Mai Po is a wetland along the key seasonal migration routes of birds. Every autumn, winter & early spring in HK, nature lovers can watch birds in the preserved wetland, where it doesn’t take too long nor much effort for urban dwellers to visit. However, a visiting permit is required either going in a group or on our own.

A gem in Hong Kong, that must be protected.

Booked the Exploring Mai Po tour and Mangrove Boardwalk. Came to mostly birdwatch but it was relaxing just for getting out in nature. Got to see many new birds as a beginner birder! Guides were knowledgable and friendly. Convenient shuttle bus.

A lovely retreat from the hustle and bustle and the WWF tour guide was very knowledgeable and made it fun while didactic. Great place to take kids

This is a fantastic day out for the family. The diversity of wildlife and the abundance of both indigenous and migratory birds is outstanding, guaranteed to enthrall even the most belligerent of children, this is a great place to spend the day...

The Mai Po Nature Reserve is a protected wetlands and conversation area in the northwestern corner of Hong Kong that is managed by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). This it a marshland and winter haven for around 100,000 migratory birds of nearly 400 different species thus making it an international recognised area of importance and a popular destination for serious birdwatchers. Independent entry permits are possible for members of the Hong Kong Birdwatching Society and WWF Members by way of application through these organisations. Otherwise, the general public can only enter the Ma Po Reserves by way of guided tours given by the WWF which can be organised online through their website. There are a couple tours visiting different areas of the Reserve and of different lengths of time. Tours are lead by a trained naturalist and are mostly conducted in Cantonese. However, the guides speak English and can provide information in both languages. Tours start from the WWF Visitor Centre in Long Ping where you will receive your permit and binoculars (for loan) before being shuttled into the Nature Reserve. During the tour, you will learn about the five main habitats in Mai Po including the mangroves, reed beds, inter-tidal mudflats, freshwater ponds as well as the gei wai, a local use of the wetlands as tidal prawn farms in the past. You will walk through the wetlands, along boardwalks and spend time in various bird hides, viewing interesting and if you are lucky, endangered birdlife. For best results, visiting during the winter when tens of thousands of migratory birds make Mai Po their home is most recommended. We visited recently, attending the Mangrove Boardwalk Adventure (5 hour) tour that includes time spent on the boardwalks located in the Deep Water mudflats and mangrove forest. This was a rewarding experience. We enjoyed viewing countless bird species, including an osprey, black-faced spoonbills and a delightful little kingfisher amongst so many other commonly sighted birds. While walking through the gei wai area, we saw a rat snake crossing the water as well. At the end of the tour, the shuttle bus returns all visitors back to the WWF Visitor Centre where you return your permit card and binoculars before returning home by way of the Long Ping MTR which is 2-3 minute walk from Visitor Centre. Note: The WWF Visitor Centre has nice toilets, water refill station as well as a small eatery where you can have a coffee and light bite before or after your visit into the Nature Reserve. There are gifts and souvenirs available for purchase as well. Note: There are no shops in the Reserve so make sure to bring water and a snack with you. Also best to have a meal prior to starting the tour, especially if you are taking a morning tour. Related, we had one toilet break at the Education Centre within the Reserve around halfway through the tour. Toilets are modern and very clean. Overall, we really enjoyed our time spent in the Mai Po Nature Reserve recently. Permits are a bit pricy but this allows the WWF to conduct tours with smaller visitor numbers which is a luxury here in Hong Kong. It makes a real difference compared to the nearby Hong Kong Wetlands which is open to the public and takes on large numbers of visitors, particularly on weekends and public holidays.

Walk with nature Peace with nature You are the peace Beauty beyond simplicity And yet it requires your total presence To fully aware and appreciate What a beautiful day

Glad to know we have such a meaningful and peaceful reserved land for the wildlifes. Super educational too for me and bf, super recommended to the guide - Water, he’s super knowledgeable and funny! Had great fun here!

An enjoyable experience out in the nature!

Excellent location for bird watching especially in Winter months. Good effort of WWF and HK government.

Best place for bird watching. Quite and peaceful place. Take binoculars without miss.

One of the best birding point in Hong Kong. More than 100 species winter visitors during the weather fall season !

Best local bird watching site; location entry requires department's permission

Traditional houses scattered in the suburbs. Good to see these buildings are preserved.