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.
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.
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.
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.
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
