The Dragon’s Back is a popular hike destination among hikers and travelers in Hong Kong. After having spent all my time in the city, this hike was the perfect escape from the crazy Hong Kong city life with fresh air and scenic view. The Dragon Back is an easy hike to complete, easy to access with beautiful views, and on top of all of this, you can end your hike at a beautiful beach!
WHAT TO BRING
There isn’t much shade during this hike, so bring water, put on your sunscreen, be sure to wear a cap and comfortable shoes. Make sure to drink plenty of water during the hike! Also, bring your swim wears, sunglasses, towel and a beach mat for the beach.
HOW TO GET TO DRAGON’S BACK HIKE STARTING POINT STEP BY STEP
The starting point of the Dragon’s Back Hike is located in Tei Wan on Hong Kong Island, here is how to get there step by step:
1) Take the Island Line MTR to Shau Kei Wan Station.
Please make sure you don’t accident end up in Chai Wan! That’s the hardest way to get to the Dragon Back because you have to walk all the way to the starting point, so make sure you don’t get the names mixed up. Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan!
2) Take Exit A3 and look for Bus No. 9 at the bus stop. There is usually a line for bus No. 9 and other hikers will be aligned and waiting as well.
3) Once you are on the the bus, wait for your stop to Tei Wan. Keep an eye on the screen of the stop in the bus or watch for other hikers getting ready to get off.
4) The bus will drop you off right at the starting point, so just follow the path leading up the hill to the Dragon’s Back Hike. A picture of the map is at the starting point as well. It’s best to take a picture as a reference to use during your hike.
THE HIKE
Let me just say this right now, when you first start hiking you will come across long stairs. The first section of the hike is also steep, so be prepared for that. Besides that, most of the hike is fine.
Depending on your pace and hiking level, you’ll arrive at a scenery view of Shek O Beach after 20-30 minutes. From that it will take you about 15 minutes till you reach Shek O Peak.
Overall, the hike will be about an hour until you reach Shek O Peak. But don’t worry along the hike you will come across beautiful views overlooking Shek O beach, Shek O village, and Big wave Bay.
The view from Shek O Peak is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the magnificent view. You can see Shek O beach, Shek O village, Gold course, and Big Wave Bay. Relax for a bit here before going back to the starting point to make your way to Shek O beach. If you want to keep hiking just keep following the trail and you will eventually end up at Big Wave Bay. DRAGON’S BACK TO SHEK O BEACH STEP BY STEP
1) After the peak hike back down to the starting point, back to the bus stop.
2) Board the No. 9 bus again. Take the bus going the same direction you arrived in earlier and take it all the way to Shek O Beach.
Keep in mind that you might have to wait for awhile for the bus to come since the bus doesn’t come frequently. I believe we waited for about 20 minutes.
SHEK O BEACH
Shek O beach is the best spot to relax at after a hike. Depending on what you like your can either take a stroll around the village, chill at the beach or explore the different type of cafe’s and restaurants. You can also just walk over to Big Wave Bay to catch some waves.
WHAT TO EXPECT & WHEN TO GO:
- Avoid weekends and go weekdays
- The beach is crowded during Weekends
- Check the weather before you go
- Go hiking when the temperature is cooler
- Depending on your starting point, it can take you up to 2 hours to get there
- You will meet other travelers and hikers but there aren’t many