A half-hour drive from my hotel in high-rise Hong Kong city, I’m in a kayak ready to paddle around a jungle coastline with not a building in sight.
My days in the jungles on the doorstep of this city of nearly eight million people are eye-opening.
Despite its reputation for being one of the world’s great cities, about 75 per cent of Hong Kong’s land is undeveloped. And more than 40 per cent is designated as protected country parks and special areas.
It’s all worth considering, as WA travellers use Cathay Pacific to fly to Hong Kong and, often, on to Europe.
And The Hari Hong Kong is encouraging travellers to slow down, stay longer and discover the green side of Hong Kong.
For, within 15 minutes’ walk of the hotel in Lockhart Road (in one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most eccentric districts, Wan Chai) guests can step onto a trail system with hike loops as long as 50 kilometres.
There are steep green trails and the paved paths leading to The Peak.
Popular routes include:
+ The Wan Chai Green Trail to Wan Chai Gap, for intense uphill training.
+ Bowen Road Fitness Trail for a flat walk.
+ Wan Chai Heritage Trail for culture.
The Hari Hong Kong is offering packages designed to encourage guest to “Stay Longer with Us”.
There are exclusive rates for extended visits, and its “A Night on Us” offer gives 25 per cent off a four-night stay.
Both packages also give discounts at the hotel’s Italian ristorante Lucciola, contemporary Japanese restaurant Zoku, alfresco The Terrace bar and The Lounge, an all-day sitting area with a compelling collection of art and books.
The Hari Hong Kong’s general manager Edward E. Snoeks is out and about weekly on 20km walks in the hills all over Hong Kong.
“Our natural splendour is all the more amazing for its accessibility,” he says.
“Down here in Wan Chai, you can wander Lockhart Road, visiting heritage sites and the ghosts of Suzie Wong’s world, and minutes later be out among hiking routes that reveal a completely different Hong Kong, albeit one with common tailorbirds and red whiskered bulbuls, forest canopies and panoramic harbour views.”
BACK IN WAN CHAI
+ The Wan Chai itself district is also worth exploring at a slower pace — from its markets and gritty streets to historic landmarks such as the Blue House and the old Wan Chai Post Office.
+ The stories of Lockhart Road are immortalised in fiction such as The World of Suzie Wong.
+ Victoria Harbour is just minutes away.
