Journeys to the Most Instagrammable Rocks in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Feb 17, 2023

From a short hike to more physically demanding full-day expeditions, here are 8 ideas for your next hiking adventure.

You must be living under a rock if you live in Hong Kong and have not heard of all the awesome hiking spots to sweat it out. Due to Hong Kong’s geology and tectonic activity, plenty of rock formations are formed naturally which can be seen all around the island and waiting to be explored!

1. Poodle Rock at Ling Kok Shan

If you’re tired of the hustle in Central, why not take a half-day excursion down to Ling Kok Shan. Just a 40 minutes boat ride away from Central Ferry Pier, start your hike from Sok Kwu Wan and head back to the same starting point within two to three hours. By following this trail, you will find the huge Poodle Rock sitting adorably at the top of the mountain, along with a 360-degree view of Lamma Island.

Don't forget to bring your swimming gear if you plan to cool off after your hike by hitting up one of the beaches on Lamma Island!

2. Rhino Rock at Che Pau Teng

For those who are new to hiking in Hong Kong, Rhino Rock is a great starting point. Apart from being among the shortest (approximately 1.5 hours) and most accessible hikes in Hong Kong. The view of Rhino Rock with the ocean backdrop is just stunning and makes for an incredible photograph.

Ensure to wear proper hiking shoes as sections of the trail compose of loose sand. If you have more time to kill, you can always head down to Stanley to enjoy the beach and some cocktails!

3. Angel Wing at Cheung Chau Peak Road West

The hike to Angel Wing Rock takes only around an hour for a round-trip, which makes for a great attraction if you’re intending to spend the day discovering hidden gems of Cheung Chau.

If you’re staying near Tsim Sha Tsui or Central, you can just take a short one-hour ride from the respective piers to Cheung Chau Pier. From there, take a right and walk straight through the village until you reach the first pit stop: Tai Shek Hau Temple.  Right after, to reach the second pit stop at Tin Fook Pavillion, turn left and head up the hill. Once you see Cheung Chau Cemetery along Peak Road West, cross the fence towards the ocean and use the fixed assisted rope to descend to the coastline before you reach the Angel Wing Rock. After your hike, don’t forget to indulge in some local delicacies like mango mochi!

4. Toad/Bee Hive Rock at Kam Kui Shek Teng

If you are a fan of Sai Kung hiking trails and have never been to this hidden gem before, be sure to put it on your list. Just a short two hours hike from Sai Wan Pavilion, your eyes would be treated to a gorgeous view of the Highland Reservoir from Kam Kui Shek Teng.

From lower down the mountain, this huge basalt is said to look like a toad. However, the structure from a bird’s eye view resembles a honeycomb from a bird's-eye view. Explore Kam Kui Shek Teng this weekend and let us know what you think.

5. Sliced Bread Rock at Castle Peak Basin

To all carbs lovers out there, this sliced bread rock is a must-see! Located on the Tai Lang Shui Stream along the Castle Peak Basin trail, it can be hiked from Lung Kwu Tan.

The trail is around 7km long and would take roughly five to six hours to complete. Apart from cool rock formations, the trail also offers unique terrain from barren landscapes like the Moon Canyon and red Gullies, to the valley stream. Be sure to wear proper hiking shoes, bring enough water, and out on sun protection as sections of the trail are slippery and without shelter.

6. Mask Rock at Mount Nicholson

The Mask Rock always reminds us of the Moai statues of Easter Island.

For those who think that the hike at Che Pau Teng or Cheung Chau Peak Road West is too easy, here’s a hike for you! Suitable for intermediate hikers due to the steep terrain, take a bus from Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park and stop at Black’s Link Road before embarking on a two-hour journey uphill. From the rock, you will get a panoramic view of southern Hong Kong; from the blue of Deep Water Bay to the greenery of Tai Tam Country Park.

7. Devil’s Fist at Wong Chuk Kok Tsui

Lastly, the hike to Devil's Fist is among the toughest hikes in Hong Kong as it takes around 11 to 12 hours and covers a distance of almost 30km. The rocks in this area, apart from one looking like Thanos' hand, are among the oldest rocks in Hong Kong and date back to over 400 million years ago.

The trail starts from Wu Kau Tang and follows a small section of the Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail, before diverging to Wong Chuk Kok Tsui from Luk Wu Tung. You can make your journey easier by scheduling a speedboat from Wong Shek Ferry to drop you off at Wong Chuk Kok Tsui, but where is the fun in that?

8. Goldfish Arch at Jin Island

Want to take a little trip to Bali? All you have to do is to visit this part of Hong Kong!

However, getting to paradise is never easy as there are no hiking trails or public transport that can take you to the Goldfish Arch directly. If you love adventure, we recommend kayaking there from Tai Hang Hau village, which will take around two hours. Alternatively, you can get to Jin Island by taking a private ferry from Sai Kung Pier or joining a local tour. As tempting as it is to stay in the crystal clear water and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the arch, it is definitely worth it to hike up to see the view from the top!


Hmlet Austin Avenue 

Hong Kong is the city that keeps on giving and these rocks are not to be missed, especially if you're an avid hiker. We've rounded up a couple more places to check out for weekend adventures that's a little more off the beaten path. If you're a brunch and easy breezy type of person, explore Sai Ying Pun or check out these pet-friendly cafes in the Westside! Considered moving out or living in Hong Kong? Stay at one of our cosy apartments

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Nontawan Kraitat

Senior Sales Manager at Hmlet. Thailand born, Hong Kong based. As a team we strive to give our members the most memorable coliving experience and change the way people live!