3 May, 2018
Your Guide to the Top Picnic Spots in Hong Kong
Your Guide to the Top Picnic Spots in Hong Kong
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Your Guide to the Top Picnic Spots in Hong Kong

3 May, 2018
Your Guide to the Top Picnic Spots in Hong Kong

Sick of the same old boozy brunches? Why not give your weekend a refresher and head out to Hong Kong’s beaches and parks for some al fresco picnic fun…

There’s nothing like getting in touch with a little bit of nature to help you unwind after a week of working amongst the hustle and bustle of the city. So whether you’re packing your picnic basket with champagne and strawberries or stuffing some tin foil wrapped sandwiches into a backpack, it’s time to get out and enjoy the gorgeous weather while you can! Here are our top picnic spots in Hong Kong

Read more: The Best Barbecue Spots in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Island
Kowloon
New Territories and Outlying Islands

Hong Kong Island

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park

We can safely say that this is one place you’ll want to try out for a picnic. Stroll along and take in the fresh sea breeze before you find yourself a relaxing spot, on the grassy lawn, near a statue of Mr. Sun Yat Sen himself. You’ll have plenty to do after your lovely picnic, too because the grounds are sprawling and include top-notch facilities like basketball courts, a swimming pool complex and a football pitch. There’s a designated Children’s Play Area to boot if you’re making a family fun day out of it and the location is super convenient for SoHo and Central residents.

Where: Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park, 16 Eastern Street North, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
How to get there: Take Exit D from Sheung Wan MTR then it’s a short walk westwards along Connaught Road West to the entrance.

Victoria Peak Garden

Head to the tippy top of Hong Kong to enjoy an al fresco lunch at Victoria Peak Gardens. This serene Chinese-style garden feels like another world compared to the touristy chaos of the Peak Galleria. You’ll marvel at great views in peace and quiet.

Where: 40 Mount Austin Road, The Peak, Hong Kong
How to get there: The gardens are a 15-20 minute walk or a 5-minute drive from the Peak Galleria; just head on up Mount Austin Road.

Tamar park hong kong

Tamar Park

This park (part of the Tamar Development Project) is a large, public space that also includes an amphitheatre and a cool, social enterprise café called iBakery. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you’re seriously missing out! The space is huge with lush green grass (a rarity in HK!) and the super convenient location makes it so easy to get to. Simply hop on the Star Ferry if you’re coming from Kowloon or walk over from Central. The landscaped gardens and modern water features make this one of the best parks in HK, so grab your picnic blanket and head out there… it’s the perfect place for some evening drinks with friends.

Where: Tamar Park, Harcourt Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong
How to get there: Take the MTR to Admiralty Station and get out at exit A.

Quarry Bay Promenade

Take a walk along this lovely greenery-lined promenade and enjoy the seaside views! You’re sure to feel removed from the stressful energy of the city and there are plenty of little benches along the way where you can sit down and enjoy a bite to eat. We love the feeling of community and the laid back atmosphere at this oasis. If you want to step up your cultural game, visit the Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery and get a glimpse at Hong Kong’s marine history.

Where: Quarry Bay Promenade, Hoi Yu Street, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
How to get there: Take the MTR to either Sai Wan Ho, Tai Koo or Quarry Bay. Take Exit E from Tai Koo MTR Station and walk through City Plaza – this should only take about 10 minutes. It’s exit A from Sai Wan Ho MTR Station or a quick 5-minute walk from Quarry Bay MTR Station Exit A.

Cyberport Waterfront Park

This park is truly wonderful and transports you far from the maddening crowd. It’s an enormous space that pairs dreamily with your picnic blanket. The grassy spot attracts joggers, cyclers and dog walkers, too so people-watching and dog-petting are definitely on the menu.

Where: 100 Cyberport Road, Telegraph Bay, Hong Kong
How to get there: Easy access to Cyberport from Central by taxi, bus or car. The park is located right behind Cyberport.

Victoria Park Hong Kong

Victoria Park

This giant park on Hong Kong Island rules them all; it’s easily accessible by public transport and provides ample picnic blanket space, clean bathrooms and 19 hectares of space! After a leisurely picnic lunch, you can practically do any sport you want at the park, with options ranging football pitches, basketball courts, tennis courts, roller skating rinks, a swimming complex, a bowling green and more! On Sundays and Public Holidays, there’s also an Arts Corner in the park where handicrafts and fun artsy services can be found.

Where: Victoria Park, 1 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
How to get there: Take Exit E at Causeway Bay MTR station, then it’s a 5-minute walk along Great George Street (where there is also a handy Wellcome for gathering some picnic provisions).

Turtle Cove

This gorgeous little spot is a favourite for junk stop offs and offers a secluded getaway from city living. Located to the east of Stanley, Turtle Cove is a secret Southside haven that’s perfect for a more private picnic. With changing rooms, toilets, showers, barbecue pits and even a soft drinks kiosk, you’ll be able to take a dip in the ocean for some ultimate beach picnic fun.

Where: Turtle Cove Beach, Tai Tam Road, Stanley, Hong Kong
How to get there: If you’re not junking over, take the bus (number 14) from Sai Wan Ho MTR Station Exit A and get off just after the Tai Tam Reservoir. Look out for the stairs that go down to the beach!

Tai Tam Country Park Barbecue Pits

Make the most of the great outdoors by picnicking at Tai Tam Country Park, one of Southside’s most pleasant locations. A short stroll downhill from Parkview and to the left down a small paved lane with overhanging trees (conveniently located opposite some well-tended bathrooms) is a huge open space with numerous well-spaced barbecue pits and bench seating. There is plenty of room to make yourself comfortable and to even toss a ball around with some buddies. Don’t forget that there is a Fusion at Parkview so you can pick up your picnic goodies before heading into the park.

Where: Tai Tam Country Park, Hong Kong
How to get there: Taxi is by far the easiest option here as buses (numbers 6 and 61) stop right at the bottom of the hill on Wong Nai Chung Gap Road, forcing you to hike all the way up!

Kowloon

Morse park Hong Kong

Morse Park

Morse Park is a great spot for a surrounding yourself in some nature while munching on some food. There’s a lot of vegetation and greenery on the grounds  which is a perfect setting for a post-meal meander. There are also ample sports facilities like tennis courts, various football pitches and even a skateboard park.

Where: Morse Park, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How to get there: MTR to Wong Tai Sin Station Exit D, then head along Tung Tau Tsuen Road for around 10 minutes.

Lion Rock Country Park

In the shadow of the famous Lion Rock are some gorgeous gardens which make for a fab al fresco dining spot. There are barbecue pits to fire up if you want to savour a freshly cooked meal and plenty of picnic tables and benches available. You’ll enjoy your picnic while gazing at some of the most lush and beautifully green views in the city. The country park is famous for its nature trails so once you’re stuffed, you can go for a lovely hike and bask in more stunning panoramas.

Sassy tip: Stock up on provisions at Taste in Festival Walk before heading to the park.

Where: Lion Rock Park, Chuk Yuen Road, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How to get there: Take minibuses 72 or 73 from Festival Walk at Kowloon Tong MTR and get off at Chuk Yuen Road just after Lung Cheung Road. The park entrance is about 50 metres uphill from the bus stop.

Kwun Tong Promenade

Looking for some seaside picnicking that’s not on the island? Kwun Tong Promenade, which stretches 1,000-metres long, is a great alternative. Check out the Waterfront Tree Walk  and look out for the Special Tower Landmark which lights up at night, creating an enchanting atmosphere. A nighttime picnic? It’s on!

Where: Kwun Tong Promenade, 80 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How to get there: It’s about a 15-minute walk from the Kwun Tong MTR Station or Ngau Tau Kok MTR Station, although we recommend simply taking the ferry from Sai Wan Ho or North Point.

Kwun Tong Promenade Hong Kong

New Territories and Outlying Islands

Bride’s Pool

Situated within Plover Cove Country Park in the Northeastern New Territories, this idyllic spot is not something you’d expect to find in Hong Kong. The waterfalls feeding Bride’s Pool are at their best after heavy rainfall, when this becomes a really picturesque place for a picnic lunch followed by an easy, half-hour long stroll along the nature trail (watch out for the harmless but huge woodland spiders overhead). If you’re ready for a real change of scenery, bride’s pool is for you!

Where: Bride’s Pool, Plover Cove Country Park, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong
How to get there: Head to Tai Po MTR station Exit A3, then catch bus 275R to the start of the trail. Note that buses only run this route on Sundays and Public Holidays so plan accordingly!

Clear Water Bay Second Beach

Clear Water Bay’s Second Beach is not only a scenic paradise to laze around on but it also has great facilities including picnic tables and a snack kiosk, where you can rent out umbrellas. It also has showers, toilets, and a lifeguard on site if you fancy a post-lunch dip.

Where: Clear Water Bay Second Beach, Tai Au Mun Road, Clear Water Bay, New Territories, Hong Kong
How to get there: Take the MTR to Plaza Hollywood in Diamond Hill and then jump on bus 91 to Clear Water Bay Second Beach

Lo So Shing Beach

Even though Lamma is known for its seafood restaurants, pretty Lo So Shing Beach is the perfect spot for having a more intimate meal. Set in a small cove, banked by a thick fence of foliage, it feels like a hidden slice of peace and quiet. Surprisingly, it isn’t terribly crowded even during the weekends at the peak of summer and on weekdays you’ll probably have the place to yourself. While barbecue supplies can be found at the various small stores on Lamma, we recommend bringing your own food to this spot.

Where: Lo So Shing Beach, Lamma Island, Hong Kong
How to get there: Take the ferry from Central pier 4 to Sok Kwu Wan on Lamma, then it’s a leisurely 40 minute walk.

Ma On Shan Park

Ma On Shan Park sits on the waterfront at Tolo Harbour and has a lovely view of the surrounding mountains. There’s a large lawn that’s just crying out for a picnic blanket. You’ll also find an adventure maze and an attractive Mediterranean-style Plaza area. If you’re looking to learn more about the city, check out the display detailing Ma On Shan’s mining past, which gives interesting insight into the area and its development.

Where: Ma On Shan Park, 12 On Chun Street, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
How to get there: The easiest way is to take the MTR to Ma On Shan Station Exit A and then walk around 10 minutes to reach the park.

Tai Po Waterfront Park

This massive park is one of the most beautiful in town! Spreading across 22 hectares of land, you’ll find plenty of grassy space for lounging around and gobbling through your picnic basket.  There are plenty of other activities to keep you occupied like bowling greens, a fantastic kite-flying area, as well as vibrant flower displays and gardens. You’ll have a great viewpoint opportunity when you climb up the Spiral Lookout Tower and there’s even an insect house where you can learn about amazing critters!

Where: Tai Po Waterfront Park, Dai Fat Street, Tai Po, New Territories
How to get there: It’s a pleasant 30-minute walk from Tai Po Market MTR station. Many buses also have routes bypassing the park such as KMB route 72A, 73 and 73X.

Tap Mun Island

At the northeast of Sai Kung, Tap Mun Island, also known as Grass Island, is a gorgeous secluded haven that feels like nothing else Hong Kong has to offer. It’s a quiet place that harkens back to a forgotten time and there are strong island vibes, so you’ll be able to kick back and distress in no time. There are plenty of verdant meadows to take in some sun and relish your picnic. Hilltop Pavilion is a fine choice for picnicking as you’ll have expansive sea views and be truly submersed in the countryside. Besides your picnic, take the chance to explore the island; Tin Hau Temple is a beauty and there are small fishing communities around that add to the charming bygone atmosphere.

Where: Tap Mun Island, Sai Kung, Hong Kong
How to get there: Catch a small ferry which will take you to Tap Mun Pier. Two options: you can either grab a taxi from MTR University Station Exit B and take it to Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier. From there, the ferry ride will be around an hour and a half. Or, take bus 94 from Sai Kung to Wong Shek Pier. This ferry trip is around 35 minutes.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally publish on 3 September, 2014 and was updated on 3 May, 2018.

Featured image and image #1, #2 and #3 all courtesy of Tiffany Ku and are property of Sassy Media Group. These images may not be reproduced without prior permission. Image #4 credited to Pinterest.

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