Best places to fly a drone in Hong Kong
Where to appreciate the city from a bird’s eye viewFlying a drone is a great way to capture aesthetic snaps, but it can be tricky to find an ideal spot in Hong Kong to navigate the mini aircraft when the city is packed with dense skyscrapers. We’ve gathered the best places in town that offer spectacular views along with a wide expanse of free space that ensures safe flying. Pilot your drones to these spots and brace yourself for the unbeatable beauty of Hong Kong like you’ve never seen before.
Read more: Your guide to flying a drone in Hong Kong
Long Ke Wan
Situated on the southeastern part of Sai Kung, Long Ke Wan remains an unspoiled beach resembling the Maldives. The beach was listen by CNN as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but Long Ke is more than just a pretty beach. Laying on the eastern coast of Hong Kong, the terrain also boasts volcanic rocks and unique rock formations. While it’s near impossible to capture the waves splashing against sea caves and hexagonal rocks with only a DSLR, your drone can get the job done for you.
Sheung Luk Stream
Another hidden gem in Sai Kung is the Sheung Luk Stream and its nearby rock pools. Being one of the biggest waterfalls in Hong Kong, the natural pool stores clear jade waters snugged between the hills. Take your drone to Sai Kung for a hike down the trail and capture the flowing waters. View the consecutive pools from above and you’ll find a picturesque scene with the contrasting colours of turquoise and beige.
Read more: Best waterfall hikes in Hong Kong
High Island Reservoir
Hong Kong may be known as a crammed city but there are also impressive landscapes you can find along the coast. The East Dam of High Island Reservoir is home to the Hong Kong Geopark. Here you can find unique hexagonal rock columns bent and curved by geographical activities, a long stretch of dolosse wall and other rock formations by the sea. Marked by UNESCO, these geo-wonders one of a kind in the world, best enjoyed through an aerial view. Time to pull out your big guns and navigate around the dam.
Tai Tam Reservoirs
Built in the 19th century, Tai Tam Reservoirs boast 22 declared monuments scattered within the lush greenery. Since the opening of Tai Tam Waterworks Trail in 2009, the area has attracted photographers and hikers alike all year round. Shot from above, you can capture waters plunging down from great heights juxtaposed with an interesting scene of vehicles roaming above the dam. The Edwardian-style architectures and historical buildings dotted along the trail and the four Masonry Bridges are also worth a shot.
Braemar Hill
If you’re looking for the iconic sweeping views of Hong Kong’s skyscrapers, Braemar Hill is your next destination to set your drone flying. With just a short walk up the hill, you’ll be taken to the best viewing platform, overlooking cargo ships and the bustling CBD on the sides of Victoria Harbour. As the lookout gazes onto the westside, you can easily catch a beautiful sunset between the harbour.
Mount Johnston and Ap Lei Pai
On the southside of Hong Kong Island, Mount Johnston and the connecting Ap Lei Pai are popular spots for hiking buffs. With no blockage in sight, the summit makes for a great place to tour your drone around. Adjacent to the Aberdeen Channel, you’ll find yachts and the now-closed Jumbo Floating Restaurant berthed behind the breakwater. On a clear day, you can also see Lamma Island and Ocean Park out from the vantage point. With residential area nearby, your drone can capture a good visual representation of Hong Kong – the concrete jungle buttressed by the hillside.
Read more: Your neighbourhood guide to Aberdeen
Grass Island
Also known as Tap Mun, Grass Island is a favourite haunt for many picnic-goers. Boasting a huge plateau of grassland by the seashore, not only is the island a great home for the cows, it also attracts a throng of campers and drone-pilots who are craving some nature. Here you’ll find rugged shores with waves crashing against the rocks. When observed from ground level, the scenic trail doesn’t quite do justice to the stunning cliffs and clear blue waters of Tap Mun. You’d get a much better view of the shoreline if you pull out your mini aircraft and capture the scenery from above.
Lamma Island
This laidback island is home to stunning beaches, seafood restaurants and fishing villages. Besides hiking to Sok Kwu Wan, try flying your drone to view Lamma from above. With most of the residents being fishermen, you can find groups of fishing rafts lined up offshore. Make sure not to miss out Shek Pai Wan, which boasts unique rock formations with white waves splashing against the shore.
Feature image courtesy of Drone & DSLR
