Category: Hiking

Posted on

Mok Min Cave 木棉洞 to Pak Fu Shan 白虎山 – A Scenic Circular Trail Around Pak Lap Wan 白腊灣

Nestled in the lush green Sai Kung East Country Park, Pak Lap Wan 白腊灣 is perfect for hiking & water excursions. There are plenty of amazing spots to visit like the Mok Min Cave 木棉洞, beautiful beaches and the mountains offering you exquisite view of the surrounding, hikers can feast their eyes along the way. 

Pak Lap Wan 白腊灣 is actually an ideal place for camping if you would love to spend the night at the beautiful beach and explore more around the country park. The beach has basic facilities like toilets, a local restaurant and store where you can get food, drinks and take shower by paying a reasonable price. You can also rent a kayak to go on your own excursion.

The secluded Pak Lap Wan 白腊灣 in Sai Kung East Country Park

Pak Lap Village is a small village locating just 5 mins walking distance from Pak Lap Wan, recently there have been some village refurbishments and the village is now an instagram spot with its colorful houses. 

Mok Min Cave 木棉洞 is one of the many sea caves you will find in Hong Kong. Yes, you heard me, you will be surprised that there are quite some sea caves in this concrete jungle, and many of them will blow your mind away. Mok Min Cave 木棉洞 is one which you can easily reach by feet without needing to swim or take a boat. Read on this blog and I will share with you all the spectacular spots that you must not miss. 

Go get your own spectacular Mok Min Cave shot!

My Trail: 

” Pak Lap Taxi Get Off Point > Pak Lap Village 白腊村 > MOK MIN CAVE 木棉洞 > Pak Lap Village 白腊村 > PAK FU SHAN 白虎山 (156M) > Kei Tau Kok Teng 企頭角頂 > Ma Tau Wan 馬頭環 > Sha Kiu 沙橋 > Tung A 東丫 > Pak Lap Village 白腊村 > Pak Lap Taxi Get Off Point  ”

Distance: 11 KM
Duration: 6 hours
Elevation Gain: 712 M
Difficulty: 4/5
(the challenge of this trail is mainly the navigation part!)
View: 4.5/5

Embracing myself completely in the nature!

How to get there & return:

1. Take MTR Kwun Tong Line to Choi Hung 彩虹 station.

2. From MTR Choi Hung station, proceed to the C2 exit. Take the green minibus #1A to Sai Kung.

3. From Sai Kung pier bus terminal, get on a taxi and tell the driver to drop you at Pak Lap Wan 白腊灣, it should take you around 20 minutes to get there. Estimate the taxi fare of around HKD120-130, before you get off the taxi, get the number of the driver so you can call him to go pick you up at the same spot for your return. 

4. Your fun hike begins there!

5. This is a circular hike and you will be finishing at the same point where you start. Call for the taxi to go pick you up and drop you at Sai Kung pier. 

6. From Sai Kung pier, you can get on KMB bus #92 to go to MTR Choi Hung & Diamond Hill station.

Hike Overview:

The trail starts as soon as you get off the taxi, follow the sign to Pak Lap Village, follow the steps and walk down, in about 10 minutes you will be arriving at the village where you will see a beautifully maintained grass field on your left and the colorful houses on your right. If you keep going straight you will arrive at the beach, Pak Lap Wan.

After the grass field, pay attention to a little sign showing you the direction to Mok Min Cave, or you can navigate your way through the Hiking Trail HK App, locate your position and the path to the cave, it is easy. From the village, it is slightly over 1 km to the cave.

This path on the Hiking Trail HK App leads you down to the right side of Mok Min Cave, find your way down to the left side for better view and pictures.

Once you get to the top of Mok Min Cave, the clear path will show you down to the right side of the cave, before going down, look for a path and get down to the left side of the cave instead. The reason is because you can get a better view of the cave on the left side, not only you will be able to see through the cave to the other side, it is easier for you to walk inside the cave for taking pictures.  

The path going down to the left side of the cave, be extremely careful and go slow and steady.

If you are planning on walking inside Mok Min Cave, I’d advice that you check the tidal forecast before going for this trail. During low tide, with at least 1 meter and below, you can walk inside without getting your feet wet. 

Walking inside Mok Min Cave

Of course, if you don’t mind getting wet, you can still visit the cave during higher tide, just be very careful of the slippery rocks and the strong waves. I took off my shoes and placed it on the rocks and walked inside, it feels so free! If you have aqua-shoe, change it to walk in the water, it protects your feet from cut and slippery. 

You will take better pictures of Mok Min Cave if you get down to the left side of it, you can see through the cave.

After Mok Min Cave, head back to Pak Lap Village, and right in front of the colorful houses, follow the sign to Tung A 東丫/ Sha Kiu 沙橋. 

In less than a kilometer on the concrete path, pay attention to your left and find a clear path with colorful ribbons on the branches, turn left into the path, it will lead you to Pak Fu Shan. 

The concrete path connecting Pak Lap Wan 白腊灣 and Tung A 東丫/ Sha Kiu 沙橋

From now on, you will have to keep tracking yourself in Hiking Trail HK App and navigate your way, ensuring you stay on the right track. I have to say at some parts, the path might be a little bit confusing, you just need to look around and spot the colorful ribbons, that’s where you are heading. It is definitely a training of your navigation skill, it’s fun actually. 

Before getting to Pak Fu Shan, you will arrive at a field where you can have an unobstructed view of the ocean, you will probably see people camping there, with cows walking around eating grass. Spend some time there to enjoy the environment and unwind yourself.

You are very close to getting up to Pak Fu Shan, in less than half a kilometer ascending on the path and you will be there. Up on top, you are going to get a captivating view of the ocean and Town Island.

Standing on top of Pak Fu Shan 白虎山 with Town Island 伙頭墳洲 behind me

Next, follow the path for approximately 1 kilometer and you will get to Kei Tau Kok Teng. From there, you can get down to the shore if you want, otherwise you can move on to Ma Tau Wan. 

There’s a nice photo spot down the shore, go check it out! 

The nice photo spot down by the shore from Kei Tau Kok Teng

Ma Tau Wan, a secluded beach is about a kilometer away from Kei Tau Kok Teng. The path to Ma Tau Wan might not be obvious because of the bushes, make sure you keep tracking your Hiking Trail HK App and spot the colorful ribbons so you don’t get lost.  

Always look for the ribbons to ensure you are on the right track

Once you are at Ma Tau Wan, you will immediately feel like you are on a holiday. It’s a hidden paradise! You can take a swim and relax at the beach before finishing your last part of the trail.   

“ Hiking side effects include sweating, euphoria and general awesomeness. ”

– Unknown

You will also do some easy coasteering to a small beach before getting back on the path to return to Pak Lap Village, via Sha Kiu & Tung A. 

From the small beach, spot the ribbon and then climb up to the path and you will have your final 3 km to the finishing point (starting point). 

There is a store at Sha Kiu if you want to buy cold drinks, you can also use the bathroom. 

If you are interested in exploring more beautiful sea caves, please check out my Pak Kok Cave Hike on Lantau Island and Twisted Cave Hike in Clear Water Bay. They are breathtaking! 

Posted on

Ap Lei Chau 鴨脷洲 to Ap Lei Pai 鴨脷排 – an Adventurous Trail in the City

Ap Lei Chau 鴨脷洲 is a small island connected by a bridge to Hong Kong’s Island South, which feels like a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the central business district.

There’s a short and fun hiking trail where you’ll get an unobstructed view of the ocean, Lamma Island and Ocean Park. Other than the breathtaking view you are going to get, you will also experience some easy coasteering on the way back. This is a perfect trail for those who has busy schedules and still ensuring a good workout and great fun. The trailhead is reachable by the MTR South Island Line.

The hike will take you to Ap Lei Pai 鴨脷排, an uninhabited island, linked to the south of Ap Lei Chau. There is a natural rock pool and Mount Johnston Lighthouse when you hike to the end of Ap Lei Pai, these two are very beautiful photo spots. 

My Trail: 
” Lei Tung 利東 MTR > MOUNT JOHNSTON 玉桂山 (196M) > Ap Lei Pai 鴨脷排 > Mount Johnston Lighthouse 玉桂山燈塔 > Ap Lei Pai 鴨脷排 > LADY DEVIL’S FIST 女鬼手岩 > Lee Nam Road 利南道 > South Horizons 海怡半島 MTR ”

Distance: 5.5 KM
Duration: 3.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 354 M
Difficulty: 3/5
View: 4.5/5

My left hand with the right Lady’s Devil Fist, and the beautiful sunset behind!

How to get there & return:

1. Take MTR South Island Line to Lei Tung 利東 station, then take exit B, get to the bus lanes outside of Lei Tung Commercial Centre.

2. Towards the hillside, you should see 2 yellow booths, that’s the trailhead. Walk straight through the middle of the 2 yellow booths to begin your hike. 

3. You will finish your hike at South Horizons 海怡半島 MTR, you can take the train to return to the city. 

Hike Overview:

Once you walk through the middle of the 2 yellow booths, follow the path and take the steps up and then around the fence. The path is very obvious and you’ll probably see a lot of hikers too, and the colourful ribbons along the way. 

In just about half a kilometre of steep ascent, you will get to the top, Mount Johnston. The ascending might be steep but there are ropes for you to hold onto. Enjoy the unobstructed view up there and the breeze from the South China Sea. 

Looking back at where you start the hike, the view of the buildings are beautiful with The Peak behind it. 

Other than The Peak, you will also see Ocean Park and Lamma Island. 

The whole Lamma Island can be seen from the top of Mount Johnston.

Follow the path to go down and get to Ap Lei Pai.  

There is a sandbar connecting Ap Lei Pai to Ap Lei Chau, it is very beautiful to see it from the top. 

The descent to the sandbar is steep and slippery, take your time to find your footing and you will be fine. Stay low and steady! 

Once you are at the sandbar, walk across to Ap Lei Pai and look for the path, you should see ribbons to tell you where the path is. Hike for about 1 km on this uninhabited island into the greens until you reach the end. 

The little Mount Johnston Lighthouse is situated at the end of Ap Lei Pai, get up there and strike a pose to mark your visit. Walk for less than 50 meters towards the right of the lighthouse and you will see a natural rock pool. 

Strip off and take a dip in it, listen to the waves hitting the rocks, it is so relaxing! 

To return, take the same way to go back to the sandbar connecting Ap Lei Chau. This time, you have the choice to either go back up the steep slope where you got down from Mount Johnston, or you take the left path and do coasteering. I’d recommend you the latter one, for having a full experience of this adventurous trail.  

Follow the coastline and you will see wooden platforms, metal stairs and ropes installed for your safety and convenience. 

Pay attention at the beginning of your coasteering to look for the Lady Devil’s Fist, an interesting rock formation. If you have read my blog before about another hike to the Devil’s Fist, this is the female version. 

The coasteering distance is about 1 km from the sandbar to Lee Nam Road. You are going to enjoy beautiful sunset by the coastline if you are doing it during that time. 

Below are some pictures to show you what you are going to expect from the 1 km coasteering: 

“ All good things are wild and free. ”

– Unknown

If you haven’t experienced coasteering before, this trail is a good one to get the taste of it because platforms, steps and ropes have been installed to help you.

I hope you are going to enjoy this short trail that is fun guaranteed!

 

Posted on

Pak Kok Cave 白角洞 – A Cave-Hunting Trail on Lantau

There are numerous beautiful hidden gems in Hong Kong that are yet to be discovered, Pak Kok Cave 白角洞 is definitely on top of the list. This stunning cave is situated southwest of Lantau Island Tai Long Wan Village 大浪灣村, close to Tai Long Wan Campsite 大浪灣營地. 

If you are a nature lover, rest assured Pak Kok Cave 白角洞 will not disappoint you. The coasteering and swimming before getting to the cave will ensure your day is filled with nothing but a lot of fun. It’s an adventure you will never expect!

There are many popular caves in Hong Kong that are known to many, like Cheung Po Tsai Cave 張保仔洞 in Cheung Chau, Silvermine Cave 銀鑛洞 in Mui Wo, Mok Min Cave 木棉洞 in Sai Kung, etc. Pak Kok Cave 白角洞 is like no others, once you are inside the cave looking out, the view you are going to get is mind-blowing, you will be stunned for a while. The natural shape of the cave forms a beautiful frame framing the sky, clouds, mountain and sea, there’s even a platform for you to be on the picture. It is extremely Instagrammable!  

Say CHEESE!!!

My Trail: 

” Sha Tsui 沙咀 > Tai Long Wan Campsite 大浪灣營地 > Campsite Beach 營地海灘 > PAK KOK CAVE 白角洞 > Campsite Beach 營地海灘 > Tai Long Wan Campsite 大浪灣營地 > Sha Tsui 沙咀 ”

Distance: 9 KM
Duration: 5 hours
Elevation Gain: 391 M
Difficulty: 4/5 
(coasteering experience is needed for this trail!)
View: 5/5

How to get there & return:

1. Take MTR Tung Chung Line to Tung Chung 東涌 station, take exit B and walk to the main bus terminus. 

2. Take the New Lantau Bus #11 going to Tai O, then get off at Sha Tsui 沙咀 right after passing Shek Pik Reservoir. 

3. If you are going from Mui Wo 梅窩 Pier, take the New Lantau Bus #1 going to Tai O, then get off at Sha Tsui 沙咀 right after passing Shek Pik Reservoir. 

4. Your adventure begins there!

5. This is a circular trail, starting and finishing point are the same. After you complete the hike, you can cross the road and wait for the bus to either return to Tung Chung by taking New Lantau Bus #11 or to Mui Wo Pier by taking New Lantau Bus #1. 

Hike Overview:

This trail is a combination of hiking & coasteering. The hiking part is easy, I am rating this trail with the difficulty level of 4/5 for its physical part when you are coasteering from the campsite beach to the cave. There are certain levels of danger, I’d recommend you to either have some experiences in coasteering, or you go with experienced hikers, just to minimise the risk of putting yourself in danger. Also, you must know how to swim.

From Sha Tsui 沙咀, where you get off the bus, it is less than 4 km hike on an almost flat concrete path and you’ll arrive at the Tai Long Wan Campsite sign. 

Take the steps behind the sign and go down to the campsite beach. 

The beautiful campsite beach with Lantau Peak situated behind.

Once you are at the beach, take a moment to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings, then you will begin coasteering.

So, what is actually coasteering? Coasteering is a physical activity that encompasses movement along the intertidal zone (seashore) of a rocky coastline on foot or by swimming, without the aid of boats, surf boards or other craft. 

You will hike around the coastline to reach Pak Kok Cave!

It is always recommended you do coasteering during low tide, because you will have more walkable rocky coastline without the need of climbing higher to go further. Remember, coasteering can be dangerous, if at any time you slip or lose your footing, you will have injuries. Challenging yourself is good but your safety should always be the top priority, you should know your limit!   

Click here to check for the tide forecast.

Take your time while coasteering, do not rush!

Make sure you are well-equipped, a good hiking shoe with good grip to prevent slippery, gloves for climbing, torch/headlamp in the cave or draw attention when needed, waterproof bag as you might be swimming in the water, ziplock bag to protect your cellphone and wallet, plenty of water and snacks.

A new thrilling way of enjoying the nature!

From the campsite beach, it is approximately half a kilometre by coasteering to the 2 gorgeous Pak Kok Caves.

Please see the map below for the location of the 2 caves: 

While you are coasteering, depending on the tide level, the accessibility by trekking on the rocky shoreline, and your ability to climb over higher rocks, you will decide if it is easier & safer for you to trek along the shoreline, or to get in the water and swim along the coast. Do be careful while you swim, most rocks under the water have sharp edges, some cuts are inevitable. 

During hot summer months, taking a dip in the water is so refreshing!

You will first arrive at the Pak Kok Cave (2nd Cave), where you will see a big entrance, go inside the cave and look out, enjoy the view and take some stunning pictures.  

“ Exploration is curiosity put into action. ”

– Don Walsh

The Main Cave is just less than 100 feet away, at the entrance of the 2nd cave, you should see a long rope, use it to help you climbing up the rock and that will lead you to the main cave. 

Soon you will arrive at the Pak Kok Cave (Main Cave), this one is even more impressive than the 2nd one. Now, you deserve a lot of time resting, admiring the scenery and take a lot of pictures. This is your biggest reward! 

For returning to the campsite beach, why not taking a swim, it is very relaxing. 

You will then follow exactly the same way from the campsite beach all the way back to Sha Tsui 沙咀, where you started. 

If you are attempting this trail, be careful and I hope you will have an enjoyable time like I did.  

You can check out my Mok Min Cave Hike & Twisted Cave Hike if you are interested in exploring the beautiful caves in Hong Kong.