Dragon's Back Hike Shek O Country Park, Hong Kong Island
The Dragon's Back hiking trail - part of the 50km Hong Kong hiking trail - is one of Walk Hong Kong's most popular hikes.
Our guided tour starts on the iconic and much loved Hong Kong tram, which commenced operations in 1904. We watch the commuters heading to work, as we rattle along what was once the waterfront of Hong Kong Island and then complete our journey on the MTR (Mass Transit Railway). Walking through Shau Kei Wan wet market, we take in the atmosphere of the daily life of ordinary Hong Kong residents.
We commence our hike along a lovely cool path that takes us through shady groves of bamboo and lush woodland, accompanied as we walk by birdsong. We then emerge into open hillsides often covered with wild azaleas or rose myrtle.
Our walk follows the rugged undulating spinal ridge of the Dragon´s Back, where the earth is regarded as a living being, with lines of force known as 'dragon veins'. The breathtaking views take in dazzling seas, the distant Nine Pins Islands, sandy Big Wave Bay, Tai Tam Harbour, Stanley and the Red Hill peninsula.
We finish the hike by strolling down through shaded tunnels of exotic vegetation, then take transport back to the Central district in Hong Kong. Alternatively, you may continue on to the nearby fishing village of Shek O, with its popular seafood restaurants and beach.
The Dragon's Back was hailed by Time Magazine as Asia's best urban hike: "This is the city´s finest and most surprising ramble... The glory of it all is that you're so close to the city, but could hardly feel further away."
Cost: HK$500 per person, includes transport Total tour time 4 hours Tour starts at 8.30am, outside the General Post Office (beside the green stamp-vending machines), 2 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong Island Walking distance: 5km Grade: moderate Facilities: Toilets en route
Directions from the MTR: Leave Central Station by Exit K. As you come to
the top of the long escalator out of the station, turn right and
immediately right again. Cross Chater Road at the pedestrian lights, and
go straight ahead through the pedestrian underpass. As you emerge at
the other end, the GPO is ahead and to the left of you.
General requirements
Please provide us with a contact phone
number in Hong Kong, or the name
of the hotel where you are staying, plus the name the booking is made
in.
We need notification of any cancellation before the morning of your
tour, as no-shows do inconvenience our other clients. It is also
important that you ring us if you are delayed, as it may be possible to
direct you to another meeting point en route. Footwear We
recommend you wear either robust walking shoes or trainers/sneakers.
Casual sandals or open shoes are not suitable for trails, which can be
rocky in places.
Clothing Sun and rainfall can be
intense and a hat is recommended. During the winter season (November -
March) temperatures can drop with a chilling wind, so a sweater/fleece
is advisable. During the wet season (April - September) a waterproof
jacket is recommended. In warmer months (May - October) it is advisable
to carry a spare T-shirt or other garment to change into at the end of
the hike.
Skin Protection Suntan lotion should be used throughout the year, and applied frequently during the hike.
Water Please
carry sufficient water for your own needs. In the warmer months, this
may equate to one litre for every two hours of walking. Dehydration is a
real risk on hot days. Choose mineralised rather than distilled water.
Consider an electrolyte replacement drink as well.
Personal needs Please
notify us of any medical conditions that we should be aware of. We will
assume clients have their own medications for asthma or known
illnesses. Insect repellent is not obligatory, but advisable if you tend
to attract insects.
Payment Payment can be made in cash at the start of the tour, or by electronic money transfer pre-tour. Prices quoted in Hong Kong dollars. HK$7.75 = US$1.00
Schedule Our tours and hikes are driven by client demand. Please consult our website for the current schedule.
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Changeable Lizard - Dragon's Back Hike
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Arundina graminifolia
Dear Marco-san; Thank you very much for your guidance on not only Dragon’s Back but Hong Kong. We enjoyed very much our first time exploring the nature side of Hong Kong. We found that Hong Kong isn’t only the shopping town! The next time, we will try the hikes in the New Territories. In the meantime, the Thailand food restaurant at Shek O town which you introduced was excellent. Thank you Yoshizaki san. Dragons Back
We arrived on the afternoon of Monday 14th September in the middle of a typhoon warning level 8, walked booked for the next morning, there was no option it had to be cancelled. Fortunately the typhoon veared off over China , what a relief.
Wednesday morning weather improving although it rained on and off all day, but that did not dampen our spirits in any way. We walked from the Peak to Aberdeen, opting not to take the short cuts. We learnt a lot about the beginings of Hong Kong and how the Brits were drug dealers and pirates, nothing has changed there then!
Fortunately Jackie our Kiwi Guide (another Brit in disquise) managed what should have been our first days walk Dragons Back for Thursday.
The dragon certainly smiled upon us that day, clear skys and not a drop of rain and an wonderful 'chatty' guide full of interesting facts and information. What a pity it would have been if we had missed this walk, although strenuous for two out of condition people, it was worth every ounce of energy we had to put into it. Views not to be missed, after the walk we got a bus to Stanley, what a lovely place well worth the visit. We took the local bus back to Central which gave us an excellent view of what the other 'quiet' side was like.
Thank you once again, if we ever make it back to Hong Kong we certainly be taking more of your walks, I promise I will try to remember to ask for my trouser legs back! Best wishes Stuart and Maureen Sullivan, UK Dragon's Back & Peak to Aberdeen.
Dear Marco We are now back in the UK after a great trip to New Zealand, which is quite spectacular. Our stop over in HK was also excellent and we really enjoyed the walk over the Dragon's Back. It was great to do it with someone who as well as showing us the way could tell us a great deal about the area and its history. We will recomend you to any of our friends who may be heading that way and who knows we may be through there again sometime soon. All routes seem to head that way. Best regards Hamish and Kate - Dragons Back
