Known as the ‘South Pole of Hong Kong’, Po Toi Island is composed almost entirely of well-weathered granite. Its peculiar looking rocks and seaweed are equally renowned. Be sure to try some seaweed soup and take home some dried seafood products.

The island is a popular junk spot but also may be reached by ferry from Stanley and Aberdeen. Photo credit: visionsoftravel.org

Starting Point — Po Toi Pier

Approaching the pier, you can catch a glimpse of the Conch Rock to your left. Go left from the pier and follow the trail to the right of the store. Photo credit: andystatham.com

Ngau Wu Teng Pavilion

Walk across Cheung Shek Pai, a series of granitic rocks forming a natural track, and find yourself at the peak of the trail. Take a break at the pavilion to enjoy a boundless view of the South China Sea. Photo credit: blog.yacht.holimood.com

Monk Rock and Tortoise Rock

Descend until you are greeted by what seems to be a huge tortoise slowing making its way uphill, and a slender monk on the other side bowing at passers-by. Photo credit: webs-of-significance.blogspot.com

Nam Kok Tsui lighthouse and Gold Panning Cliff

Enjoy the magnificent sea view under Lighthouse 126. Continue down to Gold Panning Cliff, under which waves pound and seaweeds abound. Photo credit: ciaogogo.com

Palm Cliff

On your way back to the pier from Nam Kok Tsui, get a good look at the gigantic ‘palm of Buddha’ — a hand-shaped feature carved into the face of a cliff by the elements, which is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Po Toi. Photo credit: timeout.com

Endpoint — Rock Carvings

Follow the path down a flight of stairs to the shore to see 3,000-year-old rock carvings on a cliff in Nam Tum. A Declared Monument, these prehistoric totems have faded considerably and are currently protected by a sheet of fibre glass. Photo credit: dml.hk

Click here for a better resolution of Tung Chung to Tai O trail map.

Info:
Area: Outlying Island District
Starting point and Endpoint: Po Toi Pier
Average hiking time: About 2.5 hours
Distance: Approximately 4 km
Replenishing stations: There are eateries and a seafood restaurant near the pier, though no replenishments are available along the hiking trail.
Difficulty: Moderate - Steep climb and descent for the first half

How to get there:

• To the starting point:

  • Board a kaito (small ferry) at Aberdeen Pier. The journey takes around an hour. This kaito service operates only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays; or,

  • board a kaito at Stanley Blake Pier. The journey takes around 30 minutes. This kaito service operates only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

  From the endpoint: Board a kaito at Po Toi Pier for Aberdeen or Stanley Pier.
  
  For the kaito service schedule, please refer to the Transport Department website.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

From turquoise coves and traditional fishing villages to an environmentally friendly wind turbine, Lamma Island is a medley of hidden Hong Kong scenery.

Lamma Island, also known as Y Island or Pok Liu Chau or simply Pok Liu, is the third-largest island in Hong Kong. Photo credit: hongkong.cathaypacific.com

Starting Point — Sok Kwu Wan

Visitors are welcomed by a streetful of seafood restaurants and arts and crafts stores once they disembark at the pier. Photo credit: beckyexploring.com

Tin Hau Temple

This 150-year-old Tin Hau Temple is where local fishermen pray to Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea, for safety and fruitful returns before setting out to fish. Renovated after a fire in 2005, the temple houses a specimen of the world’s longest bony fish, giant oarfish (Regalecus glesne), discovered in 2001 in Lamma Island Strait. Photo credit: pinterest.com

Hilltop pavilion (Lamma Island Family Walk)

Following the Family Walk you will soon reach a pavilion. Take a break and enjoy the magnificent view of Aberdeen, Repulse Bay and Ocean Park across East Lamma Channel. Photo credit: en.tripadvisor.com.hk

Hung Shing Yeh Beach

Fine sands, clear waters, beautiful sunshine and refreshing sea breeze — no wonder visitors and locals alike love to swim and sunbathe here!. Photo credit: jonistravelling.com

Lamma Winds

After a 20-minute hike from Hung Shing Yeh Beach to the hilltop of Tai Ling, a giant wind turbine comes into sight. It is Hong Kong’s first commercial-scale wind turbine, providing electricity to local residents and reducing the amount of coal burnt for energy by about 350 tonnes annually. Walk up a small stairway to the pavilion nearby for an open view of both the Lamma Wind Turbine and Lamma Power Station. Photo credit: scmp.com

Endpoint — Yung Shue Wan

Holiday rental flats, handicraft stores, bars, restaurants and cafes line the narrow streets of Yung Shue Wan. The village is a great hang-out for islanders and a colourful finale to your journey offering snacks and souvenirs before you hop on a ferry to Aberdeen and Central. Photo credit: gabisworld.com

Click here for a better resolution of Tung Chung to Tai O trail map.

Info:
Area: Outlying Island District
Starting point: Sok Kwu Wan
Endpoint: Yung Shue Wan Main Street
Average hiking time: About 3 hours
Distance: Approximately 7 km
Replenishing stations: There are a few booths selling herbal tea, soft drinks and snacks on the way but they usually only open during weekends. It’s better to stock up at Sok Kwu Wan, but please note that some restaurants may close on weekdays.
Difficulty: Moderate - Leveled path, a number of replenishment options)

How to get there:

• To the starting point:
  Take a 30-minute ferry ride from Central Pier 4 (MTR Hong Kong Station Exit E1, walk through IFC mall, and the footbridge) to Sok Kwu Wan.
  
  From the endpoint:
  Take a ferry from Yung Shue Wan pier to Central or Aberdeen. From here, public transport is available to other destinations.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

Sunset Peak (869 m), featuring gorgeous sunset views, is the third highest mountain in Hong Kong and proves to be a rewarding yet difficult climb. The expansive scenery from the top is truly impressive. Try going in autumn or winter: you will find the shiny seas of silvergrass along the trail unforgettable.

Sunset Peak hike on Lantau Island is an epic stairway climbing challenge to one of the best viewpoints in Hong Kong. Photo credit: localiiz.com

Lantau Trail

Begin your hike at Pak Kung Au between Lantau Peak and Sunset Peak. Trekking along the Lantau Trail toward Sunset Peak, be ready for a 2 km uphill climb. Luckily, much of the ascent is shaded. At the end, with only shrubs and tall grass along the trail, you’ll get panoramic views. Photo credit: blog.holimood.com

Sunset Peak

The ridge between Sunset Peak and Yi Tung Shan is a great site for photographing the seas of silvergrass that light up the surrounding slopes. Photo credit: united-travel.net

Lantau Mountain Camp, Yi Tung Shan & Nam Shan

While walking uphill, you will find stone sheds along the trail. The Lantau Mountain Camp was built almost a century ago as holiday accommodation for early British missionaries. Continue on the trail to begin your descent towards Yi Tung Shan and Nam Shan. Photo credit: oasistrek.com

Luk Tei Tong Watch Tower

When descending towards Nam Shan, watch your step on the flight of stone steps. Then take the old village path toward Mui Wo. After about 20 minutes on the path, you will see the sturdy granite Luk Tei Tong Watch Tower that was built in 1942. After walking for about 15 minutes on the village path, you will arrive at Mui Wo, your destination. Photo credit: 360cities.net

Trip ideas:

• If you choose to end your hike at Nam Shan, you can take bus 1, 2, 3M, or 4 to Mui Wo, or 3M to MTR Tung Chung Station. The bus stop is on South Lantau Road.

• If you’ve still got energy after the hike, continue on the seaside path for a swim at the beautiful beach in Silver Mine Bay.

• If you plan to watch the sunset here, check the Hong Kong Observatory website for the exact sunset time. It is also essential to bring along torches or headlamps.

• Don’t pick the wild plants.

Click here for a better resolution of Tung Chung to Tai O trail map.

Info:
Area: Lantau Island District
Starting point: Pak Kung Au
Endpoint: Mui Wo
Average hiking time: About 4.5 hours
Distance: About 9 km
Replenishing stations: There are no kiosks along the way, so it’s best to stock up at Tung Chung before the hike. After the hike, Mui Wo is a good stop. Treat yourself at one of its many cafés and restaurants.
Difficulty: Difficult - Substantial ascent in the first half of the trail and exposed environment on the ridge; descent by a long flight of stone steps.

How to get there:

• To the starting point:
  From MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, take bus 3M, 11, or 23 at Tung Chung Bus Terminus and get off at Pak Kung Au.
  
  From the end point:

  • At Mui Wo Bus Terminus, take bus 3M to MTR Tung Chung Station.

  • Take the ferry from Mui Wo to Central.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

On Lantau Island, the Tung O Ancient Trail was once an important passage for villagers to commute between Tung Chung and Tai O. The coastal trail offers manifold photography opportunities, from the futuristic mega infrastructures of Hong Kong International Airport and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (under construction) to an ancient fort, temples and a centuries-old fishing village set against mangroves and green hills.

The trail offers a beautiful path along the coastal line overlooking Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge in the first section and interesting quant villages in the next. Photo credit: Hello! Hong Kong - viviroselim

Starting Point — Tung Chung Fort

Built in 1832, Tung Chung Fort was once the naval headquarters of the Right Battalion of Dapeng (today’s southeast Shenzhen). The fort is now a Declared Monument and visitors are free to explore the parapet wall, barrack houses and antique cannons. Photo credit: timeout.com

Tung Chung Bay

Stay on the level path along the coastline. Literally ‘Horseshoe Crab Bay’, the name of this cove suggests that this living fossil species once thrived here. Take a break at the pavilion after climbing up the slope and watch planes take off behind Hong Kong Link Road. Photo credit: Hello! Hong Kong - viviroselim

Northwest Lantau Coast

This section of Tung O Ancient Trail offers views of the sweeping seascape of Pearl River Delta and South China Sea. Enjoy the sea breeze as you hike along the rugged coastline. While descending to Tai O at the end of the trail, you’ll see the historic North Lantau Obelisk erected in 1902. Photo credit: alltrails.com

Photo Tips by Jessica Li

Have your friends sit at the edge of the Sham Wat Wan pier. Aim with them in the middle of the foreground for a sharp image. Take a wide angle shot to capture the peaceful bay and the skies surrounding them. Photo credit: 360cities.net

*Jessica Li is the winner of 2017 ‘The People and Nature Category Award’ of the ‘What's Your Nature?’ photo contest organised by The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

Po Chue Tam

This tranquil inlet behind Tai O gives perfect reflections of the green hills around. Follow the paved path to Yeung Hau Temple built in 1699, also to commemorate the prince marquis Yeung Leung-jit. Photo credit: Hello! Hong Kong - viviroselim

Stilt Houses

Dubbed ‘the Venice of Hong Kong’, Tai O is home to fisherfolk who’ve built their houses on stilts above the tidal flats for generations. These elevated houses are interconnected, forming a tightly knit community above the water. Today you will still see dwellers tidying their fishing nets, sun-drying salted fish or making shrimp paste on their balconies. Photo credit: Hello! Hong Kong - viviroselim

Ending point - Tai O Heritage Hotel

Built in 1902, Tai O Police Station was revitalised into a boutique hotel a few years ago. Many of its original features are well preserved, such as the colonial-style architecture, cannons, corner turrets and cells. From here, proceed to Tai O Bus Terminus for bus connections to other districts. Photo credit: en.wikipedia.org

Click here for a better resolution of Tung Chung to Tai O trail map.

Info:
Area: Lantau Island District
Starting point: Tung Chung Fort
Endpoint: Tai O Heritage Hotel (proceed to Tai O Bus Terminus for departure)
Average hiking time: About 4.5 hours
Distance: About 14.5 km
Replenishing stations: There are no kiosks along the way, so it’s best to stock up at Tung Chung before the hike. Fuel up at restaurants around MTR Tung Chung Station, or sample the amazing array of street food after you finish your hike in Tai O.
Difficulty: Difficult - Relatively long distance with a fair amount of uphill and downhill sections

How to get there:

• To the starting point:

  From MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, take bus 3M, 11, 23 or 34 at Tung Chung Bus Terminus and get off at Ha Ling Pei. Follow the signs to Tung Chung Fort.
  
  From the endpoint:

  • Take New Lantao Bus 11 to MTR Tung Chung Station.

  • A ferry is available from Tai O to Tung Chung and Tuen Mun. From these points, public transport is available to other destinations.

  Please click here for the ferry schedule.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

Winding round the Sai Kung Peninsula, this hike covers Section 1 and part of Section 2 of the MacLehose Trail, providing one of the best ways to see the amazing hexagonal volcanic columns of High Island. The route also passes the High Island Reservoir and Long Ke Wan, which have been voted as two of Hong Kong’s best scenic sites.

Section 1 of the trail cuts through the lower half of the Sai Kung East Country Park, passing both the West Dam and East Dam of the High Island Reservoir. Most of the route consists of flat roads and concrete paths.

Sai Kung Peninsula is one of the last havens left in Hong Kong for hikers, swimmers and boaters, and most of it is one beautiful 7500-hectare country park. Photo credit: en.wikipedia.org

Starting point — Sai Kung Country Park Visitor Centre

From MTR Diamond Hill Station, Exit C2, take bus 92 to Sai Kung Peninsula. From Sai Kung town catch bus 94 towards Wong Shek pier and alight at Pak Tam Chung Station. On Sundays, it’s possible to take bus 96R from MTR Diamond Hill Station directly to Pak Tam Chung Station. From Pak Tam Chung Station, walk along Tai Mong Tsai Road for approximately five minutes until you reach the start of the trail. Photo credit: platform.hkdiscovery.com

High Island Reservoir West Dam

From the West Dam of High Island Reservoir, take in the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and coast. Built between 1971 and 1979, the reservoir has a capacity of 280 million cubic metres, surpassing any other in the city. Since November 2009, it has been listed as part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, not least because of its sizeable series of acidic rhyolite volcanic columns that are rarely seen elsewhere in the world. Photo credit: attator.blogspot.com

East Dam

After hiking for just an hour, Kiu Tsui Beach comes into sight. Partly bouldery and partly sandy, it’s a great spot for scuba-diving, kayaking, swimming and sunbathing. Photo credit: trover.com

Tombolo

At the East Dam you’ll be able to see hexagonal rock columns resembling a ‘petrified waterfall’. These are hundreds of millions of years old and were formed by the cooling and contracting mixture of lava, rock debris and volcanic ash. Later, consistent violent crustal movements created the twists and folds that you can now see. Photo credit: blog.sina.com.cn

From the East Dam you will also have a good view of Po Pin Chau; an islet that looks like it was chopped off from the adjacent rock by a giant axe. It used to be part of High Island, but became dislocated by the chronic erosion of powerful waves. Those who paid attention in geography class will remember that this is called a sea stack.

The East Dam is a cofferdam of 7,000 dolosse protecting Sai Kung’s coast from the relentless forces of the ocean. Look out for the giant dolos on the trail commemorating the workers who died during the construction of High Island Reservoir.

Long Ke Wan

A splendid inner bay, Long Ke Wan has crystal-clear water and a blanket of white sands resting between hills and capes. Conic Island is the only land to be seen in what is an otherwise immense view of the open South China Sea. Photo credit: beach-weather.com

Endpoint — Sai Wan Pavilion

From Sai Wan Pavilion take minibus NR29 or a taxi back to Sai Kung Town. Photo credit: trailhiker.wordpress.com

Click here for a better resolution of Sai Kung Peninsula Trail map.

Info:
Area: Sai Kung, New Territories
Starting point: Pak Tam Chung
Endpoint: Chui Tung Au (Sai Wan Pavilion)
Average hiking time: Approximately 7 hours
Distance: Approximately 14 km
Replenishing stations: There is a refreshment kiosk near the Pak Tam Chung Parking Area.
Difficulty: Moderate

How to get there:

• To the starting point:

  1. From MTR Diamond Hill Station Exit C2, take bus 92 to Sai Kung Bus Terminus. Then at Sai Kung Town, take bus 94 for Wong Shek Pier and get off at Pak Tam Chung Station; or
     take bus 96R for Wong Shek Pier (this route only operates on Sundays and public holidays) from MTR Diamond Hill Station Exit C2 and get off at Pak Tam Chung Station.
     Alternatively, From Sha Tin New Town Plaza Bus Terminus, take bus 299X to Sai Kung Bus Terminus. Then at Sai Kung Town, take bus 94 for Wong Shek Pier and get off at Pak Tam Chung Station.

  2. After getting off the bus at Pak Tam Chung Station, you’ll find the Pak Tam Chung Barrier Gate. Walk along Tai Mong Tsai Road for five minutes to the starting point of the trail.

  From the endpoint:
  Take NR29 minibus or a taxi back to Sai Kung Town.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

Located in the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, this tiny elongated island is home to geological spectacles created 140 million years ago. It is perfect for visitors to enjoy natural wonders, a fairly short hike and a dip in the sea in one go.

Sharp Island encapsulates Hong Kong's great outdoors at its best with lush greenery, clear waters, beautiful beaches and sweeping views. Photo credit: infinitenation.wordpress.com

Starting point — Hap Mun Bay Beach

Start your day with a short bouncy kaito ride from the Sai Kung Public Pier. Hap Mun Bay, also known as Half Moon Bay, is a picturesque crescent-shaped beach tucked away at the southern tip of Sharp Island with emerald waters. In fact, it consistently tops the water quality ratings among Hong Kong’s beaches. A snack bar, barbecue and picnic sites, showers and lockers are available. Photo credit: unseenhongkong.com

Hak Shan Teng

The hiking route to Kiu Tau starts from the rear of the picnic site. It takes you to the top of the hill — Hak Shan Teng — for a breath-taking panorama of the coastline and the tombolo of Sharp Island. The trees, climbers and thickets along the way are so thick at some spots that it’s like walking through a green tunnel, where you will be greeted by a wide variety of fluttering butterflies. Photo credit: follo3me.com

Kiu Tsui Beach

After hiking for just an hour, Kiu Tsui Beach comes into sight. Partly bouldery and partly sandy, it’s a great spot for scuba-diving, kayaking, swimming and sunbathing. Photo credit: trover.com

Tombolo

If you happen to catch the low tide, witness the emerging promenade that connects the nearby Kiu Tau islet. Stroll along the natural sand levee for a closer look at this interesting coastal landform. Photo credit: unseenhongkong.com

‘Pineapple buns’

Dozens of giant boulders are scattered on the tombolo beaches, looking bizarrely like the local snack ‘pineapple bun’. The quartz monzonite has been weathered and eroded to various degrees to yield irregular cracks. Other typical volcanic rocks found on Sharp Island include volcanic breccia and rhyolite, the former containing angular pyroclasts while the latter’s surface is adorned with lava flow bandings. Photo credit: travelwithkidz.com.au

Photo Tips from Kelvin Yuen

The tombolo is characterised by the many pineapple bun-shaped stones here. See the stone path connecting the Kiu Tau islet appear during low tide. Photo credit: discoverhongkong.com by Kelvin Yuen

Use an ultra-wide-angle lens (e.g. 16 mm) to capture the unique stones in the foreground and highlight the stone path.

*Winner of the National Geographic International Photo Contest 2015, Youth Division

Kiu Tau

Cross the tombolo and follow the trail up Kiu Tau. From the hilltop lookout, you can get a good look at Hap Mun Bay, Port Shelter and Clear Water Bay. Descend to the rocky shore to observe coastal wildlife. At the end of the trail, you will see a beacon guiding ships in Inner Port Shelter. Photo credit: zh.wikipedia.org

Endpoint — Sharp Island Pier

Return to the main island via the tombolo and walk towards the direction of Kiu Tsui Beach. The pier is an elevated platform where you can enjoy one last glimpse of the beautiful scenery before hopping onto the kaito. Photo credit: wanderingsnow.com

Click here for a better resolution of Sharp Island Trail map.

Info:
Area: Sai Kung District
Starting point: Hap Mun Bay Beach
Endpoint: Sharp Island Pier
Average hiking time: About 2 hours
Distance: Approximately 3 km
Replenishing stations: Sai Kung town centre has lots of options for stocking up.
Difficulty: Moderate - Short walk; but mind rugged relief at the tombolo and few stops for replenishment

How to get there:

• To the starting point:

  • From MTR Diamond Hill Exit C2, take bus 92 to Sai Kung Town, then board a kaito at Sai Kung Public Pier to Hap Mun Bay.

  • Alternatively, from Sha Tin New Town Plaza Bus Terminus take bus number 299X to Sai Kung Town, then board a kaito at Sai Kung Public Pier.

  • The kaito ride takes around 15 minutes. An adult one-way ticket costs around $20-40. Costs vary between weekends and weekdays, and between peak season (summer) and low season.

  From the end point:

  • Board a kaito at Sharp Island Public Pier to return to Sai Kung Public Pier.

  • From Sai Kung Town, public transport is available to other destinations.

  • Sai Kung Ferry Traders Association (enquiry):
    +852 9080 5794 / +852 9082 2057

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

Located in the southwestern New Territories, Shing Mun Country Park offers ample opportunities to explore nature. Hiking around nearby Tai Mo Shan, visitors can see tall paperbark trees lining the paths and, occasionally, come across groups of wild monkeys. An overwintering site for migrating brush-footed butterflies, the park is also perfect for butterfly watching, particularly in autumn.

Designated in 1977, Shing Mun Country Park was one of the first country parks in the territory. Photo credit: meocre.smugmug.com

Butterfly Paradise

Migrating brush-footed butterflies winter in Shing Mun Country Park’s Butterfly Paradise. Commonly witnessed in the park are blue-spotted crows, glassy tigers and common tigers from the same butterfly family. Their beautiful but forbidding patterns are natural protection against predators. Photo credit: greenpower.org.hk

Pineapple Dam Nature Trail

Now a part of Shing Mun Reservoir, this dam used to be home to pineapple groves planted by Hakka villagers. Walking along the Nature Trail, visitors can enjoy picturesque views of Pineapple Dam and its 9 km-long catchwaters, as well as catch sight of wild monkeys. Photo credit: gethigh-hk.com

Paperbark Forest

The region around the reservoir is also a designated tree-planting site. The Paperbark Forest is a favourite with visiting photographers. Among the most picturesque scenery of the area are sky-high treetops, reflections of the forest on the glassy surface of the reservoir, and rows of paperbark trees submerged in the water. Photo credit: trover.com

Main Dam

The construction of Shing Mun Reservoir was commissioned in 1923 and the dam took 14 years to complete. At 84 metres in height, its Main Dam is an impressive sight; of particular note is the dam’s distinctive bellmouth overflow device. The connected Lower Shing Mun Reservoir downstream catches overflowing water from the Main Dam. Photo credit: lcsd.gov.hk

Trip ideas:

• Sunny afternoons are ideal for butterfly watching, from March to October.

• The visitor centre provides a detailed introduction to the native monkeys. You can also learn more about the nearby military ruins and the abandoned mine with its tools and equipment. Open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (except the first two days of Chinese New Year)

• Don’t capture the butterflies.

• Don’t tease or feed the monkeys. Keep your distance.

Click here for a better resolution of Shing Mun Country Park Trail map.

Info:
Area: Tsuen Wan District
Starting point and Endpoint: Shing Mun Reservoir (Pineapple Dam) minibus terminus
Average hiking time: About 3 hours
Distance: About 9.7 km
Replenishing stations: There are no eateries or kiosks in the park.
Difficulty: Easy - Level paths throughout the area; suitable for all.

How to get there:

• To the starting point:
  From MTR Tsuen Wan Station, Exit B1, take green minibus 82 on Shiu Wo Street for Shing Mun Reservoir.
  
  From the endpoint:
  From Shing Mun Reservoir (Pineapple Dam) minibus terminus, take green minibus 82 back to Shui Wo Street.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

The easternmost island of Hong Kong is formed entirely of sedimentary rocks with a variety of marine abrasion landforms along its coast. The shores of this level island are decorated with colourful laminations of top rock shale and many other natural wonders.

Included in the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, Tung Ping Chau is an esteemed museum of geomorphology. Follow the simple trail around the island for a tour of its most popular attractions.

Tung Ping Chau is the farthest and wildest of Hong Kong outlying islands, being just 2 km off the mainland Chinese coast and Mirs Bay. Photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Starting Point — Tung Ping Chau Public Pier

After a 1.5-hour ferry ride along Tolo Channel, you’ll arrive at the island. At the end of the pier you’ll find a sizeable public washroom, with the only flush toilets on the island. If you take a look around the pier, you’ll see corals and fish among the rocks under the limpid water of A Ma Wan.

Note: Mobile network coverage on the island is weak, and your phone may be connected to Mainland China networks instead. Switch off mobile data during the ferry ride to avoid unexpected roaming costs. Photo credit: wanderinghk.wordpress.com

A Ma Wan

Walk left along the beach of A Ma Wan. As you enjoy the sea breeze and the sound of waves lapping the shore, keep an eye out for the amazing rock features here: wave-carved shale, iron-rich rocks weathered to resemble chequer boards, and stromatolitic structures made of fossils of cyanobacteria, just to name a few. Photo credit: discoverhongkong.com

Kang Lau Shek & rock pools

At the easternmost tip of Tung Ping Chau, a pair of two-storey-high sea stacks majestically stand on a wave-cut platform, like the island’s watchtowers. During low tide, the platform becomes an intertidal paradise for small fishes, urchins and various shellfishes. Photo credit: walkonhill.com

Lung Lok Shui

Return to the trail and walk for 30 minutes until you see a 100-metre-long band of rocks stretching off the coast from the hillside. With its triangular edges, it looks as though a dragon is making its way down into the ocean. This unique landform is carved from differential wave erosion of two rock layers. Photo credit: geopark.gov.hk

Cham Keng Chau

Continue on the trail in the woods until the view broadens. Descend the slope carefully, and you will be greeted by the boundless ocean and distinctively stratified shale bed, with Cham Keng Chau on your right. The spur, originally attached to the island, broke off from continuous erosion, and a natural corridor took shape. Walk along the passage between the sharp cliffs and enjoy the refreshing cool breeze. Photo credit: laughtraveleat.com

Ending Point — Tai Tong Village

Most of the villagers on Tung Ping Chau have moved out, but some of them return to the island during weekends and public holidays to run stalls for day-trippers. On your way back to the pier, you can stop by and see if any are open for a hot meal, fresh seafood dishes, snacks or cool drinks. Photo credit: en.wikipedia.org

Click here for a better resolution of Tung Ping Chau Trail map.

Info:
Area: Tai Po District
Starting point and Endpoint: Tung Ping Chau Public Pier
Average hiking time: About 3 hours
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Replenishing stations: There is nowhere to buy food or drinks along most parts of the route, so stock up before setting out. Meals are available on weekends and public holidays at Tai Tong Village near the pier.
Difficulty: Fairly Easy - Relatively flat terrain with occasional wet and rough rock surfaces

How to get there:

• To the starting point:
  From MTR University Station Exit B, take a taxi to Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier and board a ferry. The journey takes around 1.5 hours. This ferry service operates only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
  
  From the endpoint:
  Board a ferry at Tung Ping Chau Public Pier. There is only one ferry back to Ma Liu Shui each day, so don’t miss it. This ferry service operates only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
  
  For the ferry service schedule, please refer to the Transport Department website.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

Perched on the northern vista of Victoria Harbour, this trail runs high above the skyline of the Kowloon Peninsula with sweeping views of the most densely populated areas of Hong Kong. Walking along Lion Rock, Beacon Hill and Eagle’s Nest, glance north for views of the New Territories and south for a panorama of Kowloon. On a clear day, the view stretches to Victoria Harbour and the iconic skyline of Hong Kong Island, making it feel like the whole of Hong Kong is under your feet!

Lion Rock is located between Kowloon Tong of Kowloon and Tai Wai of the New Territories. Photo credit: thestandard.com.hk

Did you know?

Lion Rock (495 m) is one of the most recognisable natural landmarks in Hong Kong and has become a symbol of the hardworking spirit of Hongkongers. The rock overlooks the major residential areas of the city and has stood as a witness to Hong Kong’s remarkable transformation from a rustic outpost of China to a dynamic world city. Beneath Lion Rock has been the name of a song and a TV series about the lives of ordinary Hong Kong people.

Starting Point — Sha Tin Pass Road

From Wong Tai Sin or Diamond Hill MTR Station, take a taxi to Sha Tin Pass Road and stop at the Lion Pavilion (starting point of MacLehose Trail Section 5).

Before the era of motorised transportation and highways, Sha Tin Pass on the east of Lion Rock was an important route for villagers to commute between Sha Tin in the New Territories and Tsz Wan Shan in Kowloon. It is now called the Sha Tin Ancient Trail and attracts a lot of hikers and morning walkers. Photo credit: en.wikipedia.org

Reunification Pavilion

This rain shelter on the Lion Rock was renamed as such in 1997 to commemorate the handover of Hong Kong to China. Stop for an open view of east Kowloon, the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (formerly the runway of the Kai Tak Airport) and farther to Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island East. Photo credit: weshare.hk

Tze Kong Bridge

At 458 m, this hill was an ancient military beacon. When the Kowloon–Canton Railway began  operation in 1910, the Beacon Hill Tunnel was the first to break through the natural barrier of mountain ridges separating Kowloon and the New Territories. Beacon Hill’s foothill on the Kowloon side is now a luxury residential area. The Beacon Hill Compass commands a view of the whole Kowloon Peninsula. Photo credit: droneandslr.com

Eagle’s Nest

The hilltop of Eagle’s Nest (305 m) is inhabited by a number of black kites. The Eagle's Nest Nature Trail and MacLehose Trail Section 5 pass through here. Along here, you can enjoy views of West Kowloon. Photo credit: en.tripadvisor.com.hk

End Point — Kowloon Reservoir (Tai Po Road)

Completed in 1906, Hong Kong’s fourth reservoir now has five heritage-listed structures nearby, including the distinct arch dam. Photo credit: en.wikipedia.org

Click here for a better resolution of the Lion Rock Trail map.

Info:
Area: Wong Tai Sin and Sha Tin districts
Starting point: Sha Tin Pass Road
Endpoint: Kowloon Reservoir (Tai Po Road)
Average hiking time: About 5 hours
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Replenishing stations: There is an eatery at the starting point at Sha Tin Pass Road where drinks and simple cooked food are available.
Difficulty: Difficult

How to get there:

• From MTR Wong Tai Sin or Diamond Hill Station, take a taxi to Sha Tin Pass Road and stop at the Lion Pavilion (starting point of MacLehose Trail Section 5).

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

The short yet challenging Section 1 of the Wilson Trail offers rewarding encounters with nature with its abundance of beautiful flowering shrubs. Once you’ve conquered Violet Hill and the Twins, the view on the ridgeline opens out to Stanley Village, D’Aguilar Peninsula, and the ocean beyond.

Wilson Trails at 70 kilometre long, has 10 sections which links the eight country parks from south to north of Hong Kong. Photo credit: timeout.com

Wong Nai Chung Reservoir

Check out the Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park before hiking uphill. Completed in 1889, some of the reservoir’s original components, including the weir, the dam, and the valve house, have been preserved, and are classified as Grade III historic buildings. Photo credit: fso-createhk.gov.hk

Violet Hill

After the park, return to Tai Tam Reservoir Road, then turn right to enter the Wilson Trail. On the trail, you will first tackle the relatively gentle Violet Hill, followed by the steeper ascent and descent of the Twins. From late January through early February, Violet Hill is covered in flowers. With their bell-shaped, violet-coloured blooms, the wild enkianthus shrubs will definitely grab your attention. Photo credit: urban-outdoors.com

Tze Kong Bridge

As you descend from Violet Hill, you can see Repulse Bay Beach. Upon crossing Tze Kong Bridge, follow the sign that directs you to Stanley Gap Road until you see a flight of 1,200 steps leading up to the Twins. Particularly from November through January, you’ll find the trail lined with abundant Polyspora axillaris flowers. They’re also known as the “fried-egg plants” because of the flower’s yellow and white colouration. Photo credit: photoblog.com

The Twins

The wide-open view of Stanley on top of the Twins is a blissful finale to the hike. As you make your descent on Stanley Gap Road, spot the beautiful St. Stephen’s Beach, Stanley Peninsula, Stanley Main Beach, Murray House, and many more iconic attractions as you descend to Stanley Gap Road. Photo credit: pinterest.com

• Trip ideas: Don’t pick the wild plants.

Click here for a better resolution of the Wilson Trail map.

Info:
Area: Southern District
Starting point: Wong Nai Chung Reservoir
Endpoint: Stanley Gap Road
Average hiking time: 3 hours
Distance: About 4.8 km
Replenishing stations: No refueling stops along the hike. It’s essential to stock up on water and supplies beforehand.
Difficulty: Very Difficult - It’s a physically demanding hike with very little to no shade. A steep climb and descent near the Twins are to be expected.

How to get there:

• From MTR Causeway Bay Station Exit D, take green minibus 5 at the crossroad of Jaffe Road and Cannon Street to Wong Nai Chung Reservoir. You can also take bus 76 on Pennington Street.

• From MTR Hong Kong Station Exit D, take bus 6 at the Exchange Square Bus Terminus.

• At the Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park bus stop, you will see a petrol station. From there, cross the road and head up Tai Tam Reservoir Road to walk for about 10 minutes to Hong Kong Parkview. Wong Nai Chung Reservoir will be on your right.

  From the endpoint:

• There are several bus routes you can take. Go to the other side of Stanley Gap Road, and take bus 6, 6A, or 260 to Wan Chai, Admiralty, or Central, or bus 73 to Aberdeen.

• If you stay on the same side of the road, you can take bus 6, 6A, 73, or 260 to Stanley. You may catch a taxi ride back to Central from Stanley Gap Road.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.