Ready to discover a hidden gem? Tai Tun Shan awaits. Not to be confused with Tai Tung Shan on Lantau Island. Tai Tun Shan is near Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung.
Tai Tun is a rewarding hike. It offers great views of Tsam Chuk Wan. It also shows an endless expanse of islands. Let’s explore this off-the-beaten-track hike together.
This hike in Sai Kung West Country Park is accessible. It starts at Pak Tam Chung. It ends nearby at Cheung Shan. A Hong Kong hiking guide ranks Tai Tun four out of five in difficulty. Expect some scrambling. Wear shoes with good grip. Gloves might help too.
Tai Tun isn’t exactly a mountain. You can still look down across the Tsam Chuk Wan archipelago. Islands and islets dot azure waters. There is barely any shade on this hike. Slather on sunscreen and wear a cap. It is a bit of a hidden hike. Look out for ribbon markers. A bit of adventuring adds to the fun.
The Tai Tun hike is about five kilometers. It is an intermediate difficulty. The total ascent is 317 meters. It takes about three hours.
Several ways exist to get to the starting point. From Sai Kung Town, take bus 94 or minibuses 7 or 9. The journey is only 15 minutes. On weekends and public holidays, bus 96R runs from Diamond Hill MTR station to Wong Shek. Alight at the Pak Tam Chung stop. Parking spaces are available at the entrance of Pak Tam Chung Country Park. The parking lot is not very large. Arrive early to find a space.
Start your journey by finding the hidden entrance. Head into the parking lot next to the Pak Tam Chung Country Park Visitor Centre. Stock up on supplies at the snack kiosk. Spot a blue P signpost to the left. The start of the Tai Tun trail is hidden in the bushes. It is slightly to the right of the signpost. Look out for ribbon markers.
Follow the Tai Tun trail uphill. It’s a mud path. Determined hikers made it over the years. The ascent is almost immediate. Overall, it’s moderate. It gets your blood pumping. It pulls fresh air into your lungs. This section is shaded by trees. It soon opens as you head upwards.
You’ll find yourself on concrete soon. Look out for ribbon markers on your right. You’ll deviate off the concrete path. You will cut into the brush. Wend your way up the hill. Midway, the trees open. Gaze up to see the summit of Tai Tun itself. Expect to clamber where the path is steep. The trail becomes gentle as you approach the top.
From the Tai Tun summit, the view south overlooks little islands. Landmasses sit in the bay of Tsam Chuk Wan. Kau Sai Chau, Tai Tau Chau, Sharp Island, and Yim Tin Tsai stand out. It’s reminiscent of the Andaman Islands archipelago. The contrast between green islands and blue ocean makes for a sight. Boats zoom by. They break up the colors with trails of white behind them.
Looking eastward to the left, see High Island Reservoir. Pointy Sharp Peak is in the distance. Even on foggy days, the distance shrouded in mist is interesting. It has a touch of melancholy.
Continue on the Tai Tun trail through grass and shrubbery. Make your way down into the trees. Forge ahead to the northwest for now. Eventually, you’ll loop back south towards Cheung Shan. You can see it jutting out to sea from the summit. The woods bring you up a gentle knoll. This is still part of Tai Tun. Then comes a sharp descent downhill.
If you’re not an experienced climber, be careful while going down. The path can be precarious and slippery. This is especially true if it has rained recently. Following the trail to Cheung Shan brings you to stairs. Take them to get down to Tai Mong Tsai Road. The hike finishes at barbecue area 14 in Tai Mong Tsai. It’s a short walk to the bus stop. Take bus routes 94 or 96R back to Sai Kung Town.
Tai Tun isn’t just a hike. It’s an experience. A journey through nature’s artistry. Each step reveals a new vista. A new appreciation for Hong Kong’s hidden beauty. So, pack your bags and come to Tai Tun. Adventure awaits.