Olympic trail Hong Kong

The Olympic Trail: A Hidden Hike From Tung Chung to Mui Wo

By 
Kamal Mirwani
Published 
March 12, 2024
Updated 
September 16, 2024
Type: Coastal Hikes
Type: Mountain Views
Type: Historical/Cultural
Difficulty: Easy
District: Lantau

Contents

Essential Olympic Trail Hike Details

  • District: Lantau Island
  • Duration: 2.5 hours
  • Distance: 10.5km
  • Highest Elevation: 200 meters
  • Difficulty: 1.5/5
  • Facilities: Public toilets interspersed throughout. Bring water and food if needed

Olympic Trail Highlights

Start by the coast
Start by the coast
Marvel at old monuments used to defend the area from bandits, pirates and Japanese soldiers from WW2
Marvel at old monuments used to defend the area from bandits, pirates and Japanese soldiers from WW2
Walk past some gorgeous, classic villages
Walk past some gorgeous, classic villages
Ascend gently to enjoy wonderful views
Ascend gently to enjoy wonderful views
The sealed entrance to Silvermine Cave
The sealed entrance to Silvermine Cave
Don't miss Silvermine Waterfall along the way!
Don't miss Silvermine Waterfall along the way!

The Olympic Trail takes place completely on a concrete trail, which makes it a very easy option for beginner hikers or those who want a chill day out in nature.

Getting to the start of the trail takes about 25 minutes of walking from Tung Chung MTR Station, making it one of the easiest hikes to access on Lantau Island. If you're strapped for time, this is definitely a great option (especially if you live on Lantau).

As for the hike itself, much of it is flat with a few small inclines and one slightly larger incline toward the end. There are no tricky sections, very few places to lose your way and even plenty of toilets along the way.

The main points of interest on the hike are the historic villages you pass by, Silvermine Cave (which is sadly sealed off) and Silvermine Waterfall.

At the end of the hike, you will arrive in Mui Wo, which connects to a few more trails if this hike was too easy for you, or can be a great place to kick back and chill at one of the many bars and cafes by the beach.

water buffalos on a bank of dirt near Pui O in Hong Kong
Continue hiking to Pui O if you're after a more natural trail
Mui Wo to Pui O Hike: The Realm of the Water Buffalo

Google Route Map and GPX File

Olympic Trail GPX File

How to Get to The Olympic Trail Hike Start Point

Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station. The hike begins right outside the station.

Quick Olympic Trail Hike Summary

Olympic Trail Route Map
  1. Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station and leave through Exit D (Fu Tung Street)
  2. Go across the crossing outside Exit D and follow Fu Tung Street past the roundabout
  3. Keep walking beside the green biking path (Cheung Tung Road)
  4. DO NOT take the stairs on the right with the 'Hong Kong Olympic Trail' sign next to it
  5. Keep going straight, walking beside the highway
  6. About 10-15 mins later, you'll see a blue sign pointing to 'Pak Mong' follow that sign and you'll arrive at the real start of the Olympic Trail
  7. Follow the concrete trail past Pak Mong Village
  8. Head past Ngau Kwu Long Village and begin a short uphill ascent
  9. At the brown pavilion at the top of the ascent, follow the brown sign straight ahead pointing to Mui Wo
  10. Follow the trail downward, heading past a few small, partially abandoned villages along the way
  11. You'll head past Silvermine Cave after the villages. Don't miss Silvermind Waterfall a short distance away. It's to the left of a grassy area near a grey and red temple
  12. Head back to the trail and follow Mui Wo Rural Committee Road all the way to the waterfront
  13. Take a right on Tung Wan Tau Road (the waterfront) and you'll reach Mui Wo Ferry Pier and bus terminus in a few mins

From Tung Chung MTR Exit A to the Official Start of the Olympic Trail

Take Exit D at Tung Chung MTR Station
Take Exit D at Tung Chung MTR Station
There's a 711 in the station and a vending machine at Exit D
There's a 711 in the station and a vending machine at Exit D if you need to get supplies
Cross the street beside the 'Tat Tung Road' sign
Cross the street beside the 'Tat Tung Road' sign just ahead of Exit D
Walk straight down Fu Tung Street
Walk straight down Fu Tung Street after the crossing
Go left (towards the trees) at the roundabout
Go left (towards the trees) at the roundabout to begin following Cheung Tung Road
Walk alongside the biking path
Walk alongside the biking path and you'll be following Cheung Tung Road
Keep following the biking path and walk through the tunnel a short distance ahead
Keep following the biking path and walk through the tunnel a short distance ahead
DO NOT take the stairs beside the first 'Olympic Trail' sign you come across. The hike trail is still some distance away
DO NOT take the stairs beside the first 'Olympic Trail' sign you come across. The hike trail is still some distance away
You will see the highway beside you soon. Keep going straight on the same path
You will see the highway beside you soon. Keep going straight on the same path
When you see the 'Pak Mong' sign, follow the road down to the right
When you see the 'Pak Mong' sign, follow the road down to the right
The 'Hong Kong Olympic Trail' sign is right next to the 'Pak Mong' one
The 'Hong Kong Olympic Trail' sign is right next to the 'Pak Mong' one
This marks the start of the trail
This marks the start of the trail
The trail begins by the water where a set of bridges intrude upon what was once natural coastline
The trail begins by the water where a set of bridges intrude upon what was once natural coastline

From the MTR station, it takes about 30 - 40 minutes to walk to the actual start point of the hike. Fortunately, it's a pretty easy journey. Just follow Fu Tung Road to the roundabout and then head left toward the trees.

Continue onward when you see the bike path (which marks Cheung Tung Road) and you'll soon be walking beside a highway after passing through a tunnel.

From Cheung Tung Road, you just need to keep walking straight until you see the blue 'Pak Mong' and 'Olympic Trail' signs.

Hiking Past the Historic Pak Mong, Ngau Kwu Long and Tai Ho Villages

Begin the trail in the shade of some nice trees
Begin the trail in the shade of some nice trees
A few minutes later, you'll come across the first historic site of the hike - a huge incinerator
A few minutes later, you'll come across the first historic site of the hike - a huge incinerator
The incinerator was used to burn refuse since there was no other way to dispose of it in the 1950s and 60s
The incinerator was used to burn refuse since there was no other way to dispose of it in the 1950s and 60s
Another min or two later, you'll arrive at the start of Pak Mong Village
Another min or two later, you'll arrive at the start of Pak Mong Village
Keep a lookout for the famous Pak Mong Village Watchtower!
Keep a lookout for the famous Pak Mong Village Guardtower!
The Pak Mong Guardtower was used to defend against bandits and the Japanese in WW2
The Pak Mong Guardtower was used to defend against bandits and the Japanese in WW2
I liked this epic village gateway arch
I liked this epic village gateway arch
Follow the sign pointing to Ngau Kwu Long just beside the public toilet
Follow the sign pointing to Ngau Kwu Long just beside the public toilet
The trail meanders and slopes gently upwards for a while
The trail meanders and slopes gently upwards for a while
You'll see some crumbling concrete or stone structures as you ascend, but I'm not sure what they are
You'll see some crumbling concrete or stone structures as you ascend, but I'm not sure what they are
5 minutes later, you'll start to descend back down
5 minutes later, you'll start to descend back down
You'll soon see Ngau Kwu Long Village in the distance
You'll soon see Ngau Kwu Long Village in the distance
Ngau Kwu Long was settled by members of the Lin family in the 1700s
Ngau Kwu Long was settled by members of the Lin family in the 1700s
Take the path to the right after the public toilet to begin hiking toward Tai Ho Village
Take the path to the right after the public toilet to begin hiking toward Tai Ho Village
Continue past these old huts
Continue past these old huts
After 5 minutes, you'll see the entrance to Tai Ho, but it's off limits. Take the path on the left toward Mui Wo
After 5 minutes, you'll see the entrance to Tai Ho, but it's off limits. Take the path on the left toward Mui Wo

Together, the villages of Pak Mong, Ngau Kwu Long and Tai Ho make up what is known locally as San Heung (三鄉), which is a community formed by the three villages together.

Given that Pak Mong was armed for battle with its guard tower, I wonder if these other villages were also involved in fending off bandits and Japanese soldiers during World War 2.

In total, it takes just under 30 minutes (minus exploration time) to walk past all three villages.

The Only Uphill Part of the Hike

Begin the only real uphill section of the hike
Begin the only real uphill section of the hike
Enjoy some wonderful mountain views as you climb
Enjoy some wonderful mountain views as you climb
In case you were curious, this trail is part of the Lantau North (Extension) Country Park
In case you were curious, this trail is part of the Lantau North (Extension) Country Park
The climbing gets a bit steep after a while
The climbing gets a bit steep after a while
When you see the stairs, you're almost there!
When you see the stairs, you're almost there!
2 minutes later, you'll arrive at this shelter where you can take a well deserved break
2 minutes later, you'll arrive at this shelter where you can take a well deserved break

The uphill portion of this hike lasts for about 20 minutes at a decent pace with no breaks. There are a few flat bits between the parts where you need to climb, so it shouldn't be too tough on the legs.

At the top, you'll see a wooden shelter where you can take a break before continuing onward.

Climbing Downward to the Best Views of the Hike

Follow the wooden sign to Mui Wo in front of the shelter
Follow the wooden sign to Mui Wo in front of the shelter
Head across the green bridge thingy
Head across the green bridge thingy
The trail opens up soon and reveals gorgeous mountain scenery
The trail opens up soon and reveals gorgeous mountain scenery
Go past this interesting little field
Go past this interesting little field
The best views are just beyond this little shelter
The best views are just beyond this little shelter
A minute later, you will get your first glimpse of Mui Wo and the ocean
A minute later, you will get your first glimpse of Mui Wo and the ocean
Keep heading downward
Keep heading downward
Finally, you'll be rewarded with gorgeous mountain vistas
Finally, you'll be rewarded with gorgeous mountain vistas
The view of Mui Wo and the South China Sea are pretty sweet!
The view of Mui Wo and the South China Sea are pretty sweet!
Just keep following the trail downward as you bask in the glory of your surroundings
Just keep following the trail downward as you bask in the glory of your surroundings
Eventually, the trail will take you back into the trees
Eventually, the trail will take you back into the trees
Enjoy the greenery and shade for a while
Enjoy the greenery and shade for a while
Walk through the little village (I'm not sure what it's called)
Walk through the little village (I'm not sure what it's called)
I really liked the colors on this set of village houses
I really liked the colors on this set of village houses

This section of the hike is all downhill. You'll be treated to some awesome mountain views and your first glimpse of Mui Wo in the distance.

After reveling in the epic views, you'll meander through a shaded forest section of the trail and go past a small village, too. I'm not sure what this village is called, so I was unable to find out much about its history.

Silvermine Cave and Waterfall

A minute after the village, you will see Silvermine Cave to your right
A minute after the village, you will see Silvermine Cave to your right
This cave was once used to mine silver from as early as 1910!
This cave was once used to mine silver from as early as 1910!
The rocks and graffiti look really cool, though
Silvermine cave is bricked shut these days. The rocks and graffiti look really cool, though
If you want to visit the waterfall, follow this path to the grey and red structure
If you want to visit the waterfall, follow this path to the grey and red structure
You'll have to clamber over a few rocks
You'll have to clamber over a few rocks
You'll then be rewarded with a cool breeze and an awesome waterfall view!
You'll then be rewarded with a cool breeze and an awesome waterfall view!
Return back the way you came and take the opposite fork in the path, following the green fence
Return back the way you came and take the opposite fork in the path, following the green fence
Just a few minutes later, you'll arrive at this distinctive sign, which you should follow towards Mui Wo
Just a few minutes later, you'll arrive at this distinctive sign, which you should follow towards Mui Wo

This stretch of the hike is all downhill and rewards your hard effort with the historic Silvermine Cave and the amazing Silvermine Waterfall.

Both points of interest are just minutes away from one another. While Silvermine Cave is really easy to spot, make sure to take the left fork just after the cave so that you don't miss the waterfall!

Getting to Mui Wo Ferry Pier

Enter the mystical gate at the end of the green fence
Enter the mystical gate at the end of the green fence
The Man Mo Temple will be located directly on your right
The Man Mo Temple will be located directly on your right
Walk through the quaint village of Tseng Tau San Tsuen
Walk through the quaint village of Tseng Tau San Tsuen
Don't miss the next sign pointing you to the ferry pier
Don't miss the next sign pointing you to the ferry pier
I love the colors and architecture of the village!
I love the colors and architecture of the village!
Each house has its own vibrant charm to it
Each house has its own vibrant charm to it
I was also fortunate enough to make friends with this lovely tortoise in the village!
I made friends with Lord Pemmington III, guardian of the village and destroyer of evil!
Some parts of the village really let you imagine what Lantau was like before it was developed
Some parts of the village really let you imagine what Lantau was like before it was developed
Follow this brick road, which is part of the Islands Nature Heritage Trail - Mui Wo Section
Follow this brick road, which is part of the Islands Nature Heritage Trail - Mui Wo Section
The cows are also permanent residents of the villages in Lantau!
The cows are also permanent residents of the villages in Lantau!
Continue to follow the paved road
Continue to follow the paved road
Heed this road sign and follow it to Mui Wo
Heed this road sign and follow it to Mui Wo Ferry Pier
Take the path just behind this swanky little house
Take the path just behind this swanky little house
And you'll want to take a right once you arrive at the waterfront
And you'll want to take a right once you arrive at the waterfront
It was a stunning day and the Silvermine Bay Beach was pretty much empty!
It was a stunning day and the Silvermine Bay Beach was pretty much empty!
After turning right, just follow the waterfront for a while
After turning right, just follow the waterfront for a while
You'll then arrive at the Mui Wo Ferry Pier and bus stop!
You'll then arrive at the Mui Wo Ferry Pier and bus stop!

Walking through Tseng Tau San Tsuen Village is a real treat! There are temples, colorful houses, herds of docile cows and even stretches of farmland all vying for your attention! I even got to meet a lovely tortoise that I believe is the spirit guardian of the village!

In order to get to Mui Wo Ferry Pier, you'll want to keep following the Islands Nature Heritage Trail - Mui Wo Section (which you can find on Google Maps) until it turns into Mui Wo Rural Committee Road.

Keep following Mui Wo Rural Committee Road until you reach the promenade by the beach. Take a right from there and just keep following the coast until you arrive at Mui Wo Ferry Pier.

If you have more energy, take a left at the beach and you can continue hiking towards Discovery Bay!

DB to Mui Wo Hike
Follow this guide in reverse
Discovery Bay to Mui Wo: A Mild, Scenic Hike That’s Great for Beginners

Getting Back

By Ferry

Take the ferry from Mui Wo back to Central. Here's the ferry schedule (you might have to scroll down a bit to find the Mui Wo to Central timetable).

By Bus

Take the 3M bus from beside the ferry pier to Tung Chung MTR station.