How about a short hike? Muk Yue Shan is calling.
Muk Yue Shan is located on Lantau Island. It sits next to the Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha. This peak reaches a height of 479 meters. A grave of a bhikṣunī rests near its summit. A bhikṣunī is a female monastic in Buddhism.
Even though Muk Yue Shan is close to tourist spots like Tian Tan Buddha and Wisdom Path, it is not always crowded. The name Muk Yue Shan means Fish Wood Mountain. It is named after a wooden instrument. Monks use this instrument while chanting sutras. It is also known as a wooden fish or Chinese temple block.
To get to Muk Yue Shan, take the New Lantao Bus No 23 to Ngong Ping. Walk back toward the bus stop. Cross Po Ngong Drive. The trail entry is opposite the Ngong Ping Sewage Treatment Works. Walk along the concrete road of Ngong Ping Fun Walk. At the first fork, turn left to see a Buddhism grave. After visiting the grave, go back. Turn right at this fork to Muk Yue Shan.
The grave of the bhikṣunī sits near the summit of Muk Yue Shan. A small path leads to the summit at the grave’s right side. The path ascends a few meters. It is unpaved and slippery with dense grass. This path is only suitable for experienced hikers.
There is no grand landscape on the summit. But Muk Yue Shan has a great view of Shek Pik Reservoir. The paths to other places are not reliable. It is highly recommended to backtrack to the grave of the bhikṣunī to return.
Overlooking Tian Tan Buddha, backtrack to Ngong Ping Fun Walk. Turn right to Wisdom Path. Wisdom Path is a display of wooden columns. These columns feature the calligraphy of the Heart Sutra. Master Sinologist Professor Jao Tsung-I wrote it. After visiting the Wisdom Path, follow the signs to the bus stop. The route ends at Ngong Ping Village.
The route is 3.5 KM long. It takes about one hour. Ngong Ping Village has restaurants at the start and end. Muk Yue Shan offers a peaceful escape. It combines culture and nature. Remember its name. Muk Yue Shan offers more than just a hike. It provides a connection to Lantau’s spiritual heart.