The Twins, also officially known as Ma Kong Shan 孖崗山, are a pair of mountains in southern Hong Kong Island. They are a popular destination for hikers and fitness enthusiasts as part of the rigorous “Violet Hill – The Twins” hike on Hong Kong Island.
Devil’s Claw 魔爪石 and Snoopy Rock 狗頭石 are 2 interesting rock formations on the southernmost point of Chung Hom Kok peninsula. The neighborhood of Chung Hom Kok is rather secluded with luxury houses and villas, it is less touristy comparing to the nearby Stanley. If you are looking for some tranquility, you are going to love the place.
This trail is a perfect combination of great workout, breathtaking scenery and beautiful beach for you to enjoy after the hike, especially during the summer time.
My Trail:
” Wong Nai Chung Gap 黃泥涌峽 > Wong Nai Chung Reservoir 黄泥涌水塘 > Violet Hill 紫羅蘭山 (433M) > Tsin Shui Wan Au 淺水灣坳 > THE TWINS 孖崗山 (363M) > THE TWINS 孖崗山 (386M) > Cape Road 環角道 > Chung Hom Kok Road 舂磡角道 > DEVIL’S CLAW 魔爪石 > SNOOPY ROCK 狗頭石 > Chung Hom Shan 舂磡山 (131M) > Chung Hom Kok Road 舂磡角道 > Stanley Ma Hang Park 赤柱馬坑公園 > Stanley 赤柱 ”
Distance: 11.5 KM
Duration: 6 hours
Elevation Gain: 847 M
Difficulty: 4/5
View: 4.5/5
How to get there & return:
1. Take MTR Island Line to Central 中環 station, take exit A to get to the skyway, then walk to Central Exchange Square bus terminus. You can also take MTR Tung Chung Line to Hong Kong 香港 station, then take exit B1/B2 to go to Central Exchange Square bus terminus.
2. Take the CitiBus #6 going to Stanley Village, then get off at Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park.
3. Your hike begins there!
4. You will finish your hike in Stanley, there are plenty of buses you can take to return to the city (Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Sai Wan Ho & North Point).
Hike Overview:
As soon as you get off the bus, you will see the gas station, next to it there’s a stairway, go up there then cross the road and you are at the Wong Nai Chung Reservoir. Walk around the reservoir and enter the Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path 紫羅蘭山徑.
Pay attention to the sign as you will have to turn left into Tai Tam Country Trail 大潭郊遊徑 soon, following the sign to Violet Hill 紫羅蘭山.
From here, you will hike for about 1 km to Violet Hill, when you are up there, turn back and you will first be rewarded by the view of the Hong Kong skyscrapers.
Next, you’ll start your 1 km descending to Tsin Shui Wan Au 淺水灣坳. Along the way you will see Repulse Bay on one side, and on the other side, you will see Tai Tam Reservoir, beautiful surrounding keeps you company until you get to a stream and Tze Kong Bridge bridge. Cross the bridge and here comes the most challenging part of this trail, the endless steps of ascent to the first Twins 孖崗山, with the altitude of 363 meters.
Good thing is, the trail from the beginning until you get to the main road after the 2nd Twins, is very well-paved. Be prepared to make over 1000 steps before getting to the top, it is a great workout, go slow and take as many breaks as you want, most importantly is staying hydrated. I am sure you can do it!
Steps after steps …..
You will soon arrive on the 1st Twins 孖崗山, in less than 1 km, you will make a slight descent (approximately 60 meters) and then hitting more steps to get to the 2nd Twins 孖崗山, with the altitude of 386 meters.
From the 2nd Twins 孖崗山, you will get an unobstructed view of Stanley and Stanley Bay, make your way down hill and you will get to the observatory deck.
In less than 1 km descent and you’ll arrive at Stanley Gap Road.
Cross the road and you will see a sign showing you the way to Stanley, follow the direction.
You may navigate your way through Hiking Trail HK App, or simply follow the ribbons and get to Cape Road.
Follow Cape Road for about 1.5 kms to Chung Hom Kok Road before the point of turning left to the hill, getting to Devil’s Claw 魔爪石!
When you reach here, turn left and get on the mountain trail.
Follow the ribbons and in just less than 10 minutes of ascending, you will see the beautiful Devil’s Claw 魔爪石.
“ Hiking is a bit like life: The journey only requires you to put one foot in front of the other … again and again and again. And if you allow yourself the opportunity to be present throughout the entirety of the trek, you will witness beauty every step of the way, not just at the summit! ”
– Unknown
It’s an amazing photo spot, do be extremely careful when you move around on the rocks.
After Devil’s Claw, follow the path and keep going up to the top, you will then see the Snoopy Rock 狗頭石, it is a huge rock formation that can be seen from far, you will not miss it.
Now you have the final 2.5 kms to reach Stanley, the path to get down to Chung Hom Kok Road is straight forward, always check for the ribbons.
Once you are in Stanley, get some food and then relax at the beach!!!
Have you been to Devil’s Fist? Check out my Devil’s Fist Hike & Female Devil’s Fist (Ap Lei Chau) Hike if you are interested in Devil’s rock formations.