Things To Do In Hong Kong Before You Die: Climb Ma On Shan
Things To Do In Hong Kong Before You Die
Climb Ma On Shan
Many visitors to Hong Kong come and go without realising the territory is chock full of excellent hiking.
One such challenge
is the summit of Ma On Shan (馬鞍山), or Saddle Hill.
At 702 metres, the peak is accessible by trail from two directions. The easiest route is the approach from Stage 4 of the MacLehose Trail. The difficult trek begins at the Ma On Shan Tree Walk.
The MacLehose Trail begins at Sai Sha Road near Shui Long Wo. For the less athletic, the road ascends as far uphill as Wong Chuk Yeung; you can avoid walking on pavement if you take a taxi, and a short secondary trail connects back to the MacLehose Trail. From there, Stage 4 rises to about the 500-metre mark, where the climb to the summit of Ma On Shan begins.
This approach is safe in dry weather, but good hiking boots are recommended as loose soil and rock present a slip danger. At the summit is a trigonometric post, from which you'll have outstanding views (on clear days) across Tolo Harbour, Three Fathoms Cove, Pyramid Hill, and Sai Kung Hoi.
Descending to reconnect with the MacLehose Trail provides the option to continue past Pyramid Hill (or to climb it if so inclined) and head toward Tate's Cairn. That hike will take several hours. The main alternatives are to head back to Sai Sha Road, or split off at Ngong Ping and descend to Sai Kung.
Numerous other options exist, but first you'll need to pick up a Countryside Series map for Sai Kung and Clear Water Bay to determine your objective.
The difficult approach requires a higher degree of fitness. The first step is to grab a taxi at Sunshine City in Ma On Shan and head up to the barbeque park near Ma On Shan Tsuen. At about HK$60, the trip is cheap and will save unnecessary wear and tear on the legs.
Behind the park
is a "family walk" which forms a loop up the hill from the left and right ends of the park. The left entrance leads to a
junction where a sign is posted warning that the splinter trail leading to Tiu Shau Ngam is "very difficult and suitable
only for experienced and well-equipped hikers". Follow the trail a short distance to another warning sign next to a
short vertical climb. The last time I was there, I used a rope which had been anchored at the top of the face for
assistance.
The trail is easy to follow but is steep in a few areas. It rises to Tiu Shau Ngam at 588 metres, then dips and climbs to the summit of Ngau Ngak Shan (The Hunch Backs) at 677 metres, before connecting along a ridge to the summit of Ma On Shan itself. The views along the way are worth the climb, and a lunch break at the peak of The Hunch Backs is well-deserved.
The trek from the barbeque park to the summit of Ma On Shan takes a few hours, to which the descent to civilisation needs to be added. Plan for a minimum five to six hours, including rest stops — bring food and plenty of water.
While not the easiest hike in Hong Kong, the climb to Ma On Shan isn't the most difficult either. It's among my favourites, and in November or December, when the temperatures are cooler and the rainfall is minimal, it will make you fall in love with one of Hong Kong's best-kept secrets.