popular in Hong Kong, whether as part of an exclusive yachting club or just setting sail from a tiny port. The geography of Hong Kong means there are hundreds of bays and coves scattered across the country.
The enormous harbour might not be the most tranquil of settings, but it provides fantastic views of the city skyline.
Quiet, friendly marinas like Shelter Cove are dotted all across the coastline and there will be opportunities to step aboard a chartered yacht or rent your own.

Classic Itineraries

Hong Kong’s excellent, modern airport is located on a small island just above Lantau. The next logical step in the journey, then, is Lantau (although there are excellent transport links to all areas of Hong Kong).
Lantau is mainly a rural area, but also features the Hong Kong Disneyland. It’s worth a visit if theme parks are your thing. There are also beautiful beaches here, which are rare in other parts of Hong Kong.
The smaller islands known as the Outlying Islands offer a number of attractions, especially if you are going to Hong Kong to enjoy the diverse culture.
Hong Kong Island is the primary tourist attraction. The island houses the striking cityscape and the most modern of comforts. Shopping and sightseeing here is a real pleasure.
Move over to the mainland and you’ll find Kowloon and the New Territories. Like Lantau, this part of Hong Kong is primarily green with splashes of developed areas. From here you could journey into China to discover more about this part of the world.

Other Activities

The nature of Hong Kong means it has an enormous coastline, and provides some wonderful beaches. Lower Cheung Sha found on Lantau is a particularly good example. Thrill seekers will be pleased by the range of watersports available, best enjoyed in the summer.
The hectic Hong Kong lifestyle means the locals have a need for relaxation. You can take advantage of the opportunities such as the excellent golf courses, or tranquil fishing.
The mix of Chinese and British culture means no matter what time of year you visit, there is bound to be some sort of festival going on. They will be vibrant and fun, and worth your time.