Mui Wo to Pui O Hike

The hike from Mui Wo to Pui O is a great way to add a workout to your beach day. At over 8 kms, the hike connects Mui Wo to Pui O on Section 12 of the Lantau Trail. With varying levels of difficulty, the hike can get challenging in parts but overall is relatively easy.

The Hike in Numbers

The official length of this hike is 9 kms. At least that’s what the signs tell you. But it’s only 9 kms if you finish at South Lantau Road at Pui O Village. From Mui Wo Ferry Pier to Pui O Beach is only 8 kms.

Click here to open the map of the hike in Google Maps.

Although the hike is relatively easy for most parts, the climb to Tai Ngau Wu Peak is the only really challenging section of the hike.

Starting Point

To get to the starting point for this hike, make your way to Mui Wo Ferry Pier. The easiest way to get here is by ferry from Central (Pier No. 6) to Mui Wo. The ferry timetable can be found on the operator’s website.

Alternatively, if you’re closer to Tung Chung, you can catch buses 3 or 3M to Mui Wo Ferry Pier.

Once you arrive at the ferry pier, walk towards McDonald’s, along the pier, till you see China Bear restaurant. This is your starting point for the hike.

The Initial Coastal Walk

This initial part of the hike (the first 2 kms) can best be described as an easy coastal walk.

From China Bear, walk along the main road as it bends around the small bay with the kayaks. Just around the bend is the entrance to Section 12 of Lantau Trail – the start of this hike. After the first couple of steps the trail runs along the coastline of Lantau Island. On a clear day, you can see the Hong Kong skyline and the ferries that come from the city alongside the trail.

The paved cement way soon gives way to a natural trail. I would say that this initial part of the trail is equally shaded and open. It’s also perhaps the most scenic and easiest section of the hike.

At the end of this coastal walk, you’ll arrive at an intersection of trails. The signs for Pui O point right. From here on out, the trail no longer runs along the coastline and moves inland.

The Undulating Section

The next 1.2 kms of the hike is slightly tougher. There’s a bit more incline and climbing involved than what you’ve just encountered.

After the first few steps there’s a pavilion, from where on a clear day, you get nice views of the Hong Kong skyline. We took a quick breather here before continuing ahead.

From here on, the next 20 off minutes are fairly undulating till you arrive at the next junction – a cemented path.

The Short Cemented Path

It’s only once you step onto this smooth, cemented path after a long undulating natural trail do you truly appreciate its eveness. This short section of the hike actually connects a cemetery to the main South Lantau Road.

Turn right and walk along the cemented path for a couple of minutes till you see the natural trail on your left. It’s a sharp left turn, so keep an eye out. Many hikers miss this turn and continue walking along the cemented path.

Till the Barbecue Sitting Area

The next 5-10 minutes of the hike are quite easy. The trail remains more or less flat, and uneventful. Just remember to follow the signs to Pui O. Some of them are actually quite hard to miss.

Soon you’ll arrive at a barbecue sitting area for the Pak Fu Tin campsite. Fuel up because the next section of the hike gets quite steep.

To Tai Ngau Wu Peak

At 275 metres, Tai Ngau Wu Peak is the highest point on the Mui Wo to Pui O hike.

From Pak Fu Tin campsite area to Tai Ngau Wu Peak is a constant incline. Although its mostly a gentle slope, there are two long sections of steep steps.

This is the toughest part of the hike. Take it easy and go slow; ration your energy. Although this part of the hike is just over 1 km, it certainly feels like an eternity!

You’ll know you’ve arrived at Tai Ngau Wu Peak when you see a radio station next to a helipad.

To continue along Lantau Trail Section 12 towards Pui O, take the trail on the left. The best news is that it’s all downhill from here!

Tai Ngau Wu Peak to Chi Ma Wan Road

As you begin your descent from Tai Ngau Wu Peak, you can catch beautiful glimpses of Pui O Beach on the right and Lamma Island on the left.

The initial part of the descent is quite easy – beautiful views and lot’s of shade. The shade was a life-saver by this time as the sun was really beating down on us.

However, the second half of this decline does get a bit jarring on the knees as the gentle decline becomes a bit rough. You’ll know you’re close to the end when you see the beautiful, lonely village of Shap Long to your left.

And before you know it, the natural trail ends on Chi Ma Wan Road, right in front of the entrance to Chi Ma Wan Country Trail.

Chi Ma Wan Road to Pui O Beach

From here, turn right and stay on the main road. The road twists and turns, oftentimes revealing the beautiful waters of Pui O, as it makes its way towards the end.

10 minutes later, you’ll arrive at the northern end of Pui O Beach, in front of the Tin Hau Temple.

From the start of the hike, to the Tin Hau Temple on Pui O Beach is about 7.7 kms. If you continue along Chi Ma Wan Road to South Lantau Road, that’s another 1.5 kms, or another 1 km to the main Pui O town. But you don’t want to do that.

On the side of the Tin Hau Temple is a gap between two rocks from where you can step onto the sand. If the tide is low, you can walk right across to Pui O Beach. However, if the tide is high, don’t worry, the water isn’t that deep. Take off your shoes, socks, and roll up your pants/shorts (or not), and walk through the water.

Trust me, this will save you an additional 10-15 mins worth of walking! You don’t want to walk around to the beach along the main road.

Pui O Beach

The beach is a popular destination for hikers, campers and beach-goers alike. The Pui O Beach Camping Site is located right on the beach and offers campers beautiful sunset views. The nearby barbecue area is also quite popular during the weekends.

Fun fact about Pui O Beach – because of the surrounding rocks in the area, the sand on the beach is black and yellow. It may not look that impressive on the ground, but it does make for a spectacular aerial photo.

There are a couple of eating joints at the main entrance of Pui O Beach, the most popular among them is Treasure Island. The food here is alright, but the views more than make up for it. Chill out here or relax on the beach after completing your hike. You’ve earned it!

Also keep in mind that this part of Lantau Island has plenty of amazing restaurants. You can walk along the South Lantau Island at Pui O Village and step into any restaurant that catches your fancy. Or you could take a bus or taxi to Cheung Sha Beach, Tong Fuk, or back to Silvermine Beach near Mui Wo.

Mui Wo To Pui O

We hope you enjoyed our guide to the Mui Wo to Pui O hike. Of course you can also do this hike in reverse and finish at the Mui Wo Ferry Pier. In fact, the hike is easier in reverse.

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