Do I have to hike the full 100 km MacLehose Trail, or can I do just one section?

You can absolutely do a single section. Most foreign visitors tackle only Section 2 in Sai Kung East, the most scenic coastal stage. A short version walks to Long Ke Wan beach in three to four easy hours, while the full Section 2 to Tai Long Wan runs six to eight harder hours. The whole trail is split into ten signposted stages.

How do I reach the MacLehose Trail Section 2 trailhead from the city?

Get to Sai Kung town first, then catch minibus 29R or bus 7 to the Pak Tam Chung trailhead, the eastern start of the trail. From there the path is clearly signposted toward Long Ke Wan and Tai Long Wan. No permit is needed to walk or to camp at designated grounds, but there is no MTR station nearby, so allow extra transfer time.

What should I bring for the Sai Kung coastal hike?

Carry plenty of water, sun protection, and reef or quick-dry shoes, since Section 2 has multiple stream crossings and remote beaches with no shops. There is no Wi-Fi or reliable signal along much of the route, so download an offline map. Go in clear morning weather between October and April; summer heat and humidity make the exposed ridgelines genuinely punishing.

MacLehose Trail (Section 2), Hong Kong: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

100-km coast-to-mountain hike across the New Territories. NatGeo named it one of the world's 20 dream trails — Section 2 is the highlight stage.

At a glance

What it is: Outdoors
Also known as: 麦理浩径 (Mài Lǐ Hào Jìng)
Opening hours: Always open
Time needed: Half-day to full day
Best time to visit: Oct-Apr, clear mornings
Getting there: Taxi / DiDi from metro
English: English tours available
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: No public Wi-Fi
Address: Pak Tam Chung trailhead, Sai Kung · 西贡麦理浩径 1 段起点（北潭涌）

See MacLehose Trail (Section 2)tickets & tours

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MacLehose Trail runs 100 km in 10 sections from Sai Kung's Pak Tam Chung trailhead (east) to Tuen Mun (west). Section 2 — the Sai Kung East coastal stretch over Sharp Peak and through Tai Long Wan beaches — is widely cited as Hong Kong's finest day hike. NatGeo Adventure ranked the whole trail among the world's top 20. Free; signposted; route info at HKTB Country Parks page. Most foreigners do Sai Kung village → minibus 29R or 7 to Pak Tam Chung → walk to Long Ke Wan beach (3-4h easy) or full Section 2 to Tai Long Wan (6-8h, harder). No camping permit needed at designated grounds. Bring water + reef shoes — multiple stream crossings.

Highlights

Section 2: Sai Kung EastTai Long Wan beaches + Sharp Peak — the iconic stage
100 km in 10 stagesAnnual Oxfam Trailwalker race route
World-class hikeNatGeo top-20 dream trails

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Start at dawn from Pak Tam Chung; the exposed ridges above Tai Long Wan bake by late morning even in cool months.
▸If short on time, walk only to Long Ke Wan beach and turn back; it captures the best views in three to four hours.
▸Pack reef shoes for the stream crossings rather than relying on hiking boots that soak through.
▸There are no shops past the trailhead, so carry more water than you think you need plus all your snacks.
▸Download an offline trail map before you go; mobile signal drops out across most of the Sai Kung East stretch.
▸October to April gives clear air and firm ground; skip the humid summer when typhoon rain washes out the paths.
▸Time the finish for a late lunch back in Sai Kung town, where the seafood promenade rewards tired legs.

Photos

Explore the natural beauty of Sai Wan Campsite with this wooden sign amidst lush greenery.

people walking on pathway near sea during daytime

A tranquil beach scene with turquoise waters and people enjoying the sandy shore.

Peaceful summer day at a serene beach with swimmers enjoying the waves.

a scenic view of a city and a body of water

Casual scene of a woman standing at Sai Kung Pier in Hong Kong, enjoying the summer day.

A serene view of Sai Kung's tranquil waters with lush greenery and clear blue skies.

a view of a mountain with a path going up it

Calm sea with silhouetted mountains in Sai Kung, offering a tranquil scenic view.

Victoria Peak on a hill by a body of water

Tranquil sunset view of Sai Kung Pier in Hong Kong with boats and colorful sky.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

TrailRunnerHK·TripAdvisor·5/5

Section 2 is world-class. Sai Wan beach lookout is unreal. Bring 2L water and reef shoes for stream crossings. Total 6 hours from Pak Tam Chung.

2026-04-12

HikingHongKong·YouTube·5/5

100km in 10 sections. Section 8 (Tai Mo Shan peak) is the steepest. Do as day hikes — no need to camp. Annual Trailwalker race finishes in 24 hours.

2026-03-08

山友阿明·Xiaohongshu·5/5

麦理浩径二段最美！大浪湾沙滩、蚺蛇尖、咸田湾，香港难得的原生态海岸。建议清晨出发避开太阳。

2026-02-22

Watch creators visit MacLehose Trail (Section 2)

Each clip is timestamped to the moment the creator arrives at this stop.

Hong Kong Hiking — MacLehose Trail Stages 1 & 2

Alyssa LiangStarts at 0:00

Frequently asked questions about MacLehose Trail (Section 2)

Do I have to hike the full 100 km MacLehose Trail, or can I do just one section?: You can absolutely do a single section. Most foreign visitors tackle only Section 2 in Sai Kung East, the most scenic coastal stage. A short version walks to Long Ke Wan beach in three to four easy hours, while the full Section 2 to Tai Long Wan runs six to eight harder hours. The whole trail is split into ten signposted stages.
How do I reach the MacLehose Trail Section 2 trailhead from the city?: Get to Sai Kung town first, then catch minibus 29R or bus 7 to the Pak Tam Chung trailhead, the eastern start of the trail. From there the path is clearly signposted toward Long Ke Wan and Tai Long Wan. No permit is needed to walk or to camp at designated grounds, but there is no MTR station nearby, so allow extra transfer time.
What should I bring for the Sai Kung coastal hike?: Carry plenty of water, sun protection, and reef or quick-dry shoes, since Section 2 has multiple stream crossings and remote beaches with no shops. There is no Wi-Fi or reliable signal along much of the route, so download an offline map. Go in clear morning weather between October and April; summer heat and humidity make the exposed ridgelines genuinely punishing.