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
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.
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!
