Hikes - Sassy Hong Kong

6 Instagrammable Rock Formations To Visit In Hong Kong

Nicole Moraleda — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 22:00:06 +0000

From Rhino Rock to Devil’s Fist, here are 6 Instagrammable rock formations in Hong Kong that are worth the hike.

There are those who enjoy hiking for the challenge or to simply enjoy the great outdoors, and then there are those who need a satisfying view and brag-worthy picture to make the hike worthwhile. From giant boulders that resemble animals (rhinos, and poodles and sharks, oh my!) to rocks that will make you feel hungry, these natural formations justify the trek. We’ve included a few easy-to-get-to locations and some more physically demanding hikes that you can work your way up to.

Rhino Rock – Che Pau Teng, Stanley

This is a great one to start with if you’re a beginner. It shouldn’t take you more than 1.5 hours to reach Rhino Rock, but be sure to wear proper hiking shoes as parts of the trail can be quite slippery. If you’re brave enough, you can climb over the back of the rhino’s head (there’s a tree with some rope that can help you up), and perch yourself on its muzzle – you’ll get a great view of the turquoise waters below!

How to get there: To get to the starting point, take bus 14 or 6A to Stanley Fort and alight at the last stop. Alternatively, walk 3o minutes from Stanley Market, following the steps beside the military gate and going on the trail till you reach Che Pau Teng. At the peak, you’ll find a ribbon marking a bushy path that leads to Rhino Rock.

Poodle Stone – Ling Kok Shan, Lamma Island

This one’s for you dog lovers! Starting from Sok Wu Wan, the hike up to Ling Kok Shan and back should only take you two to three hours (depending on how long you spend taking pictures, that is) and is easy enough to do with your own furry friend in tow. Take in breathtaking views of Lamma Island and end your day at one of Lamma’s beaches below.

How to get there: Take the ferry from Central Ferry Pier 4 to Sok Wu Wan. From there, walk along the Lamma Island Family Walk towards Mo Tat Wan until you reach a set of stairs leading up to the Ling Kok Shan trail. You’ll find Poodle Stone perched near the top.

Devil’s Fist – Wong Chuk Kok Tsui

The hike to Devil’s Fist is not for the faint-hearted, but the trail is a rock enthusiasts’ paradise with magnificent formations along the way that date back to over 400 million years ago. Aim to arrive at low tide so you can get the full effect of the fist, wrist included. To its right, you’ll also find the Devil’s Seat, a rock throne on which to rest upon after your arduous journey.

How to get there: Take minibus 20K from Tai Po Market East Rail Station to Wu Kau Tang. From there, follow the Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail until you reach Luk Wu Tang. Head up Dit Sei Kau then down Fung Wong Tau, and continue towards Fung Wong Wan Teng. Finally, make your way past Pak Kok Shan then Tai Leng. When you get to a pile of rocks and a Qing dynasty-era Chinese signpost, that means you’ve reached Wong Chuk Kok Watch Base. From there, traverse down to the coastline where you’ll find the Devil’s Fist.

Sassy Tip: You can cheat your way to the photo point by scheduling a speedboat to take you from Wong Shek Ferry to Wong Chuk Kok Tsui.

Read More: The Best Beach Hikes In Hong Kong

Sliced Bread Rock – Lung Kwu Tan

Do you always work up an appetite when you’re on a hike? Along this seven km trail, you’re going to feel like you’re really starting to see things when you come across this oddly appetising rock formation. Apart from the rock-hard loaf, the trail through Castle Peak Basin also boasts some unique terrain down the Red Gullies and Moon Canyon.

How to get there: Start at Pak Long bus station and follow the paved path to Emperor Rock where the real hiking will begin. Climb over the yellow barrier and slowly make your way up the sandy uphill path. A good resting spot is Rock Pile Top before reading Sliced Bread Rock by Tai Lang Shui Stream.

Sassy Tip: Around the area, you’ll also find Star Rock (otherwise known as Cross Stone), where you can attempt to recreate the first image in this article.

Mask Rock – Mount Nicholson

You don’t have to travel all the way to Easter Island to see the Moai statues. We’ve got the next best thing right here in Hong Kong! The two-hour hike up Mount Nicholson is a little steep and is recommended for intermediate hikers. But once you reach Mask Rock near the peak, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the south side of Hong Kong, spanning Deep Water Bay and Tai Tam Country Park.

How to get there: Start at Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park bus stop (the same starting point for the Violet Hill and Twin Peaks hike) then cross the street and through the garden until you reach Black’s Link around the bend. Follow the road, which will narrow down to a paved path entering Aberdeen Country Park. You’ll eventually reach a flat area with a large electric pole where you should be able to spot Mask Rock up towards your right. Reaching it will require a bit of scrambling.

Shark Rock – Tsz Wan Shan

A shark is the last thing you’d expect to encounter on a hike, but sure enough, there is one waiting for you at the end of Jut’s Incline (cue the “Jaws” theme song). This is another easy half-day journey suitable for beginners. The boulder looks scarily like a Great White, complete with small pebbles for teeth added by other hikers.

How to get there: From Diamond Hill MTR Station, walk 15 minutes to Fu Shan Bus Terminus on Po Kong Village Road. Find the boom barrier that marks the start of the trail and walk down the road past a stream and cemetery. From the cemetery, take the trail on the left and follow the path up to another cemetery. Turn left and follow the steps leading up through Nam Shan Mei. You can stop by the Hollow Tree (another popular photo op) by the stream before you finally reach Shark Rock (about 60 metres to the left of the tree).

The post 6 Instagrammable Rock Formations To Visit In Hong Kong appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

The Best Beach Hikes In Hong Kong

Tania Shroff — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 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 percent of Hong Kong taken up by nature and greenery, it would be silly to forget the abundant opportunities we have to escape the city. If you’re looking for hikes to help you enjoy the great outdoors, we’ve got a list of waterfall hikes, shaded hikes, challenging hikes, beginner hikes and hikes under two hours. But when the sun’s out and shining down, there’s nothing quite like the promise of a dip in the sea to keep you powering through — here are the best Hong Kong hikes to get you onto a beach.

Dragon’s Back to Big Wave Bay

Easily one of the more doable hikes in Hong Kong, Dragon’s Back is a weekend favourite. Surrounded by sprawling greenery, ocean views and cityscapes, this hike is a goldmine. Follow the trail all the way — get your knees ready for all those downhill stairs — and you’ll come out to a little village before Big Wave Bay beach. Grab yourself a fresh coconut and some ice-cold beers, and get ready to sprawl out for the day.

How to get there

Take the Island Line to Shau Kei Wan MTR Station (Exit A) and walk to the Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus. Take Citybus 9 bus or any minibus with the sign “Shek O” next to the bus terminus. Alight at To Tei Wan, Shek O Road.
You can’t miss the starting point of the hike from the bus, as almost everyone getting off or on the ground will be ready to go in their activewear. Shrouded in trees, the entranceway clears once you start ascending, leading the way to your first viewpoint after only 20 minutes — where you can already see Shek O Beach’s waters.
Follow the path left and you’ll find yourself scaling the back of the enigmatic dragon that protects the bay, through tree tunnels and stepping stones until you reach Shek O Peak. From here, it’s open skies and a fairly straightforward, clearly-marked trail to the descending staircase to the beach but you can catch your breath at Pottinger Gap, a shady spot where various smaller trails overlap.
Get ready for a longer-than-expected downward spiral through green canopies and rolling waters in the distance until you come out at the small village that begins Big Wave Bay. You should pass two small picnic sights before entering the village, keep right. Once you’re down, follow the path towards the right where you’ll pass little shops and cafes before hitting the beach.

Distance: 4km
Duration: 2 hours
Getting home: From Big Wave Bay you can easily catch the Shek O minibus back to Shau Kei Wan and get onto the MTR, order a taxi with the HKTaxi App or Uber back to Central.

Mui Wo to Pui O Beach

This beautiful hike is worth every minute it takes to get you to Pui O beach. If you’re seeking a little adventure and a real break from the city, then hopping on the ferry is the perfect start to what is an incredibly scenic hike on the outlying island of Lantau. It’s challenging, with quite a lot of steps, but certainly manageable and takes you along some breathtaking paths with sweeping views and a few cattle friends on the way down. Make your recovery last a little longer with a swim at Pui O Beach to ensure you really recharge before heading back to the city. You can also extend this coastal journey by starting the hike in Discovery Bay if you’re feeling up to it!

How to get there

From Central MTR, take Exit A and follow the signs and the footbridge for the Central Piers. Turn left at the piers for the Outlying Islands and head to Pier 6 for Mui Wo (Lantau Island). The normal ferry takes about an hour.
Once you arrive at Mui Wo, the trail begins by following Mui Wo Ferry Pier Road which takes you to the entrance of the Lantau Trail on your right. The trail has unprecedented views and, on a clear day, you can almost see all the way back to Hong Kong Island!
Once you hit the junction, keep right uphill to the path towards the pavilion. While a section of this trail is unpaved, it soon returns to the concrete road to the right. Keep left when you hit the signpost for the Lantau Trail (L133) to take you past Pak Fu Tin Campsite. After this, you’ll meet some stairs to the top of Tai Ngau Wu Teng. This trail has sweeping scenes of the coast below, continue on it until you get down to Chi Ma Wan Road. This road will take you all the way to beautiful Pui O Beach (one of the longest beaches in Hong Kong) where you can kick off your trainers and indulge in the beautiful blue waters.

Distance: Around 9km (there is a shorter route through the villages which is roughly 4.5km – have a look on Google Maps for directions)
Duration: 3 hours
Getting home: From the beach, follow the concrete path passing the pond and fields towards the bus terminus, where you can take buses 1, 2, 3M or 4 back to Mui Wo pier to catch the ferry back to Central. Be sure to check the ferry schedule to make sure you don’t end up waiting too long to get home. A cab ride from Pui O to the ferry is very short but cabs are not too common so keep that in mind for your journey back to reality.

Read More: Hong Kong’s Best Waterfall Hikes

Quarry Bay Wilson’s Trail: Violet Hill & The Twins to Stanley

One of the biggest and most challenging of the main hiking trails in Hong Kong is the Wilson Trail. Covering a vast majority of land, the Wilson Trail is not for the faint-hearted and can be a strenuous endeavour for even experienced hikers. Breaking it up into more manageable areas is a definite recommendation and one of the best of those subsidiaries starts in Quarry Bay. Your legs will burn (did someone say 1,000 steps?) and your heart will race but there is the sweet, sweet satisfaction of making it just a short cab ride away from Stanley when you finish.

Refuel on some seaside seafood along the plaza and make your way down to one of the beaches to heal your muscles. Make sure to pack enough water and any snacks you may need as there is nowhere to replenish along the trail. Remember, there are various alternatives on the Wilson Trail and you could start and end at a number of different points.

How to get there

Start this section of the Wilson Trail in Quarry Bay (take the Kings Road exit from the MTR). From here you want to get to the trail for Mount Parker which starts at Mount Parker Road. Follow the road past the red brick building (once Taikoo Sugar Refinery and now the Woodside Biodiversity Education Centre) and some wartime ruins until you get to Quarry Gap or Tai Fung Au.
At this point, you’re about to embark on the beginning of the Wilson Trail so rehydrate and refuel if necessary. From this pit stop you’ll be heading towards Tai Tam Reservoir. Get onto Tai Tam Reservoir Road for a few minutes where you’ll see the intersection with the Wilson Trail Section 1 or Stanley Section. Follow the steps up towards the lookout point where you’ll be treated to panoramic views and beautiful animal life, as well as the eponymous violet-coloured flowers dotting the hill. You’ll also catch a glimpse of Repulse Bay, leaving you with just enough beachside temptation to motivate you over the oncoming steps.
As you make your way down Violet Hill you’ll cross Tze Kong Bridge, with a sign for Stanley Gap Road presenting itself right after. Again, take this chance to stretch and ready your legs for The Twins. This is where the “Thousand Steps” trail begins and although it is an arduous undertaking, there are magnificent views throughout. The end of The Twins, after Ma Kong Shan View Compass, rewards you with uninterrupted views of Stanley for that final encouraging push for your beach treat on the way.
Make your way down to Stanley Gap Road where you can either catch the bus to Stanley Plaza (Bus 6, 6A, 73 or 260) or hop in a cab to take you straight there.

Distance: 5km (but with 1,000 steps)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Getting home: From Stanley Plaza, you can easily catch a cab back to Central or you can get bus 6, 6A or 260 back to Exchange Square Bus Terminus in Central.

Maclehose Trail Section 2 Pak Tam Au to Tai Long Wan

Another one of the big trails, the Maclehose Trail can be divided into different sections and hikers can enter from various locations around Hong Kong. While some avid hikers may do the whole thing in one go, if you wake up at 9am on a Sunday and make a spontaneous decision to go to Sai Kung and hike to the beach, this is still a beauty! There is no argument that any hike in Sai Kung grants you some of HK’s best views, and if you’re lucky enough to have good weather, then this hike is one of the most magnificent around.

Tai Long Wan is divided into four beaches, with Ham Tin and Sai Wan being the most popular (and best facilitated). There are also the little villages dotted along the hike to replenish your food and water supplies and IG a couple of stories, but it’s the scenic beaches (yes, plural) that will keep you motivated. Oh, and a small detour to a waterfall you say? Can do. Again, this hike has various amendments you can make and different routes you can choose or lose so make sure to keep your GPS handy if you’re opting to veer off from this particular trail.

How to get there

If you’re cabbing directly (a not inexpensive venture but worth it if you’re pressed for time and have a few wallets to share the price), you’ll need to get to Sai Kung Town (there are minibuses from Mong Kok, Choi Hung, Hang Hau and Causeway Bay or bus 92 from Diamond Hill Exit C2).
From Sai Kung Bus Terminus you can take the 94 bus towards Wong Shek Pier to get you to Pak Tam Au — the starting point for the hike and Maclehose Trail Section 2 (the whole hike is pretty well signposted). Get onto the paved path to begin your hike — this section is mostly shaded — and follow the trail until you reach Chek Keng Pier and see the boats coming in from Wong Shek Pier. The path then starts to ascend and although it is a bit strenuous, you can totally manage it. This path leads you all the way to Ham Tin Beach.
Here you can book your boat trip to return to Sai Kung Town and stock up on fresh coconuts or food before continuing along the hike. Of course, you can also rest your feet on Ham Tin, a beautiful beach that’s famous for camping. If you follow the lush forest path and veer left you’ll be able to check out the waterfall! Otherwise, from Ham Tin, you’ll want to continue along the Maclehose signed trail that takes you uphill again towards Sai Wan Beach.
Continue along the path until you reach Sai Wan Beach. It’s now time to unwind (and undress) and settle in for a solid chill on the sand. But be warned that unless you want to hike back the way you came, you’ll need to get a boat back to Sai Kung Town from Sai Wan or Ham Tin.

Distance: 8km
Duration: 3.5 hours
Getting home: If the weather permits, you can catch a boat back to Sai Kung Town from Sai Wan or Ham Tin until roughly 5pm (always check on the day as the schedule changes and there are sometimes no boats at all, which means hiking back along the Maclehose Trail). From Sai Kung Town you can catch the bus back to Diamond Hill or minibuses to Mong Kok, Choi Hung, Hang Hau and Causeway Bay where you can get back onto the MTR or cab home.

Cheung Chau Island Hike

Do yourself and your visitors a favour and head out of the city to one of the cutest outlying islands, Cheung Chau. It also boasts an awesome hike that takes you to some less crowded beaches, with some culture and heritage dotted along the way. This is definitely a day trip worth planning, as there are temples and lookout pavilions as well as beautiful Tung Wan beach to take a rest at during your hike. And don’t forget to try the local snacks!

How to get there

From Central MTR, take Exit A and follow the signs and the footbridge for the Central Piers. Turn left at the piers for the Outlying Islands. Go to Pier 5 for the ferry out to Cheung Chau. The ordinary ferry takes about 50 minutes but you can also opt for the fast ferry which is around 35 minutes.
From the pier, begin your trail by following San Hing Praya Street until a junction with Ping Chong Road to join up to Cheung Kwai Road on the right. This takes you along the scenic coast of Tai Kwai Wan until you turn right to follow Cheung Pak Road. Take the left steps up to a path known as the “Lolex Path” for some insane rock formations and panoramic views. Then head back down to the steps to Tung Wan Tsai. Keep following the path and you will make your way up to Lookout Pavilion.
After the viewpoint, follow the trail to pass a playground and hit the left steps down to Tin Hau Temple and Pak Tai Temple. Here you will find Pak She Street which leads you to not one but two pristine beaches: Tung Wan, and just a little further on, Kwun Yam Wan Beach. Take your very well-deserved break and spend some time on some of the most beautiful beaches Hong Kong has to offer.
If you want to continue the hike, get back onto the coastal path at the end of Kwun Yam Wan and go right to the uphill trail next to the communal showers. Then turn left onto Ming Fai Road and left again to join the path to the Small Great Wall. The area is known for its peculiar rock formations but if you want to skip it then at the junction turn up the steps to Fa Peng.
Follow the path left to Don Bosco Road, passing the Salesian Retreat House. After this point, there is a downward left path to Nam Tam Wan which takes you along the coast to Nam Tam Garden, in front of Tin Hau Temple. After a little breather, follow the steps to the right until you hit a concrete path. Go left and you will join up to Cheung Chau Peak Road where you can choose to end your hike by turning down any of the signed side paths back to the main town.
If you want to continue, there are some awesome caves a bit further along once you pass Tin Fuk Pavilion. Keep left to get onto Cheung Chau Peak Road West and then left again for Pak Tso Wan. This is where you’ll see Reclining Rock and other incredible rocky shores of the Cheung Chau coastal path and will eventually lead you along the sea to Cheung Po Tsai Cave (make sure you have mobile service connection at all times). After exploring the caves, follow the path right passing the public toilets and onto Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road back to the pier.

Distance: 14km
Duration: 5 hours
Getting home: After soaking up the sun on either Tung Wan or Kwun Yam Wan beach, start making your way back towards Cheung Chau town by following Tung Wan Road for about 10 minutes. From the pier, get back on the ferry to Central (it berths at Pier 6) and follow the footbridge back to Central Station or, if you’re feeling lazy, hit the taxi stand at the piers and get home straight away.

Lamma Island: Sok Kwu Wan to Hung Shin Yeh Beach

Lamma is one of those parts of Hong Kong that makes you stop and marvel at the complexity and diversity of this magical place. You can spend hours eating anything from curry to local seafood, sipping on home-brewed beers amongst the banana trees with accents from all around the world. The village is adorable and a great day out, but if you’re after a little sweat sesh then the hike from Sok Kwu Wan is a great way to earn your time on the beach before tucking into that seafood fried rice before the ferry!

It’s a scenic hike that isn’t too strenuous but will definitely get you ready to run into the water. Accompanied by views of traditional fishing villages and a 150-year-old Tin Hau Temple, this hike connects the old and the new of the 852 with an endpoint beach that is family-friendly and filled with refreshment facilities so you can spend all day recovering on the sand. Who has their sunscreen ready?

How to get there

From Central MTR, take Exit A and follow the signs and the footbridge for the Central Piers. Turn left at the piers for the Outlying Islands. Head to Pier 4 for Lamma Island. There are two different ferries here so for the hike be sure to take the ferry to the right for Sok Kwu Wan. The ferry takes about 30 minutes.
Once in Sok Kwu Wan, walk away from the pier until you reach a T-junction and turn right to go up. Follow the trail signs for the Lamma Island Family Trail and pass the newly renovated Tin Hau Temple. At the top of the trail on Ling Kok Shan is a beautiful lookout point with views that stretch across from Aberdeen to Ocean Park. From here it’s a pretty easy pathway down to Hung Shing Yeh Beach. You can opt to go past the wind turbines after the beach (ascending Tai Ling hilltop) for a little extra work before settling in with an ice-cold, locally brewed beer on the beach.

Distance: 7km
Duration: 2.5 hours
Getting home: Take the ferry from Yung Shue Wan Pier back to Central where you can hop back on the MTR or grab a taxi from the stand at the pier.

Editor’s Note: 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. This post was most recently updated in November 2023 by Team Sassy. With thanks to Nina Brooklyn Brown and Tania Shroff for their contribution.

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

The Best Hikes In Hong Kong To Do With Your Dog

Team Sassy — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 22:00:00 +0000

There’s no need to leave your pup at home when you head for the hills — these dog-friendly hikes in Hong Kong are perfect for the both of you.

Forget morning trips to concrete-laden dog parks and walking on the roads this weekend, we’re taking to the hills and letting our doggos run free with these top dog-friendly Hong Kong hikes. While we sadly can’t pop on public transport to get there, an additional $5 in a taxi is a small price to pay for slobbery chops and wagging tails! Just make sure to bring enough water for you both (and keep your eye out for signs of overheating — we all know how unforgiving Hong Kong’s weather can be!) and keep note of these pup-friendly cafes and restaurants for a treat after completing your trail.

Sassy Tip: By Hong Kong law, all dogs over 20kg must be on a leash of not more than two metres when in public places, however when in the country parks dogs are allowed to run freely and large dogs are not required to be leashed!

Dragon’s Back

Countless Hong Kongers climb Dragon’s Back, pup in tow, every weekend. And while it does get super crowded mid-morning, we’d suggest hopping in a cab with your dog and getting to the start of the trail early, so that you can avoid the hoards of tourists and avid hikers and instead spend some quality time with man’s best friend. Depending on which direction you opt to start from, you can end at Shek O Beach, while you both cool off in the waves. The hike provides some shaded areas, with the highest points of the “dragon’s back” providing much-needed and cooling winds.

Distance: Approximately 8.5 km (depending on which route you take!)
Duration: Roughly 4 hours
Getting there: Take a taxi or a drive to Shek O Road near Tei Wan Village and keep an eye out for the signs that signal the start of the hike!

Pineapple Dam Nature Trail – Tai Shing Stream

Less than an hour’s walk, the hike to Pineapple Dam Nature Trail is perfect for pups who struggle in the heat or for those who are looking for a shorter adventure. Climb the stairs by the minibus station, and follow the Pineapple Dam Nature Trail sign, heading right as you reach the top of the stairs. There’s a cute picnic/barbecue area about 30 minutes into the walk from here if you’re ready for a spot of lunch (and a game of fetch), otherwise carry on walking on the road towards the bridge that will take you to Tai Shing Stream (access is on the left of the bridge). This is a great spot for a dip before heading back the way you came but if your doggo is a big fan of water, you can continue to trek in the stream for about an hour and a half, where you’ll eventually come to the end of the first half of the hike, an ideal spot to chill out in the sunshine and swim.

Distance: To Pineapple Dam Nature Trail – 0.8km; to Tai Shing Stream a further 1.2km
Duration: About 30 minutes – one hour to Pineapple Dam (depending on your pace) and a further 1.5 hours to the stream, if you’re keen to keep going.
Getting there: Take a taxi or drive to Shing Mun Reservoir. The start of the hike is by the minibus station, up the steps and to the right.

Note: Keep an eye on your dog and be careful that it doesn’t drink water from the stream since they may contain leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can cause severe kidney damage and possible death.

Jardine’s Lookout & Mount Butler

Located near eastern Wan Chai, this 2.5-hour hike is a good challenging hike (after you reach Jardine’s Lookout, the slope becomes more gentle) for you and your pup, ending in Quarry Bay. Your reward? Absolutely breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour and the Kowloon Peninsula plus some beautiful scenery along the way. With the popular Hong Kong Trail and Wilson Trail passing through the two hilltops, the point-to-point trail is often heavily trafficked. Make sure you bring enough water for you and your furry friend as there are no refill stations throughout the trail.

Distance: 3.1km
Duration: 2.5 hours
Getting there: Take bus 6 or 66 from Central or Admiralty to Wong Nai Chung Gap and walk approximately 15 minutes uphill through Wong Nai Chung Reservoir on Tai Tam Reservoir Road to Parkview. Look for a sign indicating Jardine’s Lookout.

Plover Cove Country Park (Bride’s Pool to Lai Chi Wo)

Folk legends spin the tale of a bride passing the pools in a sedan chair on the way to meet her groom, when the carriers slipped and she was washed away; the spooky aside, Bride’s Pool is the perfect spot for a dip with your furry friend. Start your hike from Bride’s Pool Nature Trail and follow the path that winds over the stream until you come to the waterfall. Spend as long as you like frolicking in the stream here, or if you’re keen to get a long hike in, keep going on the path and through bamboo groves until you reach Wu Kau Tang village. Keep going past Sam A Wan village on your way to Lai Tau Shek and enjoy the grassy lakes that surround the area.

Keep to the signs and hike for a further 45 minutes to Lai Chi Wo, where you can then climb the stairs at the entrance to the village. We’d suggest keeping your pup on a leash as you walk through, and keep your eye out for local village dogs, which could potentially be guarding their territory, as well as small animals that live in the area. If you’re up for the trek, Lai Chi Wo is pretty special, known for its 400-year-old Hakka village, a designated Site of Special Science Interest, and an ecological wonderland.

Distance: Approximately 7.5km
Duration: 3 hours
Getting there: Located in northeastern New Territories (near Tai Mei Tuk), take a taxi to Bride’s Pool Road and start your hike from the clearly marked signs, ‘Bride’s Pool Nature Trail.’ To get home, check the times for the ferry service between Ma Liu Shui and Lai Chi Wo which runs on Sundays and public holidays.

Note: Keep an eye on your dog and be careful that it doesn’t drink water from the pools since they may contain leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can cause severe kidney damage and possible death.

Aberdeen Country Park – Hong Kong Trail Section Four

There are plenty of different paths to take in Aberdeen Country Park; you may well find it best to just start exploring and head back when you’re ready. But one hike we like in particular is Lady Clementi’s Ride (Hong Kong Trail Section Four). Offering incredible views of Aberdeen Reservoir, the hike is predominately shaded as you skirt around it, making it an ideal hike for you and your dog even when it’s a little hotter. The trail takes you deep into the forests of Wan Chai Gap, eventually winding its way up to Mount Cameron up on The Peak. When you reach Black’s Link, follow the road down to Wong Nai Chung Road, where the hike will eventually come to an end at the junction of Wong Nai Chung Gap Road and Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Road.

Distance: 5.5km
Duration: 2.5 hours
Getting there: Take a taxi or drive to Wan Chai Gap and walk along Aberdeen Reservoir Road for about 15 minutes until you reach the starting point.

Note: The walk uphill from Middle Gap Road to Black’s Link (approx. 15 minutes) provides little shade, so be sure to bring lots of water for your dog and take regular breaks if needed.

Read More: The Best Shaded Hikes In Hong Kong

Lamma Island (Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan)

Brimming with quirky cafés and plenty of craft beer huts, start your weekend off on the right paw and hike from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan (or vice versa!). A leisurely stroll across the island, stop for a drink at one of the dog-friendly restos along the way or cool off at Power Station Beach while your pup burns off some energy on the sand. There isn’t a huge amount of shade along the way, so be sure to start earlier in the morning, aiming to reach Sok Kwu Wan around lunchtime where you can then dig into a feast of fried rice, sweet and sour chicken and fresh seafood. Many of the restaurants are happy for your dog to join you so grab a table, a cold beer and a few dog biscuits before heading back to Central.

Distance: Approximately 5km
Duration: Between one and two hours depending on your (and your dog’s) pace
Getting there: Take a ferry from Central Pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan, bearing in mind that dogs are only allowed on the slow ferry as “cargo”, which means that you’ll need to check which times these depart, as they aren’t as frequent. From Yung Shue Wan Main Street, walk past Lamma Winds and Hung Shing Yeh Beach and you come to the start of the Family Trail.

Note: Dogs are required by law to wear a muzzle on the ferry, so be sure to take one with you. Tickets for dogs will need to be bought separately and occasionally you will need to board via cargo access rather than the main gate – this can easily be checked with the staff, however!

Violet Hill/The Twins

This hike is guaranteed to tire out an excited pup and have you more than ready for lunch while working on your own fitness game. Start by taking the sign-posted stairs at Wong Nai Chung Reservoir and climb Violet Hill. You’ll be rewarded with sweeping valley views along the way, with plenty of bushes for your pup to duck into for a while if the sun gets intense. This is a great trail for dogs to run off leash as there is only one path all the way to the start of The Twins. Call it quits here and make your way to Repulse Bay for some well-deserved grub, or face the start of The Twins (and 1,000 steps) and end in Stanley.

Distance: 5.2km
Duration: Approx 3 hours (including The Twins)
Getting there: Take a taxi to Wong Nai Chung Reservoir to start the hike at Violet Hill.

Hong Kong Country Club to Deep Water Bay & Repulse Bay

This fenced-in walk along the seafront promenade is great for a weekend morning. As the path is largely enclosed, dogs can walk freely off their leads. The path is never too busy, save for some runners and other dog walkers! We like to start the walk from Hong Kong Country Club and walk down past Deep Water Bay and onto Repulse, but the walk can also be done in reverse, starting from Repulse and walking back towards the Country Club to grab a taxi home. The walk is perfect for smaller dogs or dogs that can’t go too far as the path is totally flat, but it’s worth noting that there isn’t much shade to keep you cool in hot weather.

Distance: 1.7km to Deep Water Bay and an additional 3.7km to reach Repulse Bay Promenade
Duration: 20 minutes to Deep Water Bay and a further 40 minutes if continuing on to Repulse Bay
Getting there: Take a taxi to Hong Kong Country Club and walk along the pavement towards Mills and Chung Path which leads to Deep Water Bay.

Read More: The Best Beaches In Hong Kong

Other Dog-Friendly Hikes In Hong Kong

The Peak – If you’re short on time, or fancy a quick burst of adrenalin, take your pup up to the Peak. It’s just a short uphill climb to those stunning views at the top!
Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail – Mostly shaded, the path is located inside Lion Rock Country Park and will take just 1.5 hours from start to finish, making it a great option for when you’re looking to get a little exercise without overheating.
Tung Lung Chau Hiking Trail – If you’re looking for an adventurous weekend away from the hustle and bustle, this trail boasts one of the city’s best camping sites that is both remote, quiet and ideal for the pup.
Hong Kong Country Club to Deep Water Bay & Repulse Bay – This fenced-in walk along the seafront promenade is great for a weekend morning. As the path is largely enclosed, dogs can walk freely off their leads.

Editor’s Note: “The Best Hikes in Hong Kong to Do With Your Dog” was most recently updated by Team Sassy in September 2023. With thanks to Lexi Davy for her contribution.

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The Best Shaded Hikes in Hong Kong

Debbie Ng — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 22:00:36 +0000

This heat isn’t for everyone — if you’re looking for shaded hikes in Hong Kong, we’ve rounded up the best in-shade trails and treks to keep you out of the sun.

Though Hong Kong has a wealth of hiking trails to offer, sometimes the heat can be too much to bear, making even the shortest of hikes feel like a trek. Fortunately, our city is made up of both concrete and real jungle with plenty of shaded hiking trails to keep you cool. So if the prospect of finishing your hike in pools of sweat (or real pools) doesn’t appeal to you, why not have a go at these shaded hikes that give you all the beauty of Hong Kong’s landscape, minus the scorching heat?

Editor’s Note: 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.

The Peak Circle Walk

Famed for its breathtaking skyline, the sprawling mass of Hong Kong can only really be appreciated from above, which is more than feasible given the city’s mountainous terrain. Victoria Peak or The Peak is the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island and provides a stunning view of the Victorian Harbour. The path itself is sheltered by plenty of trees so you should be able to come out of the hike looking less like a tomato! For all night owls, the trail can also be enjoyed in the evenings, when the panorama of Hong Kong comes alive with dazzling luminosity.

Getting there: For the scenic route up, take the Peak Tram, which can be accessed via the Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus. This is a short walk away from Exit J2 of Central MTR Station. Another option would be bus number 15 via Central Exchange Square or minibus 1 from Hong Kong MTR Station, both of which terminate at the Peak.
Distance: 3.5 km
Duration: Around 1.5 hours
Getting home: The trail is a loop and will take you back to the starting point near the Peak Tower; so you can return home the same way you arrived. Alternatively, there are also taxis situated in the public transport terminus.

Blacks Link

The Blacks Link trail links Wan Chai Gap with Wong Nai Chung Gap. The trail itself is made up of a long uphill path, which then gradually descends down again. The hike offers beautiful views of Ocean Park, Happy Valley Racecourse and Central — all whilst being sheltered from the penetrating rays! Towards the beginning of the path are some very stunning houses (just in case admiring expensive property is your thing). If you have extra energy to use up, at the end of the trail, there’s a playground with a pagoda and a kiosk selling snacks. All in all, a perfect way to spend a Sunday with family and friends!

Getting there: Take a taxi there from Central, which would take around 15 minutes. Simply tell the taxi driver to go to Blacks Link (布力徑/Bo Lik Ging in Cantonese) — you should be able to recognise the start of the hike by signposts saying “Black’s Link”. The hike itself is very straightforward; simply follow the signs directing you towards Wan Chai Gap.
Distance: 3.5 km
Duration: 1 hour
Getting home: Simply hail a taxi back to Central or wherever it is you need to go. It might be easiest to head to Central first and then take the bus or MTR back home.

Sir Cecil’s Ride

This hike starts at Mount Butler Road and ends at the Braemar Hill shopping centre. While the shaded trail is not difficult, it consists of some steps and rocky segments. Worth packing enough water, even though it’s a short one. At the end of the hike are several restaurants and a coffee shop — plenty of incentive to get you moving!

Getting there: Take minibus 24M from Admiralty, which pretty much takes you to the start of the trail.
Distance: 3 km
Duration: 45 minutes
Getting home: At the end of the trail is a bus terminus with various options for getting back to the city. There is also the option of getting a taxi to the closest MTR, Quarry Bay station, and then heading home via train.

Tai Po Kau Nature Walk

If your navigational skills are a bit rusty, how about having a go at this guided nature walk in Tai Po Kau? Tai Po Kau is as far as a city like Hong Kong will ever come to being an actual jungle. Nestled in the forests of New Territories, it’s a nature reserve home to hundreds of species of wildlife and is an excellent excuse to get away from the commotion of urban life. Of course, if you would like to enjoy this hike free of charge, there are several walks you can take — the shortest being 3 km and the longest being 10 km. Signs and an information board mark the route so there is no danger of getting lost.

Getting there: If you are following the guided nature walk, the package includes a pick-up and drop-off point from the University East Rail MTR station. Otherwise, bus 72 can be taken either from Sha Tin or Tai Po Market East Rail stations. Alternatively, you could take a taxi from Tai Po Market East Rail Station or University East Rail Station (around $30 to $45).
Distance: 3 to 10 km depending on the trail taken
Duration: If taking the guided tour, a total of 4 hours. Otherwise, it depends on the trail you take.
Getting home: At the end of the walk is a bus station with several bus options that you can take. Most will take you to Tai Po Market East Rail station; from there you can take the train back. There are also taxis that can take you back to your desired location.

Tai Lam Forest Paths

Starting and ending at Tai Lam Country Park (Yuen Long), this hike requires you to retrace your steps back to your starting point. Luckily, this means you can hike for as short or as long as you want. However, we would recommend at least getting to the top of the hill from where you can admire the view of the Ting Kau Bridge. This hike has a butterfly garden and several picnic areas so bring your friends and pack some snaccos to ‘nosh on.

Be warned though, this path is made up of plenty of hills so it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to complete this hike after a strenuous leg day. But if you are looking to escape from Hong Kong for a day and experience the beauty of the New Territories, this is the one.

Getting there: Head to the Yuen Long MTR West Rail Station and take a taxi to Sham Tseng, Lung Yue Road. There should be a big signpost for the Tai Lam Nature Trail. Alternatively, if you have your own car, set your GPS for Tai Lam Country Park: there are several parking spots by the BBQ pits. The hike itself is relatively straightforward. Keep heading up the hill and once you reach a fork in the road, stick to the right fork.
Distance: 3 to 10km depending on what you feel like!
Duration: 1 to 3 hours depending on how long you walk for
Getting home: Get back the same way you came; by taxi to Yuen Long MTR station or to your desired location.

Editor’s Note: “The Best Shaded Hikes In Hong Kong” was originally published by Debbie Ng and most recently updated in August 2023 by Team Sassy.

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5 Ways To Hike Tai Mo Shan: Easy, Medium & Difficult

Fashila Kanakka — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 22:00:22 +0000

One would think hiking Hong Kong’s tallest peak is only fit for seasoned climbers – we break down five ways to reach the top of Tai Mo Shan, in varying levels of difficulty.

Tai Mo Shan (大帽山), translating to “Big Hat Mountain” is, in fact, an inactive volcano, standing at 957 metres above sea level, making it the highest peak in Hong Kong, and the ultimate hike to tick off your bucket list. But don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not suitable for beginners or for a quick hike.

While cabbing to the top is an option (but where’s the fun in that?), there are hidden paths, twists and turns that will take you to the glorious viewpoint of Tai Mo Shan minus the treacherous climb. But if partaking in a challenge is your forte, grab those hiking boots, the mountains are calling! Ahead, we highlight five ways to climb up to Tai Mo Shan, each suitable for different hikers.

Route 1: Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls Route – For Summer Hikes

A popular trail to go up to Tai Mo Shan – the Ng Tung Chai waterfalls trail is shaded and perfect to tackle in rainy and warm season. It takes you through a total of four waterfalls; Bottom, Middle, Main (highest), and Scatter, and it’s basically a walk through the jungle – do wear shoes with good grip as it get can very slippery around the rocks towards the waterfalls.

Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Duration: About 5 hours

How to get there: Take bus route 64K from Tai Po Market Station (East Rail Line) and alight at Ng Tung Chai Bus Stop.

Route 2: MacLehose Trail Stage 8 Route – For The Early Birds

Early bird catches the worm – and magnificent sunrises from atop Tai Mo Shan! This path connecting Lead Mine Pass in the east to Route Twist on the west is the best option for those seeking the first light of dawn as it’s a concrete path that’s still visible in limited light. Don’t forget to pack your headlights though!

Difficulty: Intermediate
Duration: About 3 hours

How to get there: Take minibus route 23K from Tai Po Market Station to San Uk Ka. And then walk for about 15 minutes to Yuen Tun Ha until you reach the Wilson Trail starting point to Lead Mine Pass.

Route 3: Rotary Park To Tai Mo Shan Viewpoint – For Beginners

This is the path for anyone that wants to say they’ve conquered Tai Mo Shan – minus the treacherous, long climb! The perk of this route is, the starting point is already 470 metres above sea level so when you start, you’re already halfway there! Starting off with relatively steep steps, the path eventually becomes a concrete road with a gradual and leisurely climb.

Difficulty: Easy
Duration: About 1.5 hours

How to get there: Take KMB bus route 51 from Nina Tower Bus Terminus (Tsuen Wan West Station) and alight at Tai Mo Shan Country Park. Follow the signs pointing to the visitor centre.

Route 4: Route Twisk To Wo Tong Kong Hidden Trail – For The Road Less Travelled

A little detour, this path will not take you to the weather station but if you’re hiking between November and January, this is a must-do pit stop for anyone and everyone that loves silver grass! You’ll need to first walk past shrubs to eventually get to the terrain filled with silver grass, as well as interesting rock formations from the Jurassic period. There are ribbons tied to trees to mark the path, as long as you don’t steer away, you should be on track.

If you’re looking for dreamy wedding photography, this path will hit all the notes and more!

Editor’s Note: There’s no trail connecting this path to the viewpoint of Tai Mo Shan so you’ll need to go back the same way.

Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
Duration: About 3 hours

How to get there: Hike from Route Twisk to Wo Tong Kong, there’s a path to the right that starts off quite steep.

Route 5: MacLehose Trail Stage 7 And 8 – For The Seasoned Experts

Tackling Tai Mo Shan is no easy feat and for those looking for an added challenge, this trail takes on not only Tai Mo Shan, but also Needle Hill and Grassy Hill – that’s three peaks for you! The sweeping views, mixed terrains and elevation keeps the momentum going even if it seems to be an endless hike – also a good challenge for trail runners who can complete this hike in about 4 hours.

Difficulty: Advanced (not advised for beginners to attempt)
Duration: About 6 hours

How to get there: From Tsuen Wan MTR Station Exit B, walk over to Shiu Wo Street and take minibus route 82 to Shing Mun. Alight at Pineapple Dam and walk over to Jubilee Reservoir to start the hike.

What To Know Before Hiking Tai Mo Shan

When To Hike Tai Mo Shan

The answer – basically any time of year! But given its altitude, the top is often a sea of clouds so it’s best to avoid humid weather (especially in spring and summer). Set off in winter when it’s relatively dry and cool to catch the panoramic views on the way up as well as from the top.

Flora And Fauna In Tai Mo Shan

Hikers can spot groves of Taiwanese cherry blossom trees by the Rotary Park which bloom in February and March. There are also more than 100 bird species and plenty of butterflies. Stay wary of snakes including the White-spotted Slug Snake, Red-necked Keelback, Bamboo Snake and Common Rat Snake!

Can You Cab It Up?

Yes, you can cab it or drive up and park next to the visitor centre that also has plenty of information on the history of Tai Mo Shan. But do note that this is not the summit of Tai Mo Shan and you’ll still need to do a short hike to get the highest viewpoint.

Is There Anywhere To Eat At Tai Mo Shan?

It is a hike after all and a long one at that, so be sure to pack snacks, lunch and adequate water. The only place to buy food is the snack stand run by Aunt Lin at the Tai Mo Shan visitor centre. You can also opt for a dim sum lunch at Tuen Kee Dim Sum at Chuen Lung Village either before or after your hike.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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