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Metro Manila residents would be hard-pressed to think of a proper hiking spot near the capital, with the Mt. Kamuning footbridge next to GMA Network Center, perhaps being the closest thing there is.
Sure, there is award-winning Masungi and other spots in Rizal and Batangas has a number of peaks but both provinces are a couple of hours by car away from Metro Manila, which, let's be honest, won't get a homebody — a taong bahay! — excited enough to leave home.
But the wonder of travel is undeniable. Take Hong Kong, for example. Its proximity to Manila – about two hours away by plane – makes it a promising choice for first-time travelers, seasoned jetsetters, and homebodies.
It's earned its title as Asia's World City thanks to its famous attractions, shopping destinations, and position as a global business hub, and it's just as deserving of praise for its magnificent outdoors that even the most reluctant of homebodies can appreciate.
In January, on a familiarization trip organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, we hiked the Dragon's Back on Hong Kong Island.
Dragon's Back is the last part of the 50-kilometer Hong Kong Trail, which starts at The Peak. Nestled within Shek O Country Park, it measures 8.5 kilometers and takes around two to four hours to finish, depending on your pace.
The trail, iconic for its likeness to a dragon’s jagged spine, is popular for its relative ease, making it the ideal hike for homebodies, beginners, and families.
If you're a homebody and a first-time hiker, here's a guide to realistically taking on the Dragon's Back.
Prepare but come in with zero expectations
Expect a mix of feelings before the hike: apprehension and excitement about doing a completely new activity, and also fear of doing it badly.
It sounds easier said than done, but try not to overthink the hike and focus on preparing well instead.
Respecting nature includes preparing for the elements and conditions of the outdoors. In January, the temperature read 13C. This season, we were told, was the best time to be in Hong Kong because of the perfect weather. But at the To Tei Wan bus stop, which marks the beginning of the Dragon's Back trail, we shook from the cold.
For the hike, wear a thick jacket that you can easily remove when it gets hot and moisture-wicking clothes for the sweat. Wear sunscreen and a hat, and bring water to keep hydrated and protected from the sun.
The uneven trail of Dragon's Back takes you through forested and rocky areas. Its length is feasible for first-time hikers, but the trail will prove tricky to your sense of balance. Mind your ankles; good running shoes, if you're unwilling to spend on trail or hiking boots just yet, should be fine.
Hike with a group
If you're a beginner, it's best to hike with a group and with an experienced hiker or guide. You won't get everything right the first time and while there are signposts along the way, it helps to have someone with you who's familiar with the trail.
There's also levity in company, and more stops, which will extend your hiking time. It's an exercise in patience to take and retake photos, an exercise, still, in compassion, to slow down for someone as they catch their breath or tie their shoelaces.
The Dragon's Back trail is marked with an uphill walk to the Shek O Peninsula Viewing Point. From here, you can marvel at the uninterrupted scenic views of the peninsula and sit for a bit on the bench of the terrace before continuing your hike.
If you're sedentary, this short yet steep climb may have you questioning your choices as you realize your breathing regulation probably sucks. Being with a group comes in handy here; you're compelled to continue the hike because you realize there's a collective achievement in pushing through something together and seeing to its completion.
Go slow, bask in it
That you went on a hike means you succeeded as a homebody in getting out of the house, but this also includes getting out of your head.
In hiking, there’s a certain pressure from getting from point A to point B of a trail and saying “Finished!” The wonder of Dragon’s Back, however, doesn’t come in one fell swoop nor in finishing the entire trail. Besides, there’s no rush.
The trail is generous with boundless views, so resolve to pay attention: Take in the cool breeze and the dramatic scenes throughout the entire hike, from the rolling hills and lush green trees to the blue waters and sweeping panoramas of Big Wave Bay and Tai Tam Bay, including a full view of the private Redhill Peninsula.
If you’re lucky to hike on a weekday, you get to avoid the weekend crowd and are also afforded the luxury of quiet. You’ll meet a few hikers along the way, some alone, others by pairs or in small groups.
Going slow and gentle, as if careful not to wake the dragon, will serve you well in this hike. The 284-metre climb to Shek O Peak will require effort, but the stunning views from the summit more than make up for it.
From Shek O Peak, you can retrace your way back to the bus stop or head to Dragon's Back Viewing Point to sight Tai Tam Bay and Stanley before continuing on to Pottinger Peak and Big Wave Bay Beach.
You don't have to immediately love hiking, and that's OK
The pain would not come until the morning after your Dragon’s Back hike, if not in your sore ankles then in your hips, legs, or knees. You will probably be reminded of the privilege of having an able body and wonder why it spends its days on the desk slouching.
There’s a sense of personal accomplishment, even quiet joy, in hiking Dragon’s Back. You don’t have to wax lyrical about hiking after this, but the health benefits sure are clear.
We’ve heard about the wonders of walking for our cardiovascular health, as well as weight loss and management. Hiking can up this ante, even for our mental health. A 2015 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science finds that walking in nature showed a decrease of activity in an area of the brain that's linked to risk for depression and other mental illnesses.
It would be futile to distill the pleasure and benefits of hiking in a single experience, so while this may not immediately mark your #HikingEra just yet, Dragon’s Back in Hong Kong could just be the gateway hike for you to want to go on another and another and another.
The key word is to try, so try anything once.
This story was produced with support from the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
— LA, GMA Integrated News
