DRAGONS BACK & SHEK O

Having lived in NYC for the past 5 years, it took at least an hour and a half to feel like you were truly "away" from the city. We spent so much time in traffic trying to get somewhere where we could relax and reconnect with nature.

One of the main benefits of living in Hong Kong is that nature and beaches are truly in your back yard. You do not need to travel far to find them. Last weekend, M and I traveled 30 minutes from the city center to the east side of the island to hike Dragon's Back in Shek O.

The only challenge we faced on our adventure was finding the recommended starting point of our hike which is at the Tai Tam Gap Correctional Facility on Shek O Road... I know, very random. Anyway, I wanted to provide detailed instructions on how to get there (with pictures) so you don't get lost if you chose to do this hike.

To get there, we took the MTR to the Shau Kei Wan station.

Take the A3 exit from the MTR station to the bus terminal. From there, take the #9 bus to the Cape Collinson stop, which is where the Tai Tam Gap Correctional Facility is located.

Next to the Correctional Facility, you will find a stone staircase which will lead you up to the trail. Follow the trail and the signs to "Dragon's Back", and you will be well on your way.

The first portion of the hike is more "foresty". M kept asking "when are we going to see the views?" His complaining aside, I greatly enjoyed hiking through the lush trees.

About a half mile into the hike, you exit the forest and begin to climb along the "Dragon's Back" or the peak. The views of the beaches and ocean are breathtaking.

We spotted one of the only golf courses on Hong Kong Island - Shek O Country Club.

It's windy at the top, so pack an extra layer or 2 if you chose to do the hike in the Winter.

At the end of the Hike, we arrived back at Shek O Road. We caught the #9 Bus to Shek O Beach, which is the last stop.

Shek O is such a quaint surf town and the beach is beautiful. We will definitely be back this Spring and Summer to enjoy the water and possibly a picnic on the beach.

Before heading back to the city, we stopped by Shek O Chinese & Thai restaurant for dinner. The Thai food was amazing - we declared it better than the Thai food we had in Thailand! We definitely recommend the vegetarian curry puffs, tom yum goong soup and the morning glory vegetable dish.