Hiking Hong Kong Lantau Trail Stage 12 Reversed

Stage 12 Reversed of Lantau Trail starts in Mui Wo as does Stage 1. It is quite a pleasant trail meandering across Lantau Island where you can see cows, buffalos and giant golden orb weaver spiders during the hot and humid months.

Enjoyment ranks in at 4 stars for this hiking trail as the majority of it is along natural trails and you are likely to encounter some buffaloes along the way. Difficulty gets 3 stars as maximum height reaches only 270 metres and most inclines are quite gentle.

Starting at Mui Wo Ferry Pier, looking out to the Mui Wo bus terminus, turn left and head toward McDonalds. If you need to grab some drinks and/or snacks for the hike, there is a 7/11 a few doors up from McDonalds and a Park'n'Shop a little further up.

Continuing toward the start of Lantau Trail Stage 12 Reversed, continue past the left of McDonalds and follow the road along the waterfront.

As you pass the sign of the street pictured below, just across the road you will notice the entrance of Lantau Trail Stage 12 Reversed, marked by the traditional yellow sign pointing the way.

This is the start of Lantau Trail Stage 12 Reversed. Distance post L139 is the first post of the trail.

I believe the trail used to go straight down from here, however that has been replaced with these scenic pipes. Keep to the right.

No signpost below as to which way to go! This happens quite often on the first few reverse stages along Lantau Trail. In this case, keep right and head up the slope.

When you reach this clearing at the top of the slope, look for a path that continues to the right. There is also a trail which goes straight ahead but we do not want to take this. The yellow signpost points right.

Fresh Buffalo poo. If you see this along your travels, you'll probably have a high chance of coming across at least one buffalo.

Head towards Pui O, the trail that leads off to the right.

Another part of the trail that is not signposted! Head up the stairs to your right.

On a clearer day the views may be more appealing.

The views were hindered a little by the low cloud cover.

Turn right when you reach the road. Continue up the road and turn left before reaching the main road.

Turn left onto the trail where the yellow sign points to Pui O.

Up ahead there is a clearing where you may encounter some buffalos. Continue straight ahead and then left at the gate.

This may look like a picture of some dirt, however it is in fact the foot print of a buffalo. I must be hot on it's trail.

Lush greenery. The joy of getting away from the concrete buildings of Hong Kong.

When you reach Pak Fu Tin Camp Site, turn right and continue up the hill.

Keep to the left when you reach this intersection below.

Lantau Trail Stage 12 Reversed really gives you the possibility of getting lost if you don't have a map, as there are so many sections which are not sign posted like the one below. Even with a map it can be tricky. At the fork in the path below, keep to the left and head down the rocky path.

Ta-Da! This Buffalo gave me the fright of my life as it stepped out of the bushes and looked at me like it wanted to charge. I am unsure as to whether these animals will attack, however I was unwilling to find out. I waited around for about 15 minutes until this buffalo decided to enter the other side of the trail to continue grazing. Even then, I passed within metres of it as it stared me down.

Again, no sign post. Keep to the left (image above left) and head down the road.

Please bear in mind that this is a road with cars frequently driving up and down, often at reckless speeds.

In fact my first experience on this road was when I had a head on accident on my mountain bike with a taxi.

I was riding downhill and the taxi uphill. This was the first time I had been back here in about 4 years and I can still see the long skid marks from the taxi on the road.

At the bottom of the road, where there is no sign post (no surprises there), turn right and head toward the beach.

Continue along the road that follows the waterfront. When you get to the bridge, there is a small shop on the right where you can buy some refreshments if you need to.

Continue across the bridge and follow the road until you get to South Lantau Road at Pui O.

Well done, you have reached the end of Lantau Trail Stage 12 Reversed. From here you may catch a bus, a taxi or continue on to Lantau Trail Stage 11 Reversed.