The return route down is fairly simple. Keep turning left at all junctions in the hiking trail and you’ll be back to civilization in an hour. The simplest way to the MTR is to turn left once reaching Lung Cheung Road and follow the highway into Wong Tai Sin. Alternatively, you can cross Lung Cheung Road and head into either Lok Fu or Kowloon Tong.
 
The whole walk should take the best part of four hours. An enjoyable way to extend one’s route is by continuing along the MacLehose Trail, either east towards Tate’s Cairn, or west towards Kowloon Reservoir. Be sure to bring a few light snacks and plenty of fluids for consumption along the way.

Make your way down to Tung Chung on the MTR and once there, catch the number 11 bus towards Tai O. Along the way, take in the charm of rural Lantau and catch regular glimpses of the hills above. Keep an eye out for Shek Pik Reservoir and hop off just before the road traverses the dam wall. 

Walk a short distance back the way you came along the road and turn left onto Shek Pik Country trail. As one rises, dramatic views across Shek Pik Reservoir and the southern expanses of Lantau begin to unveil themselves. 

#3
Know your level, know your limits 
Despite challenging yourself, always leave room for logical and rational thinking on the mountain. Know what your body is capable of, know how far you can go in a given time taking into account the conditions and your health. Take calculated risks.

From the turning circle, depart the paved road and follow a footpath up and over the hill. Before long you will be greeted by the inviting sight of Long Ke Wan, our first beach en route. The path leads straight down to some of the whitest sands and clearest waters in all of Hong Kong. Often on weekdays, you will have this little slice of paradise all to yourself.

Soak it up before biting into the heart of this route, the hike up and over Sai Wan Shan. Working one’s way up to the 314m Summit is hard work on a summers day, however it is all worth it for what awaits on the other side. 

WE ARE THRILLED ABOUT THE RELEASE OF OUR FIRST ARTICLE FOR A MONTHLY COLUMN IN SAI KUNG/SOUTHSIDE MAGAZINES, SHARING THE WILDS OF HK WITH ITS RESIDENTS!

"Only a stone throw away from Tai Po, the Ng Tung Chai waterfalls are one of Hong Kong’s best-hidden treasures. Climb into another world, a steep sided world enveloped in dense rainforest and peppered with ever flowing cascades. Despite the areas accessibility you’re likely to beat the worst of any weekend crowds coming here and on a weekday, this tropical wonderland is often solely yours to explore!

Translated from Cantonese meaning ‘Big Hat Mountain’, Tai Mo Shan is HK’s highest peak at 957 meters and dominates the central New Territories. This geographical prominence means the mountain often creates its own weather and the northern slopes where Ng Tung Chai is situated are on average, the wettest in Hong Kong. If this fact doesn’t sound enticing, the upside is that much of the plentiful rainfall is stored in rocks and slowly released sustaining steady flow year round. Visit during the rainy season though and you’ll be guaranteed a roaring reception.

After working up a sweat ascending 300 vertical meters, take a left turn at the next junction and traverse across till you reach the Scatter Falls. For the more intrepid, following the track further upwards will eventually lead to the summit ridge of Tai Mo Shan and a multitude of trekking options.

From here on in it’s all fun! Scramble down the ‘forbidden path’, rubbing shoulders with banana palms and secluded caves before emerging upon the splendor of the Main Falls. As the highest waterfall in Hong Kong, this 110ft stunner deserves some time. Its shallow pool presents a welcome opportunity to cool off after an exerting accent from the valley below.

Continue downwards, twisting your way through lush fauna. Keep an eye out for wildlife; the area is a hotspot for lizards and insects. After some time the Middle Falls will make their presence heard. Although not as impressive as the Main Falls, the Middle Falls are still worth a quick visit. However, save that final pit stop for the Bottom Falls.

Not much further down are the Bottom Falls, a wholly appropriate climax to any day on the hill. Delve into an idyllic chasm entangled in vines and ferns, all clambering for position on the rocks to soak up the ample moisture. The sunlight that manages to squeeze through the thick canopy does so in ethereal beams of radiance. It feels more like a remote corner of Borneo than Hong Kong. If comfortable with a little rock climbing, clamber to the upper pool, as this is the best spot to take a dip.