Hiking in Hong Kong
Tuesday, 6 - Saturday, 10 April 2010
Leader: Mr. Peter Laverick, Council Member
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Though Hong Kong is famous for its man-made features - shops, hotels, airport etc., the territory also has large undeveloped areas divided into no less than 23 country parks. In the past the territory has been run by governors who have enjoyed walking, and as a result there is a network of well laid out and well marked walks across these empty areas. Most flat land in Hong Kong is built on, so these paths are quite hilly, but on the plus side this means that you get some stunning views; the sea is never far away. Quite a few local people use the trails at the weekend, but during the week they’re deserted. On this trip we will explore some of these trails. In April the climate in Hong Kong is very pleasant however, there are occasional spells of high humidity, fog and drizzle can be some particularly.
We will spend four nights at the comfortable Imperial Hotel, Hong Kong. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Tsimshatsui - Hong Kong’s premier retail, cultural and leisure district. Surrounded by numerous tourist attractions, shopping arcades, fine restaurants and fabulous night entertainment. i-SQUARE, K11, 1881 Heritage, Harbour City, Space Museum, Cultural Centre, The Star Ferry, Avenue of Stars and the Waterfront Promenade are all within 5 minutes walk.
Please note the following:-
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Every day there will be a walking trip organised, but each trip is optional – if you want to take a day off to shop or just relax then you are free to do so. The walks will vary, but typically will be about 10km. The trails will be hilly but the terrain will not be difficult.
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To get to and from the walks we will be using Hong Kong’s excellent but busy public transport system – trains, ferries and buses.
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As most of the walks are in remote areas, most days you will be given a packed lunch to take with you. You will also need to carry drinking water.
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Hong Kong has a wide variety of restaurants, so each evening you will be free to make your own arrangements for dinner.
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As the main object of the trip is hiking we will not need a local guide. The leader is already familiar with all the trails we will use.
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Because of the nature of the trip the group will be limited to 12 people.
The programme is as follows:
Tuesday, 06 April 2010 (Chakri Memorial Day)
Meet at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport at 16:40 and get flight TG602 to Hong Kong, leaving at 18.45 p.m. Have dinner on the plane, and on arrival at Hong Kong 22.30 p.m. transfer to the Imperial Hotel or similar class.
Wednesday, 07 April 2010
Breakfast at Hotel
After breakfast at the hotel we set off for our first walk – a section of the Wilson Trail.
This is in the north-east of the new territories. The 10km trail starts off at Tai Mei Tuk with a steady climb to about 350m, and then levels off and gradually returns to sea-level at the end (Luk Keng). The walk takes us through bamboo forest and an abandoned village, some of the way on a traditional stone laid path. It is shaded for most of the way, and near the end we will get good views of Shenzhen.
Thursday, 08 April 2010
Breakfast at Hotel
After breakfast at the hotel we set off for the Hong Kong Wetland Park in the north-west of the New Territories, where we’ll spend the whole day. The park covers more than 60 hectares (350 rai) and contains exhibits, galleries and outdoor walking trails. It provides an insight into the stunning array of birds, amphibians, dragonflies, mammals, reptiles and fish found in the Hong Kong wetlands. We can get up close to nature by visiting one of the hides near the park boundary. We’ll have lunch at the canteen in the park.
Friday, 09 April 2010
Breakfast at Hotel
Today we’ll walk in South West Lantau island. We’ll get to the start of the walk by MTR and bus, and return by bus and ferry. The 11km walk starts off fairly flat, but after an easy 2km it starts to rise and we climb 400m. During the climb we pass an enchanting Chinese landscaped garden at Lang Tsai Ng Yuen. Continuing past the garden we will get to the highest point on the peninsula at 490m above sea level. If it’s a clear day we’ll be able to see Hong Kong Island, Macau, and western Shenzhen.
Saturday, 10 April 2010
For a finale, after breakfast at the hotel we’ll take a 9km walk round the island of Cheung Chau. Compared to our earlier walks this will be quite gentle, staying close to the coast line, not rising much above 60m. The walk will take us past some ancient rock carvings, a temple dedicated to Tin Hau, Goddess of the sea and protector of fishermen, and all the way round we will get splendid views of the ocean and neighbouring islands.
After the walk we will get a ferry back to Hong Kong and collect our luggage from the hotel before going to the airport to catch our flight back to Bangkok.
We will take flight TG639 which leaves Hong Kong at 18:45 and arrives at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 20:25.
Example of walk
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Booking
B46,700 or B48,200 for non-members. Single room surcharge B7,200. There is a 3% surcharge for credit/debit card payment to cover bank charges. A non-refundable deposit of B20,000 must accompany the booking. Payment in full is required one month before the start of the trip (i.e. by Friday 5 March). Please pay by cash or cheque payable to ‘The Siam Society’. Alternatively you can deposit/transfer the money to the Siam Society travel account at the Thai Military Bank, Asoke Branch saving account no. 053-2-18000-7. Please fax or e-mail the deposit or transfer docket to us.
Includes/Excludes:
The contribution includes airfare, airport transfers, 4 breakfasts and 4 lunches, accommodation for two persons per room, and other costs incurred to make this trip possible. It excludes visa fee (if any), dinners, personal expenses, tips to driver and porter, etc.
Cancellation charge:
Cancellation after booking: Deposit forfeited
29-15 days of the start of the trip: 30% of the tour cost
14-10 days of the start of the trip: 50% of the tour cost
Less than 10 days or cancellation without notice: No refund
The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary. Seats are limited. Please book your place as soon as possible.
For further information and bookings please contact Khun Prasert (ext. 504) or Khun Ekkarin (ext. 506) on 0 2661 6470-7, fax 0 2258 3491 or e-mail: info@siam-society.org. Office hours: 9:00am.–5:00pm. Tuesday–Saturday (except holidays).