An Extraordinary Campsite Slash Hiking Trail in Hong Kong
Nature is where you can escape the chaos of the city, find peace, and reconnect with your inner self. It is also where you can feel a deep connection with the amazing and mysterious creatures that share this world. Embrace nature, and you embrace life.
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A Secluded and Niche Country Park
The Wan Tsai Extension of Sai Kung West Country Park (the peninsula) is a rather niche and secluded destination compared to other country parks in Hong Kong. Transportation options are limited. One way to reach it is by hiking from Hoi Ha Village, which you can access by green light bus or taxi. The other option is to take a boat from Wong Shek Pier or Chek Keng Pier, but keep in mind that these boats do not operate daily, so it’s essential to check the schedule in advance before setting out.
Two Campsites on One Peninsula
There are two official camp sites on the peninsula — the West Campsite and the South Campsite. The South Campsite is better equipped than the West, offering several basic facilities such as a large open lawn for tents, barbecue pits, a pavilion, public restrooms, and drinking water dispensers. There is also a beach right next to the campsite where you can swim, though the water is more enclosed and not as clear as some of Hong Kong’s open beaches.
A Backpack, A Tent, and A Hammock
As it is mentioned above that the campsites are very secluded that there is no way to drive to the campsite. So it is necessary to pack yourself as light as possible. Despite this, the campsite offers a truly stunning atmosphere for camping or even just a day picnic. Built on an elevated platform about 10 meters above sea level and right beside the coast, it gives you sweeping, panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding islands. On a clear day, the scenery is spectacular. Imagine yourself on your hammock with such scenery hanging in the background. When night falls, the sky to the south glows with a mysterious mix of cyan and orange, slightly lit by the distant city lights of Hong Kong. The lights of the tents light up the lawn, while you can see stars scattered across the sky, and if you lie back on the grass, it’s easy to drift off to sleep in peaceful silence.
There Might Be Some Unexpected Guests at Night Though…
Last but not least, if you’re planning to stay overnight, make sure to avoid the months from April to October unless you’re comfortable with temperatures above 27°C or 80.6°F. The heat can be oppressive, and once you’re there, getting out isn’t simple. Even if you want to leave early, it takes over an hour to hike back to the village, and public transport options like the light bus may no longer be available if it’s too late. And be aware of wildlife. If the fence of the campsite isn’t closed at night, there is a chance that the cattle around might invite themselves into the campsite.
Transportation
There are several ways to the campsite, but there is one stop you cannot miss, the Hoi Ha light bus stop.
Metro+Bus/Light Bus: There are metro stations like Choi Hung, Po Lam, etc., that are connected with Sai Kung Pier with light buses/buses. You can find your fastest way to Sai Kung Pier, then take the light bus line 7 to Hoi Ha Village.
Taxi: It is a comparatively convenient method to get to Hoi Ha.
Boat: You can either take a boat from Wong Shek Pier or Chek Keng Pier, but these boats do not shuttle every day, so it’s essential to check if there is any the day you departure.
