Hiking Hong Kong Mui Wo to Discovery Bay Route 3

This is a family friendly hike, although in the hot summer months it can still be quite a challenge. The views from the top of the hill between Mui Wo and Discovery Bay are fantastic.

Enjoyment ranks in at 4 stars for this hike as the second half of the trail over the countryside really makes a difference to the usual concrete path that the traditional trail follows through the Trappist Monastery. Difficulty ranks in at 3 stars. Although there are some steep sections, overall height is quite low.

On the day that I went for this hike we took an alternative route to Discovery Bay. I will be adding the traditional route via the Trappist Monastery and Nim Shue Wan shortly (read as soon as I complete it).

The starting point for this hike is from Mui Wo Ferry Pier. When you exit the ferry pier, turn right, heading past the seafood restaurants along the waterfront. Turn right, following the walkway by the water front.

You will see a green bridge up ahead. Cross it and continue to follow the path along the beach front.

There is another bridge up ahead. Turn right and cross this one too - across the water to the right you should see the trail (a long set of stairs) leading up into the mountains.

Continue along the beachfront. Right at the end of the beach, the trail will begin to climb up a steep slope into the mountains.

As you climb the afore mentioned slope, always keep to the left until you get to this sign, where you should turn left and head up the staircase. This is an awefully long set of very steep stairs which may take you quite a while to climb. But rest assured, the view from the top is well worth the effort.

Approaching the top of the hill you will start to see some pleasant views. Keep going!!

Towards the top the path tends to give you a break in between the stairs with flat sections before heading up again. Almost there...

This is the alternative trail to take, as apposed to that which continues up to the lookout point. Rather than turning right here, go straight ahead and into the bushes! This trail cuts off the final hill.

Coming out the other side of this section, you are greeted with views of Hong Kong providing the air pollution is not that bad.

To continue this trail leading to the Trappist Monastery, pick up the hiking trail from this point in the Discovery Bay to Trappist Monastery Loop. Continue down the slope until you get to the Trappist Monastery.

Rather than going straight down the hill here into the Trappist Monastery, take the trail which leads off into the scrub on the left. This hiking trail leads around the bottom of Discovery Bay Golf Course.

Let's take a few shots of the scenery before heading on...

The trail up ahead has become a little overgrown due to the lack of hikers taking this trail.

Once you get out of this section of scrub head up the steep hill on the other side!

There are more great views from atop this hill. Take it all in...

After taking a pleasant break atop this hill, proceed on down the other side, through some more overgrown scrub. The trail can be quite slippery here so be sure to watch your step.

The hiking trail becomes really steep here as it leads down to a stream crossing. The ground is usually very slippery (either when dry, wet or humid) so take care and use the scrub around you for support.

When you get to the bottom take care when crossing the stream, and continue up the other side.

At this point you have a couple of options. You can either go right which will take you directly to the Trappist Monastery or you can go left which will take you around the bottom of the Discovery Bay Golf Course.

The lower trail is quite pleasant as it winds alongside the stream. This is very relaxing and offers glimpses of the Trappist Monastery on the way down. If you wish to take this trail back to Discovery Bay via the Trappist Monastery, you can pick up the trail from this point in the Discovery Bay Trappist Monastery Loop Hiking Trail.

Otherwise continue on the trail which leads up the slope to your left.

Continue following the trail as it winds around the bottom of the Discovery Bay Golf Course.

On a clear day the views from this section of the trail are quite stunning.

I thought this cloud formation on the horizon was quite spectacular as it spiralled up into the skies.

The trail leads down a steep-ish section a little before heading back up again. At one point there appears to be a fork in the trail, but actually it does not matter which path you take, they both join up again 20 meters on.

When you reach the top of this section turn towards the right and continue along a long flat section.

Up ahead, there is a fork in the hiking trail. Continue on straight ahead down the slope and head in the general direction of the trees ahead.

At the trees, you will see the hiking trail turn into a concrete path which leads down towards La Vista. This is not meant to be a hiking trail - in fact they have erected a sign at the bottom of this section which states "This is not a hiking trail", however it is the quickest way for us to get where we want to go - to the Discovery Bay Ferry Terminal and Bus Terminus.

When you reach the bottom of the concrete slope, you will get to a drainage grate. Tun left and follow the slope down to the back of a sign across the path. Turn right and continue down to the back of La Vista.

Proceed down the stairs, take a left and then follow the road down the hill around to the right.

Following the road, when you get to the roundabout, there is a staircase which leads down to the left next to block 2 as seen in the picture below, right.

Follow the stairs down towards the Discovery Bay Ferry Terminal.

At the end of the stairs you will come to discovery Bay Road. Take a quick right left and head down towards the ferry pier or bus terminus.

Alternatively, if you wish to return to Mui Wo, you may take a right at Discovery Bay Road, continue along the road until you come to a dip in the road and turn right onto another road which leads to the Kai To Ferry pier where you may take a ferry back to Mui Wo.

If you have adequate energy and time left you could either stop for a bite to eat in Discovery Bay first and/or walk back to Mui Wo on this hiking trail from Discovery Bay to Mui Wo via the Trappist Monastery.