Hong Kong is not only famously known for its vibrant, densely populated urban centre, delectable egg tarts, wontons, but also fantastic natural landscapes from the numerous islands to epic mountain hikes. Taking off the skyscraper-studded skyline, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) brought us for a short hop from the bustle of Hong Kong East to an unforgettable hike to Dragon’s Back Trail.
The Kick-off
Undeniably, we were struggling with food coma during our stay in Hong Kong. The toothsome delicacies were too good to say goodbye. From dim sum and classic Chinese dishes, egg waffles, fish balls, to milk tea, you name it, Hong Kong has it. Even our taste buds could not resist them!
With the overindulgence in Hong Kong delicacies, we were all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at the travel arrangements. We hike so we can eat more. Right? Getting set, HKTB arranged a coach taking us to the entrance as known as the starting point on Shek O Road near to Tei Wan Village.
Before we began the hike, the environment already took our breaths away.
Fun fact!
The Dragon’s Back is a ridge in south-eastern Hong Kong Island, between Wan Cham Shan and Shek O Peak. It lies within the Shek O Country Park. In 2004, the Dragon’s Back Trail was selected by TIME Asia as the best urban hiking trail.
The Hong Kong Trail is a 50-kilometer walking route which passes through the five country parks on Hong Kong island. The trail is divided into 8 sections which provide a variety of walks of different lengths and character. Dragon’s Back is the section 8 of the Hong Kong Trail.
The entrance to the beautiful Hong Kong Trail section 8 on Shek O Road is a mysterious tree tunnel with natural shades, bamboo groves, dense thickets and roots crawling on the floor. Soon the path led us to sunshine as we ascended.
The route is about 8.5km long and took us about 2.5 hours, with occasional breaks, to complete. However, it depends on how fast/slow the hiker is.
Pleasant Climate
In fact, there are mild, relatively dry winters, and hot, humid, and wet summers. The best time to visit Hong Kong is from October to early December when the weather is breezy, cool, and sunny.
How grateful we were! The climate was admittedly pleasant on the day. Having to complete a relatively short hike, it was just right to put our fitness level into a test. The moderate temperatures and marvellous views along the way to Dragon’s Back undoubtedly made a perfect day.
From the entrance, we started ascending at a fairly slow pace. In order to save energy, we tried not to push ourselves too hard but indulged in the breath-taking and breezy aura.
The first ascent from the entrance to the Dragon’s Back was the hardest, and it got our heart pumping but the feeling was incredible. It felt as if our calorie intakes from abundant food intakes for the past few days were, albeit not completely, but partially burned.
Outdoor enthusiasts like us were extremely excited to explore the untouched, rough, and rugged mountainous terrain in Hong Kong. Not only it’s a hidden gem to hikers, but it is also a haven to mountain bikers.
If you bump into a mountain biker or two in the trail, do not forget to give ways to them!
Right Apparels
Going uphill on a rocky pathway, not only we were locked in an embrace of open space and nature trail, but also breathable, moisture absorbing and wicking sloggi mOve FLOW apparels.
Wearing the right apparels to move, stretch, run around optimizes fitness performance. In conjunction with the launch of sloggi mOve FLOW in Malaysia, we were given the opportunity to be dressed in sloggi mOve FLOW Top2 AX and sloggi mOve FLOW Tights AX for Dragon’s Back Hike.
Hiking presents its own set of conditions and challenges, and being prepared for those ahead of time can make the experience a truly blissful one. Putting the sloggi mOve FLOW Top2 AX on has bettered up-and-down movements. The profoundly soft and natural touch fabric moves perspiration away from my skin and keeps me comfortable.
Designed to be gentle on the skin, the sloggi mOve FLOW tights keep me cool and prevent odour while moving. With the BIO HeatSol technology, the tights retain my body temperature and aid my blood circulation which the stride became more efficient.
To get the most out of hiking, comfort is key, and the key to comfort is engaging the body with fitting garments. Finding a sports bra and pants that look good, fit well, and give you enough support for your workout is not easy. The good thing was, once we reached the top, we were immediately greeted with an unutterable view over Shek O Beach – and you know it got easier from here.
Vantage Point over Shek O Peninsula
After hiking for around 30 minutes, we arrived at a scenic spot over the spectacular scenery of Shek O Beach in the east and the magnificent Dragon’s Back in the north-west. There was Shek O Golf Course as well as a majestic mansion from afar. Overseeing the panoramic view, we realized that we have been overwhelmed with work and neglected the beauty of Mother Nature.
Shek O Peak
At 284 meters high, the hilltop sightseeing platform on Shek O Peak is the perfect place to catch your breath while enjoying the panorama of Shek O, Tai Long Wan, and even Tung Lung Island.
Dragon’s Back
Further into our hike, we followed the rolling ridge from Shek O Peak to Wan Cham Shan to conquer the ‘dragon’. In addition to the beautiful shades of green and brown, this undulating path with fluttering butterflies, a refreshing breeze and open vistas made for an enjoyable hike.
Big Wave Bay
Finally, after hiking for 8.5 kilometres, we approached closer to the end of Dragon’s Back Trail. The Big Wave Bay Beach is located at the picturesque eastern end of Hong Kong Island. It’s also home to a prehistoric rock carving that is now preserved as a Declared Monument. Remaining undiscovered until a police officer stumbled upon it in 1970, the rock carving shows geometric designs and animals and is one of many similar carvings found around coastal areas of Hong Kong.
Sheltered by a rocky headland, the beach is stunning with unpolluted, fine golden sands. There were a number of hikers, just like us, basking in the snoozy splashing waves, clear sunlit waters, and serenity after their hike.
In the summer, this makes a good excuse to go for a dip or picnic with family and friends. Waves reach several meters high in all seasons in the unobstructed bay, making it a surfer haunt. Along the narrow alleys, there’re grocery shops and humble cafes providing swimming, surfing gears, food, and drinks. Thankfully, we did not feel acutely exhausted but ravenous after a much-need workout session.
Here, we experienced every pleasure-loving touch, whether it’s relishing the moment on Shek O Peak or reinvigorating our mind hiking the uneven terrain of Dragon’s Back Trail to Big Wave Bay. Here, we experienced every extraordinary sight that will remain imprinted on our memories.
