One of my absolute favorite hikes in Hong Kong is the MacLehose Trail Section Two. I´ve done this hike twice and I´d love to do the entire trail. The MacLehose trail is a 10-section, 100-kilometer trail in the New Territories of Hong Kong, and you can hike the entire thing. Many people hike it and camp overnight at various spots along the way. This guide is mainly for Section Two of the trail, which is widely vaunted as the most beautiful section, and can be done in less than a day. It begins at Sai Wan Pavilion and ends at Ham Tin Beach.
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About the MacLehose Trail
The MacLehose trail is named after Sir Murray MacLehose and his wife who spearheaded the initiative to protect and open up Hong Kong´s countryside for recreation and hiking in the 1970´s. The trail officially opened in 1979 and has 12 campsites and simple bathrooms throughout. The entire trail is paved and well-maintained and ranges in difficulty from a one out of five to a four out of five. In my opinion, this difficulty rating is overstated, since section two is rated a four, and we found it to be relatively easy.
What You Need for this Hike
- Bottled water – you can buy some along the way but it´s not guaranteed
- Snacks – same situation with food as with water
- Comfortable tennis shoes or hiking shoes – this is not an intense hike but I don´t recommend sandals
- A Swimsuit – for the beaches and a special swimming hole
- Change of clothes – for after swimming
- HKD in cash – most places out here won´t take credit card
- A portable charger – there is cell service along most of the route but you won´t find a place to charge your phone
How To Get to MacLehose Trail Section Two
Technically, my version of MacLehose Trail section two is part of section one and part of section two. In total, it´s about 10K. The reason it´s not exactly section two is because I´ve been widely advised and read that this route that I´ve hiked is the most beautiful part, and it´s overall a really nice hike. So this is my version to give you the best part of this trail.
To get there and start the hike at Sai Wan Pavilion, follow these steps:
- Take the Hong Kong Metro from your station to Hang Hau Station.
- From Hang Hau Station, take a red taxi to Sai Kung (drop off at the taxi stand) – about a 15-20 minute drive.
- From Sai Kung, take a green taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion – about a 20 – 30 minute drive. Most drivers will know what this is, but you can show them a picture just in case.
NOTE: Technically, you can ask the red taxi to take you directly to Sai Wan Pavilion, however, some won´t want to, which is why I wrote the directions this way. This worked perfectly for me both times.
Hiking from Sai Wan Pavilion to Ham Tin Beach
From Sai Wan Pavilion, you should easily see the MacLehose trail path. There are signs every 500 meters showing you that you´re still on MacLehose trail, so don´t worry about getting lost. You will also see other hikers along the way. Some will be hiking the entire trail and some just out for the day.
Sai Kung Village & Sai Wan Beach
The first part of the trail will take you mostly downhill and through a green area. At some point, you will arrive to a tiny village. Here you can get water and sit by the sea if you´d like. To your right, you´ll see some beautiful views of Sai Wan Bay and the South China Sea once you start getting to the location of the village. It´s generally easy-going hiking.
Sai Wan Village to Sheung Luk Stream
From Sai Wan Village, you´ll really start to get the most beautiful views. Along the way, you may see buffalo, butterflies, and various birds. Nothing will harm you, even the buffaloes. Just leave them alone and they´ll leave you alone.
When you get to a little inlet and beach, you´re going to be tempted to cross the beach and meet up with the trail on the other side. Both times I´ve done this hike, I´ve made this mistake and missed Sheung Luk Stream. If you follow the path completely and then go past the stone bridge – it will seem counterintuitive – you´ll see another path leading to this incredible waterfall and swimming hole. This is Sheung Luk Stream.
You can add Sheung Luk Stream to your Google Maps to make sure you don´t miss it. This part is a bit challenging because you have to climb some rocks and it is technically off-trail. However, the reward is worth it because this swimming hole and waterfall are an incredible part of the hike. On a hot day, it´s the perfect stop. Don´t forget your swimsuit!
Sheung Luk Stream to Ham Tin Beach
From the stream, the hike gets a bit more arduous, although not much. There are quite a few stairs in this section of the hike, so be prepared to climb. At this part, there is also a nice MacLehose Trail sign which is great for a picture.
Along this section, you´ll go past a stargazing site and you´ll have some of the most beautiful views of the trail. The entire thing culminates at Ham Tin Beach, which is a great beach for hanging out on a hot day. There is also a little restaurant and campsite here where you can get food, drinks, and snacks as well as use the bathroom.
Getting Back to Hong Kong
From here you might say, ok, now how do I get back? That´s the best part. On weekends, there are speedboats back to the city which you can buy at the Hoi Fung store on the beach.
However, if you go during the week, plan to hike back to Sai Wan Pavilion because there usually aren´t boats running. I think this might change a bit depending on the season, but regardless, be prepared to hike back. One way, the hike takes about 60-90 minutes depending on your level, so it´s not too challenging.
Once you arrive back to Sai Wan Pavilion, there should be taxis waiting there, or you can wait a bit and one will come. I don´t recommend ending your hike too late though. We left the city around 9 AM and were back by about 2 PM! Enjoy!
