The High Junk Peak Hike is a moderately challenging hike that offers stunning views of Sai Kung and Clear Water Bay. At 344 metres (1,129 feet), High Junk Peak isn’t among the tallest peaks in Hong Kong, but it is one of the most unique and recognisable hills in the region.

The summit of High Junk Peak with Clear Water Bay in the background

But to earn the views, hikers must endure a sharp and steep climb to the narrow summit. But once on top, the views are magnificent!

View of the Port Shelter Harbour and High Junk Peak

Although there are a few ways to hike to the top, our guide will follow the most common route, while providing you a few alternative options.

High Junk Peak Hike Map and Difficulty

High Junk Peak Hike Map

Thanks to its conical shape, and steep and treacherous incline, High Junk Peak has the distinct honour of being included in the list of the “three sharp peaks” of Hong Kong. The other “sharp peaks” are Castle Peak in Tuen Mun and (quite literally) Sharp Peak in Sai Kung.

For the most part, the High Junk Peak Hike runs along the High Junk Peak Country Trail, which is moderately easy.

However, to reach the summit, hikers must go off-trail because the High Junk Peak Country Trail runs along the foot of High Junk Peak. The off-trail section that breaks off the High Junk Peak Country Trail first ascends Miu Tsai Tun and then High Junk Peak.

So, in terms of difficulty, the High Junk Peak Hike is moderately easy but the off-trail ascent and descent to its summit are treacherous.

High Junk Peak and Sai Kung

Because of the terrain and the lack of shade on the summit, we do recommend that you wear proper hiking shoes and carry sufficient sun protection.

The sun can be harsh on High Junk Peak

Starting point

To start your hike up High Junk Peak, make your way to the Ng Fai Tin bus stop on Clear Water Bay Road. The following buses stop at this location:

1. KMB number 91 from Diamond Hill MTR Station
2. GMB number 103M from Tsueng Kwan O MTR Station
3. GMB number 16 from Po Lam MTR Station

Once you arrive at the bus stop, cross the road to the pavilion on the opposite side. Next to the pavilion is the entrance to the High Junk Peak Country Trail.

Cross the road at Ng Fai Tin bus stop to the pavilion to reach the starting point for the High Junk Peak Hike

This is the starting point for the High Junk Peak Hike.

Up the initial steps

From the moment you step on the High Junk Peak Country Trail, you’re greeted with a flight of steps. Thankfully, the steps are quite easy.

The hike begins

The steps last for approximately 100 metres before tapering off and turning left.

The initial steps are an easy climb

Shortly thereafter, the path prominently splits into two. To continue on the High Junk Peak Country Trail, follow the sign for Tai Miu and take the path on the left.

Take the trail on the left

Towards Sheung Yeung Shan

As you turn left, the trail continues a gentle incline before approaching a relatively steep flight of rocky steps.

A bit of a climb

Fortunately, the steps don’t last that long (approximately 80 metres), so climb them at a comfortable pace.

The steps end soon

As the steps end, the trail flattens and continues through a shaded section. At this point, the incline is quite gentle and easy.

Keep walking till the trail comes to a large, open space. This area is at the foot of Sheung Yeung Shan, the first hill on the way to High Junk Peak. This is also the first place where the mountain biking trail meets the hiking trail.

Cross the open space and continue on the trail as it returns to the shade. Keep walking as the hiking trail crisscrosses the biking trail and ascends a series of steep steps.

At the end of the last flight of steps, take a break and turn around to admire the view behind!

Make sure you turn around to admire the view of Sai Kung

On a clear day, you should be able to see Sai Kung, Ma On Shan, and the entire Port Shelter area!

After the steps, the trail returns to an even and shaded section before reaching a flat area, sparsely populated with trees. This area is right below Sheung Yeung Shan.

And as we don’t need to climb up to Sheung Yeung Shan, continue walking straight ahead.

The area with the intersection of trails below Sheung Yeung Shan

To the Off-trail Section

The next 750-800 metres of the hike is perhaps the easiest section of the hike.

The easy part of High Junk Peak Country Trail begins

After Sheung Yeung Shan, the High Junk Peak Country Trail remains relatively flat and shaded. On a cool day, this section of the hike is quite relaxing and enjoyable.

Up ahead, the hiking trail occasionally crosses the mountain biking trail. Simply remember to follow the signs for “Country Trail” so that you don’t accidentally step onto the bike trail.

As you approach the end of this section of the trail, keep an eye out for clearings on either side of the track, that offer you views of Tsueng Kwan O and Junk Bay on the right, and Clear Water Bay on the left.

First views of Tsueng Kwan O and Junk Bay

Enjoy the gentle stroll for a short distance before approaching another fork in the trail. This time, the High Junk Peak Country Trail continues to the right and an unmarked trail (with a warning sign) heads to the left.

Now although it is possible to scale High Junk Peak from its southwest face and skip Miu Tsai Tun, we’re going to go left, climb Miu Tsai Tun and scale High Junk Peak from the north face.

Miu Tsai Tun

Turn left and off High Junk Peak Country Trail and walk past the barrier.

Take the unmarked trail to the left to hike to High Junk Peak

Follow the trail as it gently begins its ascent. For an unmaintained trail, I was quite happy to see a few steps along the way.

After the initial climb, the trail feels a bit tight in spaces as it navigates between trees and shrubs. And after that, it reaches a rocky and uneven uphill track.

Climb up slowly and watch out for any loose rocks and gravel.

Be careful as you scale the rocky terrain

At the end of the rocky climb is the summit of Miu Tsai Tun, an uninteresting peak with no views.

Not much going on at the summit of Miu Tsai Tun

So, why did we make the effort to climb this hill when there was nothing to see here? The answer lies just metres ahead as you begin the descent down the valley between Miu Tsai Tun and High Junk Peak.

Down the Valley

Just a few metres after crossing the top of Miu Tsai Tun are the first views of High Junk Peak.

Your first look at High Junk Peak from Miu Tsai Tun

Honestly, I think the whole point of hiking up Miu Tsai Tun is to reach this vantage point that offers the best views of High Junk Peak!

The best views of High Junk Peak are just before you descend Miu Tsai Tun

From here, you can admire the hill’s narrow and unique shape.

As you begin the descent into the valley between Miu Tsai Tun and High Junk Peak, the views continue to wow you! That is until the trail gets covered by trees again.

The valley between Miu Tsai Tun and High Junk Peak is a short flat section that’s mostly shaded. But every once in a while, you can catch a glimpse of High Junk Peak ahead and remind yourself that’s what’s coming next!

As you begin to feel the trail slowly increasing in incline, get ready for the final ascent up High Junk Peak.

The Steep Ascend to High Junk Peak

The final ascent up the north face of High Junk Peak is what earns the hill its spot among the “three sharp peaks” of Hong Kong.

Now ascending High Junk Peak

I have to admit that although the ascent is very steep, it’s also quite short.

As you climb up, be mindful of loose or shifting rocks. There are some sections where you might be required to use your hands to scramble up the hill.

Continue climbing at a comfortable pace and as you get closer to the top, remember to look back at Miu Tsai Tun.

Take a moment to admire Miu Tsai Tun and the view behind

As the vegetation clears up and the peak comes into view, give yourself one final push!

High Junk Peak

I’ve been up High Junk Peak a couple of times and I’m always fascinated by its narrow summit. On a good hiking day, it can get a bit crowded.

But once you stop obsessing over the width of the summit, you’ll be blown away by the incredible views from up here!

The top of High Junk Peak with Lobster Bay in the background

High Junk Peak is best enjoyed on a clear day when you can admire panoramic views of Sai Kung, Razor Hill, Lobster Bay, Lung Ha Wan, Tsueng Kwan O, Junk Bay, and even the Hong Kong skyline.

Step ahead and you’ll be greeted by the most incredible views of Clear Water Bay, with its beaches, junk boats, Po Toi O Chuen and golf course!

Spectacular views of Clear Water Bay from High Junk Peak

The rocky edge is both dangerous and beautiful, so mind your step as you soak in the view.

The south face of High Junk Peak

Take your time admiring the views from up here and get all the pictures you need. After that, prepare to descend.

Reunite with High Junk Peak Country Trail

The trail continues downhill on a steep decline. I have to admit that this section of the trail has gotten better since the first time I hiked up High Junk Peak. There are now makeshift steps and no longer a need to scramble down.

The views of Clear Water Bay and Junk Bay remain in sight, making the descent picturesque for the first half.

Three-quarters of the way, the trail plateaus momentarily before entering into the shade. Stay on the trail till it reunites with the High Junk Peak Country Trail at an intersection of trails.

Where the trail from High Junk Peak reunites with the Country Trail

Options to end the hike

As you exit the unmarked trail from High Junk Peak, there are a couple of options to end the hike.

Option 1: Complete High Junk Peak Country Trail and End at Po Toi O Chuen

To end at Po Toi O Chuen, continue straight on the High Junk Peak Country Trail.

Keep following the signs for the “Country Trail” for another 1.8 km at which point, the trail ends on Tai Au Mun Road next to the area where hobbyists come to fly their model aircraft and drones.

Turn right onto Tai Au Mun Road and follow the signs for Po Toi O.

Another 700-metre walk from the end of the High Junk Peak Country Trail is Po Toi O a small fishing village directly below the Clear Water Bay Golf and Country Club.

Po Toi O with The Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club above

The village has one of our favourite seafood restaurants. So, grab a beer, enjoy some delicious seafood and then take GMB 16 back to Po Lam MTR Station.

Option 2: Exit at Sheung Sze Wan Bus Stop

If you don’t wish to end at Po Toi O Chuen and want a shorter exit route, turn left as soon as you exit the trail from High Junk Peak.

Remember to stay off the biking trail as it runs parallel to this trail.

Keep following the trail towards Sheung Sze Wan

The trail is a gently descends and remains shaded throughout.

Continue walking for approximately 950 metres till the trail exits onto Clear Water Bay Road, right next to the Sheung Sze Wan bus stop. At this bus stop, you have access to the same buses that brought you to Ng Fai Tin.

The trail ends at Clear Water Bay Road, next to the Sheung Sze Wan bus stop

High Junk Peak Trail in Sai Kung

Having completed the High Junk Peak Hike a couple of times, I have to admit that I enjoy this hike. It’s challenging without being too long and extremely scenic!

Celebrating being on top of High Junk Peak

If you’re looking for an easier hike with the same views, then we recommend the Lung Ha Wan Country Trail. Else, you can take it up a notch and scale the other two sharp peaks of Hong Kong, Castle Peak and Sharp Peak.

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