Urban Hiking: Morning Trail

I've discovered another Urban Trail that gives a pretty good workout.  It's called Morning Trail and it goes from Conduit Road in the Midlevels up to the Peak.  I've done this trail a few times now:

1.  If you are looking for a longer workout, try walking up the stairs to Robinson Road instead of taking the escalators.  Then, take a RIGHT onto Robinson Road, past the Park N' Shop (about 10 - 15 minutes) until you hit Conduit Road.  From Conduit Road (about 10 - 15 minutes), look for Hatton Road on the left, which will take you up to Morning Trail. 

2.  If you are in for a more leisurely urban hike, this blog suggests taking BUS 13 to the Kotewall Road Bus Terminus and walking up the hill to Hatton Road.

Either way, Hatton Road marks the start of the Morning Trail.

NOTE:  I use this stone wall with the Conduit Road sign as my landmark to finding Hatton Road.

The Morning Trail is uphill all the way to the peak.

I think it took me a little under an hour each time I walked the trail.

There are several trails along the way.   One loops around the Peak.  One goes over to the Univresity of Hong Kong.   So, keep an eye out for the Morning Trail sign posts along the way.

There are rest stops along the way, as well as restrooms, for those who might find the incline a strain.

There was a good amount of lovely scenery all the way up.

The path is also paved all the way up.

Along the way, there was also a dog park, though I'm not sure if it is deemed legitimately a dog park, but there it was.

The higher up we trekked, the more of Hong Kong's cityscape could be seen.

Pretty much near the end of the Morning Trail is the Lugard Falls.  It's a great place to take a rest and also take some photos!

The Morning Trail comes out on the side of the Peak Galleria.

At this point, I have been catching my breath at the Starbucks, or having lunch at the Peak.  But, taking the Morning Trail back down the hill is always my option of choice.  Though, if the hike was enough for you, there are options of catching the PEAK TRAM or the bus back down into Central.

The benefit if walking down though is that it's all downhill!

I'm glad I was introduced to the Morning Trail.  It's a great way to show out-of-town guests another way to get up to the Peak.  It's also a great way to get in some exercise while visiting Hong Kong…though we always seem to be walking all over the city and every moment of our days!

Woodside Biodiversity Education Centre

While my friend and I were out hiking some of the trails around the Tai Tam Country Park, we stumbled upon the Woodside Biodiversity Education Centre.  What a great discovery!  

The building that the Biodiversity Education Centre was constructed in is amazingly beautiful.  It's also known as the Red House and was once the home of to a Taikoo Sugar Refinery senior staff member.  The residence was constructed in the 1920s and is now, as deemed by the government, one of Hong Kong's Historic Buildings.

Hilo Holly!

The Outdoor Garden:
Around the Biodiversity Education Centre, there are actually an array of plants that are labeled (like the Hilo Holly above).  It's actually really interesting to see what some of these plants are named.  The tree that stands to the left of the Centre is called "Tree Cotton," by the way.  And the entire area is fragrant with the scent of the osmanthus bushes that line the walkways.  It's a lovely little walk around, for those who are interested in photographing plants, plant-enthusiasts, and those who just want to learn something new.

Woodside Biodiversity Education Centre Info:
Admission is FREE
Open from 9:30 - 4:30 pm
Open on everyday except for Tuesdays

How to get here:
1.  From Quarry Bay MTR station Exit A, you'll find yourself on King's Road
2.  Walk right in the direction of Taikoo district
3.  You'll find a sign signaling the Mount Parker Road Green Trail
4.  Walk up Mount Parker Road for 10 - 15 minutes
5.  You'll be hiking for most of those 10 - 15 minutes
6.  Woodside Biodiversity Education Centre will be on your right

NOTE:  It's located on a hill, so you'll feel like you're pretty high up, as it is alongside a hiking trail.

There are three main sections of the Centre:
(1)  Hong Kong's Natural Environment and Wildlife

This section is quite fun to peruse through, as there are little cases that feature some of Hong Kong's local lizards and bugs.

(2)  Woodlands, Rivers and Streams, The Marine Environment and Mangroves

This section also has two interactive areas, where you (mostly children) can listen to bat calls and learn more about the animals that live in Hong Kong's mangroves.

(3)  Activity Room (for workshops or special events)

This area was closed when we went to visit.

This was a nice little place to find along our urban hike.  It reminded me of the time my husband and I were out at the Ping Shan Heritage Trail and found the Tang Gallery.  I love how historic buildings are renovated into museums or educational centers.  It's just a wonderful diamond in the rough kind of moment.

Lantau Holiday: Waterfalls, Caves, Olympic Trail

I've been to Mui Wo dozens of times, but this was the first time that I spotted this wonderful sign, which advertised the Beijing 2008 Olympic Trail.  Because we spent a few days over in Mui Wo, my husband and I grasped the chance to check out a few famous spots around the area:

1.  The Hong Kong Olympic Trail
2.  The Mui Wo Man Mo Temple
3.  The Silvermine Waterfall
4.  The Silvermine Cave

Getting around is pretty easy, as there are signs directing you to all the hot spots.

Further into the villages, the signs become more rustic, but still aiding in direction giving.

The beginning of the Olympic Trail was quite tranquil and scenic.  It ran along a beautiful area of greenery and streams.

Further along the trail, towards the hillside, we came across a few abandoned relics, as you do on Lantau.

About 29 minutes into our "hike" (it's a comfortable little walk from the town center), you'll be able to hear the waterfalls on your right.  There is a little gazebo marking the spot, though.

About a 5 - 10 minute walk (uphill) is the Silvermine Cave.  It isn't much to see, but you can read a little bit of the history behind this cave on the plaque that stands in front of it.  The view, on the other hand, front he cave is spectacular (pictured below).

The view in front of the cave! 

We didn't walk the entire Olympic Trail, but we did go as far as the Silvermine Cave.  It was a good little trek through some villages, and into the hills of Mui Wo.

 This is definitely another great semi-urban hike!

Traveling Tuesday: Tsuen Wan Beaches

It's summer time and the thing I love the most, besides junk trips, is going to the beach.

I was looking up beaches closer to my home and came upon a lot of beaches in Tsuen Wan.  They seemed to be all along Castle Peak Road.  I thought I would check them out, as a little bit of research for anyone curious.

Originally, I had planned to just chill out at the beach, but, when I realized it was an actual URBAN HIKE, I thought I would put aside visiting the beaches for another day.  Before leaving the MTR station, I loaded up on water (which is a MUST in this hot weather!).

How To Get To The Tsuen Wan Beaches:

1.  Exiting from Tsuen Wan West MTR Exit A

2.  Catch bus 234B

3.  Jump off at Hoi Mei Beach

Along this bus route, you can hop off at any beach, but I got off at Hoi Mei because it seemed like a good place to start my urban hike.  The path is pretty clearly marked and it goes all the way back to the Tsuen Wan West MTR station.  I think the walk back was over 4000 meters.  

The walk is beautifully scenic because it goes along the beaches, but it also passes under some of Hong Kong's most beautiful bridges.

There were also some villages spotted along the way.

Ting Kau Village has a beach of their own, which is coming in a future post!

After passing most of the beaches, I got to the huge waterway where all the boats were resting.

Under one of the bridges, I found a fisherman.

The actual promenade started at this point near the freeway.

There were also fishermen on the promenade.

It took me about two hours to slowly make my way from Hoi Mei Beach to the Tsuen Wan West MTR station.  I stopped a few places, took photos, and also noted where the beaches were (...so I could go back).  There are many places to sit and rest.

Plan for tomorrow...explore one of the Tsuen Wan beaches!!!!!