Lantau peak- THE WILD COLUMN

IN THE SEPTEMBER ARTICLE OF OUR MONTHLY COLUMN IN SAI KUNG/SOUTHSIDE MAGAZINES; WE ADVENTURE TO LANTAU!!

"Whenever I touch down in Hong Kong by plane, the imperious sight of Lantau Peak leaves me looking back up towards the sky in awe. No matter whether you’re arriving in HK for the first time or returning home, the majesty of the territory’s second highest point is lost on few people. The allure of Lantau Peak draws in numerous visitors throughout the year; as a consequence there are many ways to ascend it these days. I recommend attacking this beast of a mountain via the South Ridge, because despite it being one of the most spectacular routes around; surprisingly, it is one of the less frequented.

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. 

Continuing upwards, the incline increases and the flora slowly thins out as you reach the South Ridge proper. From Hong Kong Island on one side to Macau on the other, the views by this point of the trek are simply breathtaking on a clear day! 

Reaching the summit is a rigorous examination of one’s fitness, particularly during the summer months. Regardless of the exhaustion, reaching the pinnacle of Lantau Island is a tremendously relaxing experience. At almost 1000m up, conditions here can often serve as a temperate retreat from the tropical temperatures at sea level. Gaze down upon the splendour of Lantau, the outlying islands and all of mankind’s various creations that pepper this diverse landscape. 

In order to head back towards civilisation, one can chose from options of various characters. For Lantau first timers, hike down to the Tian Tan Buddha and soak up the vibes of the Po Lin Monastery before either walking the concrete path, bussing it or catching the cable car back to Tung Chung. For those who are after a more authentic route off the mountain, follow the trail down the equally impressive North Ridge. You’ll eventually meet the North Lantau Road at Pak Kung Au, where there are a number of buses one can take to Tung Chung.

All in all, this is arguably Hong Kong’s most prestigious summit to have bagged. It may not be quite as high as Tai Mo Shan, or as technical as other hills, but Lantau Peak is the true heavyweight of Hong Kong the mountain climbing scene. For anyone who enjoys a physical challenge and packing in lots of sights, this route from Shek Pik Reservoir makes for an incredible day out."