Ma On Shan Country Park
Expansive park with challenging peak hikes, stunning Sai Kung sea views, waterfalls, and family-friendly trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Ma On Shan Country Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Expansive park with challenging peak hikes, stunning Sai Kung sea views, waterfalls, and family-friendly trails.
"One of the best hikes in Hong Kong with incredible sea and mountain views!"
🎯 Public Transport Access
Take MTR to Ma On Shan Station, Exit B, then bus NR84 to the last stop. Taxis are also an option.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The trail to the peak is steep and can be muddy. Wear good hiking shoes for grip and support.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pyramid Hill Views
Ma On Shan Peak Area
Hike to this distinctive peak for breathtaking panoramic views of Sai Kung's coastline and surrounding mountains.
Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls
Northern slopes
Discover a series of cascading waterfalls, offering a refreshing natural spectacle after a hike.
Buffalo Hill
Western part of the park
A unique hill formation resembling a buffalo's head, offering a different perspective and hiking challenge.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Trail Etiquette & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Public Transport Access
Take MTR to Ma On Shan Station, Exit B, then bus NR84 to the last stop. Taxis are also an option.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The trail to the peak is steep and can be muddy. Wear good hiking shoes for grip and support.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Carry plenty of water, especially for the challenging ascent to Ma On Shan peak.
📸 Capture Stunning Vistas
The sea views towards Sai Kung are incredible. Don't forget your camera for those Instagram-worthy shots!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Public Transport Access
Take MTR to Ma On Shan Station, Exit B, then bus NR84 to the last stop. Taxis are also an option.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The trail to the peak is steep and can be muddy. Wear good hiking shoes for grip and support.
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Carry plenty of water, especially for the challenging ascent to Ma On Shan peak.
📸 Capture Stunning Vistas
The sea views towards Sai Kung are incredible. Don't forget your camera for those Instagram-worthy shots!
🥾 Family Trail Option
A 20-minute paved trail near the BBQ area is perfect for beginners and families with young children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning sea and mountain views, particularly from the peak, calling it one of the best hikes in Hong Kong. The accessibility via public transport and the availability of family-friendly trails are also highly praised. However, some find the steeper sections of the main trail challenging and note that the park can get crowded on weekends.
"Very beautiful view can see the Sai Kung sea"
Christina YM Chan
"Ma On Shan Country Park is a park located in the central neck of the Sai Kung Peninsula in the eastern New Territories of Hong Kong. The park covers an area of 28.8 square kilometres and links Sai Kung Country Park and Lion Rock Country Park to form an extensive recreation area on the Ma On Shan massif. Wikipedia"
DHEWI YA DD
"Ma On Shan Country Park
(The section closest to Yiu On Estate of Ma On Shan)
A nice getaway from the city. Easily accessible either by hiking or cycling up the paved road, or driving or hailing a cab to get to the country park BBQ area.
From there, you can just enjoy being surrounded by lots of trees with patches of blue and white right above you on a good day.
A 20-minute hiking trail for families and beginners right outside the BBQ area will allow you to have some mild workout without breaking much sweat.
For people who love adventures or more extreme form of hiking (but still without the need for eqiupment), there is a difficult trail which begins at one of the lookout points of the family trail and takes you all the way to the peak of Ma On Shan, if you can bear the steep climb."
kinman fg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common route is to take the MTR to Ma On Shan Station, then exit at B and catch bus NR84 to its final stop. Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the country park BBQ area.
Yes, taxis are a convenient option to reach the park, especially if you're heading directly to the BBQ area or trailheads. Just tell the driver 'Ma On Shan Country Park'.
While the park is accessible from Ma On Shan MTR, the direct hike to the peak is challenging. Public transport or taxi to the park's entry points is generally recommended for most visitors.
Many recommend starting the hike from the Ma On Shan BBQ site. From there, you can access the 'family trail' which leads to the more challenging ascent.
Bus NR84 is a key route that takes you close to the park's facilities and trail access points after departing from Ma On Shan MTR Station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ma On Shan Country Park is a public space and does not require an entrance fee. You can explore its trails and natural beauty freely.
As an open country park, there are no set opening or closing hours. However, it's advisable to plan your visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
Weekday mornings are ideal to avoid crowds. Early mornings also offer cooler temperatures and better lighting for photography.
While the park is generally open, some steeper or more challenging sections of trails, like the direct path to the peak, may be considered for experienced hikers only. Always follow posted signs.
It is not recommended to visit country parks at night due to safety concerns, lack of lighting, and potential wildlife encounters. Stick to daylight hours.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
For a challenging hike with rewarding views, the trail to Ma On Shan peak is highly recommended. For a more relaxed experience, the family trail near the BBQ area is suitable for beginners.
Yes, the paved family trail near the BBQ area is perfect for families. It offers a short, mild workout with pleasant surroundings.
You can expect stunning sea views towards Sai Kung, lush green vegetation, and panoramic mountain vistas. The peak offers incredible 360-degree scenery.
Yes, there are BBQ areas and picnic spots within the park, making it a great place for a day out. Restroom facilities are also available.
Pyramid Hill is a notable peak within Ma On Shan Country Park, offering spectacular views. Its name likely comes from its somewhat pyramid-like shape.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Ma On Shan peak and Pyramid Hill offer the most dramatic panoramic views, especially of the Sai Kung sea. The Ng Tung Chai waterfalls also provide beautiful natural shots. +1
Early mornings provide soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the landscape. Late afternoons can also offer beautiful golden hour light.
Pyramid Hill, Buffalo Hill (for its unique shape), and the cascading Ng Tung Chai waterfalls are popular photographic subjects. +1
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the distance. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities for current rules regarding drone operation in country parks to avoid any issues.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are also BBQ and picnic areas available, making it an ideal spot for a family day out. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and ensure children wear appropriate footwear for any light walking. The accessibility via public transport also makes it a convenient choice for a family adventure.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Adventurers
Solo adventurers can also explore other trails like Buffalo Hill or seek out the Ng Tung Chai waterfalls. The park provides a good opportunity for self-reliance and enjoying nature at your own pace.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to capture the cascading beauty of the Ng Tung Chai waterfalls or the unique silhouette of Buffalo Hill. Early mornings are best for soft light and fewer people, allowing for unobstructed shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conquering Ma On Shan Peak
As you climb, the vegetation changes, and the mountainous vistas open up, offering increasingly spectacular views. The wind can be strong at higher altitudes, adding to the invigorating experience. The trail is generally well-defined, but always be mindful of your footing. Reaching the summit provides unparalleled 360-degree views, making the challenging climb absolutely worthwhile.
Many hikers recommend descending via a different route that leads to a village, from where you can catch a bus back towards the city or Sai Kung. This offers a varied experience and allows you to see more of the surrounding landscape. Always check weather forecasts before embarking on this strenuous hike.
Exploring the Natural Beauty
The park is also home to Buffalo Hill, a distinctive peak known for its unique shape that resembles a buffalo's head when viewed from certain angles. This offers another hiking option for those looking for varied terrain and interesting geological formations.
Beyond the specific landmarks, the park boasts lush greenery and offers a peaceful escape from the urban bustle of Hong Kong. The Sai Kung sea views from the higher points are particularly stunning, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil environment.
Getting There and Around
Taxis are also a viable and convenient option, especially if you're heading directly to a specific trailhead or the BBQ area. Simply inform the driver of your destination within the park.
Once inside the park, the primary mode of exploration is hiking. While there are paved paths like the family trail, the more challenging routes require good walking or hiking shoes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit