Camping in Hong Kong is becoming a trend. Every year there are more and more people camping around the beaches or countrysides in Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, there are quite a number of places to camp whilst doing BBQ. Overnight camping could be nice and unpleasant for some people, but it is the experience that matters most importantly.
This blog contains information about some of the important information about camping rules and regulations, camping destinations and things to pack for you to know before heading on to your camping adventure.
CAMPING RULES & REGULATIONS
CAMPSITES THAT ARE PERMITTED TO CAMP
There are many places to camp in Hong Kong, however, there are some places that are restricted and not permitted to camp due to private property ownership or special area regulations. If you are planning on camping, be sure to check with AFCD via their website to see if your designated campsite is permitted or not.
Check out this link via AFCD to check if your designated area is permitted or not.
BONFIRE IS ILLEGAL IN HONG KONG
Be mindful that bonfire is illegal in Hong Kong. Offenders may be prosecuted when caught. However, there are some areas that are not very restricted and a little bit discreet. Mini fire pit should be okay, for instance. Mini firepit should be suitable for cooking your meals and to keep yourself warm while sitting by the fire. You must, however, do this in the BBQ pit areas or the campsites area only.
Be sure not to do it somewhere too narrow, near the houses or objects that could start a fire. Make sure to extinguish the firepit/ bbq pit and do not leave it unattended. Make sure to dispose of all of the firewood to the wastage area to help protect the environment. It will be nice not to leave it behind.
TAP WATER AND DRINKING WATER SAFETY
Some campsites don't have a water supply for drinking, it is mainly suitable for washing and cooking only. Make sure to bring your own drinking water supply or you may bring some water capsules or a small pot to boil some water.
Check out this link, Water Source of Campsites via AFCD to know more about water supply conditions before going to your designated camping area.
WHERE TO LITTER
Each campsite should have a wastage area for campers/ hikers to dump their garbage in. Make sure not to leave your garbage anywhere. If by any chance, the wastage area is too far from your tent. You may simply store all the rubbish in a garbage bag or a box and make the effort to throw it in the wastage area before you leave.
BEWARE OF WILD ANIMALS
There will be some wild animals around the campsites such as wild boar, wild bears, poisonous snakes and spiders, wild dogs and many more. Simply avoid them by not exploring deep in the woods and do not mimic their animal sounds as this will tempt them to possibly attack you when you least expect it. Do not leave any food unattended before heading inside your tent at night. Do not feed the animals too as this will lure them to visit the campsite even more often.
WHERE TO CAMP (RECOMMENDATIONS)
1. TAI LONG WAN CAMPSITE
HOW TO GET THERE
- Take a boat from Sai Kung Pier. There are many boat service available at the pier. It cost about HK$120-180 per head. Price is higher during the weekends and public holidays. Booking your spot via boat company is advisable during peak season.
- Hike there from Sai Wan Village. Take a village minibus from Sai Kung to Sai Wan. The hike will approximately take about 1-2 hours (depending on speed and weather) to Tai Long Wan Beach.
SOME INFORMATION TO KNOW
- There are shops to rent tents, sleeping bags and other camping equipment around Sai Wan village
- There is a toilet area available to use around the village
- There are places to eat around Sai Wan Village
- There is a waterfall nearby about 30 minutes walk from Tai Long Wan beach
- Wake up early for sunrise
2. HAM TIN WAN CAMPSITE
HOW TO GET THERE
- Take a boat from Sai Kung Pier. There are many boat service available at the pier. It cost about HK$120-180 per head. Price is higher during the weekends and public holidays. Booking your spot via boat company is advisable during peak season.
Hike to Ham Tin Wan. Take the bus no. 94 and get off at Pak Tam Au. Once you get off the bus, find the sign to Maclehose Section 2 (via Chek Keng). It should be on the opposite side of the bus stop. There is a public toilet for you to use before starting the hike. The hike will approximately take about 1-2 hours (depending on speed and weather). Follow the path to Ham Tin Beach.
SOME INFORMATION TO KNOW
- There are shops to rent tents, sleeping bags and other camping equipment
- There is a toilet area about 2 minutes away from the beach
- There are places to eat around Ham Tin area
- Wake up early for sunrise
- You will be able to see the mighty Sharp Peak from the beach. Check out "The Treacherous Sharp Peak Hike" to know more about the hike.
3. NGONG PING CAMPSITE (MA ON SHAN)
HOW TO GET THERE
- Unfortunately, the only way to reach Ngong Ping is by using your two useful legs and feet to hike. From Ma On Shan MTR, take the village minibus no. NR84. The minibus ride should take about 15-20 minutes. Get off at Ma On Shan BBQ site and look for a signpost to Ma On Shan Country Trail. Walk straight until you see a carpark. There will be another signpost via Ngong Ping. Once you've found that, that is where you start the hike. The hike will approximately take about 1-2 hours (depending on speed and weather).
SOME INFORMATION TO KNOW
- There are no shops in Ngong Ping Campsite, so be sure to have everything with you
- There are a few dry toilet pits around the campsite
- Wake up early to see adrenaline junkies assembling and flying out for Paragliding
- Brace yourself with a spectacular view of the Pyramid Hill. Check out this site The Hong Kong "Pyramid Hill" Hike to know more.
4. NGONG PING CAMPSITE (LANTAU)
HOW TO GET THERE
- On foot/ short hike - Take bus no, 23 from Tung Chung Town Centre and get off at Ngong Ping. From there, follow the path to Tung Shan Fat Mun via the tea garden.
SOME INFORMATION TO KNOW
- There are flushing toilets available around the campsite
- Cooking places and barbecue pits are also available around the campsite
- Panoramic view of Tung Chung Town Centre and Nei Lak Shan
SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT TO PACK FOR CAMPING
CAMPING EQUIPMENT
· Tents - your tent should include a waterproof ground sheet, mosquito netting and flysheet
· Sleeping bags
· Cushions, Blankets
· Torchlights/ flashlights/ kerosene lamp
COOKING EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS
· Firestarters
· BBQ sets (nets, tongs, charcoal)
· Induction cooker
· Stainless pots, stone pots
· Utensils (plates/ bowls, spoon/ forks, knife, cups)
· Plastic bags (for garbage)
FOOD AND DRINKS
· Meats for BBQ
· Vegetables
· Cooked rice
· Pre-made meals
· Snacks (biscuits, chips, candies, small bites)
· Spices, sauces
· Water, sodas, beers, wines
· Cooler (for storing food and drinks)
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
· Extra clothing
· Towels
· Tissues, wet tissues
· Toiletries (soap, hand gel, toothpaste, toothbrush, body spray/ deodorant)
· Mosquito repellent
· Sunscreen lotion
· Portable charger
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
· Portable chairs/ folded mini chairs
· Speakers
· Floor mats
· Playing cards, portable board games, poker
· Volleyball, football, rugby ball
THE DOs AND DON'Ts
DOs
· Watch the sunset and sunrise. It is magnificent.
· Always close your tents to avoid having insects coming inside your tent.
· Assemble your tents safely.
· Respect the rules and signs at the campsite.
· Stay hydrated at all times. Drink plenty of fluids.
· Help other campers when needed, they may help you back in return.
· Apply sunscreen lotion and spray mosquito repellent over your body from time to time.
· Make sure to have enough sleep before camping. Camping may not be that comfortable, most especially for first-timers.
DON’Ts
· Don’t litter. Bring your rubbish with you or throw your rubbish in the waste area.
· Don’t spoil the nature. Be kind to our mother nature.
· Don’t leave your belongings unattended.
· Don’t play too loud music. Be considerate of your neighbours and animals.
· Don’t spit anywhere!
· Don’t leave the fire burning overnight (for BBQ or mini firepit).
· Don’t bring plenty of things when camping. Only bring the essential things.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
My overall camping experience was fantastic. Being my first time, I did pretty well outdoors. The best part of the overnight camping was watching the moonrise, chit-chatting with our fellow campers and executing a BBQ successfully. The food was delicious and satisfactory after waiting for hours to assemble a BBQ pit. However, what irritated me the most was the thousands of sand flies clinging onto our bodies, hungry mosquitoes biting us everywhere, the heat with minimal wind and the toilet issue. There was no proper toilet actually.
Regardless, I still enjoyed my first overnight camping. I would definitely do this excursion again but I will not do it in the summer and by the beach anymore. I would like to try overnight camping in the winter and somewhere in the countryside.
Overnight camping is not for everyone I believe so. You must know what you are capable and not capable of doing. If you dislike being outdoor, insects and heat, then overnight camping is not for you. However, it is always good to give it a try. Who knows you might actually enjoy it after your first experience.
Yours Truly,
Michelle Chan
