Movember Under the Stars: A 3D2N Camping Adventure at Tai Long Wan, Lantau Island

Movember always brings me back to the kind of adventure that nourishes the soul. For my birthday this year, my wife and I chose Tai Long Wan camping on Lantau Island—a 3D2N escape where the city fades and Hong Kong’s backpacking charm shines through. Fewer crowds, bigger skies, and that easy rhythm of sea and wind made it feel like time slowed down just for us.

We started in Tung Chung, took Bus No. 11 to Shek Pik Reservoir, and followed Lantau Trail Section 8 along the catchwater. Between coasteering on rugged shoreline, simple camp cooking, and stargazing under clear skies, we even carried out small wildlife rescues near the catchwater—moments that grounded the trip in the spirit of ecotravel in Hong Kong. It was the kind of birthday that feels like a reset: quiet, generous, and full of horizon.

Movember always feels like a soft reset for me—maybe it’s the birthday energy, maybe it’s the way autumn light warms the coastline. This year, my wife and I chose to mark it with a quiet celebration: a 3-day, 2-night camp at Tai Long Wan on Lantau Island. Whenever I need an escape from the city, Lantau is the first place that rises in my mind—wide skies, fewer crowds, and enough space for the soul to breathe.

We’d both been buried under deadlines, so we decided not to chase perfection. No elaborate meal prep this time—just simple, comforting food that would let us spend more time being present and less time juggling pans.

We set out from Tung Chung, catching Bus No. 11 toward Shek Pik Reservoir, watching the city shed its glass and steel layer by layer until it became hills and water. At the stop near Shek Pik Campsite, we slipped onto Lantau Trail Section 8, the path hugging the catchwater—Hong Kong’s reservoir lifeline that gathers rain from the slopes. The breeze tasted faintly of salt and pine.

Bus No. 11 is equipped with a luggage compartment, making it convenient for storing backpacks and bulky gear. However, seating is limited and quite compact—the seats barely accommodate both you and your pack, so plan accordingly.

The trail begins near the Shek Pik Public Toilet, which also serves as a key water refill point. From there, follow the signs pointing toward Fan Lau and Shek Pik; the route is well-marked, and distance posts along the way help you track your progress. Keep in mind that during the driest part of the season, water at the campsite may not be available, so fill up here before you start.

The catchwater is functional, but it carries a sad reputation: animals sometimes get trapped along its edges. So we kept our eyes open, and sure enough, we found a couple of creatures in trouble. We paused, worked gently, and helped them out. Small rescues, big feelings. It’s hard to explain, but those moments stitched a little more meaning into the journey.

Daylight came kind—warm and breezy, the sort that makes you walk slower just to stay in it. By the time we reached Tai Long Wan on Friday afternoon, we were the first to arrive. We chose our spot like people choose a favorite book: carefully, with comfort in mind—close to a water source, far enough from the toilets, and angled to own that sweeping sea view. For one night, it felt like we had the entire bay to ourselves.

The campsite breathed with life. Butterflies drifted over us like confetti. Along the trail, mantises stood still as sentries. After dark, stick insects crept out of the night and into our orbit—one even kept us company in the tent, an odd, endearing roommate with twig-like poise.

We spent the first afternoon coasteering—clambering over weathered rock, skipping tide pools, feeling the coastline’s tough, honest texture beneath our hands. The water flashed like broken jade. On Day Two, curiosity tugged us into water tunnels beneath the catchwater, moving carefully, always listening for the hush and surge. We searched for trapped animals again, hoping to do a little more good.

Just before sunset on the second day, a little dog padded into camp—curious, kind-eyed, sniffing for snacks. We shared a meal and a dusk hour together, the breeze threading through his fur, the colors of the sky rolling from copper to blue to velvet. It felt like the universe sent a gentle hello.

Nights were a gift. We lay back on the grass, the world rinsed clean by starlight. The sea kept time—wave, pause, wave—like a heartbeat bigger than our own. We didn’t talk much. We didn’t need to. Sometimes the best conversations are the ones between the sky and your chest.

Every trip, food became a ritual and a reward:

• Day 1 Dinner: Pan-fried potato chips with assorted mushrooms and vegetables in creamy sauce—simple, rich, exactly right after the hike.
• Day 2 Brunch: Korean Spicy Ramen and Banana pancakes, golden and warm, eaten slowly with sticky fingers and a grin.
• Day 2 Dinner: Ma La chicken fillet with Aglio Olio penne, plus pumpkin soup with Brussels sprouts; dessert was unapologetic: Mega S’mores under a sky that made everything taste better.
• Day 3 Breakfast: Banana & peanut butter toast, pan-fried luncheon meat, sautéed onions, assorted mushrooms, and more toast—the kind of breakfast that says “home,” even when home is a tent.
  (Photo: flat-lay of your cook setup; steam rising from the pot against a sea horizon)

Most of the time, I just rocked in a hammock, drifting between thoughts and the rhythm of the waves. The horizon felt endless and kind, a reminder that the world is always larger than whatever is crowding your calendar. We left lighter than we arrived—quieted, reset, grateful.

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Travel Tips for Future Campers at Tai Long Wan (Lantau)

• Getting There Smoothly: Start from Tung Chung, take Bus No. 11 to Shek Pik Reservoir, then follow Lantau Trail Section 8. Aim to arrive early Friday to claim a prime spot (near water, away from toilets, with wind shelter).
• Water & Hygiene: Bring ample water or a reliable filter (plus purification tablets). A small collapsible basin and biodegradable soap make camp chores easier.
• Food Strategy: Keep meals simple and caloric—pre-chop at home, pack spice mixes (Ma La, garlic flakes), and carry quick carbs (pasta, bread, potatoes). S’mores are morale magic.
• Weather & Comfort: Days can be warm; nights turn chilly. Pack a light fleece, windbreaker, and a 3-season sleeping bag. A groundsheet or foam pad helps with damp earth.
• Wildlife & Ethics: This area is alive—butterflies, mantises, stick insects. Observe gently; do not handle unless a rescue is clearly needed. Around the catchwater, watch for animals in distress but avoid risky terrain. Practice Leave No Trace: pack out everything, even micro-trash (twist ties, food wrappers).
• Coasteering Safety: Only go in calm conditions. Check tides and swell forecasts, wear grippy shoes, and never turn your back to the sea. Skip tunnels or slippery sections if visibility or footing is poor.
• Night Essentials: A headlamp with red light mode protects night vision for stargazing. Bring a star app (downloaded offline) and a light tripod for long exposures.
• Camp Setup: Pitch slightly back from the beach to avoid wind gusts and unexpected high tides. Orient your tent so the door faces sunrise—you’ll thank yourself in the morning.
• Creature Comforts: A compact hammock and earplugs (for wind) are small items with huge payoff. A sit pad makes stargazing and cooking more comfortable.
• Community & Respect: Weekends bring a mix of regulars and travelers—share info, swap stories, and keep noise low after dark. If a friendly dog visits, offer water first, snacks second.
• Emergency Prep: Save offline maps, carry a first-aid kit, whistle, and charged power bank. Tell someone your route and return time.

Some photos of the facilities and other parts of the campsite: