Cruising the unexpected, Hong Kong

For such a small place, Hong Kong packs a lot into its 1,100 square kilometres. Just behind the soaring skyscrapers and traffic-clogged streets lie a surprising array of beaches, hiking trails and windswept islands. A whopping 40% of the territory’s total land area is designated country parkland, and an easy escape from the urban madness can be reached in as little as 30 minutes on public transport.

While it’s clear that the territory suffers from a worsening pollution problem, exacerbated by China’s breakneck development and the inactivity of a money-minded administration, summer is the season of lucky breaks. On some days fresh winds blow in from the ocean and the skies are clear enough for those postcard-perfect shots you’d expect from photo books and travel brochures. Better still, it’s reason enough to get out and indulge in the rugged beauty of Hong Kong’s Outlying Islands.

Although temperatures are often steamy with a relative humidity of approximately 200%, this is the best time to get a large group of friends together and charter a boat for the day. Nothing says summer in Hong Kong quite like cruising around some of the 230-odd islands, napping under the open sky, and taking a plunge into the cool subtropical waters. And if you share my love for canines, the boat trip takes on another dimension when you are joined by two of the world’s most endearing corgis.

Leaving the city

Green Island Lighthouse

Corgis on board

Begging for food

Just hitched

Wave sculptures

Repulse Bay, Hong Kong’s Riviera

Taking it easy

Dog days

Party boats

The high life

The other Hong Kong

Chung Hom Kok Beach

Out to sea

Rock formations on Tau Chau – ‘Head Island’

Southern roads

Evening

Catching the wind