Continuing my hiking journey, Hong Kong Trail Section 2 is yet another section with a view of Aberdeen, a highlight that you shouldn't miss!
Disclaimer: I hiked the Hong Kong Trail from West to East which is Section 1 onwards. However, it is not necessary to do the trail in that order. You can also start from East to West which is in reverse order (Section 8 to Section 1). Last but not least, you can also hike one section at a time. If you want to jump to a particular section, refer to my Hong Kong Trail Hiking Guide and take it from there.
Hiking Trail Overview of Hong Kong Trail Section 2:
- Section Number: #2
- Route: Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road to Peel Rise
- Distance: 4.5 kilometers
- Distance Post Numbers: #15 – #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?
You probably came from Section 1 and that's a good thing! Continue the hike and follow the distance posts ahead.
If you didn't come from Section 1 and you're starting from scratch, I found these two options from a website called Hiking Hong Kong (the page is nowhere to be found now though):
- Walk down the Pok Fu Lam Road from The Peak (not the same route on Lugard Road which is Section 1 of the Hong Kong Trail) OR
- Take a bus to Pok Fu Lam Road and get off near Riding School. Walk up Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road for 20 minutes to the starting point.
Both options sound easy to follow however, I haven't tried this personally. In my opinion, I will probably do the first option since I am not familiar with Pok Fu Lam Road. But of course, walking from The Peak is another walking journey for you to take note of.
I failed to get out of the trail too so I was left without a choice but to continue to Section 3.
If you want to get out of the trail, Hiking Hong Kong (same blog mentioned above) suggests going down a set of stairs. I believe these stairs are after H022 and before reaching H023 which I assume is this coordinates. Once you go down, you will find a bus stop and from there you can take a bus to Aberdeen Bus Terminus.
Hiking Trailhead:
Since I came from Section 1, I will guide you as someone who came from Section 1. So picking up from where we left off, if you can remember, I stopped at the picnic site to have a short break.
The picnic site is located past H015 so technically it is part of Hong Kong Trail's Section 2 already. From the picnic site, you will see this post sign asking you to use the stairs on your left.
Once you take the uphill stairs on the left, there's no turning back as you're already in Section 2.
Hiking Trail Highlights:
I only have two pictures of butterflies but I lost count of how many I've seen in this section. I was busy chasing them!
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 should be the same distance as in Section 1.
Some parts are quite steep with railings while some don'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 appetite or what I call ‘#hikeppetite’ to begin with. So, a good trail for me might not be a good trail for you. And that’s completely okay, we don’t need to agree with everyone all the time. Anyhow, here’s what I think about Hong Kong Trail Section 2:
Pros:
- The view of the 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 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 you’re #hikeppetite is more (like me!), I suggest continuing to Section 3 or even finishing the whole 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 💗
AND AS A GENTLE OUTDOOR ETHICS REMINDER:
LEAVE NO TRACE!
