Sharp Peak - why is the a must do hike
While Dragon's Back is a family hike, if you are after a challenge and some spectacular vistas across Hong Kong you have to do Sharp's Peak. Sharp's Peak is located deep inside the Sai Kung Peninsula and it is a task by itself to get there from Central Hong Kong. But do it - you wont be disappointed. The views and challenge will leave your senses overwhelmed and with the satisfaction of conquering something major.
The hike is not one for children, as its a strenuous walk and something beyond most young (<10) kids. I would say teenagers can do it but pick your conditions well. I went on a dry day but this peak is not something you want to be doing even in mildly wet conditions. Also its a tough hike so you'll need to be reasonably fit else be ready for aches and pains the next day.
My last words on wisdom - wear hiking shoes as I walked up in warn out trainers (running shoes) and I was slipping a lot on the gravel slopes coming down hill. In some ways getting up is the easy part.
Getting there
We took the MTR to Hang Hau on the Tsueng Kwan O line. From the station we went into the bus station and took the 101M minibus to Sai Kung town center. From Sai Kung we took a taxi to Pak Tam Au.
The hike
You want to be following the Maclehose Trail Stage 2 in reverse from Pak Tam Au. The trail is a part and its mostly flat to start with. The path for part of the tail runs along side
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| Walking the Maclehose Trail Stage 2 in reverse |
The trail will start to ascend and you will come to a resting point where it will point out the diversion you will need to take up to Sharp's Peak. This is roughly half way to Tai Long Wan. You'll basically be climbing a busy path mostly stairs to start off with and then it flattens out as you head towards Sharp's Peak.
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| Sharp's Peak Revealing itself |
You basically follow the path as weaves it way around the hills before the mountain itself. As you get closer to the upper parts of the mountain it will start to get steeper. The picture below capture the vistas and the terrain.
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| Vista to Sharp's Peak |
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| Looking down the cliff side |
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| Looking down toward Tai Long Wan beaches |
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| You can go to the top or around the peak |
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| The views from the top |
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| From the top of Sharp's peak looking down at the turquoise waters below |
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| Not much at he top apart from geographic marker |
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| Looking down at more turquoise waters |
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| The way down - not easy believe me |
The route down is difficult and crosses a number of smaller hills. I took longer descending than ascending.The trail leads down to the beaches of Tai Long Wan
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| Beach is getting closer we descend more |
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| Vista Looking back on the descent |
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| Tail Long Wan Beach |
The Tai Long Wan beaches are the best beaches in Hong Kong probably because they are so remote. The easiest way to get there is to follow stage 2 of the MacLehose trail (don't take the Sharp's Peak detour)
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| A relatively empty beach - time for bare feet and pulled up trousers |
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| Tail Long Wan - vista |
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| We crossed from Beach to Beach over the rocks there is a well defined path |
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| Beautiful Tai Long Wan |
Going Home
You have three options for going home walk back along the Maclehose trail back to Pak Tam Au or as we did get a boat from Tai Long Wan to Sai Kung. A good option for late in the day. You can get tickets from the restaurant on the last beach.
Terrain
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| Rough Terrain - get ready on all four limbs |
