Name (English): Sunset Peak, Lantau Peak
Name (Chinese): 大東山、鳳凰山
Category: Outdoor activities
Address (English): Lantau Island
Address (Chinese): 大嶼山
Address Google Map Link: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lantau+Peak/@22.244958,113.9087787,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x340158503fc538f7:0xd757cb8e57521d38!8m2!3d22.2449387!4d113.9175335
Address longitude and latitude: 22.24755899540337, 113.91761916993076
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: 15:00 (for sunset)
Accessibility Note: Not easy to access – need to climb up the mountains
Reminder: Best way to go: Take bus no.3M or no.11, off from Pak Kung Au
Hoping to get away from the buzzing city life? Why not kick off your expedition to Lantau Island? Standing atop Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak is definitely the best cure for your urbanphobia!
Sunset Peak
Sunset Peak is the third highest mountain in Hong Kong. Stands at the height of 869 meters, it offers a gorgeous spot for one to capture the most magnificent sunset in Hong Kong. The hike does not require any climb out on a limb. Instead, it is more of a constant trekking up of steep rocky stairs.
Many would start their hike right at Pak Kung Au. The first part of the hike involves some hike up the stairs. This could be a bit tough if you are not used to walking up a lot of stairs. One good thing is that this part is much shaded. You do not have to hike under direct sunlight. As one ascends, there will be fewer and fewer plantations. Towards the end of the first part, one will see mostly shrubs and tall grass along the trail.
The second part of the hike features a sea of silvergrass that brushes against your legs. Remember to wear long hiking pants to avoid scratches on your legs. As wind brushes the crowd of silvergrass, one can enjoy a joyfully tickling sensation of silvergrass against your body. Even if you fail to reach the top by sunset time, you will still be stunned by the magnificent scene in which silvergrass is fringed with a glamorous gold.
After you have hiked past the peak, you will discover some dots of mysterious stone cabins scattering over the hill. Those are Lantau Mountain Camp built almost a century ago by British missionaries as their holiday accommodation. Taking a picture with these numbered cabins is a must-do gesture for hikers.
The entire hike is full of signposts, so you do not need to worry too much about getting lost. If you wish to witness the gorgeous sunset at Sunset Peak, make sure that you start your hike no later than 3pm to avoid hiking in the dark.
Lantau Peak
If Sunset Peak is not challenging enough for you, then consider hiking up Lantau Peak. It is the second-highest mountain in Hong Kong and is 934 meters above sea level. If you are hoping to see the sunrise, be prepared to stay overnight on the peak.
The hike to Lantau Peak also starts from Pak Kung Au with rocky steps. This part is shaded and not too steep. Only after you walk past the Shui Hau intersection would you come across the first flight of steeper slopes. While the climb may look intimidating as you hike along, you can always take a break.
As one approaches the top of Lantau Peak, be ready for a rockier terrain. Due to weathering effect, one does not find much plantation. Also, the slopes are very steep up there. Fortunately, the gorgeous view along the trail compensates for the difficulty in hiking. One can see many remarkable landmarks after you have reached the top. Shek Pik Reservoir, Ngong Ping with the Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, to name but a few.
Expect some crowd up on Lantau Peak who are also waiting for the dawn. At first, you will only see a thin line of light out of complete darkness. After a while, you will see how different colors jumping out of the dark, from red to purple. Around sunrise time, the yolk will gently rise above the horizon, offering you the most impressive view for your hike.
I relish my moment of tranquility as I hike up these two hills. Hope that you will find yours, too.
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