Trail and Trek

October 14, 2020

The presence of Autumn allows me to plan for another trail and trek. If you have read my latest article about The Art of depression, I have stated there that hiking is one thing that alleviates my depression. I chose the Autumn season to hike due to its not so hot yet not so cold temperature. I hate hiking during summer because the hot weather is burning my body, and I easily get exhausted on the trail, heatstroke is also prone during summer hiking. So to enjoy hiking, it is best to plan during Autumn or even Spring, and hiking in Winter is not worth it, you won't be able to see the captivating view due to the foggy atmosphere on top of the mountain.

Hiking is my way of releasing bad vibes received from this world and stress from my work. And I want to make this last year of staying here in Hong Kong memorable and enjoyable. Being productive is a positive attitude but not taking a break from exhausting work is the worst thing you will do to yourself. It will deteriorate productivity, resulting in poor work, diminish enjoyment, petrify creativity, act like a monster, and eventually burn out. I wanna go on top of a mountain again to release my stress, breath fresh air, and see the beauty of nature. I need a break from this exhausting work and chaotic vibes of the city.


Life in the city is entertaining and exciting. There are plenty of advantages, however, for me, towards the end, the disadvantages are outweighing the advantages. All things that I hate are here - pollution, traffic, noise, and more susceptible to viruses. While on top of a mountain, there is fresh air, refreshing ambience, good vibes with other hikers, fascinating scenery, a relaxing environment, and away from the noise and chaotic city.

It might be an arduous trail but it's all paid off once you have reached the top. Hiking is a lifelong journey and the best opportunity to disconnect and reconnect to the realm. Sometimes people need to disconnect from the earth, especially on toxic days. When you feel like you need a break, why don't you take a closer look at Mother Nature?

And as a part of my plan for another trail and trek, here are some of the mountains in Hong Kong I want to hike.

• Fu Shan at Tai O Fishing Village

Tai O fishing village is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hong Kong located on the western side of Lantau Island. It captivates countless travelers and tourists who come to witness the beauty of the Fu Shan hill and the idyllic life in the village. They called this village 'Venice of the Orient' due to its resemblance to Venice stilt-houses. It is a great place to discover a diverse part of Hong Kong.

A small hill where I want to hike is located behind Tai O fishing village. It is an easy trail and won't take an hour to reach the top. You will see fascinating views of the South China Sea on top of the hill and spectacular Hong Kong-Macau bridge, and airplanes taking off from the airport. I have been to this fishing village last year but wasn't able to climb the hill due to the sudden change of weather. When I was on my way to the village, the rain suddenly pours like cats and dogs. So instead of hiking, I ended up roaming around the village and taking photos of their idyllic market full of fresh and dried seafood. Here is my blog about my visit to Tai O village. A Visit to Venice of the Orient

• Lantau Peak at Lantau Island Hong Kong

Lantau Peak is the second-highest in the country, it is formed by Volcanic rocks, as well as porphyritic rhyolites, and has its spectacular view. The island where it is located is the most popular in Hong Kong with its outstanding views. You can also see so many captivating tourist destinations on that island, from coastal towns, giant statues, country parks, and even Disneyland.

• Tai Mo Shan

Tai Mo Shan is the highest peak in Hong Kong with a 957-meter hike. As a fan of hiking, I also want to reach the highest peak in the country and see the picturesque on top. They said that it is a photographer's dream destination, where you can see an extraordinary view of the city mantled in clouds and fog. The five-hour hike on a clear day offers scenery of almost all parts of Hong Kong. They said that the best time to hike Tai Mo Shan is during spring as you can capture the view better.

• Lion Rock Mountain

Lion Rock Mountain exhibits historic artifacts blend into the surroundings. In this mountain, you can also find groups of wild monkeys. I had visited the country park just below this mountain once with my employers and there I saw many groups of wild monkeys. We never dare to go out, as what they have said, the noise and tempting foods can make them aggressive. And once you display something that will catch their attention, they will gonna jump onto you. Although they look cute, especially the babies, but scary at the same time. The hike in this mountain have stages, so next time I'll visit this mountain, I will make sure not to cross at the monkeys' sanctuary.

• Sheung Luk Stream Sai Kung

This stream with spectacular rock formations offers opportunities for cliff jumpers. It is located in Tai Long Wan cove in Sai Kung Hong Kong, hidden between Sai Wan and Ham Tin beaches. Who would have thought that a progressive city like Hong Kong has natural pools hidden in the hills? I know it is best to visit natural pools during the summer, but as I've said, I don't like hiking under terribly hot weather, so I will visit this place in Spring.

And part of the plan are things to consider before and on the hike:

• Always check the weather forecast before setting off for a hike. Make sure not to go out for a hike on rainy days and refrain from hiking if the weather is too hot (for those who prefer summer) as it is most likely prone to heatstroke. Do not also choose a very foggy day (during winter) as you won't be able to capture the best view of your hike. (I don't want to regret anymore and ended up roaming around the village rather than trekking)

• Check out local short hiking trails if you're a beginner. You can find the best trail maps online for your level and interests.

• Make sure to pack necessary things such as water, foods, towel, insect repellent, sunscreen lotion, and extra clothes in case you want to go for a swim in the stream.

• Wear sturdy hiking shoes that are suitable for the trail. Choose clothing that is comfortable, breathable, and appropriate for the weather (silk, wool, polypropylene, and fleece reduce sweat and keep your body warm). Wear sunglasses and a hat if you prefer to hike in summer to protect you from the sun.

• Using trekking poles are also recommended during the hike to reduce stress on your knees. It will also increase your stability and increase your speed.

• Part of the hike is the selfies, avoid going into areas that are dangerous and slippery for taking photos. Always watch your steps if you don't want to end up having broken legs or arms, or the worst, end up lying on a hospital bed.

You do not need to be super-fit for a climb, however, you should understand that trek can be arduous and exhausting. You will only enjoy the climb if you are in a good physical condition through exercising daily.

Any sort of outdoor walking has physical health benefits but hiking and walking with nature improves our mental, spiritual, and physical health. Here are some benefits of hiking:

• Hiking can clear our mind

Hiking clear our mind by removing the effect of bad moods in our brain. While hiking, we can breathe fresh air, see colorful foliage, smell the scent of trees and flowers, hear the entertaining chirping of birds, listen to the soothing running of stream, and witness a relaxing scenery while on top of the mountain, these things simply clear our mind.

• Hiking can boost our memory

According to research, hikers and walkers have a better memory than those who don't go out into nature. We have that expression, healthy body, healthy mind and hiking outdoors is an excellent form of exercise that will make you physically and mentally healthy. Aerobic exercise like hiking improves our memory and cognitive skills. Hiking can also relieve stress and anxiety, boost self-esteem and mood, and helps to release our happy hormone endorphins.

• Hiking improves our heart function

If hiking can clear our mind and boost our memory, it is also good for our heart. It helps improve our blood circulation, decrease or prevent high blood pressure, and promote heart function. The number of doctors writing “nature prescriptions” or recommending “ecotherapy” is increasing. And more and more research shows that hiking reduces anxiety, improves stress levels, alleviate depression, boosts our mood, and most especially, improves our brain and heart function.

• Hiking will make us grateful

Hiking will make us grateful for everything that we have. This may be because of the achievement you get in hiking. It slows us down to think of the world and admire what we have for a moment. Enjoying the beauty of nature with only a backpack on us, it's easy to think and see how simple and little we need. It makes sense right?


So it is time to disconnect yourself to technology and reconnect to nature. Clear your mind from the toxic vibes of the city. Admire the beauty of nature, breathe in the fresh air and the unexpected result will surprise you.

Written By: @Jane

The photos below are mine from my hiking journey.