Legend has it that early inhabitants of Hong Kong Island found a red incense burner that drifted ashore, believing that it was a gift from Tin Hau and the highest summit on the island ‘Lo Fung’. Walking along the Peak Trail is like taking a trip down memory lane.  Between busy commercial buildings in Central and Victoria Peak is Lugard Road, a hundred-year-old plank road that exudes an air of ancient elegance.  It commands views extending from Lei Yue Mun on the east to Ma Wan Channel on the west, with a full view of Victoria Harbour.  It also looks out on the busy streets of Tsim Sha Tsui in the distance, as well as the hills connected by Lion Rock and Tai Mo Shan.  In spring, visitors may be able to witness the extraordinary scenery when the bridge is cloaked in a shroud of mist in the morning.

The end of the path branches into two.  The one follows High West, where a viewing point offers a 180-degree panorama of the waters to the west of Hong Kong Island, including Tsing Yi, Lantau Island, and Lamma Island.  Leading towards the south in the mountains, Section One of the Hong Kong Trail is an ideal place to enjoy the sunset.  The end of the mountain trail sits the oldest water storage facility on Hong Kong Island – Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, as well as former watchman’s cottage with a history of over 150 years.  Word has it that Pok Fu Lam is named after Pok-fu, a bird species that often appeared in the woods; another version is that Pok Fu Lam acquired its name as there were wild ducks (Cotton Pygmy-goose) that settled on this piece of woodland.

Relevant Information:
Hong Kong Observatory : Hong Kong Hiking Trail Weather Service