Inspiration Lake
Inspiration Lake is the beautifully groomed recreation area given to us by Hong Kong Disneyland, and it's completely free. It's ideal for families, a romantic picnic date, or an afternoon in the most picturesque setting.
Inspiration Lake is one of those rare places in Hong Kong that exudes natural beauty while remaining uncrowded. The man-made recreation center, located in a valley on Lantau Island, is surrounded by evergreen mountains and appears so unrealistically serene that you'd be forgiven for thinking it was part of a film set. It's owned by Disneyland, so you can expect it to be spotless and well-kept.
The lake is quite large, and if you stroll leisurely, it will probably take you an hour to complete the entire circuit. Along the way, there are interesting sights to see like piers, grassy picnic areas, waterfalls, and an arboretum. The park rents out pedal boats and surrey bikes starting at $70 if you want to get more out of your day. The park is entirely flat and paved, so don't worry about biking around it. At the entrance and halfway around the lake, there are restrooms. There is also a 7-Eleven convenience store that poses as a store selling snacks and other items.
The quickest (and cheapest) way to get there is to take the MTR to Hong Kong Disneyland via the Sunny Bay interchange on the Tung Chung line; the trip from Hong Kong Island is less than $30 one-way. Take a left (away from the Disneyland park entrance) from the Disneyland MTR exit, and then follow the signs and maps to Inspiration Lake. The signs are truly everywhere, and since you never leave the Disney complex, getting lost should be nearly impossible. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes, is flat, and is suitable for prams and wheelchairs. When leaving the lake, return to Disneyland and then to the MTR.
Swap a day at the beach for a day here if hiking isn't your thing but a trip outside the city is calling. Enjoy the serenity of the lake and the tranquility of the mountains as you reenergize with some fresh air, greenery, and vitamin D. Go when it's sunny, pack a picnic, and apply plenty of insect repellent.
Public access to Inspiration Lake is available daily from 9 am to 7 pm. Entrance is free.
Location: Penny's Bay, Lantau Island, New Territories, Hong Kong
