Exploring Hong Kong's Back Garden: A 48-Hour Travel Guide to Sai Kung

Still planning your Hong Kong itinerary this year? Or looking to experience a different side of the bustling city? Take a quick escape to Sai Kung, often called Hong Kong’s “back garden,” and discover tranquil coastlines, scenic hiking trails, stunning rock formations, and fresh seafood feasts.

Whether you have a day or two to spare, here are some activities and food stops you can enjoy in one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful countryside destinations.

Taste Hong Kong’s Famous Pineapple Buns at Sai Kung Cafe and Bakery

If you’re heading straight from the airport, fuel up first before exploring Sai Kung.

Located at Hoi Pong Square, Sai Kung Cafe and Bakery is known for its local snacks and freshly baked pastries, especially its signature pineapple buns. The aroma of warm bread welcomes guests into the cozy cafe, while the fluffy texture and buttery flavor of the buns make them difficult to resist. Don’t be surprised if you end up taking a whole box home.

Savor Chinese Street Food at Lam Kee

Just a short walk from the bakery is a hidden alleyway leading to Lam Kee, a humble hole-in-the-wall stall loved by locals for its wide selection of traditional Chinese street food.

For nearly 40 years, the stall has been serving steamed favorites such as cheung fun rice rolls, shrimp dumplings, and classic dim sum bites. Adventurous foodies will also enjoy exploring the more than 20 street food choices available at the stall.

Rent a Boat at Sai Kung Pier and Kayak Beneath Rock Formations

A trip to Sai Kung would not be complete without experiencing its famous waters.

At Sai Kung Pier, visitors can rent boats and hire local guides for outdoor activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. One of the highlights is kayaking beneath the area’s majestic tunnel-like rock formations, where dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters create a breathtaking adventure.

Snorkeling also offers travelers a chance to encounter marine life, while paddleboarding allows for a more relaxed appreciation of Sai Kung’s coastal scenery.

Feast on Fresh Seafood at Sai Kung Seafood Street

After a long day of water activities, Sai Kung Promenade is the perfect place to recharge.

The area is lined with seafood restaurants serving freshly caught seafood straight from Sai Kung Pier. Lobsters, prawns, crabs, shrimp, clams, and other shellfish are displayed in large water tanks, allowing diners to personally choose the seafood they want cooked for their meal.

For those who want a more curated dining experience, the Michelin-recommended Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant is a popular option along the waterfront. Guests can select seafood based on their taste or budget and enjoy freshly prepared dishes while overlooking the harbor.

Explore High Island Reservoir Dam and Long Ke Wan Beach

Take your 10,000 steps to the next level with a scenic walk at the High Island Reservoir Dam, part of Hong Kong’s UNESCO Global Geopark.

Visitors can admire sweeping views of the reservoir, concrete wave breakers, and surrounding mountains before heading down to see the famous hexagonal volcanic rock columns formed by a volcanic eruption around 140 million years ago.

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If you still have energy for another hike, a 15- to 30-minute walk from the geopark monument leads to the secluded paradise of Long Ke Wan Beach. Fine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful surroundings await travelers looking for a quiet retreat away from the city.

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Biyahero tip: Bring your own water and essentials, especially during summer, since there are no water stations along the trail. Don’t forget to pause and take photos of the stunning coastal views along the way.

Visit Sharp Island and Its Famous Tombolo

One of the most accessible attractions within the Hong Kong Geopark is Sharp Island, located just a few kilometers from Sai Kung town center.

The island is known for its unique rock formations, clear waters, and scenic landscapes. During low tide, visitors can witness a natural tombolo emerge from the sea, forming a sandbar that connects parts of the island. Many locals compare its shape to Hong Kong’s famous pineapple bun.

Photo: Hong Kong Tourism Board

Photo: Hong Kong Tourism Board

Hong Kong remains visa-free for Filipino passport holders, making it an easy destination for quick international getaways.

Planning to explore Sai Kung soon? Watch Drew Arellano’s latest Hong Kong countryside adventure on the GMA Public Affairs YouTube channel. —ACC, GMA Public Affairs