Introduction:
When was the last time you laid down next to mother nature and watch the clouds gracefully roll in to the distance? When was the last time you enjoyed mother nature's secrets to perfect serenity? We all are aware that there are global threats to the natural environment such as deforestation, pollution, species extinction, natural disasters and more. However, how long have you spent listening to the glamorous sound of nature around you? Research shows that our physical contact with nature is fading rapidly, and our machines to destroy the natural environment associate with Mother Earth more than we do.
History
A long long time ago the rock pools were formed, but only recently people has been researching and finding out about the DB rock pools, for example, 10 years ago the rock pools used to be clean and not many people would go there. But now, more people go and more litter is left behind. To this day it’s still beautiful but be wary of litter and more people. We visited the Beacon on a Saturday and trust me, it was a good experience. There was a place to sit, a great view. And it was quite windy. It’s been around for A LONG time now. People has been going on hikes there for hundreds of years but the beacon has only been up for estimated 50 years. You will never know the correct date since it was here before my parents and I was born.
What is along the trail:
There is a beacon at the top of the hill so that you can pose for a photo and send it to your friends with to show that you've made it. You can also stand on top of the beacon and look out on the beautiful scenery and on clear days see the Hong Kong skyline. There is also a great lookout point that has a cover and seats to sit on if you are tired. As well as hiking the trail you can also swim in the rock pools.
Activities you can do on the trail
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Natural Artwork:
Materials: Plastic bag.
While you hike on the trail and experience some of the breath-taking views, try to find natural items on the route such as: small branches, sticks, leaves and flowers. Try not to rip it out and disturb the ecological environment and the ecosystems that live there. Once you reach the beacon, make a creative artwork using your items. If there are more than 1 person, try to compare yours with the other people and decide which one is the best. Or, you can work together to produce a magnificent artwork.
What you need to bring:
1.5 litres of water
Snacks (In case you get hungry)
A map/ Compass
Appropriate footwear (closed shoes/trainers)
First aid kit
Camera
Sunscreen
Hat
Towel
Swimsuit
Backpack
Phone(in case of emergency)
Umbrella/raincoat if it is raining
How to get there:
All these methods of getting to get to Discovery Bay will lead to you to the Discovery Bay Plaza. From there, you can either take the number 2 bus from the DB plaza for $4.40, or walk up from the start of Discovery Bay Valley Road which is adjacent to the Discovery Bay Plaza.
1. Take the Discovery Bay ferry from pier 3 central for $20 - $40 round trip, The time table can be found at This link .The ferry takes around 25 mins and runs everyday at different time.
2. If you live in Hong Kong Island, go to the nearest MTR station and go to either go to: Nam Cheong, Hong Kong/Central or Lai King. From those stations, you have to interchange to take the Orange line train also known as the Tung Chung line train and get off at Sunny Bay. At Sunny Bay, you can have to walk outside the MTR station(there is only one exit) to the Discovery Bay bus stop which is very close to the station, it is right ahead of the station. Once you reach the bus stop, take the O3R bus, make sure it is not 03P. The 03R bus will take you to the plaza
3. Another way is taking the Discovery Bay bus from Tung Chung which is adjacent to the Tung Chung MTR, this bus will take you to the plaza
4. If you live in Discovery Bay, go to the nearest bus stop and either take the number 2 bus from the DB plaza for $4.40 or walk up from the start of Discovery Plaza Road which is adjacent to the Discovery Bay Plaza.
Breath Taking Views
As you take your time to gradually walk up, or race yourself to the top of the tigers head, you will notice that there is a small gazebo perched up high on a peak, like an eagle on a nest in a high tree. Once you are there, you will notice the true beauty and the crown jewel of Discovery Bay, the astonishing and breathtaking view. You will see the majestic green hills as they roll gracefully into the distance. In addition, you will also see The Discovery Plaza which has: Tennis Courts, Playgrounds, Friendly People and the Ferry's as they come and go.
As you take your time to gradually walk up, or race yourself to the top of the tigers head, you will notice that there is a small gazebo perched up high on a peak, like an eagle on a nest in a high tree. Once you are there, you will notice the true beauty and the crown jewel of Discovery Bay, the astonishing and breathtaking view. You will see the majestic green hills as they roll gracefully into the distance. In addition, you will also see The Discovery Plaza which has: Tennis Courts, Playgrounds, Friendly People and the Ferry's as they come and go.
Animals
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Water buffalos
Water buffalos are mammals, they do not lay eggs and give birth to their baby, they have fur and hair and they feed their offsprings with milk which they produce. The Water Buffalo is a large bovid originating from South East Asia. River buffalo prefer deep water. Swamp buffalo prefer to wallow in mud holes which they make with their horns. During wallowing, they acquire a thick coating of mud. Both are well adapted to a hot and humid climate with temperatures ranging from 0 °C (32 °F) in the winter to 30 °C (86 °F) and greater in the summer. Water availability is important in hot climates, since they need wallows, rivers, or splashing water to assist in thermoregulation. Some breeds are adapted to saline seaside shores and saline sandy terrain.
Fiddler crabs
Fiddler crabs can change colour depending on the sun, they become dark when it is the day and is pale during the night. Fiddler crabs have 10 legs, male fiddler crabs have an enlarged claw to attract female fiddler crabs.
Birds
Pigeons
Although pigeons seem brainless they are actually extremely smart, pigeons can understand human alphabets. The average lifespan is 6 years, the latin name for pigeon is Columba Livia.
Black kites
Black kites are the most numerous raptors in the world, they can grow up to 60 cm long. Black kites will eat anything but enjoy rodents and other small birds, they are attracted to fire and smoke to try to detect prey trying to escape the fire.
Great cormorants
Great cormorants are known as Phalacrocorax Carbo, the great cormorant can weigh up to 1.5 - 5.3 kg. The average lifespans for a great cormorant is around 15 - 22 years.
Grey herons
Grey herons can grow up to 34 to 55 inches, they can fly up to 30 miles an hour. Grey herons are active in both day and night, their eyes allow them to see in the dark.
Mangroves
Mangroves grow and live in salt water, mangroves has special pores that obtain air and oxygen so that improves the quality of the air around it. Another name for a mangrove is called a storm buffer
Benghalensis
Ficus benghalensis is another name for a banyan trees, banyan trees are also called strangler figs. Banyan trees usually grow on other plants, trees and flowers.
Camila
There are around 100 to 250 species of Camilla but the white camellia is the most people are in Asia. Camelia lives in moist and cool area, they are a evergreen plant that can produce tea.
Risks and Hazards:
- One hazard is the stairs going up can be very dangerous as they are uneven, therefore ensure to walk carefully, take your time and to get your foot placement right. If someone gets injured, use your first aid kit to apply bandages and alcohol-free wipes to clean the wound. If the injury is so atrocious you can't handle it, call emergency services and their parents to inform them.
- Another hazard is that there are no railings next to the cliff, so if you fall off, you would get severely injured. Make sure you have someone with you to contact their parents if someone might have mistakenly slipped near the edge. Get your first aid kit ready because it will be handy in a situation like this
- In addition there are very steep steps while coming down from the beacon, if you were to slip, you could cut yourself badly. Therefore be careful and walk slowly to prevent injuries
- Another risk you should mind about is the slippery rocks and branches. In order to prevent injury in this occasion, stay away from the paths which contain those items and stick to the firm pavement