The soothing sounds of a perennial rocky freshwater stream will greet us at different points along the trail, while the ensemble of a variety of woodland birdsongs will accompany us throughout the way.
How is the experience?
Guided by a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, you will be opening and bathing your senses in Tai Po Kau Special Area, a nature reserve in Hong Kong that is a haven for those who feel a need for quiet and unspoiled surroundings.
A sub-tropical forest where in ancient times tigers, elephants and bears roamed, Tai Po Kau was originally called the Tai Po Kau plantation, describing the 440 hectares of reforested land inhabited by exotics and native species. The diverse tree and animal life makes this mature forest one of the best places to connect with nature and silence in the vibrant city of Hong Kong.
Our experience will begin along the attractive, pristine 3.6km-long Tai Po Kau Forest Stream where clear running waters is within easy reach. As we meander away from the stream, our gentle walk will take you through the lush, exotic forest scattered with ancient rocks, before reaching an abandoned village farmland through which we re-enter the tree-lined path that will take us to a poetic river crossing. The experience will follow the classic sequence for Forest Therapy that offers a time-tested way to deepen our relationship with nature. The walk will end with a tea ceremony in the company of bamboo and flowering trees.
Who is the host?
My name is Amanda Yik. I am a Certified Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs, as well as a Certified Professional Coach in Transformation. I founded Shinrin Yoku Hong Kong in 2017 to offer forest bathing, forest therapy and nature connection experiences as an antidote to the stress and hyper-busyness of city life in Hong Kong. I infuse the experiences I guide with yoga, tai chi, mindfulness and embodiment techniques, crafting experiences that support our reconnection with nature, each other, and our inner peace. I am fluent in in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
What are people saying?
Amanda skilfully guided us to tune into our senses, become present and connect with how we were feeling amongst Mother Nature. It was so refreshing to be able to disconnect from the outside world, my phone and the fast-paced rhythm of the city. After the forest therapy experience, I literally felt my heart rate slow down and any feelings of anxiety wash away. I’m looking forward to doing more of this and even just relish the pockets of nature in my own neighbourhood! If you’re in Hong Kong you should definitely look into Amanda’s offerings.
Ainslie
It was an entirely novel experience. Amanda is a wonderful guide and her walks are very well-organised, and I found the group sharing during the walk warm and touching.
Hui
I learned about the importance of finding a quiet space in my life, and being in nature really helped a lot. Very enjoyable, a thoroughly new experience. I was able to pay more attention to detail, and appreciated in a deeper way the magnificence of nature.
Michael
I love hiking by myself, but I also loved going with a guide for this Forest Therapy experience. It was a refreshing journey of reconnection with nature! It's totally different from a usual hike and I recommend that all city-dwellers must give it a try.
Lolita
A great experience that went beyond my expectations. My senses expanded immensely. To anyone who has not experienced this yet, it’s a must. You won’t regret it!
Connie
It’s critical to take a break in a busy world to listen to your body and connect with nature’s healing powers. Thanks Amanda for sharing her story and the benefits of Forest Therapy with us!
Yvonne
I had the pleasure to join a day out with Amanda. It showed me how much nature Hong Kong still have, and allowed a re-connection of my body, mind and spirit with nature. Amanda is warm and caring, and we were all very delighted to find a nice surprise that she had for us at the end. Fully enjoyed it!
Fiona
Very enjoyable and insightful. A good opportunity to take time out of busy life to pause and reflect. I was able to reflect on what’s really important in life. Go with an open heart and see what you experience.
Joyce
I really enjoy Amanda’s guided walk. It was a wonderful experience to refresh my mind and body.
Summer
Eased my mind, felt my feet on the earth, I found out more about who I am! Recommending this for all those who would like to have a short retreat into the jungle of Hong Kong.
Denis
Price
US$100 per person for up to 2 people
US$80 per person for up to 6 people
US$60 per person for more than 6 people
Minimum no. of participants: 2
Maximum no. of participants: 12
Schedule
9.30 am: Meet at Tsung Tsai Yuen Carpark along Tai Po Road
10.00 am: Forest Therapy Experience guided by Certified Forest Therapy Guide
12.00 nn: Tea Ceremony
12.30-1.00: Return to Tsung Tsai Yuen Carpark
Intrusions
The trail is only accessible by foot and is mostly free of man-made noise, except for the occasional plane across the sky and the sounds made by other visitors to the land. We will meet at the car park where we will see some cars. Besides this, the only other visual noise that we may encounter are some man-made structures for recreational use such as picnic tables or rain shelters.
Contact Host
To receive a full or partial refund of paid registration fees, cancellations made by you must be communicated to SYHK/Host in writing as soon as possible.
Cancellations made within 72 hours prior to the Event will not be entitled to any refund at all.
Cancellations made more than 1 week prior to the Event will be entitled to 50% refund of paid registration fees (minus QPI service charges and any money transfer/processing fees).
Cancellations made more than 2 weeks prior to the Event will be entitled to 80% refund of paid registration fees (minus QPI service charges and any money transfer/processing fees).
Cancellations made more than 3 weeks prior to the Event will be entitled to 100% refund of paid registration fees (minus QPI service charges and any money transfer/processing fees).
SYHK has the sole discretion to cancel any SYHK Event. This may or may not be due to any of the following circumstances:
The Event has not received sufficient registrations to meet the minimum number of participants;
The weather conditions render the event unsafe or unsuitable (please refer to our Weather Policy); or
Other conditions that render the activity unsuitable in the sole discretion of SYHK.
In the event of cancellation of an Event in the above circumstances, SYHK will arrange for full refund after deduction of any charges to paid attendees/participants within 3 weeks.
Unforeseen Circumstances
3. For your safety, we may be required to change/amend/modify or cancel any Event due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control including, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, equipment failure, site accessibility and suitability of terrain. Where possible we will endeavour to notify you in advance of the Event. In this situation, no refund will be offered.
4. In the event of traffic or other uncontrollable circumstances affecting our arrival to the event on time, we will endeavour to reach a mutual agreement with you however the maximum refund will be 50% of the paid fees (minus QPI service charges and any money transfer/processing fees). No other compensations will be provided.
5. In the event that you request a change to a confirmed activity, this must be done so in writing at least 48 hours prior to the event. It is at the sole discretion of SYHK to approve the change of activity.