Name(English): Dragon’s Back
Name(Chinese): 龍脊
Category: Outdoor Activities
Address(English): Shek O Road
Address(Chinese): 石澳道
Address Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/juBhfc6d7Hra7AGw6
Address longitude and latitude: 22.23731239037371, 114.2432174408946
Opening Hours:
MON 00:00 – 23:59
TUE 00:00 – 23:59
WED 00:00 – 23:59
THU 00:00 – 23:59
FRI 00:00 – 23:59
SAT 00:00 – 23:59
SUN 00:00 – 23:59
Recommended Time to Visit: Morning or four hours before sunset
Reminder: 30 min bus ride from Shau Kei Wan MTR Station (Take bus no. 9, off from To Tei Wan Station）
It must be a tremendous loss have you never hiked the trail that was rewarded “The best of Asian” by Lonely Planet and Times, meanwhile highly recommended by CNN as one of the most popular trails in Hong Kong Island for beginner. What are you waiting for? Let’s take a look to this wonderful trail – “Dragon’s Back”.
Oriental Dragon Asleep
People may have no idea of what is “Hong Kong Trail Stage 8”, but they’re familiar with its nickname. Like a sleeping dragon, “Dragon’s back” is a vivid metaphor that accurately depicts the billowy ridge, feasting your eyes on the sea horizon that rarely appears in the concrete jungle. Located in the eastern part of Hong Kong Island, its mythical name has been tempting countless travelers and locals, but not a single person complains of its beauty. It’s also a hotspot for film and music video shooting!
The 8km trail takes approximately 3 hours to finish, which depends on one’s speed. Not steep nor high, where proper toilets, maps and signs are provided on the way, the 284-metre mountain is suitable for amateurs and the whole family to hike. Stairs aren’t many though, there’re seldom shades at the first half of the trail. Better put the sunscreen on and bring enough water (2L is a MUST), lest you’ll be exposed under the scorching sun.
Directions to the Starting Point:
Starting from Shau Kei Wan MTR Station, you may find bus No.9 at exit A3 or the red minibus at exit A2. If you choose minibus, please be reminded that it won’t stop unless you tell the driver「土地灣有落 (To Tei Wan Yau Lok)」. Better to do it when you get on or closed to the point. It takes about 30 minutes, then you may see some public toilets conspicuously erected at the entrance.
Following the steps towards the top of the mountain, you can take a look to the bamboos and species of planes exuberating amidst the trail. No worries, just swagger as much as you can, and you won’t get lost on the way that is clear. Before long, you will arrive the small pavilion, and there’s a pillar of sign showing the direction. Turn RIGHT without hesitation.
No more forks prior to the peak, and just a few more steps to walk – Voilà! You are finally there at the platform, where the word 「打爛埕頂山 Shek O Peak」 (Yes, another name of Dragon’s back) and a yellow dragon are distinctly crafted on the board. Stunned by the magnificent scenery, Shek O Bay, the whole picture of golf course as well as Tung Lung Island are all now under your feet. If you’re lucky, you can also find the High Junk Peak – the great-sharp mountain hardly climbed – across the sea. Take your time for photos, and don’t forget the panoramic one.
Directions to Big Wave Bay:
Walking downhill is easy. 15 minutes will be spent before you see the signs pointing two roads, which both take an hour. Pick Tai Tam Gap if you’re keen to the beach, otherwise choose To Tei Wan back to the starting point if in rush.
But let’s not miss any serendipity, and go along to Big Wave Bay. Nothing special on the road, all you have to do is following the signs before you see the village and the beach. Just take the bus No.9 or minibus or red minibus to the MTR station when you leave.
What Else to Visit?
Big Wave Bay, the destination of the trail, is a well-known and rare surfing point in Hong Kong. Apart from the beautiful sandy beach, renting a surf board is very cheap compared to many countries, around 60HKD for the whole day when an umbrella cost 10HKD. Go grab a coffee and chill until sunset, which must be a perfect ending of the day.
But, if you find it really enjoyable and want to stay a little longer, please have your camp and cook set prepared to enjoy the starry starry night on the beach. It’s not difficult to see the constellation as long as the weather is good.
Recommendations:
- it’s NOT recommended to hike on weekends, as there’ll be horribly lots of hikers congregating, whom you may have to queue up with at the entrance and every narrow part of the trail. Unless you enjoy commotion (bet you’re not), it’s wise to hike the trail on weekdays. To Tei Wan is your starting point.
- Sunscreen, hat, snacks and at least 2L water is necessary.
- Shek O beach is bit distant and not that easy for walking. Should you want to get there, you should take taxi or bus, whereas minibus is not available.
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