Continuing my hiking journey on the famous 50-km Hong Kong Trail, Section 2 surprised me with a stunning view of Aberdeen, a highlight that you shouldn't miss!
Disclaimer: I hiked the Hong Kong Trail from West to East, starting with Section 1. However, it is not necessary to hike in that order. Hiking in reverse order from Section 8 to Section 1 or even one section at a time is also recommended. If you're looking for a particular section, check out the below links:
๐กRelated Hiking Guides:
- Section 1 - The Peak to Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road
- Section 2 - Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road to Peel Rise
- Section 3 - Peel Rise to Wan Chai Gap Road
- Section 4 - Wan Chai Gap Road to Won Nai Chung Road
- Section 5 - Won Nai Chung Road to Tai Fung Au/Mount Parker Road
- Section 6 - Tai Fung Au/Mount Parker Road to Tai Tam Road
Hiking Trail Overview of Hong Kong Trail Section 2:
Here's a brief overview of the trail and its distance. With only 4.5 kilometers, Section 2 is pretty much just a walk in the woods.
- Section Number: #2
- Route: Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road to Peel Rise
- Distance: 4.5 kilometers
- Distance Post Numbers: #15 โ #25
- Time Taken/Needed: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Difficulty Level (own opinion): 1 out of 5
How to Get There and How to Get Out?
If you came from Section 1, you're off to a good start! Continue your hike and follow the distance posts ahead.
However, if you're starting your hike from scratch and coming from Central, there are two bus options as of March 2025:
- Bus #15 from Exchange Square to The Peak Galleria Bus Terminus. From there, walk along Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road until you reach the trailhead.
- Bus #30X from Statue Square to Pok Fu Lam Village; Pok Fu Lam Road (yes, this is the exact name of the stop). From there, walk along the Pok Fu Lam Family Walk trail to reach the trailhead.
Both bus options have a fair share of walking afterward but are pretty manageable. I haven't tried any of these options, but given a chance, I will probably take Bus #30X to experience and see another side of Hong Kong.
Unfortunately, I failed to get out of the trail too and continued to Section 3. But if you want to get out from the trail, there's an exit trail after distance post H024 (this coordinates). Take this exit trail and walk until you reach Tin Wan Estate Road. From here, you can take Bus #51 to Aberdeen Bus Terminus.
Hiking Trailhead:
Since I came from Section 1, I will guide you as someone who came from Section 1. Picking up from where we left off, I stopped at this picnic site to have a short break.
Located past distance post H015, the picnic site is already part of the Hong Kong Trail's Section 2. From the picnic site, there's a signpost a few meters ahead, and you should follow it by taking the uphill stairs on the left.
Hiking Trail Highlights:
The nature-deprived visitor (that's me) enjoyed seeing the abundant variety of butterflies and plants. I even fell in love with Fern!
At one point, I also saw a wild boar before the left turn near H022. I was shocked and scared as it was my first time, so it didn't dawn on me to take a photo.
Anyhow, going back to the trail are downhill stairs. It's almost the same distance as in Section 1.
Some parts are quite steep with railings, while some aren't. In return (of the stairs), you will be rewarded with this refreshing view of Magazine Island and Lamma Island at the back!
On your left side is this amazing view of Aberdeen! Aberdeen, a town on the Southwest of Hong Kong Island, is famous for its floating villages and restaurants. I couldn't visit Aberdeen during my short trip, but this view made up for it!
Continue to go down the stairs until you reach the part of a reservoir-looking structure. Then, continue on a concrete path, and shortly, you will encounter the map of Section 3, which marks the end of this section.
Personal Thoughts:
We all have different adventure appetites or what I call โ#hikeppetiteโ to begin with. So, a good trail for me might not be a good trail for you. And thatโs completely okay, we donโt need to agree with everyone all the time. Anyhow, hereโs what I think about the Hong Kong Trail Section 2:
Pros:
- The view of Magazine Island, Lamma Island, and Aberdeen was rewarding.
- Abundant variations of plants, butterflies, and wildlife. Who knows what will show up next?
- There are proper picnic sites along the trail.
- It is not as crowded as other sections, so if you're here for solitude, you can count on this trail.
Cons:
- There's a fair share of pavement on this trail. If you prefer to walk on dirt trails and in the woods, this trail may not be to your liking. But give it a chance.
- If you have an issue with stairs and a fear of heights, the downhill stairs might give you a little trouble. Because of this, I don't recommend taking smaller children here.
- Getting to the trailhead or the end of the trail is quite tricky. Compared to other sections, it is not the most accessible one.
- Despite having so many greens, many parts of the trail are exposed to the sun. Consider hiking super early.
Overall, the trail is okay and easy, but I cannot say that Hong Kong Trail Section 2 is my favorite. If youโre #hikeppetite is more (like me!), ย I suggest continuing to Section 3 or even finishing the wholeย Hong Kong Trail!
Whatever decision you make, always remember to prepare beforehand, stay safe, and last but not least, enjoy the outdoors! #happyhiking!
With lots of love,
PINAYHAKAWATI ๐
AND AS A GENTLE OUTDOOR ETHICS REMINDER:
LEAVE NO TRACE!
