Sai Kung District Travel

Hong Kong Sai Kung District—located in the eastern part of Hong Kong, covering the Sai Kung Peninsula, Clear Water Bay Peninsula, and multiple outlying islands. It borders Sha Tin District to the north and the Southern District of Hong Kong Island to the south. It is the administrative district with the richest natural landscapes and best-preserved ecological protection in Hong Kong. Here you will find the High Island Reservoir East Dam, the core of the "Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark," the MacLehose Trail—Asia's best hiking route, the clear waters and sandy beaches of Kiu Tsui Chau, and the vibrant Sai Kung Seafood Street. Combining magnificent mountains and seas, pristine ecology, and authentic cuisine, a 2-day-1-night journey takes you away from the city's hustle and bustle to immerse yourself in a "half mountain-sea, half local life" secret journey.

15+
Natural Attractions
3
Core Outlying Islands
8+
Classic Hiking Trails
40+
Seafood Restaurants
High Island Reservoir East Dam Hexagonal Rock Columns Panorama in Hong Kong Sai Kung District
High Island Reservoir East Dam - Iconic Landscape of Sai Kung District
The East Dam of the High Island Reservoir is the core scenic spot of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, famous for its spectacular "Hexagonal Rock Column Group." The rock columns were formed by volcanic eruptions cooling and contracting about 140 million years ago, arranged neatly as if carved by hand. Coupled with the azure blue sea water and steep cliffs, it is a paradise for photography enthusiasts and a must-visit natural wonder in Sai Kung District.

Sai Kung Two Days One Night Mountain and Sea Secret Journey

Explore geological wonders, hike mountain-sea trails, taste freshly caught seafood, enjoy island leisure

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
High Island Reservoir East Dam, MacLehose Trail Section 1, Kiu Tsui Chau, Sai Kung Seafood Street, Pak Tam Chung, Wong Shek Pier
Suitable For
Nature explorers, hiking enthusiasts, photography experts, seafood lovers, families with children, island vacationers
Per Capita Budget
¥1000-¥2800
01
Geological Wonders & Island Leisure
High Island Reservoir East Dam · MacLehose Trail Section 1 · Kiu Tsui Chau · Sai Kung Seafood Street
Trip Highlights

Check in at the High Island Reservoir East Dam in the morning to explore the hexagonal rock columns; hike the MacLehose Trail Section 1 in the afternoon to enjoy panoramic mountain and sea views; take a ferry to Kiu Tsui Chau in the evening for water fun and beach strolling; wander along Sai Kung Seafood Street at night to taste a freshly cooked seafood feast.

Attraction Arrangement
High Island Reservoir East Dam
The eastern end dam of Hong Kong's largest reservoir, the High Island Reservoir, and a core scenic area of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. It is listed as a candidate for World Natural Heritage due to its unique "Hexagonal Rock Column Group." The rock columns were formed by volcanic eruptions approximately 140 million years ago, cooling and fracturing into hexagonal columnar joints, reaching heights of up to 10 meters, densely and neatly arranged, presenting a majestic momentum. Outside the dam is the azure blue South China Sea, inside is the emerald green reservoir lake water. The red and white wave breakers, rock columns, and sea water contrast delightfully, making it the most representative landscape of Sai Kung.
MacLehose Trail Section 1
The MacLehose Trail is the longest hiking trail in Hong Kong, with a total length of 100 kilometers. Section 1 (Pak Tam Chung to Long Ke Wan) is hailed as the "most精华路段" (most quintessential section), with a total length of approximately 10 kilometers and moderate difficulty, suitable for ordinary tourists. The trail passes through dense jungles and open grasslands, offering distant views of the High Island Reservoir, Leung Shuen Wan, Long Ke Wan, and other beautiful scenery. The mountain-sea interdependent scenery is truly unparalleled. The endpoint, Long Ke Wan, is a crescent-shaped bay with clear water and fine sand, where you can rest and play in the water, feeling the tranquility of a primitive island.
Kiu Tsui Chau
One of the most popular outlying islands in the Sai Kung sea area, only a 10-minute ferry ride from Sai Kung Pier. It is famous for its unique "Tombolo" landscape—during low tide, a natural channel composed of shells and sand and stone will emerge from the sea surface, connecting Kiu Tsui Chau with the nearby Kiu Tau Island, allowing pedestrians to travel back and forth. The island is equipped with a bathing beach, campground, and viewing platform. The seawater is so clear you can see the bottom, suitable for snorkeling, swimming, and beach strolling. You can also pick up beautiful shells, making it an excellent choice for family trips and island vacations.
Sai Kung Seafood Street
A food landmark located at the seaside in the center of Sai Kung, the entire street is lined with seafood stalls and seafood restaurants. The seafood stalls display dozens of varieties of live seafood such as lobster, crab, shrimp, and shellfish. Visitors can select seafood to be cooked by the restaurants, choosing methods such as steaming, salt and pepper, garlic, or typhoon shelter style—fresh and delicious. Besides seafood, there are many Hong Kong-style tea restaurants and dessert shops along the street. When the lights come on at night, accompanied by the sea breeze, the atmosphere is full of vibrant local life, making it a must-visit place to experience Sai Kung's food culture.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Sai Kung City Center Seaview Hotels
  • Pak Tam Chung Holiday Camp
  • Kiu Tsui Chau Camping Site (Advance application required)
  • B&Bs near Sai Kung Pier
Food Recommendations
  • Salt and Pepper Mantis Shrimp
  • Garlic Vermicelli Steamed Scallops
  • Ginger and Scallion Stir-fried Crab
  • Steamed Grouper
  • Fish Ball Noodles
  • Hong Kong-style Pineapple Bun with Butter
Travel Tips
  • MacLehose Trail hiking requires non-slip athletic shoes; bring sufficient drinking water, sun protection, and mosquito repellent
  • The tombolo at Kiu Tsui Chau only emerges during low tide; you can check the tide table in advance
  • When selecting seafood at Seafood Street, it is recommended to compare prices at three different vendors and confirm the price before processing to avoid disputes
02
Ecological Leisure & Fishing Village Charm
Pak Tam Chung · Wong Shek Pier · Sai Kung City Center
Trip Highlights

Stroll through the Pak Tam Chung Ecological Park in the morning to connect with nature; head to Wong Shek Pier in the afternoon to feel the fishing village atmosphere and optionally take a sightseeing boat out to sea; browse the specialty shops in Sai Kung City Center in the evening to purchase souvenirs and conclude the journey.

Attraction Arrangement
Pak Tam Chung
The gateway to the Sai Kung East Country Park, it is a comprehensive scenic area integrating ecological protection and leisure entertainment. Facilities include the Pak Tam Chung Nature Education Trail, Visitor Centre, barbecue area, and children's playground. The Nature Education Trail is approximately 1 kilometer long, with a large number of native plants planted along the way. You can observe wild animals such as butterflies and birds, and the stream gurgles with a quiet and serene environment, suitable for parent-child strolls and nature education. The Visitor Centre has exhibitions introducing Sai Kung's geology, ecology, and history, open to the public free of charge.
Wong Shek Pier
An important pier in the northeast of Sai Kung, located on the shore of Tung Lung Bay, it serves as a transportation hub to outlying islands such as Tap Mun, Chek Keng, and Wan Tsai. It is also a great place to experience the Sai Kung fishing village charm. There are several seafood restaurants and grocery stores around the pier where you can taste authentic fishing village cuisine. Fishing boats dock along the shore, and the sea breeze carries a salty, damp scent, full of the simple charm of a primitive fishing village. You can choose to take a sightseeing boat out to sea to tour Tung Lung Bay, enjoying the mangrove forests and island scenery along the coast, or land on Tap Mun Island to experience the tranquil island life.
Sai Kung City Center
The commercial and cultural center of Sai Kung District. Besides Seafood Street, there are many specialty shops, souvenir stores, cafes, and antique shops. The buildings along the streets are full of colonial-period charm, complemented by the green plants and seating of the waterfront promenade, suitable for leisurely strolls. Souvenir shops offer dried seafood, Hong Kong-style pastries, local cultural and creative products, and other souvenirs. Cafes provide exquisite desserts and drinks where you can sit and rest your feet, feeling the slow-paced lifestyle atmosphere of Sai Kung.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take MTR to Choi Hung Station Exit C2, transfer to Bus 92/96R direct to Sai Kung City Center
  • Pak Tam Chung can be reached by taking Bus 299X from Sai Kung City Center, about 20 minutes travel time
  • Wong Shek Pier can be reached by taking Bus 74K direct from Pak Tam Chung, about 30 minutes travel time
  • Kiu Tsui Chau requires a ferry ride from Sai Kung Pier, 10 minutes to reach
Ecological Tips
  • Several areas in Sai Kung are ecological protection zones; littering, picking plants, and catching wildlife are prohibited
  • Avoid touching corals and marine life while snorkeling to protect the marine ecosystem
  • Follow the "Leave No Trace" principle while hiking; carry your trash out of the mountain area
Return Journey Guide
  • Sai Kung City Center is approximately 50km from Hong Kong International Airport; about 60 minutes by taxi
  • Take Bus 92/96R to return to Choi Hung Station, transfer to MTR to the city center or airport
  • Some hotels provide shuttle buses to and from the city center; you can inquire in advance

Sai Kung District Must-Try Foods

Sai Kung Seafood Feast

The signature dish of Sai Kung. The seafood at Seafood Street is all caught fresh that day, boasting extremely high freshness. You can select lobster, flower crab, mantis shrimp, scallops, razor clams, etc., paired with the restaurant's secret recipes such as salt and pepper, garlic, typhoon shelter, or steamed. Recommended dishes include "Salt and Pepper Mantis Shrimp"—with a crispy shell and plump, juicy meat; "Garlic Vermicelli Steamed Scallops"—rich garlic aroma, the vermicelli absorbing the sweet flavor of the seafood; and "Ginger and Scallion Stir-fried Crab"—tender crab meat with rich, flavorful sauce. Per capita consumption is approximately ¥200-500, flexible according to personal preference.

Hong Kong-style Fish Ball Noodles

A local snack in Sai Kung. The fish balls are made from fresh fish paste, offering a bouncy and chewy texture. They are paired with smooth rice noodles, and the broth is simmered with fish bones and dried flounder, resulting in a delicious and rich flavor. You can choose clear broth or curry flavor, with toppings like fish skin and beef balls. It is a favorite fast food among Hong Kong people. The old-established noodle shops and street stalls in Sai Kung City Center serve particularly authentic versions, priced affordably at approximately ¥30-50 per bowl.

Pineapple Bun with Butter

A classic Hong Kong afternoon tea pastry. The outer layer is a crispy pineapple bun, with a block of cold butter sandwiched in the middle. When heated, the pineapple bun and butter collide, creating a sweet and savory flavor profile that is soft, fluffy, and sweet, leaving a lasting aftertaste. It is available at tea restaurants in Sai Kung, and paired with a cup of iced lemon tea, it is the perfect choice for a leisurely afternoon. The price is approximately ¥15-25 per piece.

Fishing Village Roast Meats

A specialty cuisine of Sai Kung fishing villages, made with fresh local ingredients such as roast goose, char siu (barbecued pork), and roast duck. The skin is crispy, the meat is tender, and the sauce is rich. The roast goose features crispy, shiny skin and juicy meat; the char siu is sweet and flavorful, paired with rice and vegetables for a typical fishing village fast meal with high value for money. The roast meat shops in Sai Kung City Center and at Wong Shek Pier serve authentic flavors, costing approximately ¥40-60 per serving.

Sai Kung District Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar-May): Pleasant temperatures (18-25°C), lush vegetation, suitable for hiking and outdoor activities, with less rainfall
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Cool weather, calm sea surface, suitable for going out to sea and snorkeling; also the season when seafood is plump and delicious
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Suitable for island hopping and snorkeling, but attention to heat prevention and sun protection is required; typhoons may affect travel plans
Must-Try Foods
  • Sai Kung Seafood Feast (Salt and Pepper Mantis Shrimp, Garlic Vermicelli Steamed Scallops)
  • Hong Kong-style Fish Ball Noodles
  • Pineapple Bun with Butter
  • Fishing Village Roast Meats
  • Iced Lemon Tea
  • Mango Pancake
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: All core attractions are free (Ferry/Sightseeing boat approx. ¥15-80/person)
  • Accommodation: ¥350-1200/night
  • Dining: ¥200-400/day (Seafood feast charged separately)
  • Shopping: According to personal needs (Dried seafood, souvenirs approx. ¥100-300)
  • Transportation: MTR + Bus approx. ¥50/day, Ferry/Sightseeing boat approx. ¥50-100/person
  • Total: ¥1000-2800+
FAQ
  • Is a guide needed for hiking MacLehose Trail Section 1? → The route is clear with signposts along the way; ordinary tourists do not need a guide, but downloading an offline map in advance is recommended
  • Do I need to bring my own gear for snorkeling at Kiu Tsui Chau? → There are a few shops on the island that rent snorkeling gear (approx. ¥50/set), but bringing your own is more hygienic
  • How to avoid being "ripped off" at Sai Kung Seafood Street? → Confirm the unit price when selecting, ask the merchant to drain water before weighing, and clarify the processing fee standard before cooking
  • Is the Pak Tam Chung Nature Education Trail suitable for strollers? → Part of the trail is flat cement road suitable for strollers, but some areas require walking up and down steps