
Chi Ma Wan Peninsula
It is an early start, but within an hour of leaving Hong Kong’s Central District, you will find yourself face-to-face with feral water buffalo as you
cross the abandoned paddy-fields near Lantau Island’s Pui O village. Despite concerted efforts of environmentalists, the buffalo might soon
be losing out to developers, so bring your camera to capture what might soon be a historic scene…
Indeed, you might want to keep your camera at the ready for most of the walk as the views are beautiful and varied as we follow coastal and
woodland paths around the Chi Ma Wan peninsula. A concrete path leads us from Pui O to the village of Mong Tung Wan, home to an
underused youth hostel, a rather successful Christian youth centre and, most recently, a small store with pretty decent views.
Beyond Mong Tung Wan, we begin the first of our 3 relatively small climbs of the day as we pass a number of ruins on our way to join a well-
maintained and generally shaded dirt trail which follows the contours of the peninsula. From above we first look down at Yi Long Bay with the
secluded Sea Ranch resort and across to Shek Kwu Chau (or Stone Drum Island). Later on the path occasionally disappears into woodland,
but we are also treated to views of Cheung Chau island.
As the (in-)famous “Frog & Toad” pub has ceased operations, we will ignore the turn off to Tai Long Wan and instead concentrate on
reaching the picturesque Chi Ma Wan reservoir – a perfect setting for a snack break.
Not far from reservoir we leave the dirt track and reach the eastern shore of Lantau and the less-than-picturesque former Chi Ma Wan
detention centre. We won’t linger but, passing along the beach, we might wonder what life used to be like on the inside.
Once the prison is out of sight, our partially concreted path follows the contours of the coast through quaint tiny hamlets, buffalo inhabited
plains, banana groves and vegetable fields before arriving back in Mui Wo from the south.
With a ferry back to Central every 40 minutes, we can enjoy our late lunch at one of Mui Wo’s fine pubs or eateries without worrying too much
about time. Mui Wo also has a nice beach, should you want to chill out after the meal...



... exploring Hong Kong's other side...
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Hansen's Hikes
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by Hansen's Events
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Disclaimer
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Participants on all Hansen's Events' hikes and rides take part entirely at their own risk. By joining any of our events all participants are automatically seen to have agreed to have entered into a disclaimer which exonerates the outing leaders and the organizers from any personal or public responsibility whatsoever and for any claims, injuries or damages arising thereof.
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