Pedal Boats, Bike Rides and Picnics at Inspiration Lake
SUNSHINE! How fabulous has all of this beautiful sunshine in Hong Kong been lately? Sometimes, when it’s raining outside, I forget just how truly stunning Hong Kong is. Then, the sun comes beaming out from behind the lush green hills and I fall in love all over again.
Hiking trails, beaches, parks – we Hongkongers are blessed with seemingly endless choices when it comes to breathtaking scenery. It’s almost like having a closet full of superb clothing and trying to decide what to wear. But, we all have our favourites. I’d like to share one of mine with you, definitely one of my “happy places,” Inspiration Lake on Lantau Island.
Inspiration Lake is located about 1km (around 15 minutes walk) from Hong Kong Disneyland, on Lantau Island. It is easily accessible by MTR, public bus, private car or taxi. If you choose to arrive by MTR, simply take the Tung Chung (orange) line to Sunny Bay. At Sunny Bay, you will need to switch trains and board the Disneyland Resort (pink) line. You can’t miss this train – it has giant Mickey Mouse windows! Kids (and kids at heart) will love riding this train, as it’s Disney’d out to the max with mouse ear handles and figurines of famous Disney characters inside.
Once you arrive at the station Inspiration Lake is a leisurely 15-minute, flat walk through the perfectly manicured grounds of Disneyland Resort. To begin, exit the station and head in the opposite direction of the massive Disneyland entrance. You will come to a sign almost immediately (see below) which shows Inspiration Lake’s location in relation to Disneyland. The route is simple and is sign posted every 100 yards or so, making it nearly impossible to get lost (and I’m saying this as a girl who gets lost a lot).
Inspiration Lake – you’ve arrived! Isn’t it beautiful? I have absolutely no trouble spending an entire day here, soaking up the sun on a beach towel and reading a book. With loads of trees and grassy knolls, it’s also the perfect place to relax and have a picnic in the cool shade. There are also plenty of activities for those who have a bit more energy or are looking for some exercise. Basically, it’s a fabulous day out for all types of groups. And just look how lovely it is!
Facilities
At the entrance to Inspiration Lake, you will find a convenience store which sells drinks, snacks and ice cream. So, if you’re packing a picnic, keep it light by omitting the drinks and grab cold ones here. There are also lockers, shaded picnic tables and clean restrooms (including a baby-changing table) in this area. I don’t know about you, but these things make a big difference to me. Plus, I really like hot dogs and ice cream.
Activities
Inspiration Lake is full of fun things to do for those who like to be outdoors. There is a children’s play area at the entrance to the Recreation Centre with lots of things to keep little ones busy. There is an wooded arboretum connected to the lake where you can have a stroll. But, my firm favourite has to be the pedal boats and surrey bikes, which can both be rented near the entrance and seat 2 or 4 people at a time. Both items can be rented for 30 or 60 minutes (see pricing below), and are two tons of fun.
Note: The bikes are covered with a shade, but the pedal boats are not, so you may want to bring a hat if you plan to rent a boat. You will be given life-jackets on the pedal boats.
Relax! I have to admit, my favourite thing to do at Inspiration Lake is to find myself a shady spot under a tree, set out a blanket and have a picnic. If you plan to get the best spot (especially on the weekends), I would get there early, with enough food to enable you to relax for the whole day. I’d also suggest bringing a board game if you’re with friends or family – it’s a great way to pass the time.
So, next time the sun is shining and you are considering your wardrobe of destination choices in Hong Kong, consider heading to Inspiration Lake for a day of fun and relaxation! I promise y’all won’t regret it.
Inspiration Lake is open from 9:00am – 7:00pm every day. Admission is free.
Pedal boats and surrey bikes are available to rent from 10:00am-5:00pm. Please note the prices of bike and boat rental above.
Brandie is an American living in Hong Kong with a British husband, a Chinese pug and a Parisian soul. She believes in making bold decisions and living a life full of happiness and laughter. A few years ago, she quit her job as an attorney to explore the world and she blogs about it here:
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