The “Skyward Crocodile” of Tsuen Wan on MacLehose Trail Section 9

This location along the MacLehose Trail Section 9 has the somewhat unusual name of “the Crocodile.”  The locals call it the “Skyward Crocodile” and I am not able to find its English name.  Nor is there an explanation for why it is named as such.

Located west of Tai Mo Shan, the Crocodile lies on an altitude of 559 metres.  The walk is easy, however, because entering from Route Twisk you would already be on a high altitude to begin with.  The site presents excellent views of northwestern New Territories.

I went on a Monday morning, and there was no one there.  I basked in the glorious sunshine for a good half hour there.

The Trail

Most of the walking is on MacLehose Trail Section 9 in Tsuen Wan.  At the Tai Lam Country Park Twisk Management Centre entrance, I began the walk on MacLehose Trail Section 9.

There are no stairs on this whole trail.  In fact, most of it is a paved road upward on gentle slopes.  The path is actually very nice with generous shades throughout.

On the way, there is a very nice viewing point with wide open views of western Hong Kong.

Keep on going on MacLehose Trail Section 9, until you come upon this crossroads.  Take the path to the right toward Tin Fu Tsai.

Within ten minutes on this path, you will come across this sign saying “Fire Lookout.”  It lies on your right, please watch out for it.

Head up the trail, and you will soon come upon the Fire Lookout.

To come back, go back the same way.  Choose the path on the right on this crossroads.  It will lead you back on MacLehose Trail Section 9.

The Views

At the Crocodile, you will see unobstructed views on the mountainous terrain on the east.  Westward, you will see the views of the populated settlements of Pat Heung, with Kai Kung Leng as its backdrop.  Even farther, there are views of the skyline of Shenzhen.

Photos: A panorama of the view at the Crocodile

Returning Via the Twisk Nature Trail

I went back the same way but made a detour onto the Twisk Nature Trail.  Watch out for the helipad along MacLehose Trail Section 9.  The entrance to the Twisk Nature Trail is at the back of the helipad.

To be honest, the Twisk Nature Trail has nothing too interesting to offer.  It was a generously shaded path, however, and so the walk was pleasant.

Even though this visit is meant to be a short walk, it did take me almost three hours to finish and get back to my car.

Finally, the Lin Fa Shan nearby is also quite a popular hiking trail.

How to Get There

By private car, I drove to the parking lot at the Rotary Club Park Campsite on Tai Mo Shan Road.  There is metered parking there.

On the same side of Route Twisk as the Tai Lam Country Park Twisk Management Centre, there is a very small carpark at the Twisk Barbeque Site No. 2 as well.

By public transport, I believe the only bus that goes through Route Twisk is Route 51.  Get off at the Tai Lam Country Park Stop and the entrance to the MacLehose Trail Section 9 is right there.  Do watch out for the bus schedule, especially that during the fifth wave of the pandemic in Hong Kong some bus routes have been suspended.  Finally, Route 51 runs very sporadically, perhaps only once in an hour.  Therefore be sure to check out its schedule.