The best hiking trails in Hong Kong with great views

The Dragon's Back Hike was the winner of Time Magazine’s "best urban hike in Asia", a title which is potentially misleading because there is nothing urban about the Dragon’s Back! It takes you through the lap of nature, but thanks to its proximity to Hong Kong city, it has earned the moniker of an urban hike.

This hike in Hong Kong winds through the wild south, across the ridges of Shek O Country Park promising splendid views over Clearwater Bay and several uninhabited islands stranded out in the South China Sea. It's muddy paths take you through shady groves of bamboo and lush woodland, with the chirping of birds and flutter of butterflies keeping you company all the while. The Dragon's Back hike ends at a ramshackle seaside village, covered with wild azaleas and rose myrtle, and a handful of bars and restaurants overlooking miles of unspoilt beaches. If you feel like surfing in Hong Kong, this spot is your best bet.

Hiking Tip

The Dragon's Back Hike trails through isolated mountains and finding a store to grab water/food is practically impossible. Make sure you stock up on supplies before starting the hike. Also, pack a swimsuit!

Getting There

While the Dragon's Back hike in itself is not difficult, getting there is quite the task! Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan Station and use Exit A to reach the Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus. From here, hop on to bus no. 9 or the minibus with the sign ‘Shek O’ next to the bus terminus. Alight at To Tei Wan, Shek O Road and ask the driver to point you in the direction of the hike'starting point. From the bus stop at To Tei Wan, the hike is a 1 KM uphill climb.

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Nestled in the lush jungles of the Tai Mo Shan Mountains lie the Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls. These falls cascase over several miles, each more forceful and dramatic than the last, a sight to behold. On the Tai Mo Shan Waterfalls Hike, trek past rural villages and temples, away from the urban scape of Hong Kong and find yourself in a whole new world. Your final destination, the Main Falls is Hong Kong's highest waterfall till date.

While most Hong Kong hiking tours end at the waterfalls, you can attempt to scale the peak of the Tai Mo Shan Mountains, perched at an altitude of 957 meters. Though this is the highest peak in Hongkong it is easily accessible via foot. Expect the trail from the waterfalls to the peak to be tunnelled by forest, littered with fallen trunks and vines, shallow caves, and the sound of water flowing.

Hiking Tip

While mobile phone service on the mountain can get spotty, Google Maps works through the hike.Make sure you carry atleast one litre of water per person and pack a bathing suit if you intend to take a dip in the waterfalls!

Getting There

Take MTR’s West Rail Line to Kam Sheung Road Station and the minibus 64K to Ng Tung Chai Tsuen. You can also take the East Rail Line to Tai Wo Station and then minibus 25K Lam Tsuen to Chai Kek. After getting off the minibus, walk along the footpath through the small village of Ng Tung Chai to the Ng Tung Chai Waterfall Path. From here you'll see signs for Tai Mo Shan via Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls.

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Arguably the crown jewel of Hong Kong, the Sai Kung peninsula is an idyllic escape from the skyscapers of Hong Kong. With no roads in sight, your only way of getting there via a hike or by boat. For hikers looking to tread off the beaten track, the Sai Kung hike with its green mountains, cascading waterfalls, sea caves, magnificent geological sites and white beaches is simply ideal.

The Sai Kung peninsula hike is divided into 5 stages, with “one peak four bays” - Sharp Peak, Sai Wan, Ham Tin Wan, Tai Wan and Tung Wan. If you make it to Stage 5, head to the Lion rock. A colony of monkeys and post-card perfect views await you here!

Hiking Tip

During this trek, make sure you find the famous hidden Hong Kong cliff jumping location, close to the Sheung Luk stream and have the best dive of your life.

Getting There

From MTR Diamond Hill Station Exit C2, take bus 92 to the Sai Kung Bus Terminus. From here, take bus 94 for Wong Shek Pier and get off at Pak Tam Chung Station. Alternatively, you can take bus 96R to Wong Shek Pier (this route only operates on Sundays and public holidays) from MTR Diamond Hill Station Exit C2 and get off at Pak Tam Chung Station.

After getting off the bus at Pak Tam Chung Station, you’ll find the Pak Tam Chung Barrier Gate. Walk along Tai Mong Tsai Road for five minutes to the starting point of this Hong Kong hiking tour.

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The MacLehose Trail, a 100 kilometre-long Country Parks hiking trail that meanders through 8 country parks in the New Territories. The 13-kilometre section from Long Ke to Pak Tam Au (stage 2) is considered the most scenic as it skirts the pristine beaches of Sai Wan and Ham Tin. The MacLehose Trail links 8 Country Parks - Sai Kung East Country Park, Sai Kung West Country Park, Ma On Shan Country Park, Lion Rock Country Park, Kam Shan Country Park, Shing Mun Country Park, Tai Mo Shan Country Park, and Tai Lam Country Park. The Trail begins at Pak Tam Chung, winds through Sai Kung Peninsula, then turns south to the Kowloon hills. While some sections of the MacLehose Trail have surfaced roads, most follow hillside paths. Hiking conditions are mostly easy to moderate, with only a few sections needing strenuous effort.

Hiking Tip

This is an arduous and treacherous hike with loose gravel paths so wear good hiking shoes. You may also have to clamber using your hands at some parts, so bring thick hiking gloves. It is best to partake in this Hong Kong hiking tour with a seasoned guide if you're not a hiking expert.

Getting There

Take the MTR to Diamond Hill Station and use Exit C2. Take bus no. 92 to Sai Kung Town.

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The Lantau Peak, at 934 metres is Hong Kong’s second tallest mountain. While most of the trail is paved, the stone steps can be difficult and the general incline is steep. At the top of Lantau Peak you’ll find the grand Big Buddha statue and monastery,a good place to grab a few snaps and refill on food. The hike itself offers splendid vistas over the thick greenery that carpets Lantau and onto the South China Sea. If you're not as ambitious to scale the Lantau Peak, hike upto the Sunset Peak, the third-highest peak and view the best sunset of your life! As you ascend the highlands, enjoy the Lantau coastline, Pui O and explore the cluster of stone shacks on the way. This part of the trek takes about 3.5 hours.

If you're not much of a hiker, you can take the Ngong Ping cable car up and down the mountainside for amazing views. Read all about scaling the Lantau Peak on the Ngong Ping Cable Car.

Hiking Tip

The trails at Lantau Peak are some of the most popular hikes in Hong Kong. The route can be packed at weekends and on public holidays. On Sundays you’d swear the peak was busier than Causeway Bay.

Getting There

Take the MTR to Tung Chung and then a bus towards Mui Wo. Ask the driver to drop you at the start of the Lantau Trail and follow the signboards.

Google Map Directions >>

While true hikers don't consider this a hike, hiking the Victoria Peak is quite the delight. With over 2100 steep steps and a lot of walking on tarmac surrounded by scenic views, the Mount high west trail to reach the Victoria Peak is a great idea. Moreover, the Peak is Hong Kong’s most famous attractions but most people only see the view from the top after being delivered there by the Hong Kong tram. Instead, you can watch the views unfold before you as you climb the side of the Peak. It’s definitely more impressive.

Again,if you're not much of a hiker, you can take the Peak Tram to shuttle you back and forth for these views. Read all about scaling the Victoria Peak on the Peak Tram. If you'd like to visit the Sky Terrace 428, the highest observation deck in town at a staggering 428 meters above sea level you can couple your hike with a visit here by grabbing these combo tickets.

Hiking Tip

Being a relatively easy hike with paved tarmac, this is one of best recommended Hong Kong hiking tour for those traveling with kids.

Getting There

To reach Kennedy Town MTR, hop on to the Island line (blue line). Get off and take exit C. Start walking till you reach this University of Hong Kong. From here, you'll find directions to the hike.

Google Map Directions >>