Tag: Scenic Hikes in Hong Kong

Posted on

Buffalo Hill 水牛山 & West Buffalo Hill 黃牛山 – the Mysterious Path to the Window of the Sky

At the top of Buffalo Hill!

Buffalo Hill 水牛山 & West Buffalo Hill 黃牛山 are 2 hills located in Ma On Shan Country Park west of Sai Kung. Hikers and instagrammers hit the top mainly for one reason, that is owning their shots with the increasingly popular “Window of the Sky 石天窗”, situated just right beneath the top of West Buffalo Hill, in the Rock Fortress 黄牛石城.

It is an instragram-worthy photo spot, go get your shots to impress your friends! 

The Window of the Sky 石天窗

This trail is very scenic, you will see the whole Shatin district at the beginning of the trail, as you hike towards Buffalo Hill, you’ll soon discover the Sai Kung district. Along the hike, you’ll enjoy the panoramic view of Ma On Shan country park, it’s stunning! 

Shatin district and Ma On Shan Country Park

Apart from the beautiful landscapes and the “Window of the Sky 石天窗”, “Penis Rock 陽元石” & “Fish Basket Rock 魚簍石” are two eye-catching spots for your instagram gallery too. 

Penis Rock 陽元石, how GIGANTIC!

My Trail: 

” City One 第一城 MTR > Greenhill Villa 綠怡雅苑 > FISH BASKET ROCK 魚簍石 > PENIS ROCK 陽元石 > Nui Po Au 女婆坳 > BUFFALO HILL 水牛山 (606M) > WEST BUFFALO HILL 黃牛山 (604M) > WINDOW OF THE SKY 石天窗 > Sam Fai Tin 三塊田 > Pak Sha Wan 白沙灣 ” 

Distance: 13.5 kms
Duration: 6 hours
Elevation Gain: 1069M
Difficulty: 4/5
View: 5/5

View of Sai Kung from the top of Buffalo Hill!

How to get there & return:

1. Take MTR Tuen Ma Line to City One 第一城 station, then take exit D to get to Ngau Pei Sha St.

2. Follow on Ngau Pei Sha St. until you reach Sha Tin Wai Rd., at the junction, turn left, and follow on Sha Tin Wai Rd. until you get to the tunnel. 

3. Go in the tunnel to cross Siu Lek Yuen Rd., once you are out of the tunnel, look for Greenhill Villa 綠怡雅苑. There’s a small path next to it, that will be your path to begin the trail. 

4. Enjoy your hike! 

5. You’ll finish your hike at Pak Sha Wan 白沙灣, cross the road and you will see the bus stop. You can get on the KMB bus #92 or #96R to go to MTR Choi Hung or Diamond Hill station, for returning to the city. 

Hike Overview:

Before you begin the hike, please do some stretching to warm up your muscle to avoid cramps, especially on your thigh and hamstring. The level of this trail is intermediate, you will hike across a few mountains before reaching West Buffalo Hill, where you will start your descend and hike to the finishing point. Be physically and mentally prepared for this trail, with the total distance of 13.5 kms and there will be some ups and downs, it’s not going to be easy. But trust me, not only you will achieve it, you will be feeling great doing this trail, because you are going to find it very rewarding. 

After taking the path next to Greenhill Villa 綠怡雅苑, you are starting the ascent in the country park. Always look for the ribbons tied on the branches, so you know you are on the right path. 

After around 2 kms of ascending, you will arrive at your first photo spot, “Fish Basket Rock 魚簍石”, it’s a huge rock with ropes for you to climb to the top. The view up there is beautiful, take some moments to rest and enjoy the landscape.

Climbing up to Fish Basket Rock 魚簍石!
View from the top of Fish Basket Rock 魚簍石!

Continue on with the trail and after slightly over 1 km, you’ll see a big group of rocks, make your descent on the path, soon you’ll find this gigantic rock with the shape of a penis, erecting from the ground pointing towards the sky. That’s “Penis Rock 陽元石”, it’s unbelievable when you see it with your own eyes, it looks exactly like an erecting penis, with testicles.

Now it’s time for you to exercise your creativity and get some nice and fun shots. On weekend and public holidays, there will be many hikers queueing to have their shots taken with the rock.

My photographer was doing a great job!

After Penis Rock 陽元石, you will keep descending until arriving at Nui Po Au 女婆坳, a junction where you can go to Mui Tsz Lam 梅子林 if you turn left, Fa Sam Hang 花心坑 if you turn right, you take neither left nor right. Keep going straight and here comes the challenging 2 kms ascent until you reach Buffalo Hill.

(Fa Sam Hang 花心坑 is an exit point, if you don’t wish to go on after seeing the Penis Rock, you may walk to Fa Sam Hang where you’ll find buses returning to Shatin and the city.)

Keep straight when you reach Nui Po Au 女婆坳 to Buffalo Hill!

The 2 kms ascent might be challenging but it’s scenic at the same time because you are hiking on the ridge of the mountains, the scenery is going to take your breath away. Put more sunscreen on your face and shoulder because this part you will be totally exposed to the sun. 

“ Going to the mountains is like going home. ”

– John Muir

A drone shot on Buffalo Hill with Ma On Shan at the back!

From Buffalo Hill, it takes about 1 km to West Buffalo Hill, once you are there, the Rock Fortress 黄牛石城 is just close by. Go look for “Window of the Sky 石天窗”, the highlight of this trail, aim for a big group of rocks, you won’t miss it. I have heard some took a long time to find it and some couldn’t find it the first time. For us, we played smart, we asked the other hikers around the area to locate it. Ha!

To be honest, this “Window of the Sky 石天窗” is really impressive, the nature is such a great architect, incredible! Standing on the rock and look out the “window”, the view is absolutely captivating. That’s no doubt the highest window I have ever been. Try to avoid doing this trail during weekends and public holidays, because you might have to wait for a long time at this spot for pictures. 


 
It is rather steep at the spot, please be extremely careful while enjoying yourself. Watch every step you make and go slowly! 

Next you will descent from the “Window of the Sky”, there are ropes to help you go down. It can be dangerous, so please take all your time and don’t rush. 

You will then reach MacLehose Trail Section 4, it’s a nicely paved path, take your left turn, and head to Sam Fai Tin 三塊田. From now on, it’s going to be nice and relaxing until the end. 

You’ll soon find the sign, follow the direction to Pak Sha Wan 白沙灣, that’s your final 2.3 kms to the finishing point. 

I hope you enjoy this trail as much as I do, this is definitely one of the trails that I will do it again and again. 

 

Posted on

Lion Rock 獅子山 – the Hong Kong Spirit

The lion’s overlooking the vibrant city of Hong Kong!

Lion Rock 獅子山 is the mountain representing Hong Kong, the people and Hong Kong’s spirit, which is “Perseverance & Solidarity”. It is a very popular hiking trail among the locals and tourists because up there you could have the whole Kowloon and Victoria Harbour view, it is stunning! Another reason of its popularity is the trail is easy, you don’t need to be physically fit to do this hike, you can take your time to go up and you’ll reach the top in less than 2 hours and the view is all yours. 

Many also love going up to Lion Rock for sunset, especially couples and photographers. No doubt, it is very romantic sitting on the rock watching the sun sets behind the horizon. On a clear sunny day, the scenery is unbeatable, the sun looks like a big orange egg yolk, contrasting to the blue sky. In these short moments during sunset, you see the transforming of colors in front of your eyes. Nothing feels better than that! 
What are you waiting for? 

My Trail: 

” Wong Tai Sin 黃大仙 MTR > Fat Jong Temple 法藏寺 > HEAVEN STAIRS 天梯 > Lion Rock Tail 獅子山| 獅尾 (495M) > LION ROCK HEAD 獅子山| 獅頭 (493M) > Kowloon Pass 九龍坳 > Pat Sin Temple 八仙廟 > Lion Rock Park 獅子山郊野公園 > Chuk Yuen Road 竹園道  ”

Distance: 6 KM
Duration: 3.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 541 M
Difficulty: 2.5/5
View: 5/5

See you tomorrow Mr. Sunshine!!! 

How to get there & return:

1. Take MTR Kwun Tong Line to Wong Tai Sin 黃大仙 station, then take exit B2, you’ll see the famous Wong Tai Sin Temple, you can take a quick walk inside the temple before you start your hike.

2. Follow the Shatin Pass Road until you reach Fat Jong Temple, the road is steep, treat it as your warm up.

3. When you reach Fat Jong Temple, turn left right after it and you will be on the trail going up. 

4. There are a few ways going up, check on your Hiking Trail HK App to find your way up via Heaven Stairs 天梯, if not the other ways can still bring you to the top, you won’t get lost. 

Heaven Stairs 天梯

5. From the Lion Rock Head 獅子山| 獅頭, after enjoying the view, follow the path to descend to Kowloon Pass 九龍坳, you are there when you see the Handover/ Reunification Pavilion, check your Hiking Trail HK App and find the Handover/ Reunification Trail to descend to Lion Rock Park, via Pat Sin Temple 八仙廟.

6. You’ll finish your hike at Lion Rock Park, follow the Lion Rock Road to the main road, Chuk Yuen Road 竹園道. Cross the road to the opposite site, you will see the bus stop, next to Laco International. You may take the green mini bus #73 or #72 to Festival Walk Shopping Mall, which is connected to the MTR Kowloon Tong 九龍塘 station. 

Hike Overview:

The Wong Tai Sin temple is one of the tourist attractions in Hong Kong. Many people go there for praying and wish for something, it can be for family, love, health or career. Believe it or not, the prayers are often answered! If you haven’t visited the temple before, I’d recommend you to go pay a visit before you start your hike to Lion Rock. Go feel the atmosphere and it is a good way to experience the local culture and beliefs.

Wong Tai Sin Temple 黃大仙廟 

From Wong Tai Sin Temple, the first 2 kms is walking on the steep Shatin Pass Road until you reach Fat Jong Temple. After turning left into the trail going up, you have around 1.5 kms of ascending on rocks. It’s not difficult, take your time to slowly and carefully going up, you’ll get to Lion Rock Tail where you will see the Lion Rock sign. 

Ascending on rocks!
Don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful city view behind you.

“ By discovering nature, you discover yourself. ”

– Maxime Lagacé

Feeling the Hong Kong’s spirit!!!

The Heaven Stairs 天梯 is a picture spot, you might miss it by taking the other ways, so trace yourself in Hiking Trail HK App.

Once you get to the top, you’ll enjoy the unobstructed view of the city of Hong Kong.

You will soon realize after crossing from Lion Rock Tail to Lion Rock Head, there’s a big sign warning hikers about the danger of steep cliffs. The sign is referring to the path going up from Heaven Stairs. There’s always risk when you hike but to go up is definitely safer than going down, hiking on the rocks. This is the reason I planned my trail to go up this way, you’ll get to enjoy some fun climbing up on rocks, and to descend in a very easy and safe way.  

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has done a marvelous job in making Hong Kong one of the best places in the world for hiking. We are all privileged by that, getting to enjoy the beautiful nature and landscape of this vibrant city, for free. AFCD set up signs to remind hikers of the possible danger parts for us to be alert while enjoying our hike. 

Once you get to the Lion Rock Head, find your spot and sit down comfortably, enjoy the view and wait for the magical sunset moments.


How can someone look at the sunset and not dreaming! If you like sunset as much as I do, I’d recommend you another trail which offer a magnificent sunset view. Please check out my Suicide Cliff Hike!



“ Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn. ”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sunset Peak and Temple Crag on Lantau Island are amazing for viewing sunset too! Please check out my trails for more details! 

Posted on

Pat Sin Leng 八仙嶺 – the Trail to Immortality

Pat Sin Leng 八仙嶺, means “Ridge of the Eight Immortals”, the eight peaks along the Pat Sin Leng mountain range are each named after a different Immortal. They are Shun Yeung Fung (純陽峰), Chung Li Fung (鍾離峰), Kuo Lou Fung (果老峰), Kuai Li Fung (拐李峰), Tsou Kau Fung (曹舅峰), Choi Wo Fung (采和峰), Sheung Tsz Fung (湘子峰) & Hsien Ku Fung (仙姑峰).

This trail offers a bird’s eye view of the Plover Cove Reservoir and Plover Cove Country Park, you can also see the Yan Chau Tong Marine Park from far. Shenzhen can be seen on your left hand side when you are on the ridge going up from Hok Tau Reservoir 鶴藪水塘.

This trail’s difficulty level is moderate and well paved all the way from the beginning. It is suitable for all levels of hikers, it is family friendly. If you are looking for a trail that is slightly challenging physically, a trail with great view, you should go try this out.  

My Trail: 

” Lau Shui Heung Reservoir 流水響水塘 > Shek Au Shan 石坳山 (291M) > Hok Tau Reservoir 鶴藪水塘 > Ping Fung Shan 屏風山 (500M) > Wong Leng 黃嶺 (639M) > Lai Pek Shan 犁壁山 (550M) > SHUN YEUNG FUNG 純陽峰 (590M) > CHUNG LI FUNG 鍾離峰 (529M) > KUO LOU FUNG 果老峰 (543M) > KUAI LI FUNG 拐李峰 (522M) > TSOU KAU FUNG 曹舅峰 (508M) > CHOI WO FUNG 采和峰 (489M) > SHEUNG TSZ FUNG 湘子峰 (513M) > HSIEN KU FUNG 仙姑峰 (511M) > Tai Mei Tuk 大美督 ”


Distance: 15 KM
Duration: 5.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 1188 M
Difficulty: 3/5
View: 4/5

How to get there & return:

1. Take MTR East Rail Line to Fanling 粉嶺 station, then take exit C to go to the minibus station.

2. Take the green minibus #52B to Hok Tau 鶴藪, get off at the final stop.

3. After getting off the bus, follow the sign to Lau Shui Heung Reservoir, there’s a public toilet.

4. Your scenic hike to the Mountains of the Eight Immortals begins.

5. You will finish your hike at Tai Mei Tuk, the bus station is just across the road. You can take either the green minibus #20C or the KMB bus #75K to go back to the East Rail Line Tai Po Market station, for returning to the city. 

Hike Overview:

Spend some time at Lau Shui Heung Reservoir, the serene nature will sooth your body and soul. The still water of the reservoir projects a beautiful reflection of the sky and trees, like a mirror. 

From the Lau Shui Heung Reservoir public toilet, go straight on Lau Shui Heung Road and then turn left into Lau Shui Heung Country Trail where you will head to Hok Tau Reservoir, look for sign to lead you there. 

The first 3kms is easy with some stairs ascending up to about 200 meters before you descend to Hok Tau Reservoir, a place you’ll feel grateful of what you see. Feel the fresh air and positive energy from the surroundings.

The serenity of Hok Tau Reservoir!

Follow the bridge on the reservoir and you will see the sign showing you the way to Pat Sin Leng.

 

The following 5kms is slightly challenging because you will be walking on countless of stairs ascending up to over 600 meters. This is absolutely a good training! Take some breaks in between to catch your breath and don’t forget to check the view along the way, it is stunning. You’ll be exposed to direct sunlight the whole way, do apply your sunscreen. 

The Golden Miscanthus, or Golden Silver Grass can be seen during Fall and early Winter!

“ Nature’s beauty is a gift that cultivates appreciation and gratitude. ”

– Louie Schwartzberg

There are even trees with red leaves, how beautiful!
Keep following the direction to Pat Sin Leng and Tai Mei Tuk!

When you are up to Wong Leng 黃嶺 and Lai Pek Shan 犁壁山, the view gets better. From there you will see China on one side and Plover Cove Reservoir on the other side; and in the front, you will see Yan Chau Tong Marine Park. That’s the best part of doing ridge hiking!

Visiting the Eight Immortals!

Keep going forward and soon you will arrive at the first mountain of the Eight Immortals, Shun Yeung Fung 純陽峰. Once you get there, you are close to the remaining sevens. In less than 2kms with some ups and downs, you will finally get to the last one, Hsien Ku Fung (仙姑峰).

The view of Plover Cove Reservoir from Monkey Cliff (馬騮崖)!

From Hsien Ku Fung (仙姑峰), there are two ways to go down to your finish line, Tai Mei Tuk. If you are more adventurous, take the right turn and go down from there, you will see hikers writing down the name of Monkey Cliff in Chinese, 馬騮崖, on the sign. Please be very careful going down this way because it is rocky and it can be slippery. If you have done Suicide Cliff hike before, you will know what I am talking about. But, it is doable, just take your time to go down slowly and you will arrive at Tai Mei Tuk. If you choose to enjoy the trail with zero risk on your safety, then turn left from Hsien Ku Fung and descend on the paved path. This way you will do your final 4kms down to the Plover Cove Park Tai Mei Tuk Management Centre. Follow the Bride’s Pool Road out and in about 15 minutes walk, you’ll arrive at Tai Mei Tuk. 

The magnificent view of the Eight Immortals Mountains and their reflection on the lake!

There are plenty of restaurants at Tai Mei Tuk, go treat yourself with nice food and drinks.