26th February 2020 – (Hong Kong) Pottinger Peak is a mountain on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island. It is located south of Chai Wan and Siu Sai Wan and north of Big Wave Bay. Initially known as Ma Tong Peak, it was renamed Pottinger Peak after Henry Pottinger, the first Governor of Hong Kong. The peak is 312m above sea level. This short and easy hike offers a breathtaking view of Chai Wan, Shek O and Big Wave Bay. It is a great way to spend your afternoon if you don’t want to spend the whole day hiking. The entire hike takes less than 2 1/2 hours.
Distance : 6km
Difficulty : 3.5/10
Time : 2 – 2 1/2 hours
Directions:
Most hikers like to hike to the top of Pottinger Peak via Siu Sai Wan Promenade Park, near Island Resort. You will walk along Leaping Dragon Walk before you go uphill to Cape Collinson Road, you will then turn around and walk towards the Pottinger Peak Country Trail before heading towards the Pottinger Peak Lookout.
However, due to the coronavirus outbreak, we chose to avoid taking public transport and instead, we drove and parked at the Big Wave Bay Beach.
Alternatively, you can take bus from Shau Kei Wan to Big Wave Bay Beach. Take the MTR Island Line and head towards Shau Kei Wan Station. Get out from Exit A3 and take bus no. 9 to Shek O. Alight at the Big Wave Bay Beach stop.
Proceed to the beach and go to the far end where you will reach a blue bridge and pass a BBQ site. Ascend the stairs to the top while enjoying the beautiful coastal view of Shek O. You will eventually reach the top where there will be signs directing you to Cape Collinson Road and Ma Tong Au. Follow the Cape Collinson Road sign for around 5 minutes and break off from the trail to ascend the stairs on the left to head towards Pottinger Peak lookout. Key in Pottinger Peak lookout in your Google Maps and follow the trail. You will then see Pottinger Peak View Compass but go uphill in the opposite direction towards Pottinger Peak Lookout. On top of the peak, you will find a power substation but the most amazing view can be seen on the right slightly below the power substation. Just before the peak is an old military lookout post. You can stand on top of the structure for the best views from Pottinger Peak.
Simply continue on the same trail till you reach the signs for Big Wave Bay and will return to the beach in 30 minutes.
