Hong Kong offers countless ways to have fun and keep fit. From golf and soccer to cycling and windsurfing, you won’t be stumped for something active to do or somewhere to do it – for lists of fields, stadiums, beaches, swimming pools, water-sports centres etc, including equipment for hire, check the website or call the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. There are also gyms, yoga studios and spas offering everything from aromatherapy to foot massage. If you prefer watching people play, the world’s most exciting dragon boat racing takes place right here!
Hiking
Many visitors are surprised to learn that Hong Kong is an excellent place for hiking. Lengthy wilderness trails criss-cross the territory and its islands through striking mountain, coast and jungle trails. The four main ones are the MacLehose Trail, at 100km the longest in the territory; the 78km-long Wilson Trail, which runs on both sides of Victoria Harbour; the 70km-long Lantau Trail; and the Hong Kong Trail, which is 50km long. Hong Kong’s excellent public-transport network makes it feasible to tackle these trails a section at a time.
For full details and advice on routes and suggested itineraries, invest in one of the excellent hiking guides that are widely available in Hong Kong bookshops. Before heading out it’s also a good idea to consult the official Hong Kong hiking website (www.hkwalkers.net) for updates on weather and the condition of the trails (landslides can sometimes mean route closures or diversions). Hikers can camp on some remote beaches.
Snakes Alive
Take care when bushwalking in the New Territories, particularly on Lamma and Lantau Islands. Poisonous snakes, the most common being the bamboo pit viper, are a hazard, although they will not attack unless surprised or provoked. Go straight to a public hospital if bitten; private doctors do not stock antivenene.
The Hong Kong Trail
If you want to hike without exerting yourself too much, the Hong Kong Trail (港島徑) on Hong Kong Island is a great choice. The 50km route comprises eight sections of varying difficulty, beginning on the Peak (take the tram up to the Peak and follow the signs) and ending near Shek O, on Island South.
One of the easiest and most scenic sections runs for about two hours along a mountain ridge called Dragon’s Back. It takes you past woods, then up to the windy spine of the dragon where there are views of sun-drenched beaches and billowing hills streaked with cloud shadow. Then it’s all the way down to Shek O Rd, where you can hoof it or bus it to Shek O’s beach for a rewarding meal, a swim or a game of frisbee.
Horse Racing
Horse racing is Hong Kong’s biggest spectator sport. There are two racecourses: one in Happy Valley and one at Sha Tin. Attending one of the Wednesday race meetings (7pm, HK$10 entrance fee) at Happy Valley during the racing season (September to June) is a great way to experience horse racing in Hong Kong.
Spa Treatments & Therapies
Whether you want to be spoilt rotten with thousand-dollar caviar facials or have a simple foot rub, Hong Kong’s extensive pampering sector can assist. Most of the top hotels operate their own spas. For less elaborate routines, you’ll find plenty of places in Central and Kowloon offering spa treatments, massages and reflexology. Be aware that some massage venues, especially in Wan Chai, may be 'happy ending' establishments.
Martial Arts
Hong Kong has a glut of martial-arts programs, but only a few have special arrangements for English-speaking visitors.
Hong Kong Shaolin Wushu Culture Centre offers overnight stays.
Wan Kei Ho International Martial Arts Association has a local and foreign following.
Dragon Boat Racing
Hong Kong is possibly the best place in the world to watch dragon boat racing because the traditions underlying the practice are still very much alive. The city has more than 20 races a year with most taking place from May to July. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (www.discoverhongkong.com) has information on the main events.
Running
The best places to run on Hong Kong Island include Harlech and Lugard Rds on the Peak, Bowen Rd above Wan Chai, the track in Victoria Park, and the Happy Valley racecourse – as long as there aren’t any horse races! In Kowloon a popular place to run is the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade. Lamma makes an ideal place for trail runners, with plenty of paths and dirt trails, great views and, best of all, no cars.
Gyms & Yoga Studios
Yoga and fitness are big business here, with the largest slices of the pie shared out among a few big names. Pure Fitness has comprehensive gym facilities.
Cycling
Hong Kong’s natural terrain makes for some fabulous cycling.
The longest bicycle track runs from Sha Tin through Tai Po to Tai Mei Tuk, taking you through parks, and past temples and the waterfront. The Hong Kong Cycling Alliance (http://hkcyclingalliance.org) has information on road rules and safety for cyclists.
You need a (free) permit for mountain biking. Check with the Mountain Biking Association (www.hkmba.org) for permit details.
Football (Soccer)
Hong Kong has a fairly lively amateur soccer league. Games are played at the Happy Valley Sports Ground, a group of pitches inside the Happy Valley Racecourse, and at Mong Kok Stadium (旺角大球場 MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %852 2380 0188; 37 Flower Market Rd, Mong Kok; mPrince Edward, exit B1). For match schedules and venues, check the sports sections of the English-language newspapers or check the Hong Kong Football Association website (www.hkfa.com). For information on casual football matches, visit http://casualfootball.net.
Golf
Hong Kong has only one public golf course, but some private clubs open their doors on weekdays for a green fee.
The Hong Kong Golf Association (%852 2504 8659; www.hkga.com) has a list of driving ranges and tournaments held in the territory, including the Hong Kong Open Championships, one of Asia’s leading professional golf tournaments (usually played in November or December).
Rugby
The Rugby World Cup Sevens ( GOOGLE MAP ; www.hksevens.com.hk; hlate Mar or early Apr) sees teams from all over the world come together in Hong Kong for three days of lightning-fast 15-minute matches at the 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium in So Kon Po. Even those who are not rugby fans scramble to get tickets, because the Sevens is a giant, international, three-day party, complete with costumes and Mardi Gras levels of drunkenness.
Climbing
Hong Kong is peppered with excellent granite faces and volcanic rocks in some striking wilderness areas. The best place to climb is on Tung Lung Chau, which has a technical wall, a big wall and a sea gully. Shek O beach has some excellent bouldering as well.
The Hong Kong Climbing website (www.hongkongclimbing.com) is a handy resource for climbers.
Scuba Diving
Hong Kong has some surprisingly worthwhile diving spots, particularly in the far northeast, and there is certainly no shortage of courses. One of the best sources of information for courses and excursions is Sai Kung–based Splash Hong Kong (%852 2792 4495; www.splashhk.com; courses from HK$1200).
Windsurfing, Kayaking and Canoeing
The best time for windsurfing is October to December. Check the Leisure and Cultural Services Department website (www.lcsd.gov.hk) for government-run watersports centres providing canoes, windsurfing boards, kayaks and other equipment for hire, some only to holders of the relevant certificates.
Wakeboarding
Most operators of this popular sport are based in Sai Kung (New Territories) and Tai Tam (Hong Kong Island). Rates are about HK$700 per hour.
Sports & Activities by Neighbourhood
AHong Kong Island: Central Hong Kong's business district is the place for relaxation, with some of the world's most relaxing spas.
AHong Kong Island: the Peak & the Northwest Climbing (or riding) up the Peak is an essential experience.
AHong Kong Island: Aberdeen & the South Southside is all about beaches and family fun, with the city's biggest amusement park.
AKowloon City parks are perfect for people-watching on this crowded peninsula.
ANew Territories The mountains of Hong Kong's biggest region contain some of the world's finest hiking.
AOutlying Islands Are you in Fiji? Hawaii? Nope, these golden sands are pure Hong Kong.