Hikes - Sassy Hong Kong

Hikes With A History: The Best Historic Walking Trails In Hong Kong

Team Sassy — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 22:00:21 +0000

Put your explorer caps on and tick off these historic hikes, treks and trails in Hong Kong where you can uncover everything from World War II relics to ancient temples and more.

Our city’s modern developments can overshadow and even overtake its rich cultural history — leaving some of the most historic sites in Hong Kong completely overlooked. Luckily for us, there are plenty of historic hikes, ancient trails and heritage walks that are short, easy and within a stone’s throw away from the city. Transport yourself back to nature — and back in time — to unearth the historic gems that are hidden in the midst of skyscrapers and greenery. These historic hikes are well worth the trek, to learn about Hong Kong’s history and culture.

Disclaimer: Some hikes are harder than others so it’s important to be prepared. Make sure to look up the difficulty of the trail route and take necessary precautions before and during your hike (safety before Instagram!). Check the weather for high temperatures or unexpected rain, bring water, wear appropriate clothing and shoes, stay on the path and keep your mobile charged in case you need to make an emergency call.

Wong Nai Chung Gap Trail

Explore the terrain of, arguably, the most important battle of the Defense of Hong Kong in World War 2. Starting from the Wong Nai Chung Reservoir and ending on Stanley Gap Road, the Wong Nai Chung Gap Trail offers hikers and history buffs a thrilling insight into Hong Kong’s wartime landscape. Explore the ruins of bunkers, pillboxes, and anti-aircraft batteries.

Getting there: Bus routes 41A, 63, 6 or 76 as well as minibus route 5 (they all have a stop at Wong Nai Chung Gap)
Distance: About 3km
Duration: Around 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace
Difficulty: Beginner
Getting home: When you reach Stanley Gap Road, take the 6A, 6, or 260 to get to Admiralty, Central, or Wanchai. Alternatively, cross the road to take the 6A, 6, 260, or 73 to go to Stanley.

Devil’s Peak

Named after the pirates that occupied the hill during the Ming Dynasty, Devil’s Peak is perfect for beginner hikers or those looking to squeeze in a quick scenic hike. During The Battle of Hong Kong, Japanese forces bombarded the prudent fortifications built here — such as the Gough Battery built in 1898, and the Devil’s Peak Redoubt.

Getting there: Get off Yau Tong Exit B2 and walk along Cha Kwo Ling Road until you reach the intersection at Yau Tong Road. Get to Junk Bay Chinese Permanent Cemetary Access Road and walk along the gentle slope ahead until you see a flight of stairs pointing to Wilson Trail Section 3.
Distance: About 2.6km
Duration: Around 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace
Difficulty: Beginner
Getting home: Once you reach the observation post, retrace your steps back to Yau Tong Station.

Shing Mun War Relics Trail

The Shing Mun War Relics Trail is the shortest section of the famously challenging MacLehose Trail. As part of the Gin Drinker’s Line, a 13-mile defence front designed to counter Japanese aggression in World War 2, this trail is full of historic ruins. Although it can be hard to get to, it offers hikers the chance to trace Hong Kong’s wartime scars and journey into the past through underground war tunnels, pillboxes, and trenches.

Sassy Tip: Keep your eye out in general, be mindful of any monkeys you see, and make sure you don’t have any food visible on you when you are near them.

Getting there: Take minibus 82 from Tsuen Wan Station to Shing Mun Reservoir. Take a right from the Shing Mun Reservoir sign and walk down the road until you reach the BBQ area where you can join the MacLehose Trail. Walk towards the Memorial Arch of MacLehose Trail Section 6.
Distance: About 4.1km
Duration: Around 1.5 hours at a leisurely pace
Difficulty: Beginner
Getting home: From Tai Po Road (the end of the trail), take bus number 81 to Jordan, or bus number 72 to Sha Tin, Kowloon.

Tung O Ancient Trail

Also known as the Tung Tai Trail, residents of Tai O used to travel via this route to reach Tung Chung. Though this is a fairly lengthy hike, it’s well-paved for the most part and flat. We’d just suggest avoiding this hike on rainy days in case of flash floods, and when it gets dark as there aren’t that many lights around this area. As you hike past, you can still catch sight of residents that live along this trail.

Getting there: From Tung Chung Station Exit A, head to the Tung Chung Fire Station via Tat Tung Road and then Shun Tung Road. Turn to Yu Tung Road and go past the Yat Tung Estate until you reach the Hau Wong Temple which is the starting point of the hike.
Distance: About 15km
Duration: Around 4.5 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate
Getting home: After exploring Tai O, you can take bus route 11 back to Tung Chung or bus route 1 to Mui Wo and catch a ferry to Central.

Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail

The next time you’re at The Peak, why not take a hike through the Pinewood Battery Trail? Nested in the Lung Fu Shan Country Park, this trail features the highest coastal defence Battery in Hong Kong. Built in 1903, the Pinewood Battery was used as an anti-aircraft battery during World War 2. After being severely destroyed by Japanese heavy artillery, the ruins now provide a relaxing picnic spot after a steep hike.

Getting there: Take the number 15 bus from Central Exchange Square Bus Terminus to The Peak. From there, walk 20 minutes into Harlech Road and then go down Hatton Road. There is a sign for the Lung Fu Shan Country Park on the left. Walk down the flight of stairs.
Distance: About 2.2km
Duration: Around 45 minutes at a leisurely pace
Difficulty: Beginner
Getting home: From the battery, go back to Hatton Road and walk down the path to Kotewall Road. Turn to University Drive and head towards the HKU MTR station. Alternatively, retrace your steps back to The Peak.

Ping Shan Heritage Trail

Opened in 1993, the Ping Shan Heritage Trail was Hong Kong’s first heritage trail. Escape the city and immerse yourself in the ancient architecture from the Tang Clan dating back to the Northern Song dynasty (920-1127). Starting from the Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda — the only surviving ancient pagoda in Hong Kong — and ending at the Hung Shing Temple, this trail is sure to transport you back in time!

Getting there: Bus routes K65, 53, and 276, and green minibuses 33, 34, and 35. Alight at Ping Ha Road which is the closest point to the Visitors Centre.
Distance: About 1.6km
Duration: Around 2 to 4 hours depending on breaks
Difficulty: Beginner
Getting home: The trail ends right by the Tin Shui Wai MTR station.

Tai Tam Waterworks Heritage Trail

Perhaps one of the most picturesque reservoir hikes in Hong Kong, this circular walk comprises 22 pre-historic waterworks structures (some built all the way back in 1883!). You can cover everything from dams, valve houses and aqueducts. The most iconic structure here has to be the Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir Masonry Bridge built in 1907.

Getting there: Make your way to either the north end which is Hong Kong Parkview (via bus route 6 or 66) or the south end which is Tai Tam Road (via bus routes 14 and 314 or minibuses 16M and 16X)
Distance: About 5km
Duration: Around 2 hours at a leisurely pace
Difficulty: Beginner to moderate
Getting home: It’s a circular trail so you can take bus routes 6 or 66 to get back to the main areas of Hong Kong Island.

Editor’s Note: “Hikes With A History: The Best Historic Walking Trails In Hong Kong” was originally published by Christiana Wu and most recently updated in April 2023 by Fashila Kanakka.

The post Hikes With A History: The Best Historic Walking Trails In Hong Kong appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

The Best Waterfall Hikes In Hong Kong

Team Sassy — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 22:00:36 +0000

These Hong Kong waterfall hikes are perfect for warmer days. From the Mirror Pool at Plover Cove to the popular Ng Tung Chai waterfalls, this hiking guide has it all covered.

Heat and humidity are part and parcel of Hong Kong living, so we’re always keen for a hike that offers a water break. This city is home to dozens of waterfalls and rock pools. While several of them are a mission to find, you’ve probably been close to many of these natural cascades without even knowing it. We’ve compiled a list of some of Hong Kong’s most accessible waterfall hikes, just off the beaten path (keep in mind that the amount of water flowing will depend on how much it’s been raining).

Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls – Home to the highest Hong Kong waterfall

Looking for more than one waterfall in one hike? This trail has four. The north-western face of Tai Mo Shan, Hong Kong’s tallest peak, boasts some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the city, with the highest being 35 metres tall. It’s the perfect place for swimming and picnicking, with a cultural stop at the Man Tak Yuen temple along the way.

Getting there: Take minibus 25K from Tai Wo station to Ng Tung Chai Road. Get off the bus and continue along the road for about 10 to 15 minutes until you see a path that branches off to the right. Follow straight on past the village houses until you reach a rock-paved path heading towards a temple. Continue past the temple as you reach Bottom Fall (the first fall on the main path). The path gets much steeper beyond that, but the views further up are worth the climb.

Length: 3km (one way)
Time at a leisurely pace: About an hour
Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced (depending on which waterfalls you tackle)
Avoiding wrong turns: Stay on the main path. It takes you to all of the falls and is much less slippery and steep than shortcuts that might tempt you.

Getting home: Best to go back the way you came.

Read more: The Best Public Pools In Hong Kong

Sheung Luk Stream – Rock pool in Sai Kung

Picturesque photo opportunities atop breathtaking cliffs are everywhere in this tiered series of waterfalls and natural pools hidden in the hills between Sai Wan and Ham Tin beaches in the Tai Long Wan cove (just make sure to watch your step!). They are a perfect side stop for a day trip to the beach or during a camping weekend.

Getting there: From Sai Kung town, take the 29R minibus route to Sai Wan Pavilion, or take a taxi. Then it’s a 40-minute walk to the beach, but stick to the left until you see the end of the stream and trek into overgrown shrubs, where you will find fenced off farmlands on your left. Continue walking for another 15 minutes until you reach the waterfalls.

Length: 3.5km (one way)
Time at a leisurely pace: About an hour
Difficulty: Beginner
Avoiding wrong turns: There is a cement footbridge that crosses the river – don’t go over it. Stay on the path to the left. As the path is mostly off-beat, it will be best navigated with someone familiar with the area.

Getting home: Either hike back out the way you came, or arrange a sampan which will take 45 minutes and cost from $100 up from Sai Wan or Ham Tim, the next beach over in the inlet. You should arrange your boat before you leave Sai Kung town as they can get full, or may not be running due to weather.

Bride’s Pool And Mirror Pool – Waterfall hike at Plover Cove, near Tai Mei Tuk

Urban legend has it that the area gets its name from a bride who fell into the pool when she was being carried in a sedan chair during stormy weather. Today, there is a clearly marked, paved and flat path to get to the falls – phew! There are some beautiful trails around Plover Cove, so it’s worth using these as brief picnic and snack stops during a full day of wandering in the area.

Getting there: From Tai Po Market MTR station, take bus route 275R (only runs on Sundays and public holidays) to Bride’s Pool, or hop on a taxi which will take about 25 minutes. From there, there are clearly marked paths for the Bride’s Pool Nature Trail. Once past the trailhead, go down the stairs and over the bridge where you’ll need to turn left to arrive at the falls.

Length: Less than 1km to Bride’s Pool and less than 1km beyond that to Mirror Pool
Time at a leisurely pace: 30 to 45 minutes (one way)
Difficulty: Beginner
Avoiding wrong turns: As there are so many trails around here, directions are clearly signed. If in doubt, Google Maps is your friend.

Getting home: Call or hail a taxi from the trailhead if there are no buses, or spend some time at Tai Mei Tuk (a nice waterfront area filled with restaurants and bike paths) on the way out. There are buses or taxis to take you back to the MTR from there.

Silvermine Waterfall – Hike three sets of waterfalls

Even easier to get to than Tai O waterfalls, this series of waterfalls begins less than two kilometres from Mui Wo Pier. There are three sets of falls, the Silvermine lower falls, Pearl falls and Silvermine main falls. They are all heavily dependent on rain flow, so there isn’t much opportunity for swimming in summer – make the most of your trip by visiting in the wet season instead.

Getting there: From the ferry pier walk towards the beach and follow it along towards Silvermine Beach Resort. Right before Silvermine Beach Resort, turn left and head straight. You will see signs for the waterfalls and shuttered Silvermine Cave.

Length: About 3km (one way)
Time at a leisurely pace: About an hour
Difficulty: Beginner
Avoiding wrong turns: The path will fork about 300 metres after you leave the beach, stay to the left of the creek, taking the left path.

Getting home: There are some much longer hiking paths connected to these trails but, for a short trip, the easiest path is simply back the way you came.

Wong Lung Hang Stream (Yellow Dragon Stream) – Scenic waterfall hike near Tung Chung

This hike is made all the more exciting by the fact that you can actually trek through the stream! Wong Lung Hang or Yellow Dragon Stream is one of Hong Kong’s most picturesque, introductory-level stream treks. Lung Mei (Dragon’s Tail) Falls is a very scenic gorge, surrounded on all sides by waterfalls and there are a few falls on the route with opportunities to climb up some of the waterfalls with ropes – but this is best left to experienced climbers.

Getting there: Take the MTR to Tung Chung and take a taxi to Chek Lap Kok Village. Walk to Wong Lung Hang Picnic Area and begin your trek along Wong Lung Hang Country Trail through to Wong Lung Hang Stream. At the end of the stream, go left towards a downward slope and begin the walk towards the stream. Onwards, follow the dam on the right and climb to cross the water pool where you will see the stream.

Length: About 10km
Time at a leisurely pace: 3 hours there and 3 hours back. Wong Lung Waterfall is 2 hours into the trek and 1 hour into the stream, where there is a really nice pool for swimming.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Avoiding wrong turns: There are a few smaller streams merging into Wong Lung Hang but you must stay on the main stream.

Getting home: Head back the way you came and take the MTR from Tung Chung.

Ma Dai Stream – Tranquil and accessible waterfall in Ma On Shan

Ma Dai Stream is located in Ma On Shan Country Park in the New Territories and is one of Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets. There are opportunities to go canyoning here and to slide through the water, but this needs to be done with an experienced guide. The waterfall itself can be appreciated by a relatively short hike, although be prepared to get wet as you’ll need to scramble over rocks.

Getting there: Take the MTR to Tai Shui Hang and leave at Exit B. Head left and follow along Hang Tak Street. At the end of the path take the road on the right, which will eventually lead you to a dam. The trail towards the stream will be on the left, just before the dam. Following the trail, turn left at the end where you will see another dam and bridge. Cross the bridge, turn left and you will arrive at the entrance of the stream and the beautiful Hero’s cliff.

Length: About 5km
Time at a leisurely pace: 2 hours (one way)
Difficulty: Advanced (involves you to climb up on all fours)

Getting home: If you keep following the path you will hit a fork, turn left and keep on the path past the private farm and on to Man On Shan Country Trail. Take a left past the picnic area and on to Man On Shan Tsuen Road and follow directions to Heng On MTR.

Ping Nam Stream – Picturesque and lesser known Hong Kong waterfall

This hike takes you up near Wilson Trail section 10 and off the beaten track along rocks and through streams to a stunning waterfall. Hula Skirt fall is the first waterfall you’ll encounter followed by Twin Falls. There are also great views along the Nam Chung Trail and on a clear day you can see Shenzhen in the distance.

Getting there: Take bus 78K or mininus 56K from Fanling MTR to Nam Chung, then head towards Luk Keng Road. The stream will just be a quick 35 minutes ahead. When you reach an intersection, turn right and go straight ahead until you reach the dam. Follow the stairs on the right and turn left once at the top. Continue alongside the railing and turn left onto a dirt road before heading down towards the stream.

Length: About 6km
Time at a leisurely pace: 5 hours (including a dip)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Avoiding wrong turns: At the dam (2.5km from the bus stop), don’t try to jump the fence, climb the stairs on the right, then head left at the top, following the railing. Then left again and there’s a loosely defined footpath going through the bushes, that’s where you are going.

Getting home: The same way you came.

Tai Yuen Stream – A waterfall hike for the daredevils and nature lovers

This is another series of falls in the Tai Mo Shan area with a stream running from Tai Mo Shan to Yuen Yuen Institute. Two waterfalls, Cliff of Flying Monkey and Jumping White Dragon are some of the standouts on the hike, however please be advised that getting to these requires a steep scramble directly up the rock face and is definitely for confident and competent climbers.

Getting there: From Tsuen Wan MTR exit B2, head towards Shiu Wo Street to catch minibus route 81. Get off at the final stop which is Western Monastery on Lo Wai Road. The trail towards the stream begins at the back of Yuen Yuen Institute where you will find a footpath that leads towards the stream. Follow the path past Lo Wai Village and you will find catch-water facilities of Tai Yuen Stream. Continue onwards and you will reach the entrance of the stream.

Length: 2km
Time at a leisurely pace: 40 minutes from Yuen Yuen Institute
Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced (the path can get very slippery)
Avoiding wrong turns: Follow the stream.

Getting home: Head back the way you came.

Sassy Tip: Make sure to look up the difficulty of the trail route and take necessary precautions before and during your hike. Check the weather for high temperatures or unexpected rain, bring water, wear appropriate clothing and shoes with a good grip, stay on the path and keep your mobile charged in case you need to make an emergency call.

Once you’re a seasoned hike expert, make sure you check out the most challenging hiking trails Hong Kong has to offer. Or, better yet, see if you can complete every one of these bucket list hikes (tag us on Instagram if you do!). For more hike options, we’ve got a list of shaded hikes, beginner hikes, hikes under two hours and hikes to get you to the beach.

Editor’s Note: “The Best Waterfall Hikes In Hong Kong” was originally published by Eleni H and most recently updated in April 2023 by Fashila Kanakka.

The post The Best Waterfall Hikes In Hong Kong appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

The Best Hikes In Kowloon: Lion Rock, Suicide Cliff & More

Team Sassy — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 22:00:39 +0000

Kowloon is home to some of our favourite hikes, from the majestic Lion Rock to the daredevil Suicide Cliff and more. So get in, we’re going hiking!

Whether Kowloon has been your home for years or is a whole new world, there are plenty of peaks worth trekking. With easy-to-reach starting points and stunning views, there’s something for beginner hikers and seasoned trekkers alike. Sure, beach hikes might not be as readily available here but if you’re looking for panoramic city views and acrophobia-inducing cliffs, these Kowloon hikes have everything you need.

Editor’s Note: Check the weather for high temperatures or unexpected rain, bring water, wear appropriate clothing and shoes, stay on the path and keep your mobile charged in case you need to make an emergency call.

Suicide Cliff

As the name suggests, this hike is not for the faint-hearted. But if you’re looking for a challenging hike, Suicide Cliff could be your next big adventure. This spot is incredibly popular with photographers and is all over Instagram thanks to its breathtaking views (which must be experienced in person for the full effect). It is quite a risky hike though, especially if you decide to head out onto the cliff, so be sure to find someone experienced to accompany you and be super careful at all times.

Distance: 1.3km
Elevation: 469m
Duration: 2 hours (or longer, if you’re obsessed with getting the perfect Instagram shot)
Difficulty: Advanced

Getting there: There are quite a few routes up Suicide Cliff. One begins at a small unmarked path along Fei Ngo Shan Road. To get there, take minibus 1A from Choi Hung MTR Station Exit C1 and get off at Fei Ngo Shan Road (best to notify your driver once you get on the minibus because they don’t always stop there). Walk along Fei Ngo Shan Road until you see a small winding path on your left and walk in. The trail towards Suicide Cliff can be found right before the entrance to a residential building. Click here for Google Map directions.

Getting home: Return to Fei Ngo Shan Road the way you came and walk or take minibus 1A back to Choi Hung MTR Station. Alternatively, continue walking up to Kowloon Peak, which will take around 15 minutes. You’ll know that you’ve reached the peak when you see a television transmission tower and a helipad. Head back down the steps to return to Fei Ngo Shan Road.

Kowloon Peak

If the Suicide Cliff hike doesn’t do it for you, try going up Kowloon Peak (aka Fei Ngo Shan) from a different spot and make your way across three (or even four!) peaks in one day. This route will lead you through the summits of Kowloon Peak, Middle Hill and Tung Shan, and ends at Tsz Wan Shan near Wong Tai Sin. Suicide Cliff is still accessible on this hike, so you’re not missing out on any (heart-pumping) fun.

Distance: 8km (excluding Lion Rock hike)
Elevation: 603m
Duration: 3.5 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced

Getting there: Take minibus 1A from Choi Hung MTR Station Exit C1 and get off at Fei Ngo Shan Road. Walk uphill along Fei Ngo Shan Road (but don’t turn left onto the path), passing by a pavilion on your left and a rock marked with “Fei Ngo Shan” on your right. Continue walking until you see a stone tablet with “328” in red on it, which marks the start of the trail towards Kowloon Peak. After reaching the summit (the transmission tower and helipad), you can choose between heading south towards Suicide Cliff, or north for Middle Hill. Click here for further directions.

Getting home: Walk 50 minutes or take a 15-minute taxi ride from the Lion’s Pavilion to Wong Tai Sin MTR station.

Lion Rock

Watching over Kowloon is a majestic lion, a spectacle of nature aptly named Lion Rock. A symbol of Hong Kong’s can-do attitude in the 1970s, Lion Rock is where you’ll be rewarded with the most amazing, sweeping views of the city. Climb onto the rock itself for the full experience and a stunning picture to match!

Distance: 3km
Elevation: 495m
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Intermediate

Getting there: Most people begin their hike to Lion Rock from the east, but only by coming from the west will you see the side of the rock that looks like a lion.

East entrance: Catch a taxi from Wong Tai Sin MTR station Exit B3 for a 10-minute ride to the Lion’s Pavilion, then make your way down the slope to the start of the trail, which is marked by the “Lion Rock Country Park” arch. You could also walk to the start from Wong Tai Sin MTR station, which would take an extra 50 minutes.

West entrance: Take KMB buses 1/2B/7M/11C/11K/103/211 or green minibuses 72/73 and get off at Tin Wang Court, then head back down Chuk Yuen Road until you reach a very long staircase. Go up the stairs and you’ll reach Lion Rock Park Community Garden, where another flight of stairs will lead you to Lion Rock. You could also walk to the long staircase from Wong Tai Sin station Exit B1, which would take around 15 minutes.

Getting home: Beginning your hike from the Lion’s Pavilion will lead you to Lion Rock Park Community Garden at the end of your hike and vice versa. Simply head home by walking or taking a taxi back to Wong Tai Sin station from either side. We love ending the hike with an ice-cold tofu pudding (with lots of crunchy red sugar and lashings of syrup, of course) at the cute little shack near the Lion’s Pavilion.

Kam Shan Country Park (Monkey Hill)

On the outskirts of north-western Kowloon is Monkey Hill, also known as Kam Shan Country Park, which is where the Smugglers’ Pass hike is located. As per its name, Monkey Hill is teeming with macaques, which are rumoured to be descended from pet monkeys released in the 1920s. Cute as they are, these little critters can get quite aggressive once they think you have food to offer, so unless you’re up for a mini Planet of the Apes re-enactment, we’d advise you to keep your food hidden.

This hike also offers a slice of history for all those interested in World War Two relics and Hong Kong’s colonial past. You will find the Shing Mun Redoubt, a range of trenches and bunkers with names like Charing Cross and Shaftesbury Avenue. The redoubt served as the defensive headquarters of the Gin Drinkers’ Line, a military defensive line against the Japanese invasion back in World War Two.

Distance: 6km
Elevation: 337m
Duration: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Beginner

Getting there: Take KMB buses 72/81 and get off at Shek Lei Pui Reservoir. Walk along Golden Hill Road and enter Kam Shan Country Park, then begin your hike at the Kam Shan Family Walk. Click here for further directions.

Getting home: The end of the trail leads to the Shing Mun Reservoir minibus stop. Though you’ll technically not be in Kowloon anymore, you’ll find yourself back in the city in less than 20 minutes by taking minibus 82 to Tsuen Wan.

Garden Hill

Garden Hill technically isn’t a hike, but it’s one of the best urban gems the city has to offer. Amidst the dense concrete of Sham Shui Po is an elevated oasis that looks over the chaos below, easily accessible by a staircase near Garden Bakery. Head up just before sunset with a friend and a bit of food for a whimsical picnic with the city right beneath your feet.

Distance: There are concrete estimates and unfortunately we couldn’t find the time to go measure with a trundle wheel (or measuring tape?) but trust us, it’s short enough
Elevation: 90m
Duration: 20 minutes (or more if you plan on spending time at the top)
Difficulty: Beginner

Getting there: Take Exit D2 of Sham Shui Po MTR station and make your way towards Mei Ho House, which is right behind Garden Bakery. You will find a sign that points towards the “Path Up Hill” right before you reach Mei Ho House. Simply follow the sign and head up the stairs.

Getting home: Head back to Sham Shui Po MTR station the way you came.

Devil’s Peak

Don’t be deceived by its name, Devil’s Peak is completely beginner-friendly and a short and easy hike that’s well-paved all throughout the trail. The hill was once home to ferocious pirates in the Ming Dynasty, including the notorious pirate, Cheng Lin Cheong, hence the name Devil’s Peak. It’s a shaded climb (all stairs) to the top but be sure to stop by and check the World War Two relics before you rush up to the summit.

Distance: Approximately 2.6 kilometres
Duration: About one hour to the summit
Elevation: 222m
Difficulty: Beginner

Getting home: We suggest coming back down the same way for the easiest way to get home or continue on with your day. The nearest MTR station is Yau Tong Exit B2.

Editor’s Note: “The Best Hikes In Kowloon” was originally published by Tania Shroff and most recently updated in March 2023 by Fashila Kanakka.

The post The Best Hikes In Kowloon: Lion Rock, Suicide Cliff & More appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Your Ultimate Guide To Beginner-Friendly & Easy Hikes In Hong Kong

Fashila Kanakka — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 22:00:08 +0000

We love a good easy beginner-friendly hike that still makes an awesome (and short!) workout, with sweeping views of nature and the urban jungle, and best of all, they’re a stone’s throw away from the city.

Those of us who are constantly Googling “beginner-friendly hikes in Hong Kong”, this one’s for you – and this writer means it when she says beginner-friendly! We may say the mountains are calling (especially when Hong Kong gets chilly) but get put off by endless flights of stairs. If you’re the anxious type, you will appreciate these short and easy hikes where you can walk on the wild side, worry-free. Plus, these trails are meant for just about anyone. To summit up, here are our top picks of the best beginner-friendly hikes in Hong Kong. And once you’re a seasoned expert, check out the most challenging hikes in Hong Kong.

Editor’s Note: While these are beginner hikes, it’s still important to be prepared and mindful of your safety. Make sure to look up the difficulty of the trail route and take necessary precautions before and during your hike (safety before Instagram!). Check the weather for high temperatures or unexpected rain, bring water, wear appropriate clothing and shoes, stay on the path and keep your mobile charged in case you need to make an emergency call.

Jump To:
Beginner-Friendly Hikes On Hong Kong Island
Beginner-Friendly Hikes In Kowloon
Beginner-Friendly Hikes In The New Territories And Outlying Islands

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes On Hong Kong Island

Cape D’Aguilar

Some of our friends marvel at the sight of Cape D’Aguilar when we post it on Instagram, simply because it looks out of Hong Kong! From beautiful caves to World War Two relics and bones of Miss Willy (whose death still remains a mystery!), this easy hike can be done any time of day and some also prefer tenting out to catch the Milky Way in all its glory.

How to get there: Bus route 9 from Shau Kei Wan and alight at Cape D’Aguilar stop. You will land right at your starting point which is a straight walk that’s partially shaded.
Duration: Roughly one hour to walk from the bus stop to Cape D’Aguilar, and then you walk back the same way.
Distance: Approximately 8 kilometres

The Morning Trail

The accessible, paved route and well-known trail makes this the best candidate for your first push into the city’s green spaces. It’s an easy walk from Central, making it ideal for before or after work. We suggest you ignore the name and strike out in the evening, as the path is well lit and the city views are spectacular at all hours of the day. Plus, this leisurely hike ends with plenty of options for a feast!

How to get there: Take the number 13 bus to the Kotewall Road Bus Terminus or a taxi to Hatton Road. Walk up the hill at Hatton Road which will turn into the trail.
Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Distance: Approximately 2.8 kilometres

Red Incense Burner Summit (Braemar Hill)

Deemed as one of the best viewing points on Hong Kong Island, hikers flock to Red Incense Burner Summit to catch the picture-perfect sunset and also Hong Kong’s glorious night view. From the summit, you can see Hong Kong Island and Kowloon stretch out, and keep your eyes peeled and spot Tai Mo Shan in the distance. The hike will take you a maximum of half an hour to hike – it simply doesn’t get any easier and any less rewarding than this!

How to get there: Minibus routes 25 and 49M will drop you on Braemar Hill Bus Terminus which is right by the starting point. There are plenty more buses, see the alternative routes here.
Duration: 15 minutes to half an hour
Distance: Approximately 0.5 kilometres

Brick Hill

We like to think of Brick Hill as the Rescue Trail’s (much) easier cousin, because you can hike right by Ocean Park’s cable cars! The gradual slope here can be tackled by beginners and seasoned hikers alike and you’ll be greeted by a 180-degree view of Ap Lei Chau, Lamma Island, Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay. Plus, if you’re a fan of Ocean Park sunsets, take on this hike around the afternoon for a leisurely climb and end with beautiful golden hour sky.

How to get there: Get to Nam Long Shan Road Cooked Food Market from Wong Chuk Hang MTR Station Exit B. Then, make your way to Singapore International School and walk up Nam Long Shan Road. Next, turn left to Nam Long Shan Road Rest Garden which will lead you to Brick Hill Pavilion.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Distance: Approximately 5 kilometres

Read More: The Best Waterfalls In Hong Kong

Dragon’s Back

Even if you haven’t done this hike, you’ll have heard of it. Named for the rugged ridge-line that runs up the Southwest peninsula of Hong Kong Island, Dragon’s Back offers panoramic views of Stanley and Shek O where it’s not unusual to see paragliders drifting along the hills. After a gradual uphill climb for the first kilometre and a half, there are a few small climbs followed by flat and downhill trails, finishing in the tucked away Big Wave Bay. It is the ideal trek for showing off our gorgeous city when you’ve got visitors in town.

Getting there: Take bus route 9 from Shau Kei Wan and get off at To Tei Wan stop, you’ll likely see a bunch of hikers alighting here.
Duration: 2 hours (longer if you stop for snacks and admiring views)
Distance: Approximately 8.5 kilometres

Mount High West

The route you take up to the summit of Mount High West will determine the overall difficulty of this hike, but for this article, we’ll focus on the easiest way up. This hike is known to have one of the most scenic views of the western peninsula of Hong Kong Island and panoramic views of Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam, Kennedy Town, Sai Ying Pun, alongside ICC and West Kowloon on the opposite side.

Getting there: You can combine your hike up to Victoria Peak (or well, take the tram up) and after reaching the Peak Tower, walk towards the Peak Morning Trail (Harlech Road Fitness Trail) until you reach the park. Walk through the park to reach the “Treacherous Trail”, don’t worry it simply gets its name for its rugged path. Follow the signs posting Mount High West and before you know it, you’re there at the viewing point.
Duration: 30 minutes to one hour (depending on breaks)
Distance: Approximately 2 kilometres

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes In Kowloon

Devil’s Peak

Getting there: Get off Yau Tong Exit B2 and walk along Cha Kwo Ling Road until you reach the intersection at Yau Tong Road. Get to Junk Bay Chinese Permanent Cemetary Access Road and walk along the gentle slope ahead until you see a flight of stairs pointing to Wilson Trail Section 3.
Duration: About one hour to the summit
Distance: Approximately 2.6 kilometres

Monkey Mountain (Kam Shan Country Park Tree Walk)

Quit monkeying around and take on Kam Shan Country Park, but be warned, there are plenty of monkeys (about 85% of the whole city’s population reside here!) and they aren’t shy or afraid of humans. But that shouldn’t stop you from basking in the natural beauty that surrounds four key reservoirs in the Kowloon and New Territories area. Just be mindful to not show food in front of the monkeys, but there is a barbecue area for those who like to live dangerously!

Getting there: There are a number of bus routes from various parts of Hong Kong, they will drop you right outside the country park. See the list of bus routes here.
Duration: 30 minutes to one hour depending on breaks
Distance: Approximately 1 kilometre

Sassy Tip: You can also take on the Kam Shan Family Walk (1 kilometre), Kowloon Group of Reservoirs (3 kilometres) or the Smuggler’s Ridge trail (4 kilometres).

Read More: The Best Hikes In Kowloon

Garden Hill

A hike in Sham Shui Po? That’s also a short 15-minute walk up? And best of all, an easy hike? That’s Garden Hill for you! If you’re looking to get a quiet spot for yourself or to chill with friends over a can of beer, this short, urban hike needs to be on your list – especially if you’re an avid urban photographer because the night lights here will have everyone taking out their cameras.

Getting there: Get out at Exit D2, Sham Shui Po MTR. Walk straight on Kweilin Street until you see Mei Ho House on Castle Peak Road. Walk over to Berwick Street and follow the path up to Garden Hill from Mei Ho House Youth Hostel (right by No Milkshake No Life).
Duration: About 15 minutes
Distance: Approximately 0.6 kilometres

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes In The New Territories And Outlying Islands

Thousand Islands Hike (Tai Lam Chung Reservoir)

Shaded? Check. Well-paved? Check. Short and easy hike? Check, check, check! We love that it feels like a walk in the forest for the most part, with little to no sights of tall buildings nearby, it’s just you and nature. And it continues this way all the way to the stunning summit. On a clear day, you can see Shenzhen’s skyline in the distance too! This trail is also very popular amongst mountain bikers (probably best to stay on one side of the road).

Getting there: Catch minibus route 43 from Tuen Mun Station Exit B and alight at So Kwun Wat village. Follow the signs posting MacLehose Trail near Tin Hau temple.
Duration: 1 hour
Distance: Approximately 4 kilometres

Tai Mo Shan Easy Route

Tai Mo Shan aka Hong Kong’s tallest peak on the list of beginner-friendly and easy hikes? Sure that’s bound to make you raise an eyebrow but take this as a cheat sheet of short cuts! This route follows MacLehose Trail Section 8 from Tai Mo Shan Visitor’s Centre, next to the Rotary Club Campsite. The catch here is, the starting point of this route is already 470 metres above sea level, as compared to other routes that are longer and start lower on the ground. There are however, some very steep (but very short) inclines towards the beginning of this hike.

Getting there: Take KMB bus route 51 and alight at the Tai Mo Shan Country Park bus stop. Make your way to the visitor centre and the Tai Mo Shan Picnic Site and follow signs posting MacLehose Trail.
Duration: About 2 hours
Distance: Approximately 4 kilometres

Po Toi

If you’re looking to unplug and get away from Hong Kong’s hustle and bustle, grab a ferry to Po Toi. Also known as Hong Kong’s South Pole, there will only be sea and sky stretching as far as you can see and the island is famed for its peculiar rock formations, rock carvings and seaweed. Just be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen (carry some with you) and bring enough water. There is little to no shade and we recommend going in the cooler months. Other than that, hiking around this island is a breeze. Plus, some people come to this island solely for its Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant!

Getting there: Take a ferry from Stanley or Aberdeen. See ferry schedules here. Bear in mind the frequency is very scarce.
Duration: about 2 to 3 hours (depending on breaks)
Distance: Approximately 4.5 kilometres

Sok Kwu Wan Circular Trail, Lamma Island

We’ve taken on this circular trail on south Lamma Island and have been recommending it since! From exploring abandoned houses at Mo Tat Wan to stopping by Shek Pai Wai beach and spotting peculiar rock formations along the way, the Sok Kwu Wan Circular Trail is a complete package. You can also spot by seafood restaurants along the ferry pier before or after your hike.

Getting there: Take the ferry to Sok Kwu Wan from Central Ferry Pier. Walk left from the seafood restaurants until you see a public toilet and a flight of stairs next to it. This is the starting point of the hike.
Duration: About 2 hours
Distance: Approximately 5 kilometres

Tai Long Wan

One of the most pristine beaches in Hong Kong, hiking to Tai Long Wan is often on everyone’s Hong Kong bucket list. There are a total of four beaches in Tai Long Wan and so the duration, length and difficulty of the hike varies on your destination. The first beach, Sai Wan is the easiest to get to, followed by Ham Tin Beach (often the most popular for camping), and then Tai Wan Beach and Tai Lung Beach which are both far more secluded and the paths here are rocky. See our full guide to Tai Long Wan here.

Getting there: Get to Sai Wan Pavilion from Sai Kung Town either via village bus NR29 or taxi, and follow the signs to Sai Wan.
Duration: About 2 hours to cover all four beaches without breaks
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometres

Shing Mun Reservoir

For a shaded hike that’s also easy, look to Shing Mun Reservoir which compiles a little bit of everything, from a brisk walk to gentle slopes and more steep inclines in some sections. Hikers can opt to only complete until Pineapple Dam and turn back or complete the full loop, either way, it’s scenic and peaceful (until you come face-to-face with the monkeys at least!). From the Shing Mun Leisure Deck to the paperback tree forest, your senses are in for a feast!

Getting there: Take minibus route 82 from Shiu Wo Street, Tsuen Wan. This will drop you right at the starting point.
Duration: About 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 7 kilometres

Editor’s Note: “Your Ultimate Guide To Beginner-Friendly & Easy Hikes In Hong Kong” was most recently updated in February 2023 by Fashila Kanakka.

The post Your Ultimate Guide To Beginner-Friendly & Easy Hikes In Hong Kong appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

The Hardest Hong Kong Hikes To Tackle This Year

Team Sassy — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 22:00:52 +0000

Looking for a challenging hiking trail to conquer this year? Here are seven of the hardest Hong Kong hikes to add to your bucket list.

If you’ve conquered Lion Rock and Dragon’s Back enough times, and feel ready to take the challenge to a new level, there’s no lack of hiking trails in Hong Kong. But if you’re looking to push yourself beyond your limits in the great outdoors, here are the seven of the hardest Hong Kong hikes for the brave of heart. So, skip the high intensity workout, pack your hiking gear and call your fitness buddies to explore some of the most challenging hikes this city has to offer.

Disclaimer: These are especially challenging hikes so it’s important to be prepared. Make sure to look up the difficulty of the trail route and take necessary precautions before and during your hike. Check the weather for high temperatures or unexpected rain, bring water, wear appropriate clothing and shoes, stay on the path and keep your mobile charged in case you need to make an emergency call.

Twin Peaks & Violet Hill – 1,000 steps to the top

Involving 1,000 gruelling steps, this trek promises the reward of unbeatable views of Stanley and the outlying islands. The trail starts with a long, gradual hike up to Violet Hill (before you ask — no, this doesn’t count as any of the steps). As you descend the trail toward Repulse Bay, you will see an ominous indent running up the middle of the mountain in front of you — those are the steps. This is just the first twin, but don’t worry, the second is only about a quarter as big as the first. Once you reach the second summit, it’s all downhill to the road leading into Stanley!

How to get to Twin Peaks: From Exchange Square, take the Number 6 or Number 66 bus to Tai Tam Reservoir Road (Parkview). Alternatively, taxi it straight there. Starting from Parkview, take a left onto the main street and stay on that side of the road. You will see trail markers for the Hong Kong Trail on the opposite side of the street. About 50 metres past those signs on your side of the road, you will see a trail map at the bottom of some stairs leading into the woods adjacent to Parkview. Then simply follow the signs. The trail finishes on Stanley Gap Road at the Wilson Trail bus stop.

Distance: 5km
Duration: 2.5 hours
Getting home: If you want to go down to Stanley, take any of the buses or a taxi from the same side of the road where you have finished. To head to Central, cross the street and take a right to the bus stop where you can take the 6 or the 6A back into town.

Read More: The Best Beach Hikes In Hong Kong

Tai Mo Shan – Hong Kong’s highest peak

Tai Mo Shan, literally, “Big Hat Mountain”, is the highest peak in Hong Kong, with an elevation of 957m. It’s worth mentioning that in the warmer months, the paths uphill are often swallowed up by fog (hence the name). Though this hike is not as difficult as it may sound, you’ll need to be prepared for the seemingly endless stairs at the beginning and towards the end of the trail (a pair of utility gloves will come in handy). At the top, you’ll see the highest point on Tai Mo Shan, occupied by a Hong Kong Observatory weather radar station. You can finally say you’ve reached the highest point in Hong Kong – enjoy sweeping views of green landscapes and feel on top of the world!

How to get to Tai Mo Shan: Take bus No. 51 at Tsuen Wan MTR Station and get off at Tai Mo Shan Country Park. Walk for around five minutes and you will reach the Twisk Management Centre, where MacLehose Trail Stage 8 starts. The first two kilometres are all about hiking up and there are well-paved stone steps along the way. Onwards, follow the MacLehose Trail signs and you will soon find yourself standing in front of a guard post at M152. Once you’ve passed the guard post, walk along the service road that will lead you up to Tai Mo Shan.

Distance: 10km (approx.)
Duration: 5 hours
Getting home: Either hike back out the way you came or descend from Lead Mine Pass (M140). Hike along the Wilson trail for 2km down and take the 23K green minibus to Tai Po Market MTR Station.

Pyramid Hill – A conical hill starting from Ma On Shan Country Park

Pyramid Hill is part of MacLehose Trail Stage Four, which is considered one of the most difficult hikes of all trails. A prominent feature of Ma On Shan Country Park, the conical hill with a 536m summit is 12km in length and goes along the ridge of the hills, exposing hikers to all inclement weather. But with unbeatable views of Sai Kung Peninsula from the top, this hike is worth the challenge!

How to get to Pyramid Hill: Take village bus NR84 from Sunshine City Bus Terminal near Ma On Shan MTR and get off at Ma On Shan barbecue site (the bus only operates three times in the morning at 8am, 9am and 10:30am). If you take a taxi, ask the driver to drop you off at the village bus terminal (you’ll see a carpark). Take the staircase next to the terminal and begin the trekking. After around 20 minutes, you will reach an intersection with a pavilion, which marks the start of the MacLehose Trail Stage Four. Head right from there. After a few more minutes, you’ll reach an open plain where you’ll have a great view of Sai Kung, and behind you is Pyramid Hill.

Distance: 12km (approx.)
Duration: 4 hours
Getting home: After Pyramid Hill, at around M077, you will find stone steps descending to Kei Ling (approx. 2km). After passing by a camping site and a barbecue site, you will reach Sai Sha Road, where you can take buses to either Shatin (No. 99 or No. 299 bus) or Sai Kung.

Castle Peak – Steep slopes to the summit

Considered one of the three sharpest peaks in Hong Kong, Castle Peak (aka Tsing Shan) is the highest peak in northwest New Territories. We won’t lie to you, this is a challenging and physically demanding trail with steep slopes, but you will be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of Tuen Mun, Yuen Long Pak Nai from the summit, and even the airport and the Shenzhen Deep Bay on a clear day.

How to get to Castle Peak: The trail starts from Exit B of Tuen Mun Railway Station. Head to Hing Choi Street, walk to the end of the road and turn left to Tsing Shan Monastery Path. Keep walking uphill when you see the monumental archway. You will reach a junction where Tsing Shan Monastery is on the right, with the stairs to Castle Peak on the left. Turn left and you will reach a pavilion shortly. Pass through the pavilion, trace the path on the left, and then follow the long and steep flight of steps that winds along the hillside uphill with well paved steps at the initial section. Once you’ve reached the mid-level, the slope becomes gentle and you can take your time to enjoy a stunning view of Tuen Mun. Further up, the trail gets rougher and steeper. After steadily ascending, it leads to the pavilion near the summit. Taking the side path on the left towards the transmission facilities, it pushes to the hilltop.

Distance: 6km (approx.)
Duration: 5 hours
Getting home: Follow the main sandy trail on the ridge. Take the steep path next to the green construction and descend to Leung Tin Au where the road can lead you down to Leung King Estate. There minibus No. 48S, or bus No. 58M and 58X will get you to Mong Kok and various MTR stations.

High Junk Peak – A tough but rewarding climb

Offering a 360-degree view of Clear Water Bay and the New Territories, High Junk Peak claims the highest accessible point on the Clear Water Bay Peninsula at 344 metres. Expect a few gravel sections and the occasional need to scramble up steep hillsides. There are a number of retreat points along the way, but with strong will and determination, you’ll arrive at the narrow summit in one piece and be rewarded with some breath-taking panoramic vistas at the top.

How to get to High Junk Peak: The starting point, Ng Fai Tin, can be reached from either Hong Kong Island or Kowloon. Take the No. 103M green minibus from Tsuen Kwan O MTR station, 103 green minibus from Kwun Tong, or bus 91 from Diamond Hill and alight at Ng Fai Tin. Cross the road and follow the steps up by the sign board for High Junk Peak.

Distance: 8.5km (approx.)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Getting home: From the High Junk Peak, continue down to Po Toi O then take 16 green minibus at the entrance of Po Tai Chun to MTR Po Lam station.

Read More: The Best Hikes In Kowloon

Shek Uk Shan – Sai Kung Peninsula’s highest hill

Contrary to popular belief, Sai Kung Peninsula’s highest hill is in fact Shek Uk Shan (481m), not Sharp Peak (468m). If the Sharp Peak was easy-peasy for you, take this lesser-known trail to really work on those hiking skills! This hiking trail is best for a sunset view of the lofty hill of Ma On Shan, Three Fathoms Cove and a distance view over Plover Cove Reservoir and Tolo Channel.

How to get to Shek Uk Shan: Take green minibus No. 7 from Sai Kung. Get off at Pak Sha O Youth Hostel and then follow the concrete path. After hiking for around 35 minutes, you’ll arrive at a junction. Turn left towards Sham Shung. After another 1km, you’ll reach a four-way junction. The path continues on to Sham Shung but you want to turn left instead and start bushwhacking (yes, you heard us right). This is the hardest part of the trail as it is overgrown and steep all the way up and you will have to climb for 2km until you reach the top of Shek Uk Shan.

Distance: 9km (approx.)
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Getting home: Follow the signs to Pak Tam Au and you will see the signpost indicating MacLehose Trail Stage Three. Take the stairs going down to the road. Once you cross the road, you can take bus No. 96R to Diamond Hill or No. 94 to Sai Kung.

Sharp Peak – A challenging trail for experienced hikers

Dubbed as the ultimate Hong Kong wilderness hike, Sharp Peak (aka Nam She Tsim, meaning the hill of snakes) is a tough hiking trail for experienced hikers. Sharp Peak is known for its winding and rugged mountain paths and therefore a good level of fitness is required for this hike. The most challenging part of the hike is towards the end, when you need to climb/clamber up a steep and strenuous cliff, which eventually leads you up to the hilltop. Once you’ve successfully made it to the summit, you’ll be rewarded by magnificent views of wondrous natural landscapes. In the northwest is the scenery of Pat Sin Leng mountain range and Plover Cove Reservoir, while Mirs Bay, Grass Island and other outlying islands are found in the northeast.

How to get to Sharp Peak: From Sai Kung, take a taxi to the Eastern part of the High Island Reservoir (it’s a restricted area, so no public transport is available). Once you get off, walk past the principal dam and the pavilion, turn left and you will have reached the starting point of the hike. After 20 minutes or so, you will arrive at the paradisiacal and nicely shaded Long Ke beach, a lovely spot for picnics and camping. From there, follow the trail for another 300m and you will reach the merging point with the trail that hikers coming from Sai Kung take (a much easier option). Head right and you will arrive in Sai Wan village (with local restaurants for a food break). Walk through the village and you will find Sai Wan beach, where your second leg of the hike begins. After 30 to 40 minutes, and a few photo stops, you will have reached Ham Tin Wan, where you can restock your food and water supply. Once you’re done, keep hiking up for another 2km from Ham Tin beach (between M039 and M040). You will reach a bench at the top of a hill with a sign that describes Sharp Peak. At this point, you must decide whether you still have the energy to tackle a strenuous 2km cliff, followed by a no-less challenging 2km down back to your current location.

Distance: 15km (approx.)
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Getting home: Keep going on the MacLehose until you reach M042. Take the stairs on the right that go down towards the bay and follow the path to the pier, where you will find boats to Wong Shek pier. It costs $150 to charter the boat, so if you’re alone, it’s worth waiting for other hikers to join and share the cost.

Read More: Top 5 Night Hikes In Hong Kong

Editor’s Note: “Your Guide To The Hardest Hong Kong Hikes To Tackle This Year” was most recently updated by Nicole Moraleda in January 2023. With thanks to Pearl Yan and Tania Shroff for their contribution.

The post The Hardest Hong Kong Hikes To Tackle This Year appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

The Best Hong Kong Hikes That End With A Meal

Lexi — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 22:00:34 +0000

Finish up your hike with a hot meal or well-deserved beer – here’s where to eat and drink after hitting the trails.

We’re exceptionally lucky to have so many hikes on our doorstep, and even more fortunate in that we can go from climbing mountains to being seated and served within minutes. There is no better incentive to finish up a particularly sweaty and tiring trek than the promise of an ice-cold beer and plate piled high with carbs. So, if you’re looking for fresh air and somewhere to sit after a long day’s walk, check out our favourite hikes that end with a meal…

Discovery Bay to Mui Wo Hike

Once you get the steep section of the trail over and done with, hiking from Discovery Bay to Mui Wo is an easy to moderate trail with multiple lookout points where you can stop and soak in sky-high views of the harbour towards Cheung Chau and Peng Chau, as well as a glimpse of Lantau’s Sunset Peak.

Getting there: Jump on the ferry from Central Pier 3 to Discovery Bay. Once there, walk past Discovery Bay Plaza along the seafront to reach Discovery Bay Road. Look for the Parkvale Village sign, take the stairs and turn right before crossing over at Crystal Court. Follow the stairs up to Woodland Court and keep left on the dirt path. Head through the grassy area until you come to a staircase – your hike starts here.
End your hike at: Wah Kee Restaurant in Mui Wo’s Cooked Food Centre dishes up cheap and cheerful Cantonese-style seafood. Just drinks? Pull up a chair at China Bear – perfect for those with furry hiking companions.

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Mui Wo

Violet Hill to Repulse Bay Hike

For those preferring to skip The Twins, the end of Violet Hill is probably where you’ll naturally make a beeline for a taxi, but just a quick walk away is Repulse Bay Promenade. A moderate hike with just a few inclines to conquer, you’ll bag similar views starting from Parkview and get lost in the lush green that surrounds you as you look out onto the ocean. Duck out at the water catchment just before you reach Tai Tam Tuk reservoir.

Getting there: Take a taxi directly to Parkview or jump on the No. 6 or 66 bus from Central. Violet Hill is signposted by a trail map and a set of stairs leading into the woods adjacent to Parkview. Follow them up.
End your hike at: Sip Song, a modern Thai eatery that promises authentic flavours, seriously cool decor and well-deserved cocktails.

Pok Fu Lam to The Peak Hike

A breezy two-hour hike that takes you past the Pokfulam Public Riding School, through Pok Fu Lam Country Park and then onto the edge of the Reservoir Trail before reaching the Peak Galleria, this one’s mostly uphill but worth it for the bounty of restaurants at the top. Digest with a trip around the Morning Trail and take in a perfect panorama of the city below.

Getting there: Take a taxi to Pokfulam Public Riding School or the 22x bus from Exchange Square. You can also take the 37A or 90B bus towards South Horizons/Chi Fu which depart from Landmark. Alternatively, take the MTR to Kennedy Town and ride the 23 or 23M minibus from outside the station.
End your hike at: Historic Hong Kong restaurant The Peak Lookout, opt for an innovative cocktail and meal at cool, colonial-style joint Rajasthan Rifles or keep it casual at Italian joint Fiamma.

Dragon’s Back to Shek O Hike

Ideal for beginner hikers who still want those sought-after views, Dragon’s Back to Shek O is a well-trodden path and a firm favourite for many. For minimal and manageable inclines, start from Chai Wan side and follow the signs leading to Shek O Road and hop on the No. 9 bus to Shek O beach.

Getting there: Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan. Exit A3 will lead you to the bus terminus where you take the No. 9 bus to Shek O, alighting at the To Tei Wan stop on Shek O Road. If you take a taxi, just say Shek O Road and keep an eye out for the stop. Follow the markers for the Hong Kong Trail.
End your hike at: Ben’s Back Beach Bar (by Shek O Clinic) for no fuss, no frills snacks and plenty of cheap cans. Fancy a full meal? Al fresco favourite Cococabana serves delicious Mediterranean food, beach-side.

Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan Hike (or vice versa!)

Admittedly more of a walk than a hike, this one still makes the list purely for its top food choices at both ends. Taking just over an hour – depending on how often you’re stopping to sneak in a few Instagram stories – walk from Yung Shue Wan over to Sok Kwu Wan for an afternoon of family-style seafood and icy Tsingtao, or start from Sok Kwu Wan and end in Lamma’s vibrant residential town.

Getting there: Take the ferry from Pier 9 to either Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan depending on where you want to end your hike. From Yung Shue Wan Ferry Pier, simply follow the path through the main street, looking for signs pointing left and marked Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Sok Kwu Wan.
End your hike at: At any of the seaside seafood eateries. Lamma Rainbow is iconic (and you get a free ferry ride back to Central post-meal), but pricier than some of the others on offer. Ending in Yung Shue Wan? Andy’s Seafood is known for having some of the best seafood in Hong Kong, or head straight to Yardley Brothers Beer Shack for locally brewed craft beer and IPA.

Parkview to Quarry Bay Hike

Boasting panoramic views of the city below, Parkview to Quarry Bay is a moderate three-hour hike that’ll have you working up a sweat thanks to its intermittent stair climbs peppered throughout. Well worth tackling those inclines for the vistas alone, you’ll end in Quarry Bay for a well-earned meal and rooftop sundowners.

Getting there: Take a taxi directly to Parkview or jump on the No. 6 or 66 bus from Central.
End your hike at: Mr & Mrs Fox, and then head to EAST’s beloved Sugar for rooftop cocktails at sunset.

Editor’s Note: “The Best Hong Kong Hikes That End With A Meal” was most recently updated by Team Sassy in December 2022.

The post The Best Hong Kong Hikes That End With A Meal appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

6 Short Hiking Trails In Hong Kong: Easy Hikes Under Two Hours

Catherine Leng — Sun, 20 Nov 2022 22:00:59 +0000

Check out these short hiking trails in Hong Kong, that are easy enough to complete in under two hours.

Hong Kong is a hiker’s paradise and even the more skeptical among us should experience what all the fuss is about. Love hiking but don’t have the time to commit a full 4+ hours to it? Or perhaps you’re new to Hong Kong’s trails and keen for a quick taste of the best hiking spots in the city? Well, there’s no better way to get into hiking than starting off with something short and sweet.

Although all under two hours, these six short hiking trails have immense payoffs – astounding nature and beauty without having to work too hard for it. The length also makes this list perfect for beginners or hiking aficionados who want to take it a little easier. For more hike options, we’ve got a list of shaded trails, dog-friendly hikes, historic trails, hikes to get you to the beach and more. Some of the hiking trails are easily accessible, while others take you far away from the madness of the city. Take your pick!

Read More: The Best Shaded Hikes in Hong Kong

Pineapple Mountain Hike (Por Lo Shan)

Dubbed Hong Kong’s “mini Grand Canyon” and named after our favourite sugar-crusted pineapple buns for its bumpy, golden terrain, this hiking trail is popular among tourists and locals alike, so it’s good to go on a weekday if you wish to avoid crowds.

Though this is a relatively short hike, the trail involves a bit of a steep, uphill climb and the ground you’ll be walking on is, for the most part, uneven and gravelly. Just before the trail starts to descend, you’ll reach the canyon-like valley of eroded rock. This is definitely the time to whip out your camera, but take caution near the sharp and slippery edges (safety before Instagram!). On a clear day, you should be able to also see Tuen Mun, Castle Peak and Shenzhen across the water.

How to get there: Take the Tuen Ma line to Siu Hong MTR station, then switch to the light rail and take route 505 to Leung King station. From there it’s about a five-minute walk across the tracks to Leung King Plaza where the trail begins.
Distance of hiking trail: 6km
Duration of hiking trail: 2 hours
Getting home: Go back the way you came or follow the road down to Ha Pak Nai village and take minibus 33 to Tin Shui Wan MTR station.

Sassy Tip: Parts of the hiking trail are located nearby the Tsing Shan Firing Range, which is sometimes used for military exercises. Best to check the firing practice schedule before setting off to be on the safe side.

Sharp Island Hike

Sharp Island is a wonderful place to explore on foot and hang out for the day. The hiking trail starts at Hap Mun Beach which is a rather pristine and secluded Hong Kong shoreline. If the weather is warm, it’s worth taking a dip at the start of your journey (changing rooms are available).

The route is easy to follow and begins near the picnic site area on the beach. The path takes you to the top of Hak Shan Teng Hill where you can take in breathtaking views of the sea and endless greenery.

The route then brings you down to Kiu Tsui Beach so you’ll have yet another chance to go for a cooling dip. This is where a little magic happens… if you reach this point at low tide (try to reach that stage of the hike at 3pm when the tide tends to be at its lowest), a tombolo of sand and stone presents itself and acts like a bridge that connects to Kiu Tau Islet.

If you’re able to cross, more gorgeous views await you on the islet, but don’t linger too long or you may find yourself in a mini castaway situation!

How to get there: From Diamond Hill MTR Exit C2 take bus 92 to Sai Kung Town. Take a small ferry (kaito) at Sai Kung Pier which brings you to Hap Mun Bay in around 15 minutes.
Distance of hiking trail: 3km-3.5km
Duration of hiking trail: 1.5 hours
Getting home: After crossing back across the tombolo and getting back to Kiu Tsui Beach from the islet, there is a pier from which you take a kaito that will bring you back to Sai Kung Pier.

Read More: Guide To Tung Ping Chau Island

Peak Circle Walk

This is another convenient spot to get to if you’re on Hong Kong Island. The Peak Circle Walk is perfect for those who want to get moving but aren’t looking for anything strenuous. The reward of spectacular views usually entails a very arduous hike, but this mild and leisurely hike will provide you with stunning panoramas of Victoria Harbour, without really having to break a sweat!

The start of the circuit is near Peak Tower on Lugard Road and along the very well-paved and flat path you’ll be shaded by lush overhanging trees. You’ll come across Lugard Road lookout and the expansive views of the Hong Kong skyline. Lugard will eventually link up to Harlech Road and the hiking trail comes full circle as you end up near the Peak Tower once again.

As a bonus, you end up at the Peak, with plenty of options for a quick bite and drink or two.

How to get there: At Central MTR station, take Exit J2 and head over to lower Peak Tram on Garden Road. Take the lovely tram ride up to reach the Peak or take bus 15 from Exchange Square.
Distance of hiking trail: 3.5km
Duration of hiking trail: 1-1.5 hours
Getting home: Take another relaxing ride on the tram or catch bus 15 to get back to Central

Sassy Tip: The circuit gives you the chance to veer off into other hikes as well (although keep in mind they will probably take longer than two hours). You can make your way to Mount High West, Lung Fu Shan Country Park or have a gander at historic Pinewood Battery by turning right at the intersection of Lugard and Harlech.

Wan Chai Green Trail

This hiking trail is super easy to access. The starting point is so convenient that it’s an excellent option for unwinding and de-stressing after a long day at work. The hike is also an ideal choice if you’re not great with directions and maps, as the clear signage throughout means that you can’t get lost.

The trail begins on the corner of Wan Chai Gap Road and at the start there is a resource centre (closed on Tuesdays) where you can familiarise yourself better with the trail, read useful info and check out any points of interest and detours.

The Wan Chai hiking trail is surprisingly tough at the get-go as it starts with a steep incline that will get some legs burning! The route leads to Kennedy Road where there will be more steps to conquer. From here, surroundings become more serene with sweeping views of green. The trail junctions with Bowen Road and continues uphill. The incline ends at Wong Nai Chung Gap Park.

From there, you can head home or continue hiking on Blacks Link Path. To really extend your walking expedition, follow signs to Aberdeen Reservoir Road to reach Aberdeen Harbour.

How to get there: From Central MTR, Wan Chai MTR station is only a couple stops away. You can get off at MTR Wan Chai Exit A3 or take the 6, 10 or 15 bus and get off at Wan Chai Market
Distance of hiking trail: 1.5km
Duration of hiking trail: 1 hour
Getting home: Bus 15 back to Wan Chai

Monkey Mountain Hike (Kam Shan Country Park)

Fancy a hike with added adventure? Look no further than the hiking trails around Monkey Mountain where you’re bound to encounter macaque monkeys. Just remember that these cheeky creatures are wild, so be sure to adhere to all the warning signs and do not touch or feed the animals, as they may become aggressive.

There are various trails to take: Kam Shan Family Walk is a short hike and well-marked, taking you around Kowloon Reservoir, while Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail is an easy-to-find hike that is scenic with awesome views of Kowloon Peninsula. Maclehose Stage 6 and Wilson Stage 6 are slightly longer but still relatively painless!

How to get there: For any of these hiking trails around Monkey Mountain, take either bus 72 or bus 81 and get off at the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir stop
Distance of hiking trail: Kam Shan Family Walk: 1km; Eagle’s Nest Nature trail: 3.5km; Maclehose Stage 6: 4.6km; Wilson Stage 6: 5.5km
Duration of hiking trail: Kam Shan Family Walk: 30 minutes; Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail: 1.5 hours; Maclehose Stage 6: 1.5 hours; Wilson Stage 6: Almost 2 hours
Getting home: Take buses 72 or 81

Tai Long Wan Hike

On the eastern coast of Sai Kung stretches the beauty that is Tai Long Wan. The bay is arguably compromised of the four best beaches in Hong Kong (Sai Wan, Ham Tin Wan, Tai Wan and Tung Wan) because they boast unparalleled water and sand quality. Plus, because they are tricky to access, the beaches feel super private and unspoiled.

Depending on where you live, this can take over two hours, including the route to Sai Kung. You can also get there by boat and just hike a portion of the trail from one beach to another. Check out other ways to get to Tai Long Wan here.

The views are genuinely incredible throughout the hiking trail, with turquoise waters and white sand sights you’d never expect to see in the city.

The hike starts at Sai Wan Pavilion (check out the information board) where you’ll then follow a well-marked path to Sai Wan via Chui Tung Au. Here’s your first chance to bask in the sun, have a swim or even go for a surf. When ready to carry on, continue up the hill past the beach (it’s actually part of MacLehose Trail Stage 2) and arrive at Ham Tin Wan.

Watch the surfers catching waves or rent a board and get in on the action yourself. If you have the time and energy, feel free to keep hiking past this point and follow paths to explore the other beaches.

How to get there: From Sai Kung Town, take a cab or catch the 29R minibus (find it outside the McDonald’s) to reach Sai Wan Pavilion.
Distance of hiking trail: 5km
Duration of hiking trail: 1.5 hours
Getting home: The best option is to hike back the way you came at your own pace, but if you wish to take a ferry from Ham Tin Wan to Sai Kung Pier, it needs to be arranged at Sai Kung Pier prior to setting off on the hike.

Editor’s Note: “5 Short Hiking Trails In Hong Kong: Easy Hikes Under Two Hours” was most recently updated in November 2022 by Team Sassy. With thanks to Catherine Leng and Tania Shroff for their contribution.

The post 6 Short Hiking Trails In Hong Kong: Easy Hikes Under Two Hours appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Best Hong Kong Hikes: Your Ultimate Hong Kong Hiking Trail Bucket List

Team Sassy — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 22:00:04 +0000

These are the best hikes and hiking trails in Hong Kong you need to complete before leaving the city.

In our humble opinion, Hong Kong’s hiking trails are the best way to explore isolated beaches, breathtaking nature and stellar city views. While rooftop bars, bustling city streets and Hong Kong’s rich cosmopolitan culture have their own charm, there’s nothing quite like a hike to get away from it all. The best part? There truly is a hike for everyone! From trails that are suitable for both beginners and experts to hikes you can do with your pup, hikes that take less than two hours, hikes that’ll have you chasing waterfalls and more, your opportunities to spend time in the great outdoors are endless. Not sure where to start? Keep scrolling for your ultimate Hong Kong hiking trail bucket list…

Read More: The Best Beach Hikes In Hong Kong

Jump To:
Hong Kong Hiking Tips
The Very Best Hong Kong Hikes

Hong Kong Hiking Tips

Before you set off on your hike, have a read of our top Hong Kong hiking tips that’ll help you make the most of your day out.

Before Your Hike

Make sure to look up the difficulty of the trail route and bring a trail map with you. You should only embark on hiking trails that are appropriate for your ability level.
Check the weather for high temperatures or unexpected rain.
In general, hiking with a friend is much safer than going alone
Dress in hike-appropriate clothing and shoes.

What To Pack For Your Hike

A fully-charged phone and camera (put it in a waterproof bag if you’re worried about rain).
A simple first aid kit (with extra sunblock and bug spray).
Plenty of water (and snacks if you’re out for the day)
A swimsuit and a spare shirt — you could come across a waterfall.

During Your Hike

Always stick to the designated hiking trail path.
Use sunscreen (even if it’s cloudy), bug spray (to keep mosquitos at bay) and after-bite balm (we like Mopidick-s Lotion!).
If you do get into trouble on your hike, there are often PCCW emergency phones near trailheads, and emergency crews are reassuringly well-practised at getting people out of emergency situations.
Don’t take any unnecessary risks (safety before IG!).

The Very Best Hong Kong Hikes

Best Hiking Trail For Beginners Who Still Want The Views — Dragon’s Back Ridge, The Hong Kong Trail

This is one of the most popular hiking trails in Hong Kong, and rightly so. As the easiest hike on the list, it is short, simple and incredibly scenic. The best thing about the Dragon’s Back trail is its accessibility — all you have to do is take the MTR to Chai Wan and start walking. You can easily fit this hike into a morning or afternoon, so it’s perfect for those busy Hong Kong schedules.

The first section of this hiking trail consists of stairs through Cape Collinson Cemetery, and once you finish those, it’s a one or two-hour hike along the ridge overlooking southern Hong Kong Island — a total breeze! Certain parts of the trail are wooded and boast beautiful plant life, whilst the rest of the hike is on a ridge overlooking the sea. The highest point on the trail is only 284 metres, but the views are worthy of a much more difficult hike. If it’s a cloudy day you can still enjoy the slopes, but you may not see as far into the distance.

Trail Directions

See here for full directions.

Sassy Tip

At the end of the trail, you’ll reach a bus stop. To head back to Central, take the Number 9 bus towards Shau Kei Wan MTR. Alternatively, we like to take the Number 9 bus the other way towards Shek O for some well-deserved beach time.

Not ready to stop? If you’re feeling ambitious and have extra time, you can continue your hike onwards towards the Tai Tam Reservoir, where you’ll get to see even more of Hong Kong’s landscape.

Best Hiking Trail To See Unique Villages, Forests & Urban Beaches — Lamma Island

This is a lovely day trip, with several easy hiking trails to complete. Most of the paths are paved, there are vistas around every corner, and the villages and beaches have a distinct character (one beach overlooks the power plant). The main trail is one of the only ways to get between the villages on land; since Lamma is not accessible by car, walkers and bikers are everywhere.

Trail Directions

If it’s your first time to Lamma, we recommend completing the Lamma Island Family Trail. Make sure to start the trail at Sok Kwu Wan, and end at Yung Shue Wan where there is a larger village with more restaurants. Check out the beaches on the way there, then have a leisurely dinner and drinks overlooking the water. See here for full directions.

Already done the Family Trail? Being a small island, you can easily wander around the network of trails and discover hidden gems without ever being too far from the way home. Head south of Sok Kwu Wan for some simple but less-travelled trails with deep forests, Buddhist shrines and beaches – since there are fewer walkers in this area, you’ll feel like even more of an explorer!

Sassy Tip

Make sure to catch the right ferry! There are two Lamma Island ferries that run from Central — one that goes to Sok Kwu Wan, and another that goes to Yung Shue Wan. Head here for the timetables. You can also catch a ferry to Lamma Island from Aberdeen that goes to Yung Shue Wan.

Best Hiking Trail For Secluded Beaches & Clifftop Views — MacLehose Trail: Stages 1 & 2

The MacLehose trail is 100km of hiking that stretches across the New Territories, east to west. Whilst the full trail is a great bucket list goal for experienced hikers, you definitely don’t have to do the full lot to enjoy the beauty of MacLehose. We recommend embarking on stages one and two, which feature the most beautiful tropical sections of the hiking trail.

If you begin the trail from stage one, start the day early. Stage one is 10km and stage two is 13km. There are places to catch transport (ferries and mini buses have sporadic service along the trails), but you should plan your transportation times in advance — the journey to start the hike is long in itself (it can take an hour or more on public transport from Central).

However, once you do eventually get there, you will never want to leave! Make sure you pack a swimsuit — stage one of the trail starts at the High Island reservoir, where you can sneak in some fun cliff jumping in Sheung Luk stream. After the swim, the hike is full of rolling hills and ocean views, complete with islands dotting the sea.

Stage two of the trail might be even more spectacular. As you begin to travel north, you’ll see the most famous beach in Hong Kong – Tai Long Wan. Continue on the trail to pass by the deserted village of Chek Keng, which is completely empty except for a ferry pier (which takes you to HKU), and dilapidated buildings still containing family portraits and tea sets — make sure you have a camera for the eerie village and the spectacular tropical views.

Trail Directions

See here for full directions

Sassy Tip

Didn’t make it as far as you hoped? Or perhaps you want to make a weekend of it? Break up your hike with a night of camping. Head to the restaurant at Tai Long Wan to rent a tent.

Best Hiking Trail For History (And Monkeys!) — MacLehose Trail: Stage 5, Lion Rock

This hiking trail has an amazing variety of sights — from historic artefacts to wild monkeys! The first part of the trail is fairly easy and goes along the Gin Drinker’s Line, where the Commonwealth troops defended Hong Kong against the Japanese in WWII. You can see trail markers and pillboxes all along this hike, with historic sites alternating with shrines, and both blending into the surroundings. After this first section of the trail, you’ll walk along a road and pass a café where you can grab some food; after that, the hike really begins!

As you continue on the trail, you’ll see an option to go to Lion Rock — definitely do this! This stage of the MacLehose trail is a little more difficult than the first sections but if you climb to the top of Lion Rock, you can see all of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.

The historic monuments and views from Lion Rock aren’t all that this trail has to offer. Keep going on the path and you’ll come to a weather observatory, and then a nature walk that takes you to Sha Tin. About halfway along this, you’ll encounter a full monkey colony (with even more monkeys if you continue onto stage six of the trail). You’ll get some fantastic photographs but be careful, as loud noises and tempting food can make them aggressive.

Trail Directions

To start at the beginning of stage five, take the MTR to Choi Hung, then a taxi to Gilwell Campsite. Walk past the campground until the end of the road, where you will see a sign for the beginning of stage five of the trail. Stage five conveniently ends at a major road with a bus stop, where the number 81 bus will take you all the way back to Austin MTR station.

Sassy Tip

Pack a picnic to enjoy on your stop at Lion’s Rock. Talk about lunch with a view!

Best Hiking Trail For Experienced Hikers Who Love A Steep Climb —Lantau Peak

There are dozens of great hikes to do on Lantau Island, but if you’re keen on climbing mountains, our top hike pick is Lantau Peak. At 934 metres, it’s the second-highest peak in Hong Kong and the climb is stunning if, at times, gruelling. It’s a must for any hiker who wants a challenge.

Every time the ground levels off on this trail, you’ll hope you’re almost there… You’re probably not, but you are rewarded with dramatic sweeping slopes where you can see the villages on the south side and the airport to the north as you ascend! If you climb this trail on a cloudy day, the accomplishment of scaling 934 metres is intoxicating.

Trail Directions

There are two main trail routes to reaching Lantau Peak:

Starting the trail from the Big Buddha, see here for directions
Starting the trail from Tung Chung Gap, see here for directions

You can also lengthen the hike by starting the trail in Tung Chung and going up Sunset Peak first (the third highest point in Hong Kong). Continue along the trail to reach Lantau Peak. See here for directions.

Sassy Tip

After you’ve reached the summit, we recommend hiking straight down to a beach on the south side. Nothing feels better than jumping into the ocean after a five-hour hike. There are also great restaurants near most of the beaches, so you’ll get a reward for your hard work.

Best Hiking Trail For A Serious Workout — The Twin Peaks & Violet Hill Trail

Yes, there are 1,000 steps on this trail. But it’s doable. And worth it. We promise. Take it slow, with as many rests as you need on the climb, and you will be rewarded with unreal views of Stanley and the outlying islands.

The trail starts with a long, gradual hike up to Violet Hill. Before you ask — no, this doesn’t count as any of the steps. As you descend the trail toward Repulse Bay, you will see an ominous indent running up the middle of the mountain in front of you — those are the steps. If you get to the base of the twins and decide you’ve had enough on your first go, there is a bailout point where you can take a right down into Repulse Bay. If you’re ready to tackle the never-ending staircase, it’s straight up the mountain. This is just the first twin, but don’t worry, the second is only about a quarter as big as the first. Once you reach the second summit, it’s all downhill to the road leading into Stanley!

Trail Directions

From Exchange Square, take the Number 6 or Number 66 bus to Tai Tam Reservoir Road (Parkview). Alternatively, taxi it straight there (this is one trailhead that all taxi drivers will know!).

Starting from Parkview, take a left onto the main street and stay on that side of the road. You will see trail markers for the Hong Kong Trail on the opposite side of the street. About 50 metres past those signs on your side of the road, you will see a trail map at the bottom of some stairs leading into the woods adjacent to Parkview. Then simply follow the signs.

The trail finishes on Stanley Gap Road at the Wilson Trail bus stop.

Sassy Tip

If you want to go down to Stanley to celebrate your athletic achievement at a waterfront restaurant, take any of the buses or a taxi from the same side of the road where you have finished. To head back to Central, cross the street and take a right to the bus stop where you can take the 6 or the 6A back into town.

Editor’s Note: “Your Ultimate Hong Kong Hiking Trail Bucket List” was originally published in 2013 by Tania Shroff and was most recently updated in October, 2022 by Team Sassy.

The post Best Hong Kong Hikes: Your Ultimate Hong Kong Hiking Trail Bucket List appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Your Guide To Tai Long Wan: What To Do, See & Eat

Annie Simpson — Sun, 12 Jun 2022 22:00:37 +0000

Sai Kung sure has some beautiful beaches, but topping the list has got to be Tai Long Wan! Take some time out from Hong Kong city life to explore the secluded strips of sand at Sai Wan and Ham Tin, hike to Sheung Luk stream or even pack the camping gear and stay the night.

As a territory made up of over 200 islands, our coastal regions rival some of the best in the world. And as one of the most popular spots for a day away from the city, Tai Long Wan is a must-visit. Translated as “Big Wave Bay” in Chinese (not to be confused with Big Wave Bay Beach near Shek O, on Hong Kong Island), Tai Long Wan is a secluded spot found on the east coast of the Sai Kung Peninsula and is made up of four beaches: Sai Wan, Ham Tin Wan, Tai Wan and Tung Wan. So, take some time out, sunbathe, surf, hike and even spend the night camping under the stars, with a little help from our guide to Tai Long Wan.

Jump to:
How To Get To Tai Long Wan
What To Do At Tai Long Wan
What To Eat & Drink In Tai Long Wan
What to Take To Tai Long Wan

How To Get To Tai Long Wan

1. First get to Sai Kung town:

Take the MTR to Choi Hung (Kwun Tong Line), and head for Exit C1; then take the green minibus 1A to Sai Kung Town (about 40 minutes), or;
Take the MTR to Hang Hau (Tseung Kwan O line), and head to Exit B; then take green minibus 101M to Sai Kung Town, or;
Take the red minibus from Dundas Street in Mong Kok to Sai Kung Town directly (about 30 minutes)

2. Options to get from Sai Kung Town to Tai Long Wan:

Take minibus 29R to Sai Wan Pavilion in Sai Kung Country Park (roughly 20 minutes), or:
Take a taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion (roughly 20 minutes), or:
Take a speedboat to either Sai Wan beach or Ham Tin beach (about 30 minutes), which costs $120 to $150 per person

For a less-active option, you can opt to:

Take a taxi from wherever you are on Hong Kong Island or Kowloon, and get dropped off directly at Sai Wan Pavilion (you’ll find it easier to pick up taxis willing to drive this distance by finding Kowloon taxi ranks). Make sure to have plenty of cash with you as a journey from Central could easily cost over $400.

Sassy Tip: Ubers and other vehicles are not permitted to enter Sai Kung Country Park, so we recommend taking a standard Hong Kong taxi to avoid any issues.

Hiking From Sai Wan Pavillion To Tai Long Wan

When at Sai Wan Pavilion, you will then need to do a short hike (roughly 40 minutes) to get to the beaches of Tai Long Wan. The hike is mostly flat or downhill, with one uphill climb section (it can feel longer than it is when the sun is beating down on you, so bring lots of water!). The entire trail is well-paved and there are no turns, so there’s no chance of getting lost! Simply follow the signposts to Sai Wan, and then follow the path down to the beach.

You will first arrive at Sai Wan beach, which connects to Ham Tin beach (about a further 30 to 40 minutes walk). Ham Tin connects to Tai Wan (a further 15 minutes) and then Tung Wan (a further 30 minutes), which are the two more remote beaches with no man-made facilities, restaurants or toilets.

Getting Back To Sai Kung Town From Tai Long Wan

To get home, you can either hike back up to Sai Wan Pavilion and then find a taxi or take the minibus to Sai Kung town. For an easier option, you can also book a speedboat that leaves directly from Ham Tin or Sai Wan beach to take you back to Sai Kung. The boat costs between $120 and $150 per person, and the journey takes roughly 30 minutes, with the last boats leaving between 5pm and 7pm (depending on the time of year).

Sassy Tip: Check when you first arrive at the restaurants on Ham Tin and Sai Wan beaches if the boats are running and book ahead. If weather conditions are bad, or if it is particularly windy, boats do not run, so always be prepared to hike out the way you came. Even when conditions are good enough for the boats to run, expect a bumpy ride and protect your belongings from splashes!

Read More: Where To Go Kayaking in Hong Kong

What To Do At Tai Long Wan

Hit The Tai Long Wan Beaches

White sands and blue waters are the name of the game here, so there’s nothing better than just enjoying a lazy day on the sand. None of the four beaches offer sunbeds or loungers, so be sure to bring your own towel or sarong to lie out on, and a parasol or umbrella for some shade.

Although never too crowded, Sai Wan and Ham Tin beaches tend to attract more crowds as they are the first beaches you reach (and the only with facilities!). Take on the extra walk and head to Tai Wan or Tung Wan for extra seclusion.

The beaches are also dog friendly, which is a rarity in Hong Kong. There are always plenty of pups about enjoying a day in the sand, so if yours can handle the hike in, we highly recommend taking them along for a day out.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Souf (@souf_ifdn)

Surfing At Ham Tin And Sai Wan

It’s not called “Big Wave Bay” for nothing, and the beaches of Tai Long Wan are one of the most popular surf spots in Hong Kong. What better place could there be to rent a board and take on the waves? Experienced surfers can rent boards from the restaurant on Ham Tin, but for beginners, we recommended booking a class via Surf Hong Kong in Sai Wan.

Surf Hong Kong is situated in Sai Wan, which is the most accessible beach and typically has the smallest and most beginner-friendly waves. More experienced surfers tend to head to Tai Wan for better quality waves. As this beach is also further away from the main trail, it is also likely to be less busy.

Sassy Tip: There are no lifeguards at any of the beaches, so be sure to take care if you are not with a professional or experienced surfer, especially during the winter months when the sea can be rougher. The currents here can be strong here so stay within your comfort zone at all times.

Tai Long Wan Waterfalls — Sheung Luk Stream

Found hidden in the hills between Sai Wan and Ham Tin beaches, you’ll find cliff-jumping opportunities abound in this tiered series of waterfalls and natural pools by Sheung Luk Stream. To get there, walk past the restaurants in Sai Wan and following the path on your left. Stick to the left until you see the end of the stream, and then trek into overgrown shrubs where you will find fenced-off farmlands on your left. Continue forwards (make sure to watch your step, as you climb the uneven and rocky paths that are shaded by overgrown leaves!). Follow this for 15 to 20 minutes and you will see the waterfall.

Read More: Hong Kong’s Best Waterfall Hikes

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @alvischui_

Hiking Sai Kung Country Park

Known as one of the most challenging hikes in Hong Kong, Sharp Peak is a tough trail, even for experienced hikers. A good level of fitness is required to take it on as the hike consists of winding and rugged mountain paths, with the most challenging part of the hike found towards the end when you need to clamber up a steep and strenuous cliff, which eventually leads you up to the hilltop. But the toughest climbs lead to the most stunning views!

To get there from Sai Kung Town, take the 94 minibus or a taxi to Pak Tam Au. Once off the bus, there should be signposts for the MacLehose Section 2 to Chek Keng. After about 30 minutes of walking, you will find the beginning of the Sharp Peak trail (you’ll see a warning sign that the trail is dangerous), and from here it should take roughly an hour and a half to the summit. After enjoying the spectacular views from the top, head down to the beaches of Tai Long Wan and reward yourself with a cold beer.

Editor’s Note: Make sure to look up the difficulty of the trail route and take necessary precautions before and during your hike. Check the weather for high temperatures or unexpected rain, bring water, wear appropriate clothing and shoes, stay on the path and keep your mobile charged in case you need to make an emergency call.

Camping At Tai Long Wan

Tai Long Wan is one of the most popular spots to camp in Hong Kong for a reason. What could be better than an evening away from the city lights and waking up to the sound of crashing waves and sand in your toes? You can camp at any of the four beaches; although it can be busier, we recommend Ham Tin as it is closest to the facilities.

Two-man tents can be rented at the beach restaurant for about $150, sleeping bags for $50 and mats for $20, plus a $100 deposit. Firewood can also be bought from the store on site – just try and get there early as it can sell out! Although the restaurant is basic, it’s cheap and cheerful – and means that you don’t have to worry about carrying too much food and drink with you to the beaches, as everything can be purchased once you’re there.

Read More: The Best Camping Sites In Hong Kong

What To Eat & Drink In Tai Long Wan

Hoi Shan Restaurant & Oriental Restaurant and Bar – Sai Wan

The two main stops for food and drink in Sai Wan are Hoi Shan Restaurant and Oriental Restaurant and Bar. At both, you can book speedboats back to Sai Kung. Although Oriental is the slightly more expensive of the two, both are very cheap by Hong Kong standards.

Hoi Fung Store & On Kee Store – Ham Tin Wan

To reach the restaurants on Ham Tin Wan beach you will first need to cross a rickety plank bridge over a mini river, so try not to be carrying too many belongings when you head this way. The bridge requires a little balance to get across, but the food is enough to tempt post-hikers.

The setup at both restaurants is pretty basic, as is the case in Sai Wan, but prices are cheap, menus are in English and beers are in good supply. We’re fans of the chicken wings, fried udon noodles and the mixed vegetable fried rice at Hoi Fung. The restaurant also serves breakfast and coffee in the morning. You can find basic toilets out back and boats back to Sai Kung can be booked from here.

Situated just next door to Hoi Fung, On Kee serves up basic cha chaa teng style food as well, along with cold beers and bottles of wine. Camping supplies such as tents, mats and sleeping bags can be rented from here for the night.

Sassy Tip: No cards are accepted at any of the restaurants, so make sure to have enough cash on hand.

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Sai Kung

What to Take To Tai Long Wan

You may want to take your camera to capture the stunning scenery, but we suggest travelling light and leaving valuables at home. Along with beach and hiking-appropriate clothing, we recommend taking:

Swimwear
Towel or sarong
Suncream
Mosquito repellent
Hat or other sun protection
Plenty of cash (once you’ve left Sai Kung town, there are no ATMs!)
Waterproof or sealable backpack – to help protect valuables such as cameras from sand and water damage
Water for the journey – although supplies can be purchased from the restaurants on Sai Wan or Ham Tin Wan beach
Trainers or hiking shoes for the hike in, and flip flops or sandals for when you are on the beach

If you are planning to spend the night in Tai Long Wan, we again recommend packing light! Sleeping bags, mats and tents can be hired when you are there, and food and drink is in good supply. During winter months, you may want to pack trousers and long sleeves as it can get cool in the evenings and first thing in the morning.

Editor’s Note: “Tai Long Wan: What To Do, See & Eat At This Sai Kung Beach” was originally published by Annie Simpson in December 2018 and was most recently updated by Fashila Kanakka June, 2022.

The post Your Guide To Tai Long Wan: What To Do, See & Eat appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

The Best Beach Hikes In Hong Kong

Tania Shroff — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 22:00:05 +0000

Pack your swimsuit, sunblock and sunnies – we’ve rounded up the best beach hikes in Hong Kong…

With more than 70% of the 852 taken up by nature, it would be silly to forget the abundant opportunities we have to escape the city. If you’re looking for hikes to help you connect with nature (the mountains and the sea), we’ve got a list of waterfall hikes, shaded hikes, challenging hikes, beginner hikes and hikes under two hours. But with seemingly ever-rising temperatures (and 100% humidity), we’ve rounded up the best hikes to get you onto a beach this summer. Because there’s nothing quite like the promise of a dip in the sea to keep you powering through those last few kilometres.

Disclaimer: Some hikes are harder than others so it’s important to be prepared. Make sure to look up the difficulty of the trail route and take necessary precautions before and during your hike (safety before Instagram!). Check the weather for high temperatures or unexpected rain. Remember to bring water, wear appropriate clothing, stay on the path and keep your mobile charged in case you need to make an emergency call.

The post The Best Beach Hikes In Hong Kong appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.