Tag: Sunset

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Tung Lung Chau 東龍洲 – A Secret Paradise Island in Hong Kong

Aerial shot of Tung Lung Chau!

Tung Lung Chau 東龍洲, or “East Dragon Island” with the direct translation, is an island located off the tip of the Clear Water Bay Peninsula in the New Territories of Hong Kong. It is also referred by Hong Kong people as Tung Lung To or Tung Lung Island (東龍島). The island is largely uninhabited. Administratively, it belongs to Sai Kung District.

The secret blue cave!

This island is definitely a secret island, a well hidden paradise that is not known by many people. In Hong Kong, when you talk about nice beaches, you’ll think of Sai Kung right away; when you talk about beautiful cave, you might think of Cape D’aguilar; when you talk about hiking, Tai Mo Shan & Sunset Peak will pop in your mind. Tung Lung Chau has a lot to offer, breathtaking landscape, scenic hiking trail, rock formation, caves, natural fountain, historical rock carving, beautiful cliffs, etc., you name it. 

It is definitely one of the best place for camping!

Other than what I have mentioned, this beautiful island is also a perfect place for camping & rock climbing. 

Why camping on Tung Lung Chau? 

If you are a sunset & sunrise lover like me, you definitely have to experience camping on this island. After setting up your tent, you can hike to the highest point (250M) of Tung Lung Chau for watching sunset, it is about 30-40 minutes hike from the campsite. You can take all your time to enjoy the sunset and the colour transformation of the sky, and your tent is just half an hour away. Do remember to bring your headlamp with you though. 

Sunset watching on the highest point of Tung Lung Chau!

Let me share my little tip with you when you choose your spot for setting up your tent, the official campsite is usually packed. Since the ferry services to Tung Lung Chau only run during weekends and public holidays, it is not a surprise when you see the campsite is overcrowded. There are much better spots, so don’t worry if you can’t find a spot. Follow the trail and go to higher ground, you should be able to see some tents from far, that’s where you are heading. Up there, you will find your spot easily with more space, less people and much quieter and peaceful. You are going to get an unobstructed view of the sunrise the following morning.

Good morning world!!!

Imagine waking up the next day with this absolutely gorgeous sunrise right in front of your tent, the whole world just belong to you.

Best place to brush your teeth!

How to get there & return:

1. Take MTR Kwun Tong Line to Yau Tong 油塘 station.

2. Take exit A2 and get to Cha Kwo Ling Rd., follow the road, it’s slightly steep, keep going until you get to Shung Shun St., walk until the end towards the sea and you will arrive at Sam Ka Tsuen Ferry Pier 三家村渡輪碼頭. 

3. Buy your ferry ticket to Tung Lung Chau, you have to decide your returning date and time because they only sell “return ticket”. The reason is they are trying to control the number of passengers on every departure.

Ferry Schedule of “Sam Ka Tsuen – Tung Lung Chau” vice versa.

4. Alternately, you can take MTR Island Line to Sai Wan Ho 西灣河 station.

5. Take exit A and get to Tai On St., walk towards the sea and turn to Tai Hong St., you will arrive at the Sai Wan Ho Pier 西灣河渡輪碼頭. You can buy your return ferry ticket to Tung Lung Chau.

Ferry Schedule of “Sai Wan Ho – Tung Lung Chau” vice versa.

#Remember, the ferry services from both piers to Tung Lung Chau only run during weekends and public holidays. If you would like to secure your time slot going and returning, I’d strongly advise you to be there early to buy your ticket. It’s first come first serve.

Beautiful traditional ferry to Tung Lung Chau, with a head of a dragon at the front.

What to see in Tung Lung Chau?

The attractions of Tung Lung Chau!

As you can see from the map above, there’re plenty of sights to see on Tung Lung Chau, the best way is definitely to camp there, so you can truly enjoy the island taking all your time without feeling the rush to catch the ferry.

It’s not a big island, so with the map, you can easily plan your own adventure and have a lot of fun. 

Aerial shot of Tung Lung Chau!

If you have a drone, you have to bring it there, it’s the perfect place to fly your drone and capture some insanely beautiful images and footages. The landscape is beyond captivating, it didn’t feel like you are in Hong Kong at all when you are standing in front of those caves and cliffs. 

If it’s not because of the pandemic, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to truly explore Hong Kong because traveling is not possible. Not only have I learned so much about the place I have been living in for over 12 years, I have realized how fortunate I am, living in a metropolitan with direct access to breathtaking nature and incredible landscapes, and they are all in close proximity. 

The “Secret Blue Cave 崖下秘洞” is a spot you must not miss. It is rather hidden, if you look for the path carefully checking against the map, you will find your way. When you reach the spot shown on the picture above, then you are going the right way. The “Secret Blue Cave 崖下秘洞” is just located below the cliff, carefully find your way down stepping on the rocks and you will see it at the bottom. 

This is the path descending to the “Secret Blue Cave 崖下秘洞”!

And here we are … 

the “Secret Blue Cave 崖下秘洞”



“Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads.”

– Henry David Thoreau

In Tung Lung Chau, you can easily find your instagram-worthy spots. Go out there and get lost on the island, that’s all I can say if you ask me how to have an incredible adventure! 

Rock Climbing!

If you love rock climbing and zip lines, you’ll probably want to try it there.  

Worrying about food and supplies? 

There are a few village stores and restaurants on the island selling delicious local food and cold drinks to quench your thirst. The price is very reasonable, a bowl of soup noodles is about HKD38 and a plate of fried rice/ noodles is between HKD50-60. They also sell home-made dessert, I recommend you to try it!  

Lastly, Tung Lung Chau is a remote island without basic facility, and there are a small number of inhabitants living their humble lives there. They welcome tourists but do remember that we have our responsibility to keep the island clean so the others can enjoy. The least we can do to help the villagers is to pack our own trash bag and bring it to the pier for disposal. 

If you enjoy exploring Hong Kong’s outlying island, you might be interested in checking out Grass Island 塔門.

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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! 

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Suicide Cliff 自殺崖 – the Dangerously Beautiful Hike

The best spot for watching sunset!

Suicide Cliff 自殺崖, located on the Kowloon Peak, is one of the most popular spots for hiking, and also the most talked about place as injuries and fatalities had happened to hikers before. No doubt, it is the best spot for watching sunset in my opinion. Standing on the cliff, you have the whole Hong Kong city view right in front of you, as you watch the setting sun like an orange egg yolk. It is beyond captivating! Even though I have been there a couple of times, I am still blown away by the view up there every single time.

If you haven’t been there before, please go with experienced hikers. Remember, safety always come first. Even though it is a fantastic spot for getting a good shot, please do not attempt to go to the cliff if you don’t feel comfortable. If you do, be extremely careful. We always know our limit, just don’t cross the line!

Isn’t it mind-blowing?
Feeling like on top of the world!

My Trail: 

” Choi Hung MTR > Jat’s Incline 扎山道 > Kowloon Peak 飛鵝山 (602M) > SUICIDE CLIFF 自殺崖 > Chau Liu Au 茶寮坳> Fei Ngo Shan Road ”




Distance: 5.5 KM
Duration: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 592 M
Difficulty: 4.5/5
View: 5/5

How to get there & return:

1. Take MTR Kwun Tong Line to Choi Hung 彩虹 station, then take exit C2.

2. From exit C2, turn right and follow the stairs up to Wing Ting Road, then turn left. After a few minutes walk on Wing Ting Road, take your first right turn into On Ting Road, the road will lead you to Ping Ting Road. Keep going straight and pay attention to your right, you will see the stairs almost at the end of Ping Ting Road, take the stairs and go all the way to Jat’s Incline.

3. Follow Jat’s Incline for a few minutes walk and turn right into the rocky path, and hike all the way to Kowloon Peak.

4. From Kowloon Peak, walk pass the radio station, follow the path and then you will have to descent before you arrive at Suicide Cliff.

5. You’ll finish at Fei Ngo Shan Road, walk to Clear Water Bay Road and follow the road until you see the bus stop, you can get on any bus to Choi Hung MTR station.


Hike Overview:

First 2 kilometers of this trail after turning in from Ping Ting Road is mainly stairs, you’ll be walking under the shade, be prepared for hundreds of stairs ascending until you get to Jat’s Incline. Once you get to the road, pay attention to your right after less than 100M walk, you’ll see the path going up the mountain. That’s the shortcut to Kowloon Peak, it takes about 40-50 minutes of ascent. This path is very steep, I’d recommend that you bring your gloves as you’ll have to hold on the rocks to help you going up. It is safe though.

You’ll find two beautiful spots for taking pictures along the way, you can take a break and enjoy the view. You’ll see big rocks with an open view of the city, you won’t miss them.

1st picture spot.
2nd picture spot.

When you see the radio station, that’s where you are heading. You’ll finally arrive at the helipad, and that’s Kowloon Peak. On the other side, you’ll see Sai Kung and Ma On Shan Country Park, take a moment to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

To go on to Suicide Cliff, go up to the radio station and walk pass it. You will see some stairs and a path going further. You won’t get lost as there are always hikers and photographers, and the path is pretty obvious. From now on, you have to be very careful, watch every step you make because accident can happen if you do not stay focus on the path. If you are there for sunset, it is a MUST that you bring a headlamp or a torch with you, you need it for the steep descent to avoid accident and getting lost.

“ Conquering your fear brings you to new heights, and a whole new perspective. ”

– Raynard Jackle

Here are some nice sunset shots I have taken:


To go down from Suicide Cliff, there are two ways:

(i) A shorter path is steeper, the descent will be scary for those who has acrophobia, it takes only 45 minutes to the main road. Take the path going down from Suicide Cliff, at some parts you’ll have to sit on the rocks to aid your descent. You’re gonna lose the sunlight completely if you are going down after watching sunset, therefore having a headlamp is a must so you don’t lose your way down.

(ii) Another path you have to go back to Kowloon Peak, after passing the helipad, take the stairs on your right, it will lead you to Fei Ngo Shan Road. Follow the road all the way down, until you reach Clear Water Bay Road. This way takes at least 1.5 hours.

I hope you’re going to enjoy the hike as much as I do and get some great shots. One last reminder, safety always comes first!

Aerial view of Kowloon Peak and Sai Kung on the right.
You can see the radio station and the path leading to Suicide Cliff, also the path going down the mountain.

Please check out my Lion Rock Hike, Sunset Peak Hike & Temple Crag Hike, if you like watching sunset on top of the mountain!