Visiting HK (Mai Po?) (1 Viewer)

[floodlelandbirder]

Hello all,

I am visiting Hong Kong this upcoming January. I really would like to bird Mai Po, and especially go out on the floating boardwalks to the hides on the deep bay. The only tours on my visit dates offered to reach the deep bay are in Cantonese, which I really can't speak. Would it be unwise or disrespectful to book this tour without speaking Cantonese? Alternatively, one can obtain a permit for a one-day visit by an 'overseas naturalist' by apparently being a WWF member or member of a recognized conservation or naturalist organization. Would being a Audobon society member count? I'd really love to get to Mai Po and the deep bay any (reasonable) way possible, the winter birding there seems phenomenal. Any advice or further information would be greatly appreciated!

 

[kb57]

I would imagine that Audubon Society membership would certainly qualify - I visited Mai Po in 2018 with a permit, and I'm fairly certain I applied on the basis of being an RSPB member. As you've probably figured out, you need to get the restricted area permit which you pick up from the visitor centre and wear round your neck in order to visit the mangrove boardwalk and access the hides at the edge of the mudflats. The boardwalk is accessed through a gate in a large metal fence.
Apply in plenty of time - when we turned up we found we hadn't received an important confirmatory email, but fortunately they had it on their system anyway and let us in.
As far as the actual birding is concerned, it is really worth the effort - 'phenomenal' is an accurate description - and you don't need a guided tour to help you get around - they'll give you a plan of the reserve, and navigation is very straightforward.

 

[floodlelandbirder]

I would imagine that Audubon Society membership would certainly qualify - I visited Mai Po in 2018 with a permit, and I'm fairly certain I applied on the basis of being an RSPB member. As you've probably figured out, you need to get the restricted area permit which you pick up from the visitor centre and wear round your neck in order to visit the mangrove boardwalk and access the hides at the edge of the mudflats. The boardwalk is accessed through a gate in a large metal fence.
Apply in plenty of time - when we turned up we found we hadn't received an important confirmatory email, but fortunately they had it on their system anyway and let us in.
As far as the actual birding is concerned, it is really worth the effort - 'phenomenal' is an accurate description - and you don't need a guided tour to help you get around - they'll give you a plan of the reserve, and navigation is very straightforward.

Awesome, I greatly appreciate the confirmation!

 

[floodlelandbirder]

I would imagine that Audubon Society membership would certainly qualify - I visited Mai Po in 2018 with a permit, and I'm fairly certain I applied on the basis of being an RSPB member. As you've probably figured out, you need to get the restricted area permit which you pick up from the visitor centre and wear round your neck in order to visit the mangrove boardwalk and access the hides at the edge of the mudflats. The boardwalk is accessed through a gate in a large metal fence.
Apply in plenty of time - when we turned up we found we hadn't received an important confirmatory email, but fortunately they had it on their system anyway and let us in.
As far as the actual birding is concerned, it is really worth the effort - 'phenomenal' is an accurate description - and you don't need a guided tour to help you get around - they'll give you a plan of the reserve, and navigation is very straightforward.

I'm happy to report that I received email confirmation that I've been approved! I'll be sure to add a follow-up after my visit. Thanks again for the tips.