Wandering Hong Kong. May 2024. Mui Wo to Pui O trail.
Curiosity keeps us young.
I am looking at Hong Kong notes scribbled in May. Hikes, new suburbs, new tastes, new impressions, likes and don’t likes. But always interesting, inviting to explore more, keeping me curious. And regardless of the real age, I believe that people often end up moving into the “old guy” category when they stop being curious. The thesis can be elaborated for sure, but curiosity is one huge motivation to live and explore the world.
Now back to the topic.
What is Mui Wo? A small town in the south of Lantau Island. With many things to do: waterfalls, beach, great food, China Bear - the pub.
What is Pui O? Another settlement also in Lantau with namesake beach. So, I walked in between.
This relatively easy walk is actually a part of Lantau trail, section 12. Actually hiking routes are mapped very well in HK including multiple online resources and signboards along the trails.
May 19, 2024. 7 am. Morning congee consumed, I am taking a bus from Wan Chai to Pier 6.
Runners already busy puffing on the way to longer and healthier lives. Probably.
Short ride through the bay and I am at Mui Wo. Really like this feeling of leaving busy and noisy HK center behind and arriving at small outlying islands. Liberating. First thing I do is filling my flask with HK style milk tea at a small, improvised café near the ferry. Grandma preparing the tea is smiling. “Mgoi”, - I smile back appreciating a flask full to the brim with creamy and browny liquid.
From the ferry I start walking along Mui Wo Ferry Pier Road along the water (turn left when you exit the ferry building). Soon I see the sign pointing to Pui O, it says 9 km.
I turn left as instructed, walk around 5 minutes, then turn right towards the steps where the trail begins.
A short climb and soon I can see Mui Wo village behind.
South China Sea ahead.
One hour into the walking and the trail is going uphill. I brace myself for a more challenging part of the walk.
Before moving further inland I enjoy the view of Chi Ma Wan (Sesame Bay).
Been on the road over two hours now, probably over half covered, but the trail seems harder now with temperatures rising.
Oomph, the uphill part ends here, and now I have 4 km to descend. This is much easier, soon I see Pui O beach and Shap Long village ahead.
Having said hello to a group of buffalos I speed up.
I want a refreshing swim!
The beach has cafe, showers and changing rooms. I chilled down a bit before making my way to the bus stop.
In short, Mui Wo is a good place to visit by itself, Pui O beach is not the best you can find in HK, but easily accessible by public transport. Now I know better. Well, I was just curious…
It's a great walk which I also did earlier this year, your photos reminded me so much of the trail and sum it up nicely. Incidentally, they are currently progressing the modernisation of Mui Wo by upgrading the ferry pier area and the adjacent cooked food market. A glossy new mall will appear. We're concerned that the area will lose a lot of charm, though we have approached the government and contractor to ensure that all the trees are retained.
Ever since I have read The Taipan by James Clevell, Hong Kong fascinated me. And there was always a reason that prevented me from visiting, Now that I have read Igor's story, there will be no such reasons. I am going at first opportunity.