Name(English): High West
Name(Chinese): 西高山
Category: Outdoor Activities
Address(English): Hong Kong Island West
Address(Chinese): 香港香港島西部
Address Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/83hgzEkEaetaSGku8
Address longitude and latitude: 22.26956321339609, 114.13428599800436
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: 9:00 – 17:00. 2 hours before sunset if you would like to take sunset pictures.
Accessibility Note: need to walk up staircases
Unlike those popular but crowded travel spots, it’s an alternative less congested. Lots of shutterbugs have been enchanted because of its westward sea view and the extraordinary sunset. An easy and well-developed hiking route for everyone. Let’s go to the High West!
A sunset barely found in the city
High West, as its name implies, is the fourth-tallest mountain located in the west of Hong Kong Island. Separating the hectic Central and the serene Southern District, the 494-metre mountain offers the taste of freedom while one’s standing on the top. No sooner the sun goes down, than a shaft of red glow penetrates the clouds and dyes the western part of Victoria Harbour, where all the ferries and skyscrapers glister until the first light bulb is turned on.
In the proximity, there’s a battery that emerges from the dismal history of World War II. At the time from 1936 to 1941, the British colonial government developed the fortification on the Island, in which fortresses, pillboxes and anxieties were ubiquitous. The battery was to defend the invasion of Japanese Army who had already occupied half of Hong Kong. As there’s no more WWII, the now-ruined relic has become a viewing point, yet the proof of history remains intact.
Not as high as The Peak but adjacent to it, there’re assorted routes to the High West. Here the article will introduce the shortest one – about 5.5km and 2 hours to finish – good for the beginners who have enough water and a hat prepared. Lung Fu Shan Morning Trail is your starting point.
Directions to the starting point:
After taking the Island Line to the HKU Station, you should go along to the University of Hong Kong through exit A. Pass through several buildings until you see the Graduate House, then walk from University Drive to Hatton Road. Walk uphill to the end, you may arrive at the entrance of Lung Fu Shan Morning Trail. Not long, there’re public toilets and a pavilion on the way. Let’s take a rest here. Here is a Google Map direction.
Directions to the summit:
Then go ahead, until you see the first fork with a sign showing Lung Fu Shan Country Park. Turn left here. After 10-minute walking, an optional route is there. If you’re fond of heritage, you may turn right here and head to the Pinewood Battery; otherwise, go straight. A few more forks afterwards, just ignore them until another public toilet and pavilion appear.
Standing at 380 meters and about 100 to go, you’re recommended to refill the bottle of water before you start the last half-an-hour walking. This is the hardest part of the route as the long flight of stairs await. There are clear signs showing how much you’ve finished. Don’t halt the steps and keep going.
Here you go, the High West. A signboard with a calendar underneath, don’t forget to change the date before you take the picture. The west of Kowloon is on your right side while Pok Fu Lam Reservoir is on your left. Inhale some fresh air and wait for the sunset before going back to The Peak.
What else to visit?
The Peak, the best and iconic location to relish the legendary night view of Hong Kong, is worth visiting. Lots of palatable foods’ there. Just pick a good restaurant with your beloved. The Peak Lookout Is also a good one to visit despite the expensive food. The old restaurant, housed in a 19th-century Grade II Historic Building, was a rest place for British engineer who constructed the Peak Tram line.
Don’t forget to visit Madame Tussauds, the renowned wax museum. Take the Peak Tram to Central at the end of the day.
Recommendations:
1) Sunscreen, hat, snacks and at least 2L water.
2) If there’s not enough time to walk the whole route, you can set The Peak as the starting point. Go and return by Harlech Road, which is much shorter, about 1 hour to finish. Here is a Google Map direction.
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