Outdoor adventure groups to join in Hong Kong

For people who want to get started with canyoning, rock climbing, and zip-lining, Hong Kong Rock Climbing Adventure provides professional guides for beginners without experience or those looking for extreme adventures. Founded in 2012 by Gordon Hon, the organisation aims to share the fun and adventure of traversing the outdoors. Gordon and his team of experts learnt guiding technology and skills abroad and are certified for canyoning and rock climbing, so you'll know you'll be in good hands when you book any of their programmes. 

"Locals only started to go on river trekking before 2012. We were one of the earliest groups to host canyoning, but now more people are heading out for this experience," says Gordon. "It is essential to hire a professional guide to lead you or take a course before heading out for high-risk activities. Join hiking groups so you'll have experienced hikers to look out for your safety," he adds. 

To enquire or book an activity, visit hkrca.com, follow hkrockclimbingadventure on Facebook, or email them via hkrca.info@gmail.com.

HKOutsider is a community of outdoor enthusiasts founded by Roland Sharman in 2017. The group organises day and night off-trail hikes, coasteering, stream trekking, canyoning, and rock climbing (services starts at $550). Beginners are invited to the group's free mid-week evening or weekend hike so the leadership team can assess the experience and skills of the participants before exposing them to more strenuous activities. 

Coasteering with HKOutsider in Tai Tam Bay I Photograph: Joshua Lin

"We are a community at our core, and our focus is on making adventure accessible to those who don't naturally see themselves in a challenging environment. We encourage mindfulness regarding our well-being and our interaction with the environment to promote a sustainable future for all," shares Roland. "These days, there are a lot of inexperienced people seeking out more alternative routes, and we see a corresponding increase in accidents and fatalities. You should always go with someone experienced with good knowledge of the route. All our guides come from different backgrounds and have various qualifications, including First Aid and CPR. HKOutsider is also a member of the NCC (National Coasteering Charter), which is considered the global standard in operating coasteering activities," he adds.

Follow HKOutsider on Instagram, Facebook, and visit their site hkoutsider.com for more information. You may also reach them via adventure@hkoutsider.com if you have any enquiries. 

Wilderness Explorers HK, founded by Ben Woo in 2015, is an adventure company specialising in a wide range of thrilling outdoor activities. They offer kayaking, rock climbing, coasteering, canyoning, camping, and zip-lining services in Hong Kong and can connect you to various guides from around the world. Their expertise extends to organising personalised outdoor experiences tailored to the preferences and requirements of groups.

Photograph: Courtesy Wilderness Explorers Hong Kong

"I started engaging in adventure activities in 2011, and with the experience I gained and the numerous interactions I had with people, fostering connections, I decided to establish an adventure company in 2015," Ben shares. "My goal was to enrich and add excitement to people's lives by guiding them through adventurous activities," he adds. 

His company is dedicated to offering high-quality activities for adventurers of all ages and skill levels. Additionally, the company partners with schools to provide educational programmes for children focused on outdoor adventures.

Visit Wilderness Explorers Hong Kong’s website for more information. Follow them on Instagram for updates on their next adventure.

Founded more than 15 years ago, Hong Kong Hiking Meetup (HKHM) has more than 27,000 members and offers day and night hikes all week long. Their activities cater to everybody, from beginners to those with more experience. 

Hong Kong Hiking Meetup at Shing Mun Country Park

"Hong Kong is absolutely one of the best places to hike in the world because of its variety, quantity, and easy accessibility," says HKHM's Dan Van Hoy. "There is certainly an increase in people coming out to hike. I think many people realise during the pandemic that we are not born to stay indoors, and to be healthy is not to stay inside. For beginner hikers, it is best to go out with other experienced hikers or guides to prevent injuries," he adds. 

To join the group, click this link and request to join the group. People interested will just need to provide basic information and wait for the group's approval.

Established in 2016, Eye Opener HK Hiking organises safe but enjoyable hikes around Hong Kong. The group offers hikes of varying difficulties, ranging from easy to extreme. Joining the group's hiking events are free unless bookings are needed for transportation. The routes have been tried and tested by team members Peter Kwong and David Kwok and the rest of the leadership team before new members are introduced to the trails. 

"Hiking is certainly getting more popular over recent years," shares Peter Kwong. "The hiking community has been creatively initiating new and interesting paths, and the government is doing a good job to conserve and maintain the country parks as well as marine park trails." 

"Hong Kong's geography has some most amazing geomorphic landforms and vegetation varieties," explains David Kwok. "We see the need to have more hiking groups like ours that could assist in channelling and guiding newbie hikers into the fascinating multitudes of hiking in Hong Kong," he adds. 

Interested participants can join the group via this link. Make sure to read the terms of the membership as habitual no-shows, double-bookings and late cancellations may result in their membership being removed.