As we trekked up a steep ridge covered in late season grass, the slope gently dropped off on either side. To my right, the rolling green hills were expansive, filling the horizon with a panorama of undisturbed nature. To my left, an easy bluff eventually gave way to a drop of approximately 200 feet (60 m), ending on a sandy beach.

Lazy blue waves broke mildly against the dark, jagged forms of age-old rocks. Farther out, fishing boats and sampans sailed along the point where sky and earth meet, silently going about their business, as they have since time immemorial.

A warm wind blew across the soft peak, and with the exception of my mates, I was alone, in a peaceful world, recovering from the stresses of modern society. Just a few miles away lay the hyper-modern center of Hong Kong, with its busy financial district and high-rise bank buildings.

Trails are often steep and rocky.

Most visitors only get to know Hong Kong as a shopping paradise, famous for fine dining and luxury accommodations. But the former British crown colony that reverted to Chinese sovereignty in 1997 is also a tropical island, covered in green peaks and surrounded by a stunning ocean.

Sailing, ocean kayaking, trekking and hiking, paddling, running and cycling are just a few of the active-vacation options available here. The island offers excellent alternatives for those who seek adventure without sacrificing comfort.

Imagine waking up in a plush hotel, driving 40 minutes to a rock climbing venue, then spending an evening at the theater followed by a gourmet dinner and topped off by dancing in a fancy night club. You could spend the next day horseback riding in the foothills and your evening sailing on Hong Kong Bay.

There are an astonishing number of sport activities that are available for little or no money. For my particular trekking adventure, I hooked up with The Hong Kong Trampers, a club with no administration, no applications and no membership forms. Best of all, the club has no fees.

All their walks are led by volunteers, are planned one week in advance and are posted on The Trampers’ website. There you will also find out about times and meeting points, usually a subway station, from where you will head out to the hills together.

The Hong Kong region is made up of Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula and the New Territories, a mountainous mainland area adjoining Kowloon, and approximately 230 outlying islands. The capital, on the northwest shore of Hong Kong Island, is officially named Victoria, but it is commonly called Hong Kong. Except for the northern lowlands, the area is hilly to mountainous, with steep slopes.