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Get Out: Sunset Peak
Posted:
25 Sep 2009
Lantau Trail Stage 1 & 2, 9km, Difficult
The trail to the third highest peak in Hong Kong starts from sea-level – a necessary factoid for your post-hike bragging. If you can get to the start of Stage 2 of the Lantau Trail and avoid starting in Mui Wo, we suggest doing so, as the first 2km run alongside bus-fume-afflicted South Lantau Road
Once you reach the picnic area at Nam Shan, the Stage 2 trail veers off and up into the hills. Follow the step-tacular trail up into the mountains above. Be warned: there’s not much shade, so be prepared or accept being slow-roasted on the sunnier days.
It’s tough going for the next 2km until the path flattens out just before Sheung Tung Au. Watch for the gurgling stream below and a waterfall, which announce the end of the painful ascent. The trail then crosses the falls at a rest spot where you can sit and soak your tired feet in the small pool.
The trail continues winding through the hills to Sunset Peak. It doesn’t cross the summit but makes its way through the high fields that are spotted with small stone rental cabins (think: Guantanamo with a view). The cabins have different owners and their contact details are posted on the sides of the buildings (most are around $100 a night). From Sunset Peak, the northeast view overlooks Chek Lap Kok Airport, and to the south, the Cheung Sha beaches.
From here on, it’s a short downhill haul to Tung Chung Road where a bus stop awaits. This descent into the valley is easily tackled, especially with the stunning scenery of Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak, the two tallest mountains on the island.
Getting there:
Take the Mui Wo ferry from Central Ferry Pier and follow the signs for the Lantau Trail up the South Lantau Road. Alternatively, take the MTR to Tung Chung station, from the bus terminus take bus 3M to Mui Wo and head back up the road to the trailhead.
The trail continues winding through the hills to Sunset Peak. It doesn’t cross the summit but makes its way through the high fields that are spotted with small stone rental cabins (think: Guantanamo with a view). The cabins have different owners and their contact details are posted on the sides of the buildings (most are around $100 a night). From Sunset Peak, the northeast view overlooks Chek Lap Kok Airport, and to the south, the Cheung Sha beaches.
From here on, it’s a short downhill haul to Tung Chung Road where a bus stop awaits. This descent into the valley is easily tackled, especially with the stunning scenery of Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak, the two tallest mountains on the island.
Getting there:
Take the Mui Wo ferry from Central Ferry Pier and follow the signs for the Lantau Trail up the South Lantau Road. Alternatively, take the MTR to Tung Chung station, from the bus terminus take bus 3M to Mui Wo and head back up the road to the trailhead.
Andrew James
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