Located on Hong Kong Island, the Cape Collinson Battery served as the Eastern Fire Command from 1938 to 1941. Today, the ruins of the battery serve as a reminder of Hong Kong’s role during the war. But to us hikers, it’s a fascinating relic waiting to be discovered at the eastern end of Hong Kong Island.

Although the hike to reach Cape Collinson Battery may seem straightforward, it can be a challenge due to the lack of signage and its location within a restricted area.

But worry not. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of how to visit both the Cape Collinson Battery and its adjacent Defence Electric Light Engine Room.

About The Cape Collinson Battery Hike

The hike to the Cape Collinson Battery is generally easy, but be prepared for a slightly challenging final section that requires you to leave the paved road behind. This last part of the hike involves navigating off-trail, crossing a fence, and following an unmarked trail down to the coast.

If you’re looking to take in one more sight along the way, consider adding the Cape Collinson Battery Defence Electric Light Engine Room to your hike. This short detour is optional, but offers a unique glimpse into the another relic of the Eastern Fire Command’s operations.

Starting point

To start the Cape Collinson Battery Hike, make your way to the Siu Sai Wan Promenade, next to Island Resort. You can use Google Maps to guide you here via bus, as the MTR terminates at Chai Wan. Some of the buses that stop close by are 8H, 8P, 8X, 19, 82, 82M, 82S, 82X, 85P, 88X, 682, 788, and 789.

Once you arrive at the promenade, follow the signs to the public toilets located next to the playground. From there, head up the steps that lead to the Leaping Dragon Walk. This is your starting point for the Cape Collinson Battery Hike.

Walk Up Leaping Dragon Walk

The Leaping Dragon Walk is a moderately easy trail that follows the contours of Ngan Wan Shan. The hike begins with multiple flights of steps, followed by a paved road.

As you ascend, the trail remains at a relatively gentle incline, making it accessible to most people. However, please note that the trail lacks shade throughout its entire length. If you’re visiting on a very hot and sunny day, consider bringing an umbrella or other form of sun protection.

One notable aspect of this trail is the presence of boars. If you encounter one, please ignore it and continue walking. Spotting a boar is not uncommon along this trail.

After approximately 1 km of uphill walking, you’ll arrive at steps on the left-hand side of the trail. Take these steps up and stay to your left as you climb.

At the top of the stairs, you’ll find a scenic resting area with panoramic views of Tung Lung Chau and Clearwater Bay. This is an excellent opportunity to take a break and enjoy the views.

Walk Down Cape Collinson Road

To continue your journey, step onto Cape Collinson Road behind the viewing area and begin walking downhill. The road offers stunning views of the surrounding sea as you make your way down.

Ahead the road curves to the right, passing by the Cape Collinson Road Sitting-out Area. About 150 metres further along, you’ll notice a former barrier gate marking the entrance to the Cape Collinson Correctional Institution. The last time I saw this building and barrier gate operational was in 2018.

Just after the building, look out for an uphill ramp. This is the starting point for the detour to explore the ruins of the Cape Collinson Battery Defence Electric Light Engine Room. If you’d like to visit it, take the ramp.

Cape Collinson Battery Defence Electric Light Engine Room (Optional Detour)

The ramp leading to the Cape Collinson Battery Defence Electric Light Engine Room is approximately 170 metres (one-way). While this may seem like an easy detour, our experience was less than ideal.

The path had been left in disrepair, with rocks and overgrown branches covering much of the route.

We had to crouch for most of the way, which made the journey more challenging than expected. I can only hope that maintenance work is underway to clear the path soon.

However, once we reached the end of the ramp, we were rewarded with the well-preserved structure of the Cape Collinson Battery Defence Electric Light Engine Room.

Unfortunately, my research has turned up no information on the specific purpose this structure served. It’s possible that it was used to power the searchlights of the two batteries below. If you have any knowledge about its original function, please share it in the comments.

After exploring the structure, head back through the fallen trees and overgrown branches to return to Cape Collinson Road.

Locate the Hidden Trail

After returning to Cape Collinson Road (if you took the detour), continue walking downhill. As you walk, keep an eye out for a slope maintenance stairway on your right-hand side.

Once you see this stairway, look for a railing (which may be painted a different color) opposite it, with a sign that reads “Do Not Climb”. However, in order to reach the Cape Collinson Battery, you will need to hop over the railing and onto the trail on the other side.

Exercise caution when attempting to climb over the railing, as the surface on the other side is uneven. Be careful with your footing and take necessary steps to ensure your safety.

The Scenic Descent To Cape Collinson Battery

After crossing over the railing, carefully make your way down to the trail below.

The initial section of the trail is narrow and winds its way through dense vegetation on either side. Be mindful of the broken trail as you walk, as there is a risk of tripping or falling.

However, once you emerge from the vegetation, the views suddenly open up, revealing a stunning panorama of the sea below.

The final section of the descent offers breathtaking views of Tung Lung Chau and the south-east coastline of Hong Kong Island. Take your time to appreciate the scenery as you make your way down to the trail’s end, next to the South battery.

Cape Collinson Battery — History & The Present

The Cape Collinson Battery consists of two searchlight batteries, North and South. These batteries were constructed in 1938 as a defence point for Hong Kong Island’s east coast.

They were equipped with 2, 2 × 6″ BL guns and operated by the 36th Coast Battery and the 8th Coast Regiment Royal Artillery, which was part of Eastern Fire Command. However, on December 19, 1941, the battery was ordered to be destroyed, and the regiment relocated to Stanley.

Over time, I’ve observed the structures deteriorate to the point where the North battery is no longer visible. It has been closed and sealed by the government for safety purposes.

In contrast, the South battery remains in a visitable condition, although much of its roof has collapsed in recent years. I would be deeply disappointed if the government decided to close this structure to the public as well.

You can see the difference in this short clip below.

Despite the historical significance of the Cape Collinson Battery, most hikers visit not only for the battery but also for the breathtaking views that surround it. Without any obstructions in the distance, this is a serene and perfect spot to enjoy the wind, watch the waves crash against the rocks below.

Also, behind the batteries, is a gully with a rock climbing wall.

And once you’re done exploring the batteries, retrace your steps back to the starting point to end the hike.

Hong Kong Island’s Eastern Fire Command

We hope you enjoyed our guide to Cape Collinson Battery, Hong Kong Island’s Eastern Fire Command during World War II. If you’re curious and want to explore the Island’s Western Fire Command, we highly recommend exploring Mount Davis.

Since you made it this far, here is an old video of the Cape Collinson Battery Hike.

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If you enjoyed your visit to Cape Collinson Battery, we also suggest considering a visit to Cape Collinson itself, located at the north-east corner of Hong Kong Island. This shorter excursion offers similar stunning views and happens to be the site of an ancient rock carving. For those looking for a more adventurous hike, we recommend checking out the Siu Sai Wan Trail leading to Big Wave Bay Beach.

As always, feel free to share your experience below and remember to share this post on the social media channel of your choice.

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