“Soaring Goose Mountain” translates to Fei Ngo Shan. That is another name for Kowloon Peak. Are you ready to hear about the thrilling and ominously named Suicide Cliff at Kowloon Peak?
Kowloon Peak is a must for thrill-seekers. It is also great for Instagrammers. The peak offers unobstructed views over Hong Kong. Its highest point reaches 602 meters. That’s 1975 feet.
Kowloon Peak sits in Ma On Shan Country Park. It intersects with the Wilson Trail and Maclehose Trail.
The south cliff at Kowloon Peak is a high-risk location. It is listed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. There have been fatal and serious accidents in country parks. This area is also known as Suicide Wall.
One photo at this scenic point won Kelvin Yuen a prize. It was in National Geographic’s International Photo Contest in 2015. It is clear why it is so popular.
Hiking here is steep. The path is narrow in parts. There are no barriers. A slip could prove fatal. Hikers should be cautious. Only experienced hikers or rock climbers should attempt this. There have been accidents and casualties here. Once, two tourists needed rescuing. 160 firefighters were involved.
There are two ways to hike Kowloon Peak. One goes over Fei Ngo Shan. This has a 360-degree view as you approach Suicide Cliff. The second goes straight to Suicide Cliff. The latter is quite short.
The first part of the walk involves many steps. It may make you question if it’s worth it. Luckily, much of this section is shaded. You can splash yourself with stream water. Climb at your own pace. The best views come after the toughest climbs. Once you get out into the open you’ll find thick vegetation.
At the second crossroads, you can turn left toward Buffalo Hill. To get to Suicide Cliff, stay on Maclehose Trail Section 4. You will come to a steep hill road. Turn left and go up the hill. This road passes Gilwell Campsite. It is run by the Scout Association of Hong Kong. It is the only spot in Hong Kong for wild camping.
Continue for 850 meters to Kowloon Viewing Point. Take a breather here. Enjoy the views of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. You can see the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The IFC in Central is visible too. Also see Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Lion’s Rock and Tate’s Cairn Meteorological Station.
Follow the signs to the toilets behind the pagoda. Turn and go down a clearing. It is signposted with a “Dangerous Walks” warning. If you feel spent, turn back. The next part involves climbing up and down steep hillsides on dirt and rock.
From here, the trail gets interesting. You will be treated to 360-degree views over Hong Kong. See Marina Cove and Nam Wai to your left. To your right, see the Kowloon peninsula and Hong Kong’s skyline.
Follow the dirt path over Tai Lam Au and Elephant Hill. It’s only one and a half kilometers from the viewing point to the Kowloon Peak Television and Radio Station.
Just before the station, you can turn left. Follow the steps down to Fei Ngo Shan Road for an easier exit. Or continue to Suicide Cliff, only 300 meters away.
Take a break. Then head up the stairs past Kowloon Peak Television and Radio Station. The concrete steps turn into a dirt trail. Follow it down.
Halfway down Fei Ngo Shan, you will hit Suicide Cliff. Take spectacular photos of the rock face over Kowloon. Be sure to watch your step. Many accidents have taken place here.
There are two ways back down. You can keep heading down the trail until you reach Fei Ha Road. Beware the steep incline and exercise caution. You can also head down via the Kowloon Peak Television and Radio Station. Follow the path to the right after the helipad. This road leads to Fei Ngo Shan Road. It is a safer path down.