Hiking  | sunrise or sunset hike : ma on shan ngong ping and lantau peak

Ngong Ping Plateau is situated between Sai Kung and Ma On Shan, this should be an easy hike .Sitting at an altitude of 390 metres above sea level, it is one of Hong Kong’s few highland plateaus and offers stunning views over the Sai Kung coastline. During autumn and winter the plateau is covered with silvergrass, and in recent years it has become a popular attraction. Looking east, you can enjoy a spectacular Hong Kong hiking view of the sunrise from the sea. Towards the north is the 536 m summit of Pyramid Hill, which also offers stunning views, although the path is not suitable for beginners, as you will need to scramble during the ascent/descent.

Don't confuse this place with Ngong Ping on Lantau Island – make sure you arrange to meet your friends in the right place!

There are numerous routes for you to hike to Ngong Ping – the plateau can be reached from Ma On Shan, Sai Kung, Sha Tin, Tai Wai and even Tsz Wan Shan. Today’s route starts from Ma On Shan Village and ends at Tai Shui Tseng near Sai Kung. The route is 4.9 km in length and takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. The path is relatively flat and suitable for beginners.

The route begins with an easy section along a concrete path. After passing Ma Dai stream, you will reach the official start of this Hong Kong hiking trail. Most of the trail consists of natural gravel paths – although the route is not difficult, don’t forget to watch your step. There is a rest pavilion at the half-way point, and then continues to hike for another 5-10 minutes, when you will reach Ngong Ping Plateau. The plateau is home to a large population of cattle, so watch where you step, and keep your distance from any wild animals! With lots of cows along the route, this walk is the perfect way to enjoy the weekends with families!

The Ngong Ping plateau is also an excellent place to enjoy the sunrise – a must-see for photographers. Early morning visitors are rewarded by breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s hilly landscape, surrounding islands and the sun reflecting off the surface of the sea. After taking in the view, you can return to the trail and continue south towards Tai Shui Tseng. When you reach a fork in the path, descend along the Ma On Shan Country Trail. The path is rocky in places, so don’t forget to wear a pair of hiking shoes with a good grip, and use a hiking pole for support if necessary.

Experienced hikers can choose routes far away from the city with a broader view, to enjoy maximum refreshment in the countryside. Lantau Peak, 934m in height, is the second highest mountain in Hong Kong, while the highest one is Tai Mo Shan. Tai Mo Shan’s summit is a restricted area not open to the public. If you want to reach the highest hiking point in Hong Kong, Lantau Peak is one of the best place for sunset hike.

Find out more about the hiking trails for the Year of the Tiger – Tai Mo Shan:

There are many routes to hike to Lantau Peak. The routes from Tung Chung or Shek Pik are the most demanding. The most family friendly route is from Pak Kung Au to Ngong Ping Market, which is the third section of hike is the Lantau Trail. Starting from Pak Kung Au the trail is paved with stones, and then it becomes a mountain hiking trail. The closer the trail gets to the peak, the more rugged it becomes. The downhill trail is slippery after raining. Remember to wear non-slip hiking shoes to protect your feet and prevent injuries. As Lantau Peak is a middle-to-high level route to hike, it is suitable for those who have hiking experience in Hong Kong.