Category: Hiking

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The Twins 孖崗山 to Chung Hom Kok 舂磡角 – the Scenic Trail of Endless Steps & Devil’s Claw

Overlooking Stanley from the Twins!

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.   

View of Stanley Bay from the Chung Hom Kok Peninsula!

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

Standing atop the Devil’s Claw!

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. 

View of the Hong Kong skyscrapers from Violet Hill!

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. 

You’ll probably come across this metal door before getting to Cape Road, it is not lock, push it open.

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. 

The Snoopy Rock!

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. 

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An Easy Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Hollywood, the symbol of the American entertainment industry, and it’s also a global tourist symbol of Los Angeles itself. Having a picture taken with the Hollywood Sign seems like a must-do for visitors visiting the city. Well, it does feel cool telling your friends: “I have been to Hollywood!”, and show them your picture. 

The Hollywood Sign hike is one of those iconic hikes that you need to do at least once in your life. It’s a very popular and scenic hike, you will get to enjoy the beautiful nature of Griffith Park on the way to the sign (to be precise, you’ll actually get behind and above the letters), it is one of the largest urban parks in America.

Mount Lee, with the altitude of 521 meters, is where the Hollywood Sign situated. Up there, you’ll get a spectacular view of City of Angels!

My Trail

The best and the closest one could get to the sign is definitely by hiking, while driving within Griffith Park can be quite a hassle looking for a parking, and the roads are narrow.

There are a few trails with different levels of difficulty and distance to choose from. This is the easy one I believe everyone will enjoy, it is a great rugged urban hike you do in the morning before going for your brunch.

“ Wonder View Trail Head > Wisdom Tree > Hollywood Sign > Garden of Oz > Beachwood Market “

Distance: 6.5 km
Duration: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 245M
Difficulty: 2/5
View: 5/5

How to Get There & Return:

1. Take UBER/Lyft to Wonder View Trail Head on Wonder View Dr.

2. Your hike begins!

3. You will finish your hike at Beachwood Market, there’re buses on N Beachwood Dr going to Hollywood/ Vine Metro Station.

Hike Overview:

From the Wonder View Trail Head, you are already on the altitude of 326M, follow the sign to Burbank Peak, it takes slightly over 1 km to Wisdom Tree with about 100M ascent. Wisdom Tree is a unique & lone-standing tree, up there you’ll get a sweeping view of Los Angeles.

“ Life is too short to wait and plan for an epic adventure, the best one is often unplanned! ”

– Raynard Jackle

Since this is an easy path, start your hike as early as possible to avoid crowd, you’ll get to enjoy the serenity up there, having the whole spot to yourself. 

The unobstructed view of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Reservoir!

Another 1 km from Wisdom Tree and you’ll arrive at the Hollywood Sign, the closest you could get to these iconic letters. Now you can scream: ” I have made it to the Hollywood!!!” (D O O W Y L L O H)

The lone-standing Wisdom Tree on Burbank Peak!

There’re benches up there, take as much time as you wish to enjoy the spectacular view and fresh air before leaving. I have seen the Hollywood Sign before from far twice, from Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Walk of Fame. But to be that close, standing above and behind the letters, I felt so overwhelming!

“I have made it to the Hollywood!!!”

The final 4.5 kms is relaxing, as you will slowly descend to Beachwood Market. On the way, you will be passing by the residences, you’ll see a lot of beautiful houses, do respect the privacy of people living in the area and not causing any sort of disturbance to them. 

I have heard stories of people doing something stupid and get themselves into troubles, it’s totally not worth it to take any risk.

Even though this trail is a short and easy one, don’t forget to bring plenty of drinking water and sunscreen. On a clear sunny day, it is important to keep ourselves hydrated and protected from the sun.

Next time, I would love to try other longer trails when I am back in Los Angeles. Have you ever done any interesting trail in the city? 

Click HERE to check out other authorized trails to the Hollywood Sign!

Can I Touch the Hollywood Sign?

Unfortunately, for your safety, the safety of the plants and wildlife of Griffith Park, and for the safety of the Sign, you cannot. The closest you can get to the Hollywood Sign is up and above it and that location is accessible by several hikes within Griffith Park. The overlook of the Sign offers a unique view of the Sign and incredible views of Los Angeles that can span from the ocean to downtown LA and beyond on a clear day.

The Sign has over 13 cameras including motion sensors, infrared cameras, and loudspeakers protecting it and is monitored 24/7 by the LAPD.

The Opening Hours

The Sign sits within Griffith Park and operates with the same hours. Griffith Park is open from sunrise to sunset.

Are Drones Allowed at the Sign?

Drones are not allowed at the Sign, nor in all of Griffith Park as per Los Angeles Rec & Parks Ordinance No. 176,929.

 

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Pineapple Hill 菠蘿山 – the Grand Canyon of Hong Kong

The Grand Canyon of Hong Kong!

Pineapple Hill 菠蘿山 has become an increasingly popular destination, with its easy accessibility and the resemblance of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, it has been crowned the “Grand Canyon of Hong Kong”. It is now a popular instagram spot, especially during weekends, the place is packed.

Geographically, Pineapple Hill is a small hill located between Leung King Estate 良景邨 and Shan King Estate 山景邨, because of the road leading to the “Grand Canyon” starts from the foot of Pineapple Hill, therefore the informally-named “Grand Canyon of Hong Kong” is also being referred as Pineapple Hill.

Most people visit the Grand Canyon photo spot via the Castle Peak Range Road from Leung King Estate, this is the common easy trail because it takes less than 2 hours to reach and it is suitable for everyone regardless of the fitness level. 

This mountain region is unlike the others in Hong Kong, there are many beautiful natural canyons and valleys that are worth seeing, looking like the Hong Kong’s famous Pineapple Bun 菠蘿包, with the yellow crusty surface. I guess this has also contributed to the name. Apart from seeing the valleys, there are also some interesting rock formations that you should not miss. 

Therefore, I planned this long trail in order to see as many beautiful spots as I can in this mountain region.

Wildfire broke out in Castle Peak on the 25th March 2021, after 40 hours of burning and the whole mountain region became black, an unusual beauty!

My Trail: 

” Lung Kwu Tan 龍鼓灘 > Upper Lung Kwu Tan 龍鼓上灘 > STAR ROCK 十字星石 > Fa Heung Lo Teng 花香爐頂 (310M) > BREAD ROCK 方包石 > MOON VALLEY 月牙谷 > Leung Tin Au 良田坳 > GRAND CANYON 良田坳大峽谷 > Kon Shan 乾山 (394M) > Po Tong Leng 寶塘嶺 (292M) > SINGLE LINE RIDGE 一線脊 > ROCK CRASHED VALLEY 大石墜谷 > SPIRITUAL VALLEY 靈虛谷 > Sheung Pak Nai 上白泥 ”


Distance: 20 KM
Duration: 9.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 1509 M
Difficulty: 5/5
(extremely slippery trail)
View: 5/5

How to get there & return:

1. Take MTR West Rail Line to Tuen Mun 屯門 station, then take either exit E/F2 and go to the Tuen Mun Station Bus Terminus.

2. Take bus #K52 to Lung Kwu Tan 龍鼓灘, get off at the final stop.

Final stop at Lung Kwu Tan 龍鼓灘!

3. Your hike begins there! 

4. You’ll finish your hike at Sheung Pak Nai 上白泥, you can then take the green minibus #33 to MTR Tin Shui Wai 天水圍 West Rail station, for returning to the city. 


Hike Overview:

First of all, I’d advise you to download Hiking Trail HK App to help you navigate your way throughout the trail as there are too many splits along the way. 

After getting off at Lung Kwu Tan 龍鼓灘, the final stop of the #K52 bus, your hike begins. Follow Lung Kwu Tan Road for about 1.5 kms to Upper Lung Kwu Tan 龍鼓上灘. You will see the Lau Ancestral Hall 劉氏宗祠 on the right side of the road. Walk pass the left side of Lau Ancestral Hall and you will see a metal stairway, go up and you are already on the mountain trail. 

Lau Ancestral Hall 劉氏宗祠 


Slightly over 1 km on the trail and you will arrive at a rock looking like a pig, look for a hole under it and go inside, you’ll then see the beautiful photo spot, Star Rock 十字星石. Remember, always look for the colourful ribbons along the way to ensure you are on the right track.

Get inside the hole under the Piggy Rock before you’ll see the Star Rock!
The magnificent Star Rock!

From the Star Rock, you will hike for 2 kms via the mountain Fa Heung Lo Teng 花香爐頂 (310M) before arriving at the next photo spot, the Bread Rock 方包石. This 2 kms has many splits and it can get a little bit tricky, so keep checking on your Hiking Trail HK map and find your way to the Bread Rock, it is located next to the stream. 

Butter toast anyone?

2 kms after Bread Rock and you’ll reach Moon Valley 月牙谷, that is the first valley you will see in this trail, it is a beautiful spot with the shape of a moon but please be careful while crossing the valley. 

The Moon Valley 月牙谷!

Keep going for around 2 kms and you will arrive on the Castle Peak Range Road, that’s Leung Tin Au 良田坳. Follow the road uphill for about 1.5 kms and you will reach the Grand Canyon of Hong Kong 良田坳大峽谷. There’s a signage warning you about the danger ahead, Grand Canyon is just behind it.

Grand Canyon of Hong Kong!

This spot is at its best during sunset where the colour of the canyon turns orange. From here, you have the option to exit the trail by either continuing on the Castle Peak Range Road until the end, towards Ha Pak Nai 下白泥, OR the other way, also on the Castle Peak Range Road, towards Leung King Estate 良景邨.

If you wish to continue, your next stop will be Kon Shan 乾山 (394M), it’s 2.5 kms away from Grand Canyon, the trail from there on will become challenging because it is very slippery until the end of the hike. It is important to have a good hiking shoe with good grip on all surfaces and terrain types.

Captivating view of Tuen Mun and Castle Peak from Kon Shan 乾山!

Once you are on Kon Shan, you will be rewarded by the magnificent view, all your efforts will be paid off. Take some moments to unwind yourself soaking in the beauty of the surroundings.

From Kon Shan, you will descend for about 1.5 kms to Po Tong Leng 寶塘嶺 (292M), then you’ll cross the Single Line Ridge 一線脊, it is a very narrow and short ridge. Be extra cautious! 

Crossing the Single Line Ridge 一線脊!
Watch your balancing!

Now, you have your final 5 kms to the finishing point, you will see a few more beautiful valleys and at the same time enjoying the gorgeous sunset. 

“ Life is about accepting the challenges along the way, choosing to keep moving forward, and savouring the journey. ”

– Roy T. Bennett

Rock Crashed Valley 大石墜谷

This 20 kms hike is challenging not only because of the distance, mainly it’s because of the slippery rocks throughout the trail. Over 90% of the trail is not shaded, therefore doing this trail on a hot sunny day especially during the Spring and Summer months can be extremely strenuous. 

Make sure you have at least 2L of drinking water for this hike and pack with you some snacks and sandwiches.

If you are up for challenging yourself with a hike which requires navigation skill & endurance, this is definitely the one you should attempt doing. It’s going to be very rewarding not only in terms of the view, but physically you will grow stronger. It also serves as a good training for you if you are planning for tougher hikes somewhere. 

I hope you’ll enjoy this trail and let me know what you think.