Hong Kong wants you to go green
In the prophetic words of Kermit the Frog, it’s not easy being green.
This sentiment applies fairly heavily in the travel industry where it can be very difficult to focus natural wonders, particularly if you aren’t familiar with the area.
Luckily, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is making it a little easier to take a closer look at their lesser-known natural treasures with a range of new green tours, launched under the tourism board’s Great Outdoors campaign.
The new pilot scheme offers five featured tours, each run by qualified eco-tour guides.
The tours will operate under a trial period until the end of June 2018.
HKTB Regional Director – Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, Andrew Clark said the introduction of these new activities will enhance Hong Kong’s tourism product and provide visitors with the opportunity to learn more about Hong Kong’s local geology and ecology.
“The HKTB initiated scheme will provide funding support for local travel operators to assist them in developing new green tour products, whilst also encouraging visitors to explore the enchanting landscapes beyond the city,” Clark said.
Tours include:
Lai Chi Wo Hiking Tour
Dating back more than 400 years Lai Chi Wo was once among the most affluent villages in the Northeastern New Territories.
The houses and the feng shui woods behind the village remain well preserved. The guided tour leads you to the largest bed of Coastal Heritiera (Heritiera Littoralis) in Hong Kong and the White-flower Derris which forms a ‘natural swing’ along the mangroves. Following the coastline, you will see the impressive reddish landscape caused by 400 million years of rock oxidation.
The tour runs for eight hours and starts at HK$1,000 (approx AUD$170) per person including lunch.
Geopark Hiking Tour
The long and sinuous coastline at Sai Kung is a natural geological gallery, featuring spectacular landforms and rock formations shaped by volcanic activity 140 million years ago, as well as waves and weathering.
The guided tour takes you through magnificent hexagonal columnar joints, a natural tombolo at Sharp Island and an inland water dam wall at High Island Reservoir.
The tour runs for eight hours and starts at HK$1,000 (approx AUD$170) per person including lunch.
Geopark Boat Tour
Sai Kung Islands. Sai Kung boasts the longest stretch of coastline and the most outlying islands in Hong Kong, with unique scenery and extraordinary rugged profiles.
The tour guides you through the region’s rich geo-diversity which includes magnificent sea stacks, breathtaking tubular rock columns and sea caves, typical coastal terrain, the rare acidic hexagonal volcanic rock columns of High Island, and rhyolite on Sharp Island.
The tour runs for three hours and starts at HK$975 (approx AUD$166) per person.
Additional tours coming soon:
Lantau South in-depth Agriculture Fishery and Heritage Tourism
Lantau Island is rich in ecological resources.
Due to its geographic limitations, Tai O, an area on the island, was much slower to urbanise, and to this day retains a wealth of eco-cultural treasures, including stilt houses, salt field relics and Chinese White Dolphins which live in the waters surrounding the area.
Visitors can experience farming at the nearby village of Yi O, where terraced rice paddies can still be found.
The tour runs for six hours and starts at HK$450 (approx AUD$77) per person.
Rock Academy – Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region
There is evidence of volcanic activity in Hong Kong dating back 140 million years.
In Sai Kung, there is a caldera, which is the result of a volcanic eruption.
This guided tour will take you through interesting geological formations to explore aged rocks specimens, minerals, fossils and evidence of tidal influences.
You will get a chance to walk over a naturally occurring 250-metre long tombolo on Sharp Island to reach Kiu Tau, before paying a visit to the Volcano Discovery Centre at Sai Kung Pier and Lions Nature Education Centre in Tsiu Hang.
The tour runs for five hours and starts at HK$450 (approx AUD$77) per person.
For further details or to book these tours go here.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
eco-tourism green tours green travel hong kong naturalLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!