It is springtime in Hong Kong. Therefore, paying a visit to the hills or mountains in Hong Kong is probably the best time whilst all the flowers are starting to bloom and beautiful butterflies flying around while you trek. Sound relaxing isn't it? The weather is also cool and warm.
THE PYRAMID HILL
The Pyramid Hill is located in the Ma On Shan trail. Pyramid Hill is probably one of the famous hiking spots in Hong Kong. It measures about 536 meters above sea level. Does it really look like a pyramid though? You'll find out whilst you continue reading this blog.
BASIC INFORMATION OF THE HIKE
DURATION - 3.5 hours
DISTANCE - Around 5-6km
DIFFICULTY LEVEL - Medium (Hard - when climbing up the Pyramid Hill)
CELLPHONE/ INTERNET COVERAGE - Everywhere
BEST TIME TO HIKE - Autumn or Winter season
WATER LEVEL - 1.5L
STARTING POINT - Ma On Shan BBQ site
FINISHING POINT - Tai Shui Tseng
HOW TO GET THERE AND WHAT TO TAKE
CONVENIENT AND EASIEST WAY TO START THE HIKE
The most convenient way to get to Ma On Shan is by taking the MTR then a village minibus. Get off at Ma On Shan Exit B and go down to the ground floor of Sunshine City Plaza at the bus terminal. Look for the green taxi stand and the village minibus is right there. Take the village minibus no. NR84. Take note that this minibus isn't the normal green minibus. It looks more like a mini shuttle bus and it is white in color.
There are only 3 timeslots in the morning - 8 am, 9:30 am and 10:30 am. The next one and the only time and the last one you can take will be at 1:00 pm. This minibus leaves on time, so make sure to be there in advance.
The minibus ride should take about 15-20 minutes. Get off at Ma On Shan BBQ site and look for a signpost to Ma On Shan Country Trail. Walk straight until you see a carpark. There will be another signpost via Ngong Ping. Once you've found that, that is where you start the hike.
TWO WAYS TO END THE HIKE
The first option - Passing by Chuk Yeung Road trail. This trail will bring to Sai Sha Road where you can take bus no. 99 or no. 299 to Sha Tin, Wu Kai Sha MTR or to Sai Kung.
The second option - Descend down via Tai Shui Tseng trail. This is easier and quicker to finish the hike. This trail will end near Sai Kung. From there you will find some minibus or simply take a taxi ride back to Sai Kung. The cost should only take around HK$50-70.
HIKE DIARY
MA ON SHAN MTR TO VILLAGE BUS STOP
As mention above "How to get there and what to take", you should take the village minibus no. NR84 and drop off at Ma On Shan BBQ site.
MA ON SHAN BBQ SITE
From the BBQ site, walk straight and look for the signpost to Ma On Shan Country trail. When you pass by a mini car park area and look for the signpost to Ngong Ping trail, that is where the hike starts. It usually takes about 15 minutes to reach the starting point from the BBQ site.
NGONG PING TRAIL
The hike is slightly tiring as you will start with a flight of stairs and then some uphills. This area reminds me of a jungle. It is so green. Hiking up to the paviion should only take about 30 minutes.
THE PAVILLION
When you reach the pavilion, that is when you finish trekking the Ngong PIng trail. You can stay at the pavilion and rest for a bit and have a quick snack before proceeding your hike to the Pyramid Hill. From there it will take about 10 minutes to reach the famous hill.
THE PYRAMID HILL
It is easy to find the Pyramid Hill as it is the only one there. You can't possibly miss that unless you took the wrong path. Anyways, seeing the Pyramid Hill was stunning and somehow it does sort of look like a pyramid, just like the ones in Egypt, except Pyramid Hill is not man-made.
Tips: You may choose to climb up the Pyramid Hill if you want more adventure or you may continue your hike down via Tai Shui Tseng trail or Mao Ping trail.
THE GRASSLAND
Reaching the grassland area is very peaceful and something I have never seen before in a hike in Hong Kong. There is an area where campers can stay overnight to have some overnight camping excursion.
CLIMBING UP THE PYRAMID HILL
Climbing up the hill is very challenging. You need to clamber up and literally push and pull yourself up. I must say, this is not very easy but also not very hard. It's manageable, you just have to be careful where to step and use those rocks wisely to help you climb up the hill. It will take around 15 to 30 minutes being the longest to climb the Pyramid Hill. You may take a long break when you reach on top and enjoy the scenery.
Friendly advice: Bring a pair of sports gloves if you are climbing up the Pyramid Hill for safety purposes.
DESCENDING DOWN THE HILL
Once you're done admiring how beautiful the scenery is, there are 2 options for you to choose where to proceed.
Option 1 - Walk down straight via Maclehose trail to take you to Chuk Yeung Road. Taking this trail will reward you with more views. By following this trail, it should take you about 1-2 hours more to finish the hike.
Option 2 - Walk down straight and turn to the left side and continue to walk straight back to the pavilion. From there, you can walk to the same way to the Pyramid Hill. Once, you've reached the Pyramid Hill, continue to walk straight until you see a map and some signs. Take the Tai Shui Tseng trail to head down. This is an easier and quicker way to end your hike, so taking this trail would be good.
ENDING THE HIKE IN SAI KUNG
Before you head down, you will see some people flying their drones or electronic airplanes around the area. If you are lucky, you will also get to see some adrenaline junkies doing paragliding. The hike down via Tai Shui Tseng will take about 1 hour to 1 hour and a half to finish. It is slightly steep but there are plenty of big rocks to help you out whilst you go down.
Once you start stepping on concrete stairs then that is when you will know that the hike is almost over. From there, you may take a minibus or a taxi back to Sai Kung or anywhere you wish to go.
THINGS TO BRING AND WHAT TO WEAR
- Small towel
- Hiking pants/ jogging pants (no jeans/denim!)
- Short/ Long-Sleeve Shirt
- Hiking shoes
- Trekking pole - can be useful when descending
- Extra shirt - for changing
- Cap - to protect your face from sun exposure
- Umbrella/ waterproof jacket with hoodie - in case of rain
- Windbreaker jacket (optional) - It will be very windy in the middle of the hike from Violet Hill path to Tse Long Bridge
- Toiletries - tissue/ wet tissue, sunscreen, OFF spray (to avoid insects)
- Portable charger
- Water - 1.5L
- Snacks - fruits (apples or bananas), boiled eggs, protein/ energy bars, digestives biscuits or bread
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
My whole experience in this hike is beyond nice and calm. It is not very tiring nor struggling. The view up in the Pyramid Hill is probably the best part. I have never seen anything like this in Hong Kong. I will never forget clambering up the Pyramid Hill. It was quite the challenge.
If you have any concerns or questions about this hike, feel free to contact me or leave a comment below. I will be more than happy to help.
Yours Truly,
Michelle Chan
