Hiking is not usually the first thing people associate with Hong Kong, even though it boasts some of the best urban hiking trails in the world. Accessible year-round although more pleasant during winter, Hong Kong’s trails cater to all hikers from beginner to experienced and should be a part of any trip to the SAR. In this article, I list my favorite hikes.
Lantau Island – 大嶼山
Lantau Island is the first sight of Hong Kong most visitors get as they land at the airport. The airport is located on reclaimed land around a nearby island and Lantau’s high peaks are visible from every terminals. As far as I am concerned, it is the most beautiful part of Hong Kong and it is definitely worth a visit. Other than the hiking trails, the island’s main attractions are the Tian Tan Giant Buddha, Ngong Ping monastery, Lantau peak, Cheung Sha and Silvermine Bay Beaches, Tai O, Discovery Bay, Disneyland HK and the Shek Pik reservoir.
How to get there
You can reach Lantau Island using the Tung Chung MTR line from Hong Kong island, Kowloon and the New Territories. There are three stations on Lantau Island, Tung Chung being the closest to most attractions. From Tung Chung, I recommend taking either the bus (23) or the cable car (Ngong Ping 360, book in advance) to the Ngong Ping monastery. From the monastery you can visit the Tian Tan Giant Bhudda and also access the Lantau Trail. There are regular buses running from Ngong Ping to various other locations on the island, including the fishing village of Tai O and the Shek Pik reservoir.
The trails
The Lantau Trail is the longest and most scenic trail on the island. It is 75km long and loops around its southern part. My favorite segments are the Ngong Ping and Lantau Peak hike and the Ngong Ping to Tai O hike. The trail is easy to find from the Ngong Ping monastery, simply follow the “Lantau Trail” signs. I recommend these two hikes only to people who are reasonably fit. Bring plenty of water as there is no way to buy any once you leave the monastery. For those who plan to thru-hike the entire trail, plan two days if very fit and three or even four otherwise. Its a good idea to stay in Discovery Bay the night before the first segment, in Tung Chung between the two segments and again in Discovery Bay after completing the hike (this will save you hours of commuting to and from the city).
Plover Cove Country Park – 船灣郊野公園
Undoubtedly one of the most scenic parks in Hong Kong, the Plover Cove Country Park offers a wide variety of trails that will appeal to all levels of hikers. My favourite sights in the park are the Bride’s Pool, the Pat Sin Leng mountains, Ma Shi Chau island and the remote Ping Chau island. My favorite hike is the Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail.
How to get there
Take the MTR to Tai Po Market station on the East Rail Line and transfer there to the bus going to the Wu Kau Tang car park (20C / 20R). From there, follow the signs for the Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail.
The trails
The Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail is 15km long and takes 6-7 hours to complete. It is a pretty challenging trail that I only recommend to experienced hikers. Make sure to visit the Bride’s Pool at the start of the trail. Less experienced hikers can take the path back to the trailhead once they get to Ha Miu Tin village. Do note that you will have to walk across a 2km long bridge at the end of the trail in order to get back to civilisation. It goes without saying that you should carry plenty of water and sunscreen, especially during summer.
Victoria Peak – 太平山
Victoria Peak is the most popular and accessible hike in Hong Kong. It offers spectacular views of the city’s skyline and can be combined with a visit to the Mid-Levels and the Zoo. While there is a tram that goes to the summit, in this article I will only cover the hiking trail.
How to get there, the trail
Take the MTR to the Central or Hong Kong station. Use Exit D2, turn right immediately then turn left when you get to Theater Lane. Follow that direction until you see the signs for the Mid-Levels escalators. Get on the escalators and stay on them all the way to Conduit Road. Turn left on Conduit Road and walk all the way until you get to the Old Peak Road intersection. Turn on Old Peak Road follow it all the way to the summit. The trail is paved but can still be challenging as it is quite steep. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and your camera. On the way down from the summit I recommend visiting the zoo, it is free and very pleasant. Simply walk down Old Peak Road from the summit until you see the “Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens” signs.
Sai Kung Peninsula – 西貢半島
Two parks, Sai Kung East and Sai Kung West, occupy a vast portion of the Sai Kung peninsula in the New Territories. They offer some of the best hiking in the city as well as access to some very scenic beaches (Sai Wan, Ham Tin, Tai Long and Tung Wan). My favourite sights on the peninsula are Sharp Peak, Po Pin Chau and the High Island Reservoir.
How to get there
Take the MTR to Diamond Hill station at the intersection of the Kwun Tong and Tuen Ma lines. Use exit C2 then take bus 92 to Sai Kung Peninsula. From Sai Kung town catch bus 94 towards Wong Shek pier and alight at Pak Tam Chung station. From Pak Tam Chung station, walk along Tai Mong Tsai Road for about five minutes until you reach the start of the MacLehose Trail (first section).
The trails
The first and second sections of the MacLehose Trail, combined, are 24.1km long and loop around the southern part of the peninsula. They offer spectacular views of the High Island Reservoir, Po Pin Chau and Sharp Peak. It is an easy hike but due to the relatively long distance, I only recommend it to experienced hikers. Get there early, bring plenty of water, sunscreen and if hiking during the summer, your bathing suit.
