Dragon's Back — Local services in Hong Kong

Follow the Google directions to Shek O but as far as the bus goes, we got off at one stop after Google told us to get off, and we were at a Trailhead for Dragons Back. I'm glad we missed our stop; I think the place where Google tells you to get off is not a trail head and given how narrow the road is, it would be scary to walk along the road to get to the next stop, which is a trailhead.

At the trailhead, there are Eastern style porta potties but that's it. It took us just under two hours to hike four-and-a-half miles into Big Wave Bay Beach. The trail is very well-marked, and very commonly traveled. We saw lots of people on the trail (but not too many -- a reassuring amount of people).

There are no accommodations along the trail except for one Porta-Potty about halfway there. Once you get to Big Wave Bay, there are western-style toilets, drinking fountains, outdoor showers, shops selling drinks and food and beer.

The views are spectacular, and the hike is tough but not too tough. You will be about half exposed, half in shade. We went in the morning hours and the bugs were not bad, but I would guess if you went earlier in the morning or later at night you would want bug spray.

A note on the buses: they're very clean and air-conditioned, they take cash only or octopus cards. If you have cash, they do not give change. For one person on Memorial Day 2018, the fare...

Great walk. I walked from To Tei Wan towards Big Wave. The first 45 minutes was hard going, and I was definitely rethinking my life choices, but the view was amazing. The step ascent at the start does not provide any shade, so make sure you have plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat. There were people walking in the opposite direction but I think my knees would've given up with all those steps. Also I think the steps would be quite slippery when wet. There are frequent benches for you to rest your weary legs along the way up, with very pretty views. Once you get to the top, it's pretty easy with only a mostly flat path, and some shade from the canopy. Towards the end, there are definitely some steps down, but they're nowhere near as steep as going up. I managed to get the #9 bus to head back to the station, just at the end of the trail, though it took me to Shek O first before turning back around to go to Shau Kei Wan station. Overall, it took me 3h with stops, including a lunch stop. There were around 20 minutes of rain, which is not unexpected for HK, so make sure you pack a raincoat/poncho/umbrella. If the ground is wet, it can get slippery in areas, and if it rains there are many areas of puddles or mud -- I wore waterproof trail runners, and I would recommend that everyone wear them...

Fairly easy, many flat sections, perfect for families and pets. Some of the rockier climbs and descents were slippery after the morning rain (I went at 3pm). Wasn't as crowded as I had expected, maybe because the weather was on and off rainy. I was able to run many parts of it and finished it in about 1.5 hrs from north to south, starting near the cemetery in Chai Wan. When I reached near summit, I didn't turn right to continue onto the main trail, and instead explored the rocks and cliffs further up. Then I saw on one blog that it's possible to go down the mountain through a rugged path. Sure enough, I saw ribbons that guided you down. It wasn't all easy but nothing too dangerous. Had to traverse through some slippery sections and thick bushes. At the end, you go down some drain steps and ultimate exit via stairs that are closed off to the general public. Super fun way to end the ordinary but scenic first two-thirds...