Brenda PohMention Hong Kong, and the first few things that come to mind would be the awesome shopping and the absolutely delectable food. While you head out gleefully for a shopping spree and feast your hearts out on dim sum and egg tarts, don’t forget to check out the gorgeous scenery that Hong Kong has to offer! Besides, it’s a great way to work off those calories too.
To make things easier for you, we’ve gathered a list of 11 hiking trails separated into three different themes – Hiking in Heritage, Picture-perfect Vistas, and Geological Wonders. All of them have varying levels of difficulty, so take your pick and head out for some adventure! Better yet: all of these trails are completely FREE, so you’ll be saving some extra cash while on your holiday! Pick your favourite(s) and save them for the next time you’re visiting Hong Kong.
| Excited to lace up your hiking boots and get going? We’ve got a deal that will make your Hong Kong vacation even sweeter. Fly with AirAsia from Kota Kinabalu/ Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong from just RM149 (all-in, one way) right now! There’s no time to lose, panoramic views and yummy food await you! Book now and travel from now till 30 April 2018. |
🚶Theme 1: Hiking in Heritage 🚶
1. Lovers’ Walk
Image credit: Wpcpey
This first trail is ideal for couples, especially for those looking to spend some quality time with each other. This trail is fairly easy, and will take you a total of four hours to complete. Start your hike at Lee Tung Avenue, an airy tree-lined pedestrian boulevard with sidewalk cafes and chic boutiques. Grab a bite along the way to fuel up the energy you need before embarking on the trail.
Image credit: Andreas.
You’ll pass Lover’s Rock on the trail, a landmark believed to be the home of the God of Love. It is popular among pilgrims – women in particular – bringing offerings to ask for a loyal partner or fertility. And while you’re there, don’t forget to ask for blessings for your own relationship, or maybe even a future child!
Duration: 4 hours
Level of Difficulty: Fairly easy
Suggested route: Lee Tung Avenue > Wan Chai Green Trail > Bowen Road > Lovers’ Rock > Police Museum
2. Relics of Technological Strides
Image credit: Wpcpey
This trail comprises six locations, two of which have been declared monuments of Hong Kong by the Antiquities Advisory Board. Begin your journey at Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park, where a park and an artificial lake sits. Originally Hong Kong’s third reservoir, Wong Nai Chung Reservoir was converted into the reservoir park it is today due to its small water storage capacity. Then, make your way to the Tai Tam Group of Reservoirs, which boasts – not one, not two but – four reservoirs! Afterwhich, hike up Quarry Gap, where Wartime Stoves can be spotted.
This trail is truly a treat for those who have a knack for history. As you make your way through the trail, you’ll be able to see the remnants of World War II – getting an insightful glimpse into an important part of Hong Kong’s history.
Duration: 7 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Suggested route: Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park > Tai Tam Group of Reservoirs >
Quarry Gap > Wartime Stoves > Woodside Biodiversity Education Centre > Tong Chong Street
3. Down Memory Lane
Image credit: Tatters
If hiking for seven hours at one go sounds a little daunting, you can opt to go on this trail instead! This trail offers you exactly what the name suggests – a trip down memory lane. Enjoy the best of both worlds as you surround yourself in the beautiful landscapes set against the busy concrete buildings in the background.
Image credit: Chor Ip
You’ll be starting the trail with a ride on the Peak Tram, which will take you all the way up to Victoria Peak where you can enjoy excellent panoramic views. Grab that snapshot of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline! While you’re on the tram, you might experience a phenomenon known as “The Peak Tram illusion” where the high-rise buildings appear to fall towards Victoria Peak.
Feeling a little peckish? Grab something to eat at The Peak Lookout to keep your energy level up before you continue with the rest of your hike. This trail is easy, making it manageable even for beginners. It will only take four and a half hours, leaving you with more than enough time for other activities you have planned out for the day!
Duration: 4.5 hours
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Suggested route: Peak Tram > The Peak Lookout > Lugard Road > Lung Fu Shan & Pinewood Battery > University of Hong Kong
4. Village Vistas
On this trail, you’ll be greeted by local flora and fauna, tons of distinctive geological structures and an opportunity to learn more about the Hakka heritage. If you’re a Hakka yourself, this is probably a good trail for you to take on!
Image credit: ncburton
Kick off your hike at Bride’s Pool. Peculiar name, you might think, but its name actually comes from a legend: A bride drowned in the pool while on her way to meet her groom in stormy weather, and the pool was named as such in remembrance of the bride. There are also several waterfalls here and a steam pool that you can take a dip in!
Take a stroll through Lai Sam Ancient Trail and you’ll arrive in Sam A Village. You can take a short break here to fill your stomach at the eateries here or buy some snacks for the rest of your hike. Afterwards, set off for Lai Chi Wo before you call it a day. At Lai Chi Wo, you may also want to visit the Hip Tin Temple. Together with the Hok Shan Monastery, these two buildings were built over two hundred years ago to draw good fortune to Lai Chi Wo and chase away evil. People often visit the Hip Tin Temple to worship Guan Di, and the Hok Shan Monastery to worship Guan Yin.
Duration: 7 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Suggested route: Bride’s Pool > Wu Kau Tang Village > Lai Sam Ancient Trail > Sam A Village > Lai Chi Wo
| Can’t wait to try out hiking in Hong Kong already? Fly with AirAsia from Kota Kinabalu/ Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong from just RM149 (all-in, one way) right now! Say hello to majestic waterfalls, steam pools, lush greenery and more when you visit! Book now and travel from now till 30 April 2018. |
📸 Theme 2: Picture-perfect Vistas 📸
5. Magnificent Landscapes
Image credit: doctorho
For those seeking a challenge, you might want to consider this trail. With seven spots to cover, this trail is difficult and will require about nine hours from start to finish. These places are hot favourites amongst both photographers and hikers, because of the truly impressive views that are guaranteed throughout the hike.
Image credit: K.S.Wu
The starting point of the trail is at a mountain pass named Pak Kung Au, located along Tung Chung Road. From here, you can easily access Lantau Trail, which also connects to Nam Shan and Sunset Peak. Standing at a height of 869m, Sunset Peak is Lantau Island’s second tallest mountain, and the third tallest in the whole of Hong Kong. The mountain has not been given its name of Sunset Peak for no apparent reason – it sure boasts some of the most gorgeous sunsets that you must not miss out on. End off the hike with a visit to Mui Wo and Silver Mine Bay, where a pristine beach awaits.
Image credit: Eddie Yip
Grab a comfortable pair of shoes because there’s going to be a lot of walking involved. Remember to bring your camera along as there are heaps of picturesque moments to be captured along the way! One last tip: Make sure you don’t miss the magic hour (5.30pm to 6.30pm) when you’re on this trail!
Duration: 9 hours
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
Suggested route: Pak Kung Au > Lantau Trail > Sunset Peak & Yi Tung Shan > Nam Shan > Luk Tei Tong Watch Tower > Mui Wo > Silver Mine Bay
6. Cosmopolitan Panorama
Image credit: potaihse
On this trail, you’ll be encountering Hong Kong’s highest peak, Tai Mo Shan, which has an altitude of 957 metres. Though all the locations in this trail are on the same mountain, the whole trail is quite difficult and will take you around five hours.
Your first destination is the Tai Mo Shan Country Park Visitor Centre which houses an activity room and an exhibition gallery. Separated into six different themes, the visitor centre is a good starting point for the trail as it gives an introduction to Tai Mo Shan Country Park, and at the same time, helps visitors better understand climate change in Hong Kong and around the world. Hike upwards towards Tai Mo Shan Lookout and you’ll be granted with marvelous views of the city below.
Image credit: Hales Suen
As Tai Mo Shan is the coldest place in the New Territories, do ensure that you pack extra clothing to keep warm because the temperature might drop close to freezing point while you’re there. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to see frost – an extremely rare sight to see in Hong Kong!
Duration: 5 hours
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
Suggested route: Tai Mo Shan Country Park Visitor Centre > Tai Mo Shan Lookout > Tai Mo Shan Road > Weather Radar Station
7. Travel Through Time
One of the more difficult trails on this list, it takes about 11 hours to complete the entire trail so be sure to set aside an entire day for it if you’re interested to give this trail a shot. This is a coastal trail that used to be an important passage for villagers travelling between Tai O and Tung Chung.
Begin your hike at another of Hong Kong’s declared monuments, the Tung Chung Fort. Previously used during the Shun Hei era (1174–1189) and World War II, there are six old muzzle-loading cannons still standing at the site, which make for a great photo opportunity! Later, head over to Tai O to see stilt houses (yes, there are actually stilt houses in Hong Kong) – where the Tanka people live.
Image credit: Tai O Heritage Hotel
At the end of the long hike, retreat to Tai O Heritage Hotel for the night to wash up and rest. After a long day outdoors, you’ll definitely be famished, so drop by the hotel’s restaurant Tai O Lookout to have your fill. The restaurant has a see-through roof, so be sure to look up at the stars while eating your dinner for a mesmerizing sight like no other!
Duration: 11 hours
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
Suggested route: Tung Chung Fort > Tung Chung Bay > Hau Hok Wan > Northwest Lantau Coast > Po Chue Tam > Stilt Houses > Tai O Heritage Hotel
| All ready to snap some Insta-worthy shots of Hong Kong’s incredible landscapes? Fly with AirAsia from Kota Kinabalu/ Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong from just RM149 (all-in, one way) right now! All your friends will be incredibly jealous of your hiking escapades for sure! Book now and travel from now till 30 April 2018!
|
⛰ Theme 3: Geological Wonders ⛰
8. Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark
Image credit: Tomoaki INABA
Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark is littered with many natural landscapes. Home to many fascinating natural geological landforms, the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark includes the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region and the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region.
Image credit: Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark
The Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region comprises of Sharp Island, Ung Kong Group and Ninepin Group. Did you know? Sharp Island is actually an ancient supervolcano that erupted 140 million years ago (!!) The Ung Kong Group and Ninepin Group on the other hand, are remarkable abrasion landforms with steep cliffs and sea arches, that will certainly blow you away with its magnificence! There’s just so much to explore!
To explore Sai Kung Volcanic Rock region, first get to the Sai Kung Waterfront Park where you’ll see the Volcanic Discovery Centre. After looking at and learning more about rock specimens and features, set out to explore the different areas surrounding the Volcanic Region! Start with High Island’s volcanic rock coast before going on a ferry to Sharp Island, Ung Kong and Ninepin Group.
Duration: 8+ hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Suggested route: Sharp Island > Ung Kong Group > Ninepin Group
To get here, take a 90 minute ferry ride from Ma Liu Shui Landing No.3 to Lai Chi Wo, service is on sundays and public holidays only. Otherwise, just join any Geopark tour available!
Image credit: Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark
As for Port Island-Bluff Head, you’ll be able to marvel at one of the most iconic geographical landmarks in the area – the Devil’s Fist, as well a uniquely bright red hue over the island, caused by rich iron oxide. Port Island isn’t easy to get to though, so we definitely recommend hopping on a tour for this one!
Duration: 7.5 hours
Difficulty: Fairly easy
Suggested route: Double Haven > Port Island – Bluff Head
9. Geological Treasure Hunt
Image credit: (left) Aidan Mak, (right) Tomoaki INABA
Another area under the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region would be crescent shaped Tung Ping Chau Island. Tour around the island’s most popular attractions like Lung Lok Shui (a 100m long band of rock mimicking a dragon heading towards the ocean) and Cham Keng Chau (a natural tunnel formed from wave erosion) – definitely not to be missed! To get to Tung Ping Chau Island, take a ferry from Ma Liu Shui Pier and start your journey from Tung Ping Chau Pier!
Duration: 7 hours
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Suggested route: Tung Ping Chau Public Pier > A Ma Wan > Kang Lau Shek & Rock Pools > Lung Lok Shui > Cham Keng Chau > Tai Tong Village > Tung Ping Chau Public Pier
10. Coastal Wonders
Image credit: Eddie Yip
This trail flaunts some of nature’s best works. From sea stacks and sea caves to dykes and hexagonal columns, this trail will require seven hours – covering nine locations in the town of Sai Kung. The sea caves in particular are quite fascinating, with names such as “Brain Cave” because a brain-shaped rock is found at the end of the cave; “Sea Palace” cave and “Lam Wan Kok” cave, which is one of the famous “Four Sea Arches” in Hong Kong. The high and strong waves will keep you on the edge of your feet, as you watch them splash against the cave walls and recede in a cyclical manner. These beautiful landforms truly never cease to amaze!
Image credit: Minghong
Commence your hike at High Island Reservoir East Dam and make your way to the hexagonal rock columns. A remarkably unique structure, these rocks are impossible to miss! Not to mention, they make the perfect background for that Instagram-worthy photo (or your new profile picture). Sai Wan Shan is also one of the stops on this trail – hike to its peak and you’ll be able to see the plethora of rock formations, bays, reefs and islands.
This trail is very difficult and is, in fact, the most difficult one out of the lot! We recommend it for more experienced hikers, but if you choose to give this trail a go, do remember that safety always comes first!
Duration: 7 hours
Level of Difficulty: Very Difficult
Suggested route: High Island Reservoir East Dam > Hexagonal rock columns > Sea cave and Po Pin Chau > Long Ke > Sai Wan Shan > Chui Tung Au > Sai Wan and Ham Tim > Chek Keng > Pak Tam Au
11. South China Sea Escapade
Image credit: tak.wing
Explore Po Toi Island, Hong Kong’s southernmost island also known as the “South Pole of Hong Kong”, when you set out on this trail. Apart from having bizarre-shaped rock structures, the island is also well-known for its seaweed.
Image credit: tak.wing
Begin the hike at Po Toi Pier, where you’ll be able to spot the Conch Rock on your left. Take a short break at the Ngau Wu Teng Pavilion and enjoy the view of the endless South China Sea in the distance. Keep a lookout for the Monk Rock and Tortoise Rock facing each other, as well as the Palm Cliff further down which is often described as the “palm of Buddha”!
Before you leave the island, be sure to try the refreshingly delicious seaweed soup! You can also purchase some dried seafood products to bring back as souvenirs if you like.
Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Suggested route: Po Toi Pier > Ngau Wu Teng Pavilion > Monk Rock and Tortoise Rock > Nam Kok Tsui Lighthouse and Gold Panning Cliff > Palm Cliff > Rock Carvings > Po Toi Pier
With these 11 hiking trails suited for people of all fitness levels, anyone can go hiking in Hong Kong! There is certainly more to discover in cosmopolitan Hong Kong than just food and shopping. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags, your trusty pair of hiking shoes and get your tickets with AirAsia to Hong Kong from just RM149 (all-in, one way) now! Book now and you can travel anytime from now till 30th April 2018!
Brought to you by AirAsia.
