From Tsiu Hang to Ma Lam Wat
The trail of today is a two-looped walk from the Lions Nature Education Centre in Tsiu Hang, then Ma Lam Wat Village, and return via Tai Ngam Hau, then back to Tsiu Hang.
I have previously written on the Lions Nature Education Centre. Because I am familiar with this area already, I decided to head out to the Ma Lam Wat Village from the Tsiu Hang Nature Trail.
From Tsiu hang to Ma Lam Wat and Back
From Lions Nature Education Centre I headed toward the Deaf Cafeteria. Lying further is the entrance to the Tsiu Hang Nature Trail. Head up the flight of stairs and within ten minutes you will come across the sign pointing you to the direction of Ma Lam Wat.
I kept walking and then within half an hour reached this crossroads. I went straight toward the Ma Lam Wat Direction.
At this crossroads, I went on the path on the right. Soon I passed by the pavilion.
After a significant flight of stairs down, I came across this T intersection. There is a sign pointing to Ma Lam Wat. Note that, when I returned, I would go back on the path on the right in this picture, instead of climbing up back on the same way.
Again, at this sign, follow the sign to Ma Lam Wat to go straight. The path slightly upward on the right will lead you to the Trio Beach.
At this crossroads, I followed the sign for Ma Lam Wat, although the path on the left will also lead you to Pak Ma Tsui via Tai Ngam Hau. In fact, this was the route with which I returned.
I reached Ma Lam Wat after about one hour and twenty minutes later.
At the end of the village, I realised that I would have to trek the coast in order to reach Pak Ma Tsui, which is the very southern tip of Ma Lam Wat peninsula. A previous experience trekking the coast of Starling Inlet from So Lo Pun was a warning to me. I then somehow found a way to head out on an inland route to go back via Tai Ngam Hau. This trail lies somewhat upwards in the higher grounds close to the ruins section of the village.
I must forewarn readers here however. This route goes through a wild stretch of the mountain without clear paths. The whole way was unpaved, and I had to rely on the hiking ribbons. At some point, I also heard the groan of a wild animal, and it could have been a boar. I grabbed a thick branch and quietly moved through without incident, but this section of the trail is dangerous.
If you want to avoid this wild trail in Tai Ngam Hau, do simply turn back the same way from the Ma Lam Wat Village for your return. You would have to miss the views at Pak Ma Tsui this way, but because the mountainous path at Tai Ngam Hau was too rigorous for me, I ended up giving it a pass myself.
I did make my way through Tai Ngam Hau, and finally came upon somewhat more standard trails to head back.
About Ma Lam Wat
Ma Lam Wat is a village. It is still inhabited with many waterfront properties. From what I could observe, the residents really enjoy boating and they rely on ferries as their main means of transportation. If you would like to take a ferry back, do inquire with the villagers there.
Photos: A panorama view at Ma Lam Wat Village
Lying on the eastern coast of the new territories, at the southwestern shore of the Ma Lam Wat peninsula, the village is likely consisted of the Wan clan, as there is a well-kept ancestral hall for the Wan’s there. Otherwise I was not able to locate too much information about the village. Suffice to say, it is a very picturesque spot tucked away in the coasts of Sai Kung.
The Beauty of the Yacht Shelter
On my way back, I did not go via the mountainous trails, but instead headed on Che King Tuk Road. On the way is the yacht shelter for the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and the Hong Kong Marina. There were royal, luxurious yachts docked there, and there were also humble rowing boats. The waterfront properties were certainly points of envy for me. This view of the yacht shelter is really quite exceptional, bespeaking a lifestyle not known to most commoners in Hong Kong.
Photos: A panorama view of the yacht shelter on Che King Tuk Road.
Reminders
This trail is generously shaded throughout, and even though I did it in a hot late summer afternoon, I did not have trouble with the heat. I did sweat profusely, but there was no danger of a heat stroke. However, I neglected in bringing a snack. The trail took longer than expected, and I suffered from low energy toward the end. Therefore, make sure you bring a whole lot of water and some snacks.
Although the hiking app stated that it took 2.5 hours for a round trip, I took 4.5 hours because of the hot weather, which induced the need to take frequent breaks. I have walked 8km for this hike.
How to Get There
Bus Routes 792M and 92 stop at the Pak Kong Bus Stop. Once off the bus, look for signs to the Lions Nature Education Centre. The minibus Routes 1, 1A, 12 and 101M also stop there.
There is also a free parking lot with limited parking spots for small private cars at the Lions Nature Education Centre, so be sure to get there early, especially if you are going with a family with children.