Good scrambling & traversing, a few cliff jump options, in coasteering mode. Cute hike with one of the best camping spots & pristine beaches even dry.
- Beauty/fun: 7/10 beautiful beaches, clear water, nice rock formations. Good on its own, although usually done in combination with other spots around.
- Difficulty (check this link if new here, this is not your standard HK hiking web): 7/10 in full coasteering mode. Waves can be big in the initial section either due to swell or wind. Sometimes even because big/fast boats in the channel. A few high scrambles and fun traversing if you want to test yourself. Only potential early exit requires long bushy hiking.
- The map (how to download to your phone offline maps)
See full screen & the Garmin track of the dry hiking & coasteering including Town.
In the last year I have been in this peninsula several times, so here the summary of different route options.
We spent a few days staycation mode in an Airbnb in Pak Lap (taxi from Saikung + 10-15min walk concrete downhill). From there, and considering that Summer was not allowed to swim due to an ear infection, we did a few hikes and kayak to Wang Chau. Last day we hiked out going through the peninsula (green line). Starting on the concrete path leaving Pak Lap.
You could go directly that way to Tung A. Instead we turned into dirt paths and in little time arrived at the aforementioned camping spot.
Old concrete structures around the little river and relatively flat grassy areas with the nice cliff and sea view below.From there we headed up and turned to less hiked paths.
We were not able to find the path within the dense low bush and did a little detour to arrive at the top of the hill. Full view of Town Island below. From there we went a bit further South so that I could check a potential early coasteering exit. Easy to find. I would not use it but if with a sudden thunderstorm. No much time saved through the dry paths. It could be a good option as an entry if there is really big East swell. Town Island would be protecting you from the waves completely and the second half of the coasteering is quite pretty, although short.
In any case we continued hiking, heading towards the West coast in slightly bushy but more clear paths. Arriving at the First beach.
I really like this one. My first junk boat, long years ago, brought us here. White sand and crystalline water.
You can dry hike to the second beach (Ma Tau Wan), with a bit of high scrambling. Way easier getting your feet wet. On weekends you can find quite some boaters in both. Second one (you can see it also in the photo sphere above) is a bit bigger.
From there we took the path that initially goes through the woods
And then opens. Clear anyhow, with ribbons and what looked quite some regular hiking traffic. Once in Tung A you can enjoy the seafood restaurants and/or start the easy long concrete walk
up to the road.
Coasteering mode. We did parts of this both when I went with Tyler to Wang Chau & with Summer & Denvy to Town Island. Pics from both days.
Start is relatively easy.
But soon you find more challenging walls. So get ready for challenging travers or a few swims.
One of the various cliff jumping spots.
The most noteworthy rock formations are once you start turning North. We were in a rush. Swim shortcutting quite a bit.
Really beautiful sandy areas, including the aforementioned beaches.
Ending at the small beach at Tung A. WC conveniently there, so that you can change clothes and return dry.
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