Paul Etherington takes visitors on walking and kayaking adventures to explore Hong Kong’s scenic natural attractions

Long term Hong Kong resident Paul Etherington takes visitors walking - or kayaking - on the wilder side of the city, a place with turquoise ocean, lush jungle and soaring mountains.
 
His business, Kayak-and-Hike, offers a series of outdoor options where small groups of visitors are picked up and taken into the Sai Kung country park, an hour's drive and a world away from the urban area.

"People are always amazed when they come out," Mr Etherington said. "It has such a rural feel to it. There are jungles, streams and mountains which, if people are willing and fit, we can climb.

"You can do this yourself of course, but booking it with a group takes all the hassle out of it and maximises your time. You don't have to go by public transport. I know the area well so can give proper guidance. On occasion, I have come across tourists who are a long way from where they thought they were."

During the summer months, most country park visitors opt for kayaking, since the heat makes it difficult to walk or cycle far in comfort. If paddlers get a little too hot they can simply dive off the side, into the clear waters. This is the outer limit of Hong Kong, with the Chinese mainland only a few kilometres across the ocean.

Mr Etherington keeps a small fleet of open-deck, easy to use kayaks at Hoi Ha, a pretty beachside village. Visitors are picked up from a Kowloon hotel meeting point and driven there, gradually watching the high rise landscape give way to small villages, isolated hamlets and, finally, a thick foliage of greenery leading down to beach.

"A lot of people just don't realise there is this side to Hong Kong," Mr Etherington said. "Most people think of the skyscrapers, where people are busy making money, and the food and festivals. They are always fascinated to come out here and walk along the country trails, where you can see villages and rice paddies and take in the outstanding views."

For a day out in Sai Kung, a choice of three basic itineraries is offered. Tailor-made tours of mountain areas such as Lantau can also be organised. "At the end of the day, people are always nicely tired and know they have had a good workout," he said. "They have also seen a unique part of Hong Kong."

For details contact www.kayak-and-hike.com or paul@kayak-and-hike.com; or phone within Hong Kong on 2486 2112.