Joined to the mainland by a strip of land less than two kilometers across and with no major housing developments, Sai Kung Peninsula is as close to unspoiled countryside as you could wish for in Hong Kong. The hills are relatively low (the highest is 481 meters) and the walking is excellent. It is the only place in Hong Kong where you can enjoy a pastoral vision of small farms, rustic countryside and pretty coastline.

Embracing much of the New Territories' eastern seaboard, this region is one of Hong Kong's wildest - fringed by sandy bays and dotted with protected country parks. The only sizeable town in the area Sai Kung Town lies slightly to the south of the peninsula. Although the urbanization continues apace, nibbling away at the green space and compromising the region's countryside, the town still retains the pleasant features of fishing village with its shipside crowded with boats and streets packed with seafood restaurants.

One of the most pleasant ways to see the coast is to rent a small private boat in the town of Sai Kung, where you might also eat in one of the local fish restaurants. Or you can enjoy sea and mountain views by walking the first section of the Mac Lehose Trail in the Sai Kung Country Park, which is located about 15 minutes away from Sai Kung by bus or taxi.

The little town also contains the Sheung Yiu Folk Museum, which is largely based around the restored terraces of 150-year-old houses. This little museum is filled with an interesting array of displays illustrating various facets of traditional village life.