Sharp Peak – Climbing One of the Toughest Trail in Hong Kong

on September 5, 2021

By Rebecca Lim
Hike chaperone by Raynard Khor

The collection of three sharp peaks in Hong Kong: Castle Peak (583M) is the tallest among the three, which is located in Tuen Mun, Needle Hill (532M), located between Sha Tin & Tsuen Wan, and Sharp Peak (468 M) in Sai Kung. Sharp Peak is generally considered the hardest of the three due to its remoteness and steepness. Conquering all three warrants bragging rights!

Nam She Tsim in Chinese or commonly know as Sharp Peak, is located in Sai Kung East Country Park, north of Tai Long Wan. It’s defined peak towers above others, seemingly reaching for the stars, rising to the majestic height of 486 meters above sea level. This is one of the most scenic hike in Hong Kong.

How to get there & return :

Take MTR Kwun Tong Line to Choi Hung station.
From MTR Choi Hung station, proceed to the C2 exit. Take the mini bus #1A to Sai Kung.
From Sai Kung Pier bus terminal, take KMB bus #94 heading to Wong Shek Pier, get off at Pak Tam Au.
Fun time begins here! This is the last chance to answer nature’s call.

The Climb Begins

After you alight from bus #94, you will proceed to start the hike. Note that the first part of the trail from Pak Tam Au is 4.5km of concrete before you arrive at Tai Long Au. Here is when you need to make a left turn, otherwise if you keep walking straight on the concrete path, you will reach Ham Tin beach instead.

Soon after Tai Long Au, you will be totally exposed. There are three sections in particular with steep climbs and loose rocks you need to be aware of. Mind the slippery gravel too. Use your gloves to help yourself up some of the more difficult slopes.

The hike is not easy. Both the inclines and declines are billed as steepest in Hong Kong. It’s a tough one, not only because of the trail but also because of its length. Additionally, if you choose to go on a hot summer day, you will have to deal with the gaze of scorching hot sun every step of the way. I would certainly recommend plenty of water (say, at least 2 liters), good hiking shoes, gloves, a sun-cap and definitely sunscreen. Once up there you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the best beaches of Hong Kong. The pristine shores and picture-perfect turquoise water will blow your mind away.

Sharp Peak Summit

Soon you will arrive on the top of Sharp Peak, and at the highest accessible point you can see the famous Big Wave Bay (Tai Long Wan), consisting of 4 beautiful beaches, Sai Wan, Ham Tin, Tai Wan & Tung Wan. It’s perfect!

Climbing Down

After an epic time on the summit admiring the gorgeous scenery, watching people play with their little drones, I made my way down. Some steep slopes and slippery gravel caught me off guard and I slipped and fell a few times.

Returning to Sai Kung

After the hike, you will finish at Ham Tin Beach. There are two ways for you to return to Sai Kung :

i) Book a speedboat at the store when you arrive at Ham Tin beach. It will take you 45 minutes (and HKD150). Kindly take note of the time as the last departure of the speedboat is 18:30 during weekdays (more frequent during weekends) so make sure you’re on time if you wish to choose this option.

ii) From Ham Tin beach, you can either walk all the way back to Pak Tam Au, where you started the hike and take the KMB#94 bus back to Sai Kung, or alternatively walk to Sai Wan Pavillon, and hail a taxi. Both ways will require about 1.5 hours more.

From Sai Kung pier, you can get on KMB bus #92 to go to Choi Hung & Diamond Hill station.

Even thou it’s was hardwork, I nevertheless enjoyed this hike!