All 41 designated campsites in Hong Kong under the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will finally reopen after being closed for more than two years owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
As members of the public are allowed to set up tents again at specific sites in the city’s country park areas starting on Thursday, the government also launched an online booking system pilot scheme for the Twisk Campsite in Tai Lam Country Park to allow advance reservation of camping spots.
HKFP explains how to navigate the booking site.
Where is Twisk Campsite and how to get there?
Twisk Campsite is located in Tai Lam Country Park near Tai Mo Shan, the highest peak in Hong Kong. You can take Bus 51 (Sheung Tsuen-bound) from Nina Tower Bus Terminus in Tsuen Wan and get off at “Tai Mo Shan Country Park.”
From there, it is a five-minute walk before you arrive at the campsite entrance.
Who can make a booking?
Both Hong Kong residents and non-residents are allowed to book a free camping space at the Twisk Campsite. You will be asked to indicate your residential status when you make your reservation.
The reservation system is only available to adults, however, as the system asks you to confirm that you are 18 or above on the check-in day.
How many camping spaces are available?
The entire Twisk Campsite is divided into five zones with 37 camping units in total – four of them are twin units. A single camping space can accommodate one to four people, while a twin unit holds five to eight people.
The government may adjust the maximum number of people allowed per camping unit based on the latest Covid-19 social distancing measures.
How long can I book a camping spot for?
On the online booking system, you can reserve a camping space for up to two nights, and each applicant can book one unit only. It is possible for campers to extend their stay at the same or a different unit by making another booking for one or two nights after they have checked in. You can stay in the campsite for a maximum of four consecutive nights, subject to the availability of the units.
Can I choose a camping unit?
Yes. Once you have selected the dates of your reservation, the system will show you an overview of all the 37 camping units on site. The map also indicates the proximity of individual units to public facilities in the campsite, such as the shelter, water supply, toilets, refuse collection points and the guard house.
Units that are still available will be in green, while the red ones mean they are already taken. Once you have selected the unit you want, the system shows you the location of the unit within its zone, as well as the size and facilities included.
For instance, Unit 25, a single unit located at the corner of Zone 3, has a square camping platform that is three metres wide and three metres long. It also comes with a table and bench with a barbeque stove.
What time do I check in and out of the campsite?
Campers are allowed to check in between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Those who arrive after 6 p.m. would be considered “no-show.” Campsite users are required to check out by 11 a.m. on the check-out date.
Note that the Twisk Campsite is closed for maintenance and cleaning every Wednesday except if it is a public holiday.
What information do I need to submit?
After you have chosen you desired camping unit, you are required to fill in your name, as shown on your identification document, your identification document number, email address, mobile number and the total number of people who will be camping at the unit.
You have to complete the form in 15 minutes.
Notes to Campers by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department by HKFP on Scribd
You are not allowed transfer your booking to other people. Any fellow campers who are a minor must obtain approval from their parents or guardians to join the camping.
Successful applicants receive a confirmation email.
What do I have to present at check-in?
When you check in at the Twisk Campsite Service Counter, you will need to present the confirmation email as well as your identity document. You will collect a “Camper Card” from the counter, which you need to display on the camping platform at all times during your stay. People without a valid card or anyone who fails to be idenitified by a valid cardholder will be asked to leave the campsite.
The “Camper Cards” should be returned to the counter or a drop box upon check-out.
Can I rent camping gear at the campsite?
Yes. You can use the camping gear rental service at the Twisk Campsite Service Counter if you do not have equipment needed for your stay. You will be asked to pay a deposit and sign an agreement.
Cancellation
You can cancel your reservation either through the online booking system or in person at the Twisk Campsite Service Counter. If you want to make amendments to your booking, such as changing the date, camping unit or the name of the applicant, you can only cancel your book and submit a new one.
The unit you give up will be shown on the booking system as available after midnight on the day of cancellation.
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