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Hong Kong's first and longest hiking trail, recently named one of the world's best by the National Geographic Society, is the 100km long route. Opened on October 26, 1979, it stretches 100km.
The route begins at Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung, bypasses the High Island Reservoir, and traverses the New Territories from east to west, ending in Tuen Mun. It is divided into ten sections. Signposts are located along the route, with check-in points and rest areas at each section. This section, which reverses the MacLehose Trail for two sections, offers moderate intensity and the most scenic views of the ten sections. Signposts are located along the route, with check-in points and rest areas at each section.
The MacLehose Trail spans eight of Hong Kong's 24 country parks, traversing over twenty peaks along the way, including the 420-meter Niu Er Shi Shan, the 702-meter Ma On Shan, the 649-meter Grass Hill, and the 957-meter Tai Mo Shan. The scenery along the trail is breathtakingly beautiful, encompassing mountains, shores, jungles, and streams. The second section, with its half-mountain and half-sea views, is particularly captivating.
Autumn and winter are the best times for hiking in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Global Geopark
This is the junction of Sections 1 and 2 of the Mak Trail, marking the end of the highway and the beginning of the hiking trail. The Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Park is characterized by its hexagonal rock columns and coastal erosion features. These hexagonal columns are the largest known in the world in terms of both area and volume. They are composed of tuff, an acidic volcanic ash. The columns are massive, averaging 1.2 meters in diameter. The columns stretch from the East Dam of High Island Reservoir in the north to the Kau Chau Islands in the west, covering an area of 150 square kilometers. While the majority of the columns lie on the seabed, an estimated 200,000 are exposed on the coast.
Langke Bay
Starting from the Geopark and climbing over a mountain, you'll find the vibrant spectacle of Langqie Bay: speedboats, paragliders, and bikini-clad beauties splashing in the water. The azure waters and shaded sandy beaches are key reasons why Langqie Bay is so popular. If you're hiking the Mai Trail, be sure to budget enough time to rest here to fully appreciate the stunning scenery.
sai wan shan
This is the highest point in the entire Maijing Section 2 and also the most tiring section of the entire route. The highest altitude is about 300 meters, but the higher you stand, the farther you can see. The scenery here is also the most spectacular, with sea views on three sides, and in the distance, there are overlapping mountains and rising seas of clouds, just like the fairyland of Penglai.
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The MacLehose Trail, named after Sir Murray MacLehose, the former Governor of Hong Kong, is a 100-km long hiking trail across the New Territories. It is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic long-distance trails and showcases the region’s natural beauty, from rugged mountains to tranquil beaches. The trail is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and serves as a symbol of Hong Kong’s commitment to preserving its natural landscapes.
The MacLehose Trail stretches across the New Territories of Hong Kong, starting from Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung and ending at Tuen Mun. The trail can be accessed via public transportation, including the MTR to the nearest stations, bus services to trailheads, or by taxi to the starting points. Walking is an option, but it's advisable to take public transport or taxis due to the trail's length.
The MacLehose Trail is open year-round. The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to March, to avoid the heat and humidity of the summer months. Early mornings are ideal for a more comfortable hike, especially for those looking to enjoy the peace and quiet of the trail.
The MacLehose Trail is free to access, and there is no entrance fee. It is a public trail maintained by the Hong Kong Government. There are no ticketing requirements for entry, but hikers should carry enough water and supplies for the journey.
No booking is necessary for the MacLehose Trail. It is open to the public year-round, and hikers can visit without advance reservations.
The full MacLehose Trail takes approximately 6–7 days to complete if done in stages. However, most hikers opt to complete sections of the trail in one day, with each section taking around 4–6 hours, depending on the pace and difficulty.
Guided tours of the MacLehose Trail are available, particularly for longer sections. These tours are offered in English and Cantonese. Audio guides are not typically provided, but hikers can use mobile apps with trail information.
The trail can be hiked in sections. A popular itinerary is to start at Pak Tam Chung and hike toward the western end in Tuen Mun. Many hikers break the trail into stages, completing one or two sections each day, depending on their fitness level and time availability. For beginners, starting with Section 1 or Section 2 is recommended.
Night visits are not recommended due to the trail’s challenging terrain. There are no light shows or special tours along the trail, as it is mainly a natural hiking experience. It’s best to plan your hike during daylight hours.
The trail can get busy, especially on weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, plan your hike on weekdays, particularly in the early morning. The cooler months (October to March) are also more popular, so hiking during summer weekdays may provide a quieter experience.
There are basic facilities along the trail, including rest areas and toilets at the trailheads. However, food and water should be brought by hikers, as the trail is remote. There are no shops along the trail itself.
The MacLehose Trail is a challenging and rugged trail, with some sections that may not be suitable for elderly visitors, young children, or those with mobility issues. Sections of the trail, such as those around the Shing Mun Reservoir, are easier and more accessible for families and beginners.
Cash is not required for the MacLehose Trail, as there are no ticket fees or purchases needed on the trail itself. However, when you’re in nearby areas or restaurants in Sai Kung, cash and cards are accepted, and mobile payments are also widely used in Hong Kong.
Yes, there are vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options available in nearby Sai Kung, where many restaurants cater to diverse dietary preferences.
In Sai Kung, you can find several souvenir shops offering local handicrafts, sea-themed trinkets, and hiking-related merchandise.
