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Hiking In Hong Kong: The Essential Guide
Most don’t consider Hong Kong a ‘hiking destination’ and as a result you can explore the endless dirt paths in tranquility. Thick jungle and exotic wildlife can be found only a short hike from the city. Generally hikes in Hong Kong consist of following rugged trails and wading through subtropical forests, like you’re in an episode of ‘Lost’. With only 25% of it’s land being inhabited, Hong Kong has so much left to discover and for this reason, we think it’s the perfect hiking destination!
Fun Fact: Most don’t realise it but there are actually 263 islands in Hong Kong!
In our guide we’ve listed what we consider the top hikes in Hong Kong. Whether you just want a day out of the city or you’re a seasoned explorer, there’s something to suit everyone!
1. Dragons Back, Hong Kong Island
Getting There
Take MTR to Shau Kei Wan, Use Exit A to the Bus Station. Get the No. 9 Bus and exit at the stop 'Dragons Back'
Hiking Highlights
This iconic trail is ideal for one of your first hikes in Hong Kong and is popular with families and non hikers wanting to get out of the city. For this reason, in 2004, it was named one of Asia’s ‘Best Urban Hikes’ in Time Magazine. The breezy woodland walk is fairly covered and well shaded, helping you to acclimatize to the temperature and humidity. The trail begins on a dirt track leading up to the first of several viewpoints. The views across the bay are unforgettable and as the trail continues they broaden and you can see Big Wave Bay, the final destination of the hike.
Top Tip: Start the trail early to avoid the midday heat as the first section is uncovered. It also gets busier throughout the day with tourists.
Hong Kong Hiking
Even when out of the city on popular trails like this, local Hong Kongers often carry speakers. It seems that playing the radio and music out loud is common practice, so be aware when hiking during peak times, you might not get the peace and quiet you hoped for! It’s also worth noting that in general, hikes in Hong Kong often have no refueling stops, so be sure to pack enough food and water for the full hike. However on this hike, once at Big Wave Beach there are a variety of shops selling ice creams and cold drinks for you to refuel!
2. Ng Tung Chai Waterfall Hike, Kowloon
Getting There
Take MTR to Tai Wo, use Exit A. Then catch the 64K Bus to Yuen Long, alighting at the Ng Tung Chai stop.
Hiking Highlights
A hidden gem of hiking in Hong Kong, the rugged trail takes you to four jaw dropping waterfalls. Carved into the bottom of Hong Kong’s tallest mountain, Tai Mo Shan, a highlight of the trail is Hong Kong’s highest waterfall. At 30 meters high, Ng Tung Chai Waterfall (Main Fall) is the third waterfall on this hike and is breathtaking. In addition to the waterfalls, discover the awe-inspiring Man Tak Yuen Temple, hidden in the jungle along the trail. Take a break, revitalize and immerse yourself in one of the refreshing pools at Bottom Fall, Middle Fall and Main Fall. The memory of plunging into the cooling, crystal clear water makes this hike one to remember!
Top Tip: As with many hikes in Hong Kong, be sure to have topped up on insect repellent particularly before venturing on this one. The water and humidity of the jungle attract a variety of insects!
Why this trail?
This trail is a great way to see just how wild Hong Kong’s jungle can get. It can also lead you up to Hong Kong’s highest peak, Tai Mo Shan, or you can turn back whenever suits you! We hiked this trail mid-week back in September 2019, it was fairly quiet and we came across only a few small groups of other hikers. However, we have heard it can be quite busy with larger groups on the weekend, so be sure to make this a weekday adventure!
3. Lion Rock, Kowloon
Getting There
Take MTR to Wong Tai Sin, the trail technically stars at the MTR. However, you can catch a taxi or bus to Fat Jong Temple to save walking up the steep incline.
Hiking Highlights
Named due to the rock formation resembling a crouching lion, Lion Rock Hiking trail is perfect to finish a day exploring Kowloon. Relax on a rock at the top and enjoy the sunset over the bustling city as it shifts from day to night. If you are hiking late evening, don’t forget to take a torch for the descent! Having little coverage or shade along this path, the ideal time to undertake this venture is late afternoon or early morning to avoid the blazing midday sun. The phenomenal panoramic view from the top is worth the steep climb, for this reason it’s also key to go on a clear day, so as not to waste energy and disappoint.
Top Tip: Check the weather before attempting this hike, we got caught in a lighting storm and had to dash down!
Why this hike?
Hikes in Hong Kong often lead you to being promptly surrounded by wilderness and jungle and this trail is no different. Once in the park, it’s easy to forget how close to the city you are. Therefore, this trail is a great way to appreciate the bustling city and see the overall beauty and serenity of Hong Kong. It’s the ideal Hong Kong hike for those who want to see North Kowloon but need to combine a trail with other sights.
Top Tip: Combine this hike with a trip to Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple!
4. Quarry Bay to Repulse Bay via Tai Tam Reservoir, Hong Kong Island
Getting There
Take the MTR to Quarry Bay, the trail begins there
Hiking Highlights
The lengthy hike marries up several trails and ends in the stylish and ironically named ‘Repulse Bay’. One of the most expensive residential areas in the world, it’s glamorous and spectacular beaches are reminiscent of Hollywood. What better way to end a long hike but with a slice of gourmet pizza and a dip in the ocean. However, it’s not just the finish you have to look forward to on this hike. The trail takes you past historical war time stoves, the stunning Tai Tam reservoir and through a jungle like walkway full of wildlife. The path consistently offers views of the endless forest that covers Hong Kong Island.
Top Tip: Bring swimsuits and towels to enjoy the swanky beach at the end. There are fairly good changing and shower facilities at Repulse Bay.
Section 1
Following the tree walk from Quarry Bay via Mount Parker Road you reach the dazzling waters at Tai Tam Reservoir. Along this easy stretch there are several areas you can stop for a break, even some toilets! Largely following a tarmac road you will eventually come out at the bridge of the reservoir. This is a great area to stop for a picnic and gives you a chance to take in the views before embarking on the second stage of the hike.
Section 2
Once over the reservoirs bridge there is a paved path which follows alongside the water catchment. During this section of the trail you are surrounded by unkept and rugged greenery and it can be easy to get disorientated. Be sure to take a map especially as there’s little to no network coverage along much of the trail. If lucky, you may spot snakes, birds of prey and spiders during this half. Towards the end of the water catchment walkway, you reach a crossroad, of which the stairs lead down to Repulse Bay. A rewarding, serene, but gruelling hike in summer, be sure to take enough food and water for the full trail. The trail provided a real sense of adventure, enabling us to explore the tranquil wilderness the island has to offer, for this reason it became one our most memorable experiences and a favourite of our hikes in Hong Kong.
Are you inspired to go hiking in Hong Kong?
We hope this has inspired you to discover the incredible hikes Hong Kong has to offer. If you love the scenery then be sure to check out our Top Hong Kong Sights and if you love food, our guide to the Best Dim Sum in Hong Kong. If Hong Kong isn’t for you, check out another of our hiking guides below. Let us know if you’ve been hiking in Hong Kong and what your favourite trails are, we’d love to hear your stories! As always, thanks for reading and don’t forget to follow us on social media.