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Get Out: Shek Pik Reservoir to Tai O
Lantau Trail Stage 9 & 8
16km, Very Difficult
We suggest doing this trail backwards. It means a shorter bus ride to the trailhead and the chance to indulge in a seafood dinner in Tai O.
From Shek Pik Reservoir, head along the catchwater for about an hour (a little over 5km) passing picnic spots as the route wraps around the Southwestern edge of Lantau Island. The trail takes off into the bushes after passing a waterfall. Not too far along the trail, you pass a turn off to the beach at Kau Ling Chung campsite. The site has tent space for 16 along a stream and sandy beach.
Fan Lau Village is just down the trail on the Southeastern-most point of Lantau. Just outside the village are the ruins of Fan Lau Fort, built in 1729 and declared an historical monument in 1981. The history of the fort is uncertain but it’s believed it was built to protect against pirates – rather unsuccessfully however, as it was eventually seized by buccaneers. Fan Lau village consists of only a few small buildings but there is one building where you can buy refreshments.
Beyond Fan Lau, there are narrow dirt segments of the trail that wind through thorny bushes of death. Otherwise, the trail stays reasonably flat until it emerges onto the cement walkway that leads to Tai O village. The waters are brown and silted but if you’re lucky, you may spot a Chinese White Dolphin. Boat trips are available from Tai O for dolphin spotting.
Getting there:
From Tung Chung MTR station take bus 11. Or ferry from Central and
bus 1 at Mui Wo ferry terminal. Alight after crossing Shek Pik Reservoir.
Andrew James
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