MACLEHOSE TRAIL SECTION 1

TRANSPORT:

Options:

• From the bus station beside Diamond Hill MTR Station, take bus 92 to its terminus at Sai Kung town.
• Bus 111 from Cenral, opposite HSBC in Queen's Road Central to Choi Hung.
• Board the Sai Kung minibus from exit C2 of Choi Hung MTR Station.
• At Sai Kung Terminus take 94 bound for Wong Shek Pier and alight at the Country Park Visitor Centre at Pak Tam Chung.
• On Sundays & Public Holidays, you can directly ride from Diamond Hill Bus Terminus by catching Bus 96R and alight at the Country Park Visitor Centre at Pak Tam Chung.
• Final option is to catch a Taxi from Sai Kung Terminus to Pak Tam Chung should cost roughly around HK$50.

TRAIL INFO:

• Difficulty: 2/5 (Strenuous Hike)
• Distance: 10.6 Km
• Duration: 3 Hours
• Terrain: 100% Concrete
• Mobile Coverage: Good
• GPS Coverage: Excellent

LOGISTIC:

• Pack: 8L - 17L
• Liquid Supplement: 1L - 2L
• Clothing: Shorts & Shirts (Summer) + Wind Breaker (Winter)
• Shoes: Regular rubber shoes works
• Extras: (Summer) Sunglasses, Sunscreen & Hat / (Winter) Wind Breaker & Convertible Pants

LET'S GO!

STARTING POINT
Start at Pak Tam Chung and walk through the clearly  marked pathways along the concrete trail heading towards the High Island Reservoir / Main Dam.

HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR / MAIN DAM
These great wall of rocks holds perfectly in place to protect the mighty weight of water from the Reservoir.  Annually there's a Trail Walker race being held here. This is very easy because you will be walking on the flat and concreted service road at Sai Kung Man Yee Road.

WATER SPORTS CENTRE
M006 - Hong Kong has always been short of water, and imaginative scheme have been implemented to address the city's problem. Henceforth, the local government provide some recreational facilities for those who love water sports. 

Post M018 - this is a monument to perished construction workers heralds the final Dam. It was build with giant dolosses and one was placed on top to commemorate the waterfront in Sai Kung. 

The Giant Concrete Dolosses looks like a double-sided "Thor's Hammer".  This Dolosses helps protect against the approaching tide of the South China Sea.

Hong Kong Geopark Landmark next the Pavilion 

While resting at the Pavilion, this massive rock formation is very charming to photographed. The hexagonal shape of the rock is natural which makes plenty of island tourist fascinated by its beauty.

LONG KE WAN
The most famous beach area along Sai Kung East Country Park. It also provides a great camping ground for people with long weekend holidays and also the end zone of MacLehose Trail Section 1. There's a closed facility but you can actually see its interior garden and buildings but it's very quiet because it's a Special Rehabilitation Centre of Hong Kong.

END ZONE / STARTING POINT
This is actually the end point of MacLehose rail Section 1 and as well as the Starting Point of MacLehose Trail Section 2. The way to end your hike is to return by tracing your way in or continue halfway of MacLehose Trail Section 2 passing Sai Wan Shan (314masl) and when you reach M030 turn left and trek along the upper concrete path of until starting point Post M001 is reached. Your other option is to continue hiking at MacLehose Trail Section 2 passing Tai Long Wan, Sharp Peak and take the Ferry back to Wong Shek Pier near the Youth Hostel. Or, as your final exit area; just simply complete the second section until you reach Pak Tam Au Road. When you reach the public toilet, then your done with your Section 2 hike and all you need to do is to catch 96R to return to Diamond Hill MTR Station or 94 to return to Sai Kung. 

Remember that the whole trail of MacLehose is clearly covered by signage, all you need to do is to follow then wisely and don't take any short cuts unless you really know your way back to the main path.





Friendly Reminder
Enjoy Your Country Park, Enjoy Hiking & Leave No Trace!

LANTAU TRAIL SECTION 5

TRANSPO:

To Get There -

• Take either Lantau Bus No.11 or 23 from Tung Chung Bus Terminus.
• Take either Lantau Bus No.1 or 2 from Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay) Bus Terminus. 

 To Return -

• To return from Man Cheung Po, keep walking on the Lantau Trail until you reach Post L051. Then, make a right turn and walk along the water catchment until you reach Tai O Road. Take Bus No.1 to return to Mui Wo Ferry Terminal or take Bus No.11 to return to Tung Chung.

TRAIL INFO:

• Difficulty: 3/5 (Strenuous Hike)
• Distance: 7.5 Km
• Duration: 3 Hours
• Terrain: 50% Boulder Path, 30% Natural Path and 20% Concrete
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good
• GPS Coverage: Great

LOGISTICS:

• Pack/s: 20L - 25L
• Liquid Supplement: 2L
• Clothing: Shirt & Convertible Pants
• Shoes: Proper Hiking Boots
• Food: Sandwich/Fruit/Power Bar (anything will do)
• Extras: Hiking Pole, Mosquito Repellent, First Air Kit, Sunscreen (Summer), Wind Breaker (Spring & Winter), Sunglasses, Mobile Phone and Camera.

LET'S GO! 

STARTING POINT
Located at the intersection heading Tai O and Ngong Ping. Alight at the first bus stop after the junction of Tai O Road then walk back for a short distance towards this stating area. 

Take A few step and you will see the picnic area after passing the Archway and the Pavilion next to the Lavatory is the main trail. 

Immediately the trail begins on boulder pathways and you need to hike uphill until you reach the first summit of the trail. Apparently there's a section with railings and has a signage that says "Road Closed, Do Not Proceed"...it's an alternative way to climb the 1st Summit but be careful if you do this section because it's only advisable to experienced hiker only.

KWUN YAM SHAN (434masl)
After a few minutes of climbing up at the boulder pathways, the summit is reach! The view is really nice up here... a perfect 360 degrees of panoramic view of Shek Pik Reservoir, Lantau Budha, Ngong Ping, Tao O and the remainder of the hiking trail ahead.

The trail ahead, a very impressive effort on build the boulder path on this trail because some of them seems to weigh a ton. Climbing uphill at Kwun Yam using the boulder path is very challenging to the knees and ankle which is why I tool my Hiking Pole with me when I Hike this trail. 

KEUNG SHAN (459masl)
I went here during the monsoon season and even though the weather added a few difficulties, it gave me such relief  from the challenging uphill and downhill path through the boulder rocks and slippery trail.

In this section one must stop and think whether if you wish proceed to the last and final summit of the trail (LING WUI SHAN 490masl), it would take another 1/2Hr to get to the summit of it by proceeding through the left-side path (under the trees and through grassy area) or hike straight ahead and make a short cut to the end point at Lung Tsai pathway.

This is the section where you trek mostly on concrete and it will surely test the strength of ankle and your knees. Heading towards Tai O at L051 which makes you hike Lantau Trail Section 6, the path soon join the Country Park Trail and end at Tai O Road.

I took a turn to the right after visiting the abandoned retreat house at Lung Tsai Ng Yuen. At some point if the caretaker is around, you can buy softdrinks which cost HK$10 each at room temperature as the place don't have electricity.

Then, just by simply following the signs on a concreted downhill path which will eventually merge at the flat pavement of the water catchment, turn right and head towards Tai O Road and immediately at the end of the trail, you will see a huge information board. You will need to cross the opposite road and board in to the bus that will take you back to Tung Chung (Bus No.11) and Mui Wo (Bus No.1).





Friendly Reminder
Enjoy Your Country Park, Enjoy Hiking & Leave No Trace!  

LANTAU TRAIL SECTION 4

This is one of the easiest trail to tackle in all Lantau Trail with a twist, because when you enter the path along Nei Lak Shan, you are going to ask yourself whether if you wanna climb the summit of it or proceed to the the easy section of Lantau Trail Section 4. However you prefer it, there's a section where you can enter and summit Nei Lak Shan and there also a path which will lead you back on track and proceed with the remainder of the 4th Section. Again, the trail is clearly marked and it's somewhat a circular hike.

HOW TO GET THERE:

- Take all the possible bus that will take you to "Ngong Ping" Lantau Buddha. Taking Lantau Bus No.23 from Tung Chung Bus Terminus, Bus No.1 at Silvemine Bay Bus Terminus, Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car ride and as your final option...Taxi (Blue color).

TRAIL INFO:

• Difficulty: 1/5 (Easy, except if you try hiking Nei lak Shan).
• Duration: 1.5 Hour
• Distance: 4 Km
• Route: Ngong Ping - Sham Wat Road
• Terrain: 40% Boulder Path, 50% Tarmac and 10% Natural
• Cellphone Coverage: Great
• GPS Coverage: Very Good

LOGISTICS:

• Pack/s: Standard Waist/Belt Pack.
• Liquid Supplement: 500ml
• Clothing: Shorts & Shirt
• Shoes: Standard rubber shoes works just fine except if you try to Hike Nei Lak Shan, you must wear a porper hiking shoes.
• Food: 1 Power Bar (or nothing at all because there's a store around Ngong Ping)
• Extras: Sunscreen (During summer because the trail is very exposed), Hiking Pole (Optional if your trying to hike Nei Lak Shan). Mosquito repellent, Mini personal first aid kit, Hat and Sunglasses (on Summer).

NEI LAK SHAN (754masl)
Considered as the 8th Highest Peak in Hong Kong (Photo was taken ust at the bottom section of Lantau Buddha.) 

STARTING POINT
Trek along the route heading Wisdom Path will get you to the stating area of Lantau Trail Section 4.

Starting area of Section 4, this information board stands next to the Wooden Gateways and the Phoenix statue at the ending point of Lantau Trail Section 3. If you notice path with railings on the left-side of the above picture, it is actually the starting ground of your hike these well maintained hiking trail.

The Phoenix & Wooden Gateway

CROSS ROAD
Another information board at the side of the trail, have a look around and check the Campsite on the right with the stone markings that say "Ngong Ping Campsite". The scenery here is great on clear day, your eyes will surely feast with Lo Hon Tower hiking area, White Jaw Trail and Nei Lak Shan peak trail.

Quickly after browsing around at Ngong Ping Campsite, just simple turn back out and proceed towards this section to continue your hike. 

"T-Junction" ...again this trail is clearly marked and all you need to do is to follow the vivid yellow color signage that says "Lantau Trail", the Distance Point and Duration Time are also stated.

This boulder path will provide comfort for the casual walkers but be cautious because the rocks might sometimes become slippery after the rain. This part of the trail provides a little shelter from the blistering heat of the sun during summer but don't worry the heat in Hong Kong usually reach 35-37 degrees ("Bearable"), but the Humidity is usually high.

After hiking through the boulder path and pass the Ngong Ping 360 village, you will now return to this staggering concrete path until you reach the end of this section.

VIEWING POINT
The view here is 100% perfect if the weather permits, because you will get a chance to see the mountain range of South Lantau including Shek Pik Trail, Dog Teeth Trail, Lantau Peak, Shek Pik Reservoir, Lantau Trail Section 5 and the best part is the endless horizon. 

Nearly done...this huge Lantau Country Park signboard stands close to the starting point of Lantau Trail Section 5 which means your almost done with your easy hike.

End of the line, I hope that very easy and yet scenic hike rejuvenate all your senses and feeling very accomplished in life. Never stop exploring!

To get back to the city is to catch Bus No.23, No.11 or 3M to Tung Chung Bus Terminus and the MTR Station is just adjacent to it. The other way out is by taking any bus heading to Mui Wo Ferry Terminal (Silvermine Bay) and you will have to take the Ferry back to Central, Hong Kong.





Friendly Reminder
Enjoy Your Country Park, Enjoy Hiking and Leave No Trace!





 

LANTAU TRAIL SECTION 3

Among all the section of Lantau Trail this is my favorite because the ridge is dominating all its surroundings. Well ofcourse this is Lantau Peak Trail and it's the 2nd highest Mountain in Hong Kong. During dry season, the grass that's blanketing the mountain range looks yellow gold in color but the fresh green tress and cool breeze are combine to make the hike on the second highest summit a very enjoyable one.

TRANSPORT:

• (Best Choice) - Take the MTR train and head towards Tung Chung MTR Station and leave the station by using Exit B. Then, make your way to the Bus Station and board in to Bus No.23, No.11 or 3M; if you get lucky you can ask your bus driver to alight you at Pak Kung Au bus stop.
• Another option is to start travelling from Mui Wo after taking the Ferry from Central Ferry Terminal. You need to take any bus bound for Tung Chung or the Airport and alight when you reach the highest point of the road of Pak Kung Au (near the blue lavatory and barbecue area).
• Finally, a good and reliable Taxi could cost roughly HK$60 to the starting point of Pak Kung Au.

TRAIL INFO:

• Difficulty: 3/5 (Strenuous Hiking)
• Distance: 4.5 km
• Duration: 2.5 Hrs
• Terrain: 60% Natural, 20% Boulder Steps, 10%  Wooden Steps with mud and 10% Tarmac
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Very Good
• GPS Coverage: Great

LOGISTICS:

• Pack: 20L - 25L 
• Liquid Supplement: 2.5L (Summer) / 1.5 (Winter)
• Clothing: Shorts & Shirt (The whole trail is clean and clear)
• Shoes: A good pair of rubber shoes with descent spikes will do the job but it is always good to wear proper hiking shoes.
• Food: Snack/Fruit/Power Bars (any of this will do because there's some eating area when you reach Lantau Buddha.
• Extras: Hiking Pole (optional, Sunscreen/Sun Block (summer), Sunglasses (so exposed during summer), Hat (optional) and Mosquito Repellent.

LET'S GO!

STARTING POINT at PAK KUNG AU
A very distinctive emergency calling post at the main starting point. Please keep in mind that the starting point is next to a lavatory, barbecue area and picnic area. 

Never fear because once again the ever friendly signage along the trail will surely guide you throughout the hike.

In just a few meters of your hike this lovely landscape with surely put you on hold and get your attention, just be sure to appreciate its beauty and take a few souvenir photos.

Priceless scenery of what your about to hike...
The highest mountain on the left side is the summit of Lantau Peak. This section is so enjoyable because the path is very clear ahead but there's no shelter from any trees so it's very hot hike during summer.

Looking back at this point is very fascinating because if you hike during cool and clear day, a spectacular glimpses of Sunset Peak (869masl) landscape is very majestic and rewarding.

Just a bit higher, simply try looking back again and the scenery is surprisingly magical with its trail path and Sunset Peak from a distance. 

LANTAU PEAK SUMMIT (934masl)
This new version is the latest replacement from an older version that look so rotten due to the ever changing weather at the summit and in Hong Kong.

The Trigonometric Marker at the Summit of Lantau Peak

If you climb the summit and the rain starts pouring heavily, then this shelter will provide a temporary protection.

When your done at the summit, it's now time to head downhill and the painstaking boulder stairs is what your going to face. To have a set of hiking pole helps a hiker not to put so much pressure on the knees, so having one is highly recommended.

TSAM CHAI AU SUMMIT (810masl)
At this point, your route is Ngong Ping (Lantau Buddha) and would take half an hour for atleast 1 kilometer hike.

Some benches like this one is provided to take a minute of rest and enjoy the scenery.

Along the resting section, this brilliant view of Nei Lak Shan, Wisdom Path and Ngong Ping is truly remarkable. At some point, one can but smile wryly at the bold pronouncement of the Corporate Afforestation Scheme, which proclaims that "This woodland was established by Cathay Pacific Airways". But one must wonder what happen to the promised woodland.

A wooden archway represents the end of the hike at Lantau Trail Section 3 and the statue of the Phoenix welcomes the trail passerby, the wooden plank with inscriptions on the right-side is Wisdom Path which accept visitors for free just behave yourself within this sacred structures. 

LANTAU BUDDHA
To get here is to by following the route heading Po Lin Monastery. 

Once you reached Lantau Buddha, this colorful flags and Nei Lak Shan is just at the center of attraction that welcomes all the visitor from all over the world. On the right, you will see a stone archway that leads you to Po Lin Monastery. On the left is the famous bronze Buddha statue sitting on a Lotus Flower but you need to climb up the stairs to reach it. During my last visit here, I had to pay HK$20 to enter the Buddha premises but half of the ticket entitled me to get vegetarian food and beverage for free at Po Lin Monastery.

To return to the city is by simple catching Bus No. 23 to Tung Chung and an MTR is available to transport you back to Central, Hong Kong. Another option is by taking the bus that are bound for Mui Wo and you need to catch the Ferry from Silvermine Bay to Central, Hong Kong.




Friendly Reminder
Enjoy Your Country Park, Enjoy Hiking and Leave No Trace

LANTAU TRAIL SECTION 2

Starting at L005 a long and strenuous hike to the 3rd highest mountain peak in Hong Kong begins. This trail earn its reputation not just because of its height but because of it beautiful landscapes and scenery. I'm sure you will appreciate the hike specially on a clear, cool and bright day.

HOW TO GET THERE:

• (The Best Way) - Take the ferry from Central Ferry Terminal 6 to Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay) then take either Bus No.1  or No.3M., then get off after two or three stops (depending on the bus your in). The bus stop should be along side of Nam Shan picnic area.
• (Alternative Way) - take the MTR to Tung Chung MTR Station and board into Bus No. 3M at Tung Chung Bus Terminus then get off at Nam Shan picnic area.
• Taxi from Mui Wo should cost HK$25 only.

TRAIL INFO:

• Difficulty: 3/5 (Strenuous Hike)
• Distance: 6.5+ km
• Duration: 3.5 Hrs
• Terrain: 60% Natural, 30% Modified boulder path and 10% Alternative routes.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good
• GPS Coverage: Good

LOGISTICS:

• Pack: 20L - 3L
• Liquid Supplement: 3L
• Food: Either Fruit/Power Bars/Bread
• Clothing: Polyester Shirt (DriFit) / Shorts
• Extras: Mosquito Repellent, Hiking Pole(Optional), Sun Block, Sunglasses, Hat, Wind Breaker (During Cold and Winter Season) and Personal First Aid Kit.

LET'S GO!

STARTING POINT
At Nam Shan, along side with the Shelter, Picnic Area and the Public Toilet with Vending Machines. About 2 to 3 bus stop from Mui Wo Bus Terminus. 

The ever friendly Board Map has all the information about the accuracy of the trail and the other alternative routes. Take some time to study it or might as well take a picture of it so that you can have a reference on the trail.

The Wooden Archway of Lantau Trail Section 2

The trail is well maintained and there are plenty of sections were you may encounter this type of boulder path. Due to the ever changing weather please watch your steps on some of the moving boulders!

LIN FA SHAN (766masl)
Okay, this is really not part of the main trail of Lantau Trail Section 2 but I decided to take a little detour while I'm here.

LIN FA SHAN SUMMIT (766masl)
The 360 view is fascinating specially on the North side of the Country Park. Pui O is also a great sight on the summit.

YI TUNG SHAN SUMMIT (747masl)
Another summit and the breathe-taking scenery of Pui O and Chi Ma Wan Country Trail (from a distance). Once in a while you will see a few Campers pitching their tents within the Mountain range of Yi Tung Shan, this is considered as the perfect location to Camp because you will be surrounded with the old Stone Huts which is like an obsolete mountain kingdom and the view of Lantau North and South Country Park.

This trail is fully covered with trail signs like this one to ensure your destination.

SUNSET PEAK (a.k.a TAI TUNG SHAN)  869masl.The perfect panoramic view of the mountain is apparently surrounded with dozens of Stone Huts at L013. It was built between the wars as a holiday retreat for missionaries working in mainland, China. I'm certain that this Stone Huts can still be rented by making an advance booking but you need to bring all your supplies on the mountain with you.

SUNSET PEAK SUMMIT (869masl)
The clouds are starting to blanket the mountain but you can still have great glimpses of the trail I passed through and as well as the stone huts. There are plenty of routes when you reach the summit of Sunset Peak, please be very careful selecting the route to continue on the original path of Lantau Trail Section 2.

Trigonometric Marker of Sunset Peak

If you get to the right path and reached L015, the northeast ridge of Lantau Peak stand before the intrepid Mountaineer.

The beginning of a long downhill battle!

From here on it's downhill, on a well maintained boulder path edged with shrubs and trees. Even though the path is very challenging to the legs and knees, the views are very spectacular. The long beach and offshore of the south coast below Cheung Sha, Hong Kong is the navigation points for hydrofoils heading towards Macau.

To get back to the city is by crossing on the opposite road next to the blue toilet and barbecue area. Take Bus No. 11 or 23 heading towards the bus terminus of Tung Chung and the MTR Station is just nearby.



Friendly Reminder
Enjoy Your Country Park, Enjoy Hiking and Leave No Trace