Mai Po Nature Reserve

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  • Phone
    2526 4473
  • Transport
    bus: 76K from Fanling and Sheung Shui KCR East Rail stations or Yuen Long (On Tat Square station)

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The 270-hectare nature reserve includes the Mai Po Visitor Centre (2471 8272) at the northeastern end, where you must register; the Mai Po Education Centre (2471 6306) to the south, with displays on the history and ecology of the wetland and Deep Bay; floating boardwalks and trails through the mangroves and mud flats; and a dozen hides where you can watch birds without being observed. Disconcertingly, the cityscape of Shenzhen looms to the north.

Visitors are advised to bring binoculars and cameras, and to wear comfortable walking shoes or boots but not bright clothing. It is best to visit at high tide (minimum 2m), when birds in their tens of thousands flock to the area. Ring the weather hotline (187 8200) or the Hong Kong Observatory (2926 8200; www.hko.gov.hk/tide/etide_main.htm) for tidal times.

Cost is around HK$100 entrance fee. If calling on a weekend or holiday then call the Visitor Centre number above.

The World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong (2526 4473; www.wwf.org.hk; 1 Tramway Path), adjacent to the entrance of the Peak Tram in Central, can arrange guided visits to the marsh; ring between and on weekdays to book. The three-hour tours are only conducted in English when there are a minimum of 10 visitors.