5 Less-Known Hikes To Try In Hong Kong

Looking for something a little more off-the-beaten-path? These less-known hikes are perfect if you’re on the hunt for a quiet trail.

Though they’re all easily accessible via public transport, these Hong Kong Island, Lantau and New Territories hikes offer the chance to discover areas of our beautiful home that you might not have seen before. So if you’ve scaled Dragon’s Back and tackled The Twins, why not try one of these off-the-beaten-path hikes in Hong Kong next? With gorgeous views and uninterrupted nature, you won’t be disappointed.

Read more: Your Ultimate Hong Kong Hiking Trail Bucket List

Pat Sing Leng – The Eight Immortals, Hok Tau > Tai Mei Tuk (Wilson Trail Stage 9)

Length: 9kms, 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Challenging – one for experienced hikers!

Part of the Wilson Trail stage 9, this half-day hike is both challenging and scenic. Beginning at the village of Hok Tau, you’ll walk around the reservoir before ascending to Pat Sing Leng, a range of hills also known as The Eight Immortals, which offer both incredible views and plenty of climbs. Pack plenty of water and snacks as once you’re on the range, there’s no facilities or shops at all. The hike finishes with a descent through Pat Sing Leng Nature Trail, which comes out on Bride’s Pool Road.

How to get there: Take minibus 52B from Fanling MTR (East Island Line) to Hok Tau Village. Walk past the campsite and the reservoir, following signs for the Wilson Trail. Continue to follow the Wilson Trail and signs to Pat Sing Leng as you climb the ‘Immortals’ until you reach a sign for Tai Mei Tuk. Follow this through Pat Sing Leng Nature Trail until you reach Bride’s Pool Road. A minibus will take you to Tai Po Market MTR to continue your journey home.

Read more: Hong Kong’s Most Challenging Hikes

Pottinger Peak, Siu Sai Wan > Big Wave Bay

Length: 3.5km, 1-1.5 hours
Difficulty: Suitable for beginners but be warned – there are quite a lot of stairs!

With incredible views, this easy, paved hike makes a good alternative to Dragon’s Back. Beginning at the Eastern point of Hong Kong Island, you start by climbing Leaping Dragon Walk and then joining the path to Pottinger Peak. Once you’ve ascended these two gentle climbs, the vista of Shek O and the island of Tung Lau Chau and plenty of hiking photo opps lie ahead. From the top of Pottinger Peak, it’s a short walk downhill to Big Wave Bay and a much-deserved dip in the sea!

How to get there: Take the Island Line eastbound to Chai Wan MTR and then take bus 8P to its final stop (Siu Sai Wan Island Resort). Walk past the toilets, and outdoor exercise machines and the stairs to Leaping Dragon Walk are on your left. The hike is easy to follow with signs to guide the way to Pottinger Peak and then Big Wave Bay. From Big Wave Bay you can take a minibus back to Shau Kei Wan MTR station (remember to bring cash as this minibus doesn’t accept Octopus cards).

Read more: The Best Beach Hikes In Hong Kong

Tiger’s Head, Discovery Bay > Mui Wo

Length: 9kms, 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Named after the Tiger-like rock formation at its peak, this easy to access Lantau Island hike offers the same amazing panoramic views as Sunset Peak, but with none of the crowds! Beginning in Discovery Bay and ending in Mui Wo, on a clear day, you’ll see the skyscrapers of Central, the islands of Peng Chau and Cheung Chau, and the mountains of Lantau. Ending in Mui Wo also gives you the chance to grab a drink or a bite to eat at one of the bars and restaurants that line the waterfront.

How to get there: From the Discovery Bay Ferry Pier, walk to Discovery Bay Road. From here you can climb up to the Discovery Bay Lookout via a short, steep path. Walk up the hill from the lookout, following signs for the Lo Fu Tau Country Trail where you’ll then reach the summit and the Tiger’s Head. Continue along the Country Trail until it ends and you find yourself on the Olympic Trail heading towards Mui Wo. Follow signs for Mui Wo and continue walking past Silvermine Waterfall until you reach the waterfront where you can catch the Mui Wo ferry back to Central.

Read more: The Best Hong Kong Hikes That End With A Meal

Plover Cove Country Park, Wu Kau Tang > Sam A Tsuen

Length: 12km, 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate – small climbs and some rocky terrain.

Plover Cove Country Park has numerous trails where you can explore abandoned Hakka villages, spot Hong Kong wildlife amongst the trees and mangroves – including kingfishers if you’re lucky – and follow the path of oxidised purple rocks. Once you’ve reached the village of Sam A Tsuen stop for a bite to eat at Fook Lee Tea House, possibly one of the most tranquil restaurant locations in the whole of Hong Kong.

How to get there: From Tai Po Market Station (East Rail Line) take minibus 20R to Wu Kau Tang (you won’t miss it – it’s the final stop). A taxi from Tai Po Market will cost about $120. The hike begins at Wu Kau Tang, and there are clear signs to Sam A Tseun throughout. Once you reach Sam A Tsuen, you can either follow signs back to Wu Kau Tang where the 20R will take you back to Tai Po Market, or extend the hike to Lai Chi Wo, following the coast to Luk Keng where you can catch minibus 56K.

Read more: The Best Shaded Hikes in Hong Kong

Pat Sing Leng Nature Trail > Luk Kek (Wilson Trail Stage 10)

Length: 8km, 2.5-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking the final section of the Wilson Trail in the North New Territories feels like you’re stepping back in time. As you follow the tree-lined paths, you’ll come across shaded streams, ancient burial plots, plus lots of Hong Kong’s native birds. Stop at the Edward Youde Pavilion where you can look out onto Starling Inlet and the Yantian District of Shenzhen. Once you’ve headed down through the village and farmlands of Nam Chung, you can explore the waterside Tin Hau temple or continue walking Luk Keng where you can grab for a bite to eat and take the bus back to the MTR.

How to get there: From Tai Po Market (East Island Line) take minibus 75K to Bride’s Pool BBQ site/Tai Mei Tuk. Alternatively, a taxi will cost around $100. Begin the hike at Pat Sing Leng Nature Trail. Follow the trail until you come to a sign for the Wilson Trail in the direction of Nam Chung. Follow the path via the Edward Youde Memorial Pavilion until you reach the village of Nam Chung. Walk for 10 minutes along the main road to Luk Keng, where you can catch minibus 56K back to the MTR (the minibus begins here, so you’ve got a much better chance of getting a seat on a busy day).

Read more: The Best Historic Walking Trails In Hong Kong

Editor’s Note: “5 Less-Known Hikes To Try In Hong Kong” was originally written in May, 2020 by Sam Book and was most recently updated by Team Sassy in March, 2022.