Hiking Hong Kong Lantau Trail Stage 9 Reversed

This is gem of a hike. Getting away from everything, this hiking trail takes you on a journey through a flurry of fauna and flora. To get to this hike I highly recommend taking the number 11 bus from Tung Chung to Shui Hau, as Lantau Trail Stage 10 Reversed is not worth the walk.

This hiking trail gets a whopping 5 stars for enjoyment. Even though it consists of 40% paved trails, the parts that are not paved are simply beautiful with spectacular views of Lo Kei Wan and the Soko Islands. Wildlife is abundant with birds, butterflies, lizards, snakes, spiders, frogs, cows; the list is endless! The best thing about this hiking trail is that difficulty is quite low at 3 stars. Maximum height is limited to 60 metres with total ascent at about 220 metres as the trail snakes it's way over a few hills. The rocky terrain also adds to the difficulty factor a little.

As mentioned above, to get to the start of Lantau Trail Stage 9 Reversed (which begins at the start of Hong Kong Trail Stage 10), take the number 11 bus from Tung Chung and get off in Shui Hau. There are two bus stops along here, either one is fine. Just get off and continue along the left hand side of the road until you come to a road leading off to the left with a map of the trail next to it.

Follow the sign pointing out Lantau Trail toward Shek Pik via Lo Kei Wan with the approximate time to complete the trail in about 2 hours.

This paved section continues for about 800 metres until you will come to a trail which leads off to the right. Keep an eye out for the usual yellow signs pointing out Lantau Trail as well as a sign pointing to Lo Kei Wan campsite.

I came across a few people walking their large dogs along here without a leash, even though there was a sign pointing out to put your large dog on a leash. All of these dogs were strays that had been saved, and until I saw the owner behind them, I was indeed a little worried. So please keep an eye out.

Some lush green views appear along the hiking trail. Make sure that you take your camera on this trail!

To the left, you can see Sunset Peak in the distance. It was a clear day today, and so views were quite spectacular. On other days, this may not be the case.

Far, far to the left you can see Chi Ma Wan Peninsula, if you are lucky.

And up ahead we can see the Soko Islands, in particular, Siu A Chau in the foreground.

When you see the sign below, turn right down the rocky trail heading toward Lo Kei Wan.

Be careful on this rocky path, as the rocks may get slippery during times of high humidity and rain.

This is the path of the ferries to Macau. Pictured below is the Coati Strip ferry.

Spectacular views of Lo Kei Wan and the Soko Islands.

The tree covered paths are simply beautiful. Just watch out for Giant Golden Orb Weaver spiders hanging around during the warmer, humid months from mid May onwards.

At the bottom of the rocky slope is Lo Kei Wan. Take a break and explore the beach to the left if you wish. Up ahead is the Lo Kei Wan Campsite.

Tadpoles at Lo Kei Wan at the beginning of May. There are thousands of them!

This tree casts a delicate shadow over the sands at Lo Kei Wan.

There is a picture waiting to be taken everywhere you look.

When you are done exploring Lo Kei Wan, continue along Lantau Trail Stage 9 Reversed toward Lo Kei Wan Campsite.

Keep to the right, bypassing the Lo Kei Wan Campsite.

I spotted these mushrooms growing out of an old tree trunk.

Not many butterflies in Hong Kong are willing to pose for a photo like this one did!

I have seen a few of these spiders with a small red body and extremely long legs along Lantau Trail.

This Giant Golden Orb Weaver is not so giant at the beginning of May, but by June they will be as large as your hand. They love the hot and humid months. By the way, they are not poisonous, but they can inflict a nasty bite, similar to that of a wasp.

Don't be surprised if you come across cows along this hiking trail. I spotted a few foot prints along this part of the trail and then ran into the cows grazing on the side of the trail. I don't know if they will charge, however they didn't look very friendly and actually started towards me as I quickly rushed by. I did get a picture of its foot print though:

Two Macau Ferries passing by each other. There are so many great views along here.

In the far distance, you can see the pollution, even on a clear day, shrouding Hong Kong.

Soko Islands and Hong Kong Pollution give a great effect of the mountains fading off in the distance.

Just past Distance Post L092, you will pass by the Shek Lam Chau Camp Site which leads down to the left. Continue straight ahead to continue along Lantau Trail Stage 9 Reversed.

Shek Pik becomes visible in the distance. This is our destination.

Head downhill toward Shek Pik. At the bottom you will come to a fence. Turn right and follow it around to the beachfront.

Follow this road up the hill until you get to the reservoir road.

Turn left onto the reservoir road and follow it across to the other side which is the end of this trail.

The views over Shek Pik Prison. Basketball anyone?

To the right you can spot the back of the Big Buddha at Ngong Ping.

Lantau Peak rises above the low water levels at Shek Pik Reservoir.

At the end of the reservoir road you can continue onto Lantau Trail Stage 8 Reversed which is the second road to your left. Or you can jump back on the number 11 bus back to Tung Chung just around the corner to the right.