“Once Ma Tong Peak” whispered an old map, a forgotten name for what we now know as Pottinger Peak. This is a mountain on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island. It stands south of Chai Wan and Siu Sai Wan. Big Wave Bay lies to its north.
Pottinger Peak got its current name from Henry Pottinger. He was the first Governor of Hong Kong. The peak rises 312 meters above sea level or 1024 feet.
Many hikers like to hike to the top of Pottinger Peak. They often start via Siu Sai Wan Promenade Park, near Island Resort. Walk along Leaping Dragon Walk. Then go uphill to Cape Collinson Road. Turn around and walk towards the Pottinger Peak Country Trail. This leads to the Pottinger Peak Lookout.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Shau Kei Wan to Big Wave Bay Beach. Take the MTR Island Line to Shau Kei Wan Station. Get out from Exit A3. Take bus number 9 to Shek O. Get off at the Big Wave Bay Beach stop.
Walk to the far end of the beach. You’ll see a blue bridge and a BBQ site. Ascend the stairs. Enjoy the coastal view of Shek O. Eventually, you’ll reach signs directing you to Cape Collinson Road and Ma Tong Au. Follow the Cape Collinson Road sign for about five minutes. Then, break off the trail. Ascend the stairs on the left. This heads towards Pottinger Peak Lookout.
Use Google Maps and enter Pottinger Peak Lookout to follow the trail. You will then see Pottinger Peak View Compass. Go uphill in the opposite direction. That will take you to Pottinger Peak Lookout.
At the peak, there is a power substation. The most amazing view is on the right. It is slightly below the power substation. Just before the peak is an old military lookout post. Stand on top for the best views.
Continue on the trail until you reach the signs for Big Wave Bay. This will return you to the beach in about 30 minutes.
Some hikers enjoy the rugged path up Pottinger Peak. The views are absolutely scenic and stunning. However, the way down can involve bushwhacking and rope climbing. Wear long trousers to protect your legs from the shrubbery. The hike to Pottinger Peak and back to Big Wave Bay takes about one hour and 25 minutes.
From Pottinger Peak, you can see Chai Wan, Shek O, and Big Wave Bay.