High Junk Peak

Summertime has arrived. Hiking is one of the hottest activities to do in Hong Kong. However, the sun shouldn't stop hikers to hike. Hiking in this kind of hot and humid weather could still be enjoyable, however, one must find a good hiking spot to feel that it's worth the sweat. High Junk Peak is probably one of the best hike and suitable hiking spots in Hong Kong during this hot season. Why is that? Continue reading this blog to find out. 

ABOUT HIGH JUNK PEAK

High Junk Peak is located in Clear Water Bay section in the New Territories. High Junk Peak is probably one of the treacherous hikes in Hong Kong. Hiking High Junk Peak is a quick hike with a stunning and scenic view of Clear Water Bay on the left side and Tseung Kwan O on the right side. High Junk Peak measures about 344 meters above sea level. 

Hiking High Junk Peak can be challenging especially when climbing up to the peak. This hike reminds me of the Sharp Peak hike, however, High Junk Peak is a lot shorter. 

See The Treacherous Sharp Peak Hike to read more about it and if you are also interested.

BASIC INFORMATION OF THE HIKE

DURATION - 3.5 hours

DISTANCE - 6.5KM

DIFFICULTY LEVEL - Fairly Difficult

CELLPHONE/ INTERNET COVERAGE - Everywhere

BEST TIME TO HIKE - Winter or Autumn (Do not go during rainy season)

WATER LEVEL - 1L 

STARTING POINT - Ng Fai Tin (Hang Hau)

FINISHING POINT - Po Toi O

HOW TO GET THERE AND WHAT TO TAKE

EASIEST WAY AND MOST CONVENIENT WAY TO START THE HIKE

The easiest way to start the hike is to take KMB bus no, 91 from Diamond Hill. If you are taking the train to Diamond Hill, you must get off at exit C1. If you are taking a bus or taxi to Diamond Hill, go to Plaza Hollywood Shopping Mall and find the bus terminal.

From there, you can the bus no. 91 from the bus terminal. Get off at Ng Fai Tin. The total journey time should not take more than 30 minutes except if there is any traffic. 

From Ng Fai Tin bus stop, cross the road to the Pavilion and turn right. You will see some stairs and a map and that is where the hike start. 

ENDING THE HIKE IN PO TOI O

The most convenient route to end the hike is at Po Toi O. From there, you can take the minibus no. 16 in the minibus station. It stops at Clear Water Bay, Hang Hau MTR or Po Lam Railway Station. 

HIKE DIARY

DIAMOND HILL TO NG FAI TIN

The easiest way to get to Ng Fai Tin is by taking a bus from Diamond Hill MTR Exit C and go to the bus terminal to take bus no. 91. The bus ride to Ng Fai Tin should take about less than 30 minutes. 

NG FAI TIN - THE PAVILION AND A SHORT FLIGHT OF STEPS

Once you reach Ng Fai Tin, you must cross the road to the other side to a small pavilion. On the right side, there is a map and stairs going up. That is where you start the hike. Up ahead you will be able to see Tseung Kwan O and Sai Kung area on the other side. 

The Pavilion

SHEUNG YEUNG SHAN

After a short flight of steps, you will encounter a signpost. Follow Sheung Yeung Shan trail or Mountain Bike trail for another half an hour. While trekking, you will pass by a ridge and you will be able to see the High Junk Peak view from there.

Taking country trail is easier whilst mountain trail is challenging

A glimpse of High Junk Peak

We also encounter some interesting flowers, wheat field, mushrooms and some Gypsy Moth Caterpillars. 

Wheat field

Gypsy Moth Caterpillar

White mushrooms

There will be another signpost, turn to left fork to Tai Miu trail.

TAI MIU TRAIL

After a few more minutes of trekking, you will come across a resting area, mainly benches. You may allow yourself to take a few minutes rest or have a few snacks. Climbing up the High Junk Peak starts in this area. Follow the ribbons wrapped in tree branches to get started with your hike to the peak.

THE HIGH JUNK PEAK

The first few minutes will be downhill and will eventually be descending to the valley. It will later lead you up to a steep gravel near the peak. From there, you may see Clear Water Bay from the south side. 

Climbing up to the peak can be challenging especially for those with less experience, however, there are many big rocks for you to use to pull yourself up to the peak. Just be careful on the rocks and make sure that it is stable to step on. Climbing up to the peak takes about 30-40 minutes. Wear hand gloves if necessary. 

PANORAMIC VIEWS OF CLEAR WATER BAY AND TSEUNG KWAN O

The view on top is very stunning and rewarding. The clear water from Clear Water Bay is just amazing. I have enjoyed my time on top and took a lot of pictures as well. There are plenty of giant rocks for you to sit, stand or even do a yoga pose for a fantastic picture.

TIN HA SHAN

While descending down, you will be able to enjoy the views of Po Toi O Fishing Ground, Clear Water Bay Golf Course, and Tai Mui Temple. You will also need to cross the entrance of Clear Water Bay Golf Club and follow Tai Au Mun Road to the left. Lastly, you must turn right to Po Toi O Chuen Road to end the hike. 

ENDING THE HIKE IN PO TOI O

Your hike is near to the end when you spot a minibus station in Po Toi O. From there, you may take the minibus no. 16 via Po Lam Railway Station. There is an option to drop off at Clear Water Bay or Hang Hau MTR (Nan Fong Plaza).

WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR

• Small towel
• Hiking pants/ jogging pants (no jeans/denim!)
• Short/ Long-Sleeve Shirt
• Hiking shoes
• Trekking pole - can be useful when descending 
• Extra shirt - for changing
• Cap - to protect your face from sun exposure
• Umbrella/ waterproof jacket with hoodie - in case of rain 
• Windbreaker jacket (optional) - It will be very windy in the middle of the hike from Violet Hill path to Tse Long Bridge
• Toiletries - tissue/ wet tissue, sunscreen, OFF spray (to avoid insects)
• Portable charger
• Water - 1L
• Snacks - fruits (apples or bananas), boiled eggs, protein/ energy bars, digestives biscuits or bread

OVERALL EXPERIENCE

This hike for me was one of the best I ever hike in Hong Kong during summer. Hiking High Junk Peak was not very difficult, though a little bit challenging. Clambering up was the challenging part of the entire hike, which is exactly what I am looking for in a hike. The view on top was spectacular. I enjoyed it a lot and somehow I felt that I was on an island in Thailand or the Philippines. I would definitely recommend this hike. 

If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to leave a comment below. I will be more than happy to help. 

Yours Truly,

Michelle Chan

The Hong Kong "Pyramid Hill" Hike

It is springtime in Hong Kong. Therefore, paying a visit to the hills or mountains in Hong Kong is probably the best time whilst all the flowers are starting to bloom and beautiful butterflies flying around while you trek. Sound relaxing isn't it? The weather is also cool and warm. 

THE PYRAMID HILL

The Pyramid Hill is located in the Ma On Shan trail. Pyramid Hill is probably one of the famous hiking spots in Hong Kong. It measures about 536 meters above sea level. Does it really look like a pyramid though? You'll find out whilst you continue reading this blog. 

BASIC INFORMATION OF THE HIKE

DURATION - 3.5 hours

DISTANCE - Around 5-6km

DIFFICULTY LEVEL - Medium (Hard - when climbing up the Pyramid Hill)

CELLPHONE/ INTERNET COVERAGE - Everywhere

BEST TIME TO HIKE - Autumn or Winter season

WATER LEVEL - 1.5L

STARTING POINT - Ma On Shan BBQ site

FINISHING POINT - Tai Shui Tseng

HOW TO GET THERE AND WHAT TO TAKE

CONVENIENT AND EASIEST WAY TO START THE HIKE

The most convenient way to get to Ma On Shan is by taking the MTR then a village minibus. Get off at Ma On Shan Exit B and go down to the ground floor of Sunshine City Plaza at the bus terminal. Look for the green taxi stand and the village minibus is right there. Take the village minibus no. NR84. Take note that this minibus isn't the normal green minibus. It looks more like a mini shuttle bus and it is white in color.

There are only 3 timeslots in the morning - 8 am, 9:30 am and 10:30 am. The next one and the only time and the last one you can take will be at 1:00 pm. This minibus leaves on time, so make sure to be there in advance. 

The minibus ride should take about 15-20 minutes. Get off at Ma On Shan BBQ site and look for a signpost to Ma On Shan Country Trail. Walk straight until you see a carpark. There will be another signpost via Ngong Ping. Once you've found that, that is where you start the hike. 

TWO WAYS TO END THE HIKE

The first option - Passing by Chuk Yeung Road trail. This trail will bring to Sai Sha Road where you can take bus no. 99 or no. 299 to Sha Tin, Wu Kai Sha MTR or to Sai Kung. 

The second option - Descend down via Tai Shui Tseng trail. This is easier and quicker to finish the hike. This trail will end near Sai Kung. From there you will find some minibus or simply take a taxi ride back to Sai Kung. The cost should only take around HK$50-70.

HIKE DIARY

MA ON SHAN MTR TO VILLAGE BUS STOP

As mention above "How to get there and what to take", you should take the village minibus no. NR84 and drop off at Ma On Shan BBQ site. 

MA ON SHAN BBQ SITE

From the BBQ site, walk straight and look for the signpost to Ma On Shan Country trail. When you pass by a mini car park area and look for the signpost to Ngong Ping trail, that is where the hike starts. It usually takes about 15 minutes to reach the starting point from the BBQ site. 

The village minibus NR84

Ma On Shan BBQ site

The signpost you should be following

NGONG PING TRAIL

The hike is slightly tiring as you will start with a flight of stairs and then some uphills. This area reminds me of a jungle. It is so green. Hiking up to the paviion should only take about 30 minutes. 

The signpost to Ngong Ping trail

A little bit of the Pyramid Hill view

THE PAVILLION

When you reach the pavilion, that is when you finish trekking the Ngong PIng trail. You can stay at the pavilion and rest for a bit and have a quick snack before proceeding your hike to the Pyramid Hill. From there it will take about 10 minutes to reach the famous hill. 

The Pavillion

Spotted this beautiful butterfly

THE PYRAMID HILL

It is easy to find the Pyramid Hill as it is the only one there. You can't possibly miss that unless you took the wrong path. Anyways, seeing the Pyramid Hill was stunning and somehow it does sort of look like a pyramid, just like the ones in Egypt, except Pyramid Hill is not man-made. 

Tips: You may choose to climb up the Pyramid Hill if you want more adventure or you may continue your hike down via Tai Shui Tseng trail or Mao Ping trail. 

The Pyramid Hill

A closer look at the hill

THE GRASSLAND

Reaching the grassland area is very peaceful and something I have never seen before in a hike in Hong Kong. There is an area where campers can stay overnight to have some overnight camping excursion. 

Sai Kung view

CLIMBING UP THE PYRAMID HILL

Climbing up the hill is very challenging. You need to clamber up and literally push and pull yourself up. I must say, this is not very easy but also not very hard. It's manageable, you just have to be careful where to step and use those rocks wisely to help you climb up the hill. It will take around 15 to 30 minutes being the longest to climb the Pyramid Hill. You may take a long break when you reach on top and enjoy the scenery. 

Friendly advice: Bring a pair of sports gloves if you are climbing up the Pyramid Hill for safety purposes. 

Ma On Shan hills

View from above

DESCENDING DOWN THE HILL

Once you're done admiring how beautiful the scenery is, there are 2 options for you to choose where to proceed. 

Option 1 - Walk down straight via Maclehose trail to take you to Chuk Yeung Road. Taking this trail will reward you with more views. By following this trail, it should take you about 1-2 hours more to finish the hike. 

Option 2 - Walk down straight and turn to the left side and continue to walk straight back to the pavilion. From there, you can walk to the same way to the Pyramid Hill. Once, you've reached the Pyramid Hill, continue to walk straight until you see a map and some signs. Take the Tai Shui Tseng trail to head down. This is an easier and quicker way to end your hike, so taking this trail would be good. 

Adrenaline junkies paragliding

Looking back at the Pyramid Hill

Goodbye for now

ENDING THE HIKE IN SAI KUNG

Before you head down, you will see some people flying their drones or electronic airplanes around the area. If you are lucky, you will also get to see some adrenaline junkies doing paragliding. The hike down via Tai Shui Tseng will take about 1 hour to 1 hour and a half to finish. It is slightly steep but there are plenty of big rocks to help you out whilst you go down.

Once you start stepping on concrete stairs then that is when you will know that the hike is almost over. From there, you may take a minibus or a taxi back to Sai Kung or anywhere you wish to go. 

THINGS TO BRING AND WHAT TO WEAR

• Small towel
• Hiking pants/ jogging pants (no jeans/denim!)
• Short/ Long-Sleeve Shirt
• Hiking shoes
• Trekking pole - can be useful when descending 
• Extra shirt - for changing
• Cap - to protect your face from sun exposure
• Umbrella/ waterproof jacket with hoodie - in case of rain 
• Windbreaker jacket (optional) - It will be very windy in the middle of the hike from Violet Hill path to Tse Long Bridge
• Toiletries - tissue/ wet tissue, sunscreen, OFF spray (to avoid insects)
• Portable charger
• Water - 1.5L
• Snacks - fruits (apples or bananas), boiled eggs, protein/ energy bars, digestives biscuits or bread

OVERALL EXPERIENCE

My whole experience in this hike is beyond nice and calm. It is not very tiring nor struggling. The view up in the Pyramid Hill is probably the best part. I have never seen anything like this in Hong Kong. I will never forget clambering up the Pyramid Hill. It was quite the challenge. 

If you have any concerns or questions about this hike, feel free to contact me or leave a comment below. I will be more than happy to help.

Yours Truly,

Michelle Chan

The Violet Hill & The Twins Hike

During the festive season of this year's Chinese New Year, there are many things to do and to visit in Hong Kong. It is very busy and joyful everywhere, even in the countryside areas. Hiking is probably one of the most famous activities to do around this time. 

There are many good hiking spots in Hong Kong and almost every hike has different elements and experience for each hiker. In the meantime, this blog is about my experience hiking the Violet Hill and The Twins. 

A HIKE WITH THOUSANDS OF STEPS

Have you ever heard of such thing? Well, there are plenty of places to hike that consists of thousands of steps in Hong Kong. However, thousands of steps in Hong Kong means stepping on some endless flight of stairs. This could be a turn off to many people as stairs are often regarded as annoying and overwhelming, especially to the lazy bums. In my opinion, the stairs aren't that bad when hiking The Twins. Normally I would find stairs very annoying as I prefer climbing up steep rocks and steep paths rather than stairs. The only time I truly enjoy stairs is when going down. Fortunately, this hike was my favorite to my deepest surprise. 

THE VIOLET HILL

There are plenty of beautiful flowers including the violet-colored flowers and some butterflies and dragonflies species around the hill. This is how this hill got its name. Hiking the Violet Hill offers nice panoramic views of Jardine's Lookout, Mount Parker and as well as Tai Tam Reservoir. You may see why it is named after Violet Hill whilst climbing up The Twins. One has to look back to see it of course. 

THE TWINS

There are 2 twins to climb up and down. The first twin is probably the longest one to ascend and it is steeper than the second twin. Each twin should take about 30 minutes (depending on speed and resting time). Climbing The Twins can be slightly difficult, most especially for those who do not hike a lot or exercise regularly. The reward for conquering it though is very satisfying. The negative side of hiking The Twins is that there isn't any shade or resting place for you to properly rest. You must climb up the two twins in order for you to reach the Compass station and finally rest there before descending. 

BASIC INFORMATION OF THE HIKE

DURATION - 3-4 hours (depending on speed and resting time)

DISTANCE - About 6km (depending on routes) 

DIFFICULTY LEVEL - Medium (but can be challenging and tiring when climbing up The Twins)

CELLPHONE/ INTERNET COVERAGE - Everywhere

BEST TIME TO HIKE - Autumn, Winter or Spring (Definitely not during the summer as there are no shades or resting point in the hiking route)

STARTING POINT - Wong Nai Chung Reserviour

FINISHING POINT - Stanley Gap Road

HOW TO GET THERE AND WHAT TO TAKE

CONVENIENT AND EASIEST WAY TO START THE HIKE

Take MTR to Central or Wanchai Station, from there take the bus no. 6 via Stanley Prison (Exchange Square bus terminus in Central and Wanchai Market in Wanchai). Get off at "Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park, Wong Nai Chung Gap Road". The bus will stop by the Petrol station and find the signpost on the right to Tai Tam Road. It's about 10 minutes walk to Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park. Once you reach the park, you may take some time to look around at the reservoir and this is also the last stop for any proper toilet breaks. 

Also, make sure that you find the hiking map post and walk straight up to the left until you see a signpost to Hong Kong Parkview. This is where you start the hike to Violet Hills then to The Twins. 

REACHING STANLEY GAP ROAD AFTER THE HIKE

The hike will end at Stanley Gap Road. From there, there are buses to take to go back to the low land (Central, Aberdeen, Causeway Bay or Wanchai). However, if you wish to visit Stanley and if you have plenty of time to do so, you may take bus no. 6, 6A, 260 or 73 to Stanley. The bus stops in Stanley Market, Stanley Beach, Stanley Prison and many others. You may also choose to walk over to Stanley. It will take around 20-30 minutes. However, there is no footpath, so you must be very careful when walking to Stanley. 

You may also take a taxi to leave Stanley Gap Road but it may take some time to hop into one. 

HIKE DIARY

BUS RIDE TO WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD

As mention above in "How to get there and what to take", the easiest way to get to Wong Nai Chung Road is by taking bus no. 6 (via Stanley Prison). The bus ride normally takes around 15-20 minutes. Beware though as the bus ride may be bumpy and wobbly since you are going uphill. 

TAI TAM ROAD TO WONG NAI CHUNG RESERVOIR PARK

After getting off at Wong Nai Chung Road, find the signpost to Tai Tam Road on the right side beside the petrol station. It is about 10 minutes walk up to reach the Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park. From there, you may take some quick tour around the park and this is also the last source for a toilet break. 

Wong Nai Chung Reservoir

The start of the trail

Remember to read the map

HONG KONG PARKVIEW VIA STANLEY TRAIL

This is where you start the hike. Be sure to find the signpost for Stanley Trail by walking straight uphill from the entrance of Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park. The hike starts up with a few stairs up and followed by a ridge. Over there, you will see plenty of beautiful flowers and a glimpse of Wanchai and Kowloon views from a distance. 

Almost there!

This path cam get very windy

THE VIOLET HILL

Hiking up the Violet Hill takes around an hour if you are taking a steady and relaxing hike. You will enjoy the panoramic views of Jardine's Lookout and Mount Parker once you've reached the hilltop. The south side of the Tai Tam Reservoir can also be seen whilst in Violet Hill. I must say that this is a peaceful hike. 

Looking back at the Violet Hill

Tai Tam Reservoir

TSZ KONG BRIDGE (TSIN TSUI WAN AU)

The hike will take you directly to Tsz Kong Bridge also known as Tsin Tsui Wan Au. From here, there are 2 different paths - To Repulse Bay on the right side from the catchwater or you may go straight to climb The Twins and end the hike at Stanley Gap Road. Before you start climbing, make sure to take a quick rest and have a light meal and a good stretch to prepare yourself before climbing for what its known, the thousands of steps. 

The Bridge

The beginning...

FIRST TWIN

So this where your struggle begins, the first twin approximately takes around 20-30 minutes to finish. Well, it really depends on your speed, however, there are no proper spots for you to properly rest and the stairs are good for 2 people to fit in, so you may probably have to move aside whenever someone is passing whilst you are resting. The first twin consists of 1000 steps. After you're done ascending the first twin, you will pass by a ridge for a good 5 minutes and start to descend down to meet the other twin. 

On another note, you may take a look back at Violet Hill and witness the beauty of it and to understand better why it is named after Violet Hill. 

On the way to the first twin

The beginning of the thousands steps

Our tired yet happy face

SECOND TWIN

Climbing up the second twin is actually a lot faster than the first twin. It is also a 1000 stairs for the second twin. There are some numbers drafted on the concrete stairs such as 100, 300, 500, 700, 900, 959 and 1000. Whoever did this is probably a genius. It helps motivate the hikers to keep going until they've completed the 1000 steps. Climbing the second twin took around 20 minutes. 

The second twin

Best people

THE MOST REWARDING VIEW

The most rewarding part is when you've finally reached the Ma Kong Shan Compass Station. This is where you get to rest properly as there are benches around the station, an overview map of the area and of course let's not forget about the most spectacular view in this entire hike, which is seeing the peninsula of Stanley with your own eyes.

Ma Kong Shan Compass Station

Stanley Peninsula

STEEP DESCEND AND MORE STAIRS DOWN

Going down can be challenging to the least experience hikers as it can be quite steep, however, it is quite safe as long as you are careful with what you step on. Whilst you're at it, be sure to check out the views right in front of you. 

Steep stairs down

View while descending

ENDING THE HIKE AT STANLEY GAP ROAD

Once you've met some proper concrete stairs down, this is when you know that the hike is almost over. Be careful not to trip yourself as stepping down through the stairs can be steep. It takes around 15-20 minutes to walk down and finally ending the hike in Stanley Gap Road. From there, there are buses going back to Central, Wanchai, Causeway Bay, Aberdeen or to Stanley. 

STANLEY

After the hike, we decided to go to Stanley and visit the markets, beach and have a proper and well-deserving meal after finishing a hike. There are plenty of good restaurants at the beach side, so for those who want to dine in will never run out of options. 

Stanley Beach

That one lonely boat

THINGS TO WEAR & BRING WHEN HIKING

• Small towel
• Hiking pants/ jogging pants (no jeans/denim!)
• Short/ Long-Sleeve Shirt
• Hiking shoes
• Trekking pole - can be useful when descending 
• Extra shirt - for changing
• Cap - to protect your face from sun exposure
• Umbrella/ waterproof jacket with hoodie - in case of rain 
• Windbreaker jacket (optional) - It will be very windy in the middle of the hike from Violet Hill path to Tse Long Bridge
• Toiletries - tissue/ wet tissue, sunscreen, OFF spray (to avoid insects)
• Portable charger
• Water - 1.5L
• Snacks - fruits (apples or bananas), boiled eggs, protein/ energy bars, digestives biscuits or bread

OVERALL EXPERIENCE

The hike was very good overall. Frankly speaking, this is quite an easy hike, however, I have to say that it is quite tiring too due to the never-ending stairs when climbing The Twins. The hike is easily accessible and there were signposts everywhere, so it is easy to trek. The only downside in this hike is that there isn't any resting spot to take a quick rest, especially not in The Twins. 

Other than that, the hike was peaceful, although a bit crowded it is understandable during this festivities. I honestly wouldn't mind hiking The Twins again. This hike is actually good for exercise and making your legs stronger. 

I hope the information I had written on this blog will be of use and helpful in planning your hiking trip. Feel free to reach out if you have any concerns or questions. I will be more than happy to help. 

Yours Truly,

Michelle Chan

Tiger's Head (Lo Fu Tao) Trail in Hong Kong

As the new year arrives and now it is the winter season in Hong Kong. This is the best time to hike as the weather is cool and it is quite refreshing to hike in this kind of weather. HIkers won't have to deal with the super ridiculous hot and humid weather during this winter season. 

There are many good hiking spots in Hong Kong and almost every hike has different elements and experience for each hiker. In the meantime, this blog is about my experience hiking the Tiger's Head located in the Northeast Lantau Island. 

TIGER'S HEAD

The Tiger's Head hike is also known as Lo Fu Tao (in Cantonese, which also means Tiger's Head) is one of the most pleasant and scenic hikes in Hong Kong. The hiking route connects from Northeast of Lantau Island to Discovery Bay and it can easily trek for a good 4 hours. There are 3 major stone attractions for hikers to see - "Sword Testing Stone", "Peach Stone" and "Strange Duck Stone". The most remarkable stone will be the Tiger's Head itself, however, you will only get a better view of it once you reach Discovery Bay and you may look up the hill as if like the tiger's head is staring at the entire Discovery Bay. 

BASIC INFORMATION

DURATION - 3-4 hours (depending on speed and resting time)

DISTANCE - 8-12 km (depending on routes)

DIFFICULTY LEVEL - In between Easy-Medium (Moderate), so 2/4 would be an ideal rate

CELLPHONE/ INTERNET COVERAGE - Everywhere

STARTING POINT - Pak Mong Village in Tung Chung (Lantau Island)

FINISHING POINT - Discovery Bay

(From Discovery Bay, there are plenty of transportation options to get back home. There are buses going back to Tung Chung or Sunny Bay MTR stations and Ferry service to Central)

HOW TO GET THERE AND WHAT TO TAKE

CONVENIENT AND EASIEST WAY TO START THE HIKE (FROM TUNG CHUNG)

Take MTR to Tung Chung, from there take a taxi to Pak Mong Village. Pak Mong Village is where you start the hike to the Tiger's Head. The taxi fare should be around less than 10 minutes and it cost around HK$40-45 per taxi. There are some signs of where to start the hike. 

Whilst there are also other routes to start the hike, however, this is so far the best and most recommended way to start the hike to the Tiger's Head especially if you are in a big group. 

REACHING DISCOVERY BAY AFTER THE HIKE

There are 2 different options to take to leave Discovery Bay unless of course, that's where you live. There is ferry service in the ferry area back to Central and some buses to Tung Chung and Sunny Bay, from there you may take the MTR. The bus stops right outside the MTR station, so it is super convenient. 

HIKE DIARY

TUNG CHUNG TO PAK MONG VILLAGE

As mentioned above, we started our hike from Tung Chung. We took a taxi to Pak Mong Village. The taxi ride took us around less than 10 minutes for a reasonable price. Pak Mong Village is a private area, so taxis are not allowed to enter the area and so you need to walk through the village to the actual starting point of the hike. 

I was told that this trail was built during the Olympics for athletes or runners to practice their running routines. We have encountered a few runners doing their running business while we are hiking up. The concretes were smooth, although there were plenty of stairs. 

START OF THE TREK AND QUICK REST AT THE PAVILION

We started our trek by ascending some stairs and whilst enjoying the nature around us. There is a small pavilion for hikers to take a quick rest before continuing the hike. From there, we can already see some beautiful scenery.

BEAUTIFUL TREES AND MORE SLOPES

I have hiked many hiking spots in Hong Kong but this is the first time I actually encounter a lot of fresh looking and beautiful trees. 

Beautiful tree

Grains

SWORD TESTING STONE

We finally reached the first stone, at first I thought that this is the tiger's head from afar but it is actually a "Sword Testing Stone". We spent some time to take some pictures here and while we are taking pictures and resting, we have captured some hawks flying around the hills. They are beautiful but they are also very quick, so I couldn't take a picture of it that would look clear enough. 

The Sword Testing Stone

Sword Stone from afar

Almost there..

STROLLING AROUND STRANGE DUCK STONE

We didn't hesitate to climb up the "Strange Duck Stone" and strolling around there like a playground for a bit. The stones are so huge and it is quite slippery, so be careful when you climb up and avoid cutting yourself. 

The Strange Duck Stone

It's a good thing I'm not petraphobic or claustrophobic

DESCEND DOWN TO DISCOVERY BAY

After all that thrilling experience and our snack break, it is time to descend down to Discovery Bay. The hike down is quite steep and there are plenty of small, bits of pieces of stones or rocks around the trail, which is why it is a bit challenging to hike down. However, there are breaks in between, from the steep trail to stable slopes then back to the steep trail. 

Steep hill

That was quite a challenge!

You would only know that you are close to finishing the hike once you see some stable concrete stairs. There are plenty of stairs though, so I would really say you must be very patient.

Almost there!

REACHING DISCOVERY BAY

The end of the hike was probably the most rewarding feeling. As soon as we finish, we started seeing golf carts strolling around the road. From there, we took a bus ride to Sunny Bay MTR station to go back home. 

THINGS TO WEAR & BRING WHEN HIKING

• Small towel
• Hiking pants/ Jogging pants
• Short/ Long-Sleeve Shirt
• Hiking shoes
• Trekking pole - can be useful when descending
• Extra shirt - for changing
• Cap - to protect your face from sun exposure
• Umbrella/ waterproof jacket with hoodie - in case of rain
• Toiletries - tissue/ wet tissue, sunscreen
• Portable charger
• Water - 1.5L
• Snacks - fruits (apples or bananas), eggs, protein bars, digestives biscuits or bread
• Small camera (optional)
• Off spray - to avoid insects biting you

OVERALL EXPERIENCE

The hike was relaxing and not very difficult. The only mild struggle that I had was on my way down from those steep hill. However, I brought along my best friend and savior - my trekking pole with me, so It helped me balance myself as no matter how many times I have done hiking/ trekking, descending down some steep hills is probably my weakness. 

Other than that, the hike was well rewarding and It was peaceful and not very crowded.I wouldn't mind doing this hike again in the future and I would definitely recommend people to hike in Tiger's Head. 

I hope the information I had written on this blog will be of use and would help plan your hiking trip to this spectacular hiking spot in Hong Kong. Feel free to message me if have any concerns or questions. I will be more than happy to help. 

Yours Truly,

Michelle Chan