3 minute read
BIG DAY OUT
A northern Lantau hiking adventure Rory Mackay explores Fa Peng Teng and its surroundings
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Once remote and untouched, Lantau Island as a whole is anything but nowadays. Since the construction of Chek Lap Kok Airport, the island has become a major transport hub and commuter base. Many of us pass through the northern reaches of Lantau on a regular basis, but most overlook this region for outdoor pursuits as it is not part of any country park. Known instead as a hotspot for infrastructure; namely the Lantau Link, Disneyland and Sunny Bay. Despite all the construction of recent decades, the area still possesses some surprisingly secluded areas, peppered with nature walks and stunning viewpoints to accompany them.
There is a fantastic short to mid-length loop walk that navigates hilltops and coastlines, offering a contrast of vistas. The basic loop described here is around seven kilometers in length, so allow anything between two to four hours to complete it depending on your pace. It is perfectly feasible to complete this route in a clockwise direction, but the anticlockwise adventure makes for the best experience and simplest navigation in my opinion. No matter which direction you decide to go, you’re guaranteed a peaceful retreat from city life and a dose of fresh air.
The simplest way to reach these trails is by taking a bus rather than a train or by car, as this enables one to disembark at the Lantau Link Toll Plaza bus stop. If travelling by MTR or car, then the option exists to begin from Sunny Bay or Disneyland and access the route via alternate
A northern Lantau hiking adventure
trails running over Tai Yam Teng Peak or up Mong Tung Hang Valley.
Not far from the Toll Plaza, there is a reasonably visible set of concrete stairs which begin through thick foliage and quickly rise into scrubland vegetation. This section of footpath is direct and will propel you towards the summit of Fa Peng Teng promptly. En route, take a few stops to catch your breath and turn back to enjoy the emerging views of the Kap Shui Mun Bridge and open waters to the north (you’ll know you’re near the top when you pass a small building).
Without being too high at 273 meters, Fa Peng Teng commands prominence over its surrounds providing fantastic views in all directions. At this point, if wishing to do this hike as more of a family friendly option, then it is probably best to spend more time up top enjoying the views before simply returning back the way you came. Otherwise, carry on as there is plenty more to come.
Not far from the summit, jutting out of the hillside is Fa Ping Rock, renowned for its apparently striking resemblance of a flower vase. From there descend towards the other side of Lantau and a small beach, once at the coastline keep an eye out for a discreet turning to the left which then heads along the coast. This last section of this trail in many ways, is my favorite, wrapping all the way around the top of Lantau back to the start point giving plenty of open vistas in the process. Please be sure to come prepared with plenty of water and some food as there are no facilities.
For the more adventurous folk out there; this basic loop can be extended in a variety of ways by following the hilltop trails southwards towards Discovery Bay, Mui Wo and beyond. A hike in Northern Lantau serves as a perfect excuse to drive over now the Lantau Link is toll free. Northern Lantau is such an incredible part of Hong Kong to explore. Any adventure here will leave you with a bunch of great memories and a sound night’s sleep.
If you wish to stop and take in views of the Tsing Ma Bridge, without hiking, the Lantau Link Visitor Center over on the neighboring island of Tsing Yi is worth a visit. The center can be reached by public transport via the 308M minibus from Tsing Yi MTR, taxi or by car.
Rory Mackay runs adventure company Wild Hong Kong. For more details visit
