Lui Ta Shek

One crisp morning in Sai Kung, Lui Ta Shek rises before you. Lui Ta Shek translates to “Thunder Struck Rock”. This name whispers of a solitary rock, just below the summit, repeatedly kissed by lightning. Lui Ta Shek is more than just a peak. It’s a quieter alternative to the popular Tai Tung Shan. It offers breathtaking views of Sai Kung Bay, the Highland Reservoir, and Tai Po. Prepare for a three to four-hour journey. This hike, while rewarding, demands respect. The terrain leading to Lui Ta Shek’s summit is challenging. Wear sturdy footwear. The loop trail allows you to begin at either Cheung Shan or Pak Tam Chung. Starting at Cheung Shan, near the Monument for Martyrs Against Japanese Militarism, is recommended. You can take the 94 bus from Sai Kung Town Center. Get off at the Sai Kung Training Camp stop. The trailhead, marked by a prominent set of stairs, is hard to miss. Ascend Cheung Shan’s seemingly endless stairs. Pause to admire the unfolding panorama of Sai Kung Bay. At the top of Cheung Shan, marked by a standard black and white pillar, continue on the path, keeping right. Follow signs toward Pak Tam Chung. This shaded stretch offers respite from the sun. The path can be slippery. Good hiking boots are essential. You’ll arrive at a crucial junction. The left path leads to Pak Tam Chung, not Lui Ta Shek. Continue straight onto a small, almost hidden path. This narrow trail ascends towards Lui Ta Shek. Trail markers, ribbons tied to branches, guide the way. Some scrambling is required. Soon, the summit of Lui Ta Shek, at 379 meters, reveals itself. Panoramic views reward your efforts. A short detour leads to the famed Thunder Struck Rock itself. Capturing its essence without a drone is difficult. Descending, retrace your steps to the junction. Turn left toward Pak Tam Chung. This descent, though quicker, can be slippery. Proceed with caution. A public bathroom signifies your approach to the Pak Tam Chung BBQ area. The trail merges with the Pak Tam Chung Family Trail. It exits at the coach parking lot, adjacent to the bus station. The 94 bus returns to Sai Kung Town Center. Remember the challenging yet rewarding embrace of Lui Ta Shek. Its views, a testament to the raw beauty of Sai Kung, will stay with you long after you leave.