Devil's Fist Complete Hiking Guide! Transportations and Warnings
Important Warning Before Proceeding Reading Our Devil’s Fist Hiking Guide:
This blog post describes one of the most challenging hiking trails in Hong Kong, the Devil's Fist route. The trail spans an arduous 30-32 kilometers, requiring 11-12 hours to complete. Beginners should not attempt this route due to its extreme difficulty, which includes long distances, steep inclines, and limited shade. Accidents frequently occur here, often due to dehydration and exhaustion, especially during the summer when the sun exposure is intense.
Even if you plan to hike only part of the route and return by speedboat from Bluff Head, be aware that this section still requires at least 6 hours. Additionally, speedboat services may not be available every day due to weather conditions, and they typically do not operate at night (after 7 PM) unless pre-booked. Therefore, it is crucial to book your speedboat in advance to ensure availability.
Please exercise extreme caution and consider your physical condition before embarking on this adventure. Always prioritize safety and preparedness.
.
If you're looking for a more relaxing way to visit Devil's Fist, consider joining one of our tours with Splitdyboat, which offers guided island hopping and shore excursion experiences, including round-trip speedboat transfers and expert guides, it takes only 10 minutes boat ride to reach devil’s fist.
→ Geopark Red Coast (Devil's Fist & Port Island) Island Hopping Tour
→ Geopark Red Coast (Devil's Fist & Red Rock Gate) Shore Excursion Tour
Devil's Fist Hiking Guide: Conquer Hong Kong's Toughest Trail
Located at the rugged Wong Chuk Kok Tsui, formerly known as Bluff Head, in Plover Cove Country Park, Devil's Fist is one of Hong Kong's most iconic yet challenging hiking destinations. This 400-million-year-old rock formation is a testament to the region's geological history, attracting adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Essential Information for Devil's Fist Hiking
● Distance: Approximately 30-32 km for the full Plover Cove Reservoir trail, including the detour to Devil's Fist.
● Duration: Expect at least 11-12 hours for the entire hike, depending on your pace.
● Difficulty: Rated 5/5 or even higher due to its demanding terrain.
● Highest Elevation: About 298 meters.
● Trail Conditions: The path is marked with ribbons but includes steep climbs, slippery sections, and overgrown areas.
Devil's Fist Hiking Route Overview
Start Point: Begin at Wu Kau Tang Village
End Point: Return at Tai Mei Tuk
{% raw %} {% endraw %}
Important Note:
We strongly advise you to follow the route above, never against reversing the route. The best approach is to start at Wu Kau Tang Village and end at Tai Mei Tuk. This order ensures that you avoid logistical challenges, as transportation options are limited at Wu Kau Tang Village, with only infrequent minibuses available. If you finish your hike late in the evening, you risk missing the last minibus, and taxis are scarce in this rural area.
Trail Highlights:
● Pass through abandoned villages like Sheung and Ha Miu Tin.
● Climb Tai Tung for panoramic views.
● Enjoy coastal scenery around Luk Wu Tung.
● Navigate challenging terrain to reach Devil's Fist.
Return Journey: Follow the same route back to Tai Mei Tuk or Wu Kau Tang.
Mountain and Peak Highlights Along the Trail
→ Download Our Devil's Fist Hiking GPX File to Your Hiking Apps
(1) Wu Kau Tang > Ma Tau Fung
The journey begins at Wu Kau Tang Village and heads towards Ma Tau Fung, which offers stunning views of Tiu Tang Lung.
(2) Kai Tsai Tung
This is the highest point on the Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail, standing at 311 meters. It provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
(3) Tai Tung
Known for its steep climb, Tai Tung offers a significant vantage point with views of Starling Inlet and Double Haven.
(4) Mount Newland (Kwun Yam Tung)
This section of the trail provides additional scenic views of Plover Cove Reservoir.
(5) Luk Wu Tung
Located at the midpoint of the trail, Luk Wu Tung offers spectacular views of Plover Cove Reservoir and is a key landmark for hikers.
(6) Cheung Pai Tun
This is one of the last high points on the trail before descending towards Tai Mei Tuk.
(7) Fung Wong Tau
Before reaching Devil's Fist, hikers pass through Fung Wong Tau, a forested area with challenging terrain.
(8) Bluff Head (Devil's Fist)
The iconic Devil's Fist rock formation is located at Bluff Head, a highlight of the trail.
(9) Final Descent to Tai Mei Tuk
After visiting Devil's Fist, hikers continue along the trail, eventually circling Plover Cove Reservoir to reach Tai Mei Tuk.
Precautions and Tips for Devil’s Fist Hiking
● Navigation Tools
Offline Maps: Download an offline hiking trail map on your smartphone to ensure navigation even without internet connectivity.
GPS Device or Phone: Bring a phone with GPS capabilities or a dedicated GPS device to stay on track.
Battery Life: Ensure your phone has enough battery life for the duration of the hike. Consider bringing a portable charger, as taking photos and videos can quickly drain your battery.
● Hydration and Nutrition
Water and Snacks: Carry at least 2-3 liters of water and sufficient snacks to maintain energy levels throughout the hike.
Safety and Emergency Preparedness:
First Aid Kit: Pack a basic first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Emergency Contact: Inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time.
Mobile Coverage: Be aware that mobile network coverage is poor along the trail, so plan accordingly.
● Clothing and Gear
Comfortable Footwear: Wear sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes or boots.
Protective Clothing: Bring sun protection (sunscreen, hat), insect repellent, and layers for changing weather conditions.
● Weather Conditions
Avoid Extreme Weather: Check the weather forecast before embarking on your hike and avoid hiking during extreme conditions like heavy rain or intense heat.
● Group Hiking
Hike with a Group: Whenever possible, hike with a group to ensure mutual support and assistance if needed.
Transportation to and from Devil's Fist Hiking Trail
The Devil's Fist hiking trail starts at Wu Kau Tang Village and ends at Tai Mei Tuk. Here's a detailed guide on how to reach both points using public transportation:
Getting to Wu Kau Tang Village (Starting Point)
From Central Hong Kong:
① Take the MTR East Rail line from Hung Hom Station to Tai Po Market Station. The journey takes approximately 26 minutes.
② At Tai Po Market Station, proceed to the public minibus terminus.
③ Board minibus 20R for Wu Kau Tang. The minibus runs every 60 minutes and takes about 41 minutes to reach Wu Kau Tang.
④ Alight at the last stop, Wu Kau Tang Tsuen, where the hike begins.
MiniBus 20R to Devil's Hiking Trail Starting Point
Alternative Route:
You can also take bus 275R from Tai Po Market Station to Wu Kau Tang, but this service is limited to Sundays and public holidays.
Returning from Tai Mei Tuk (End Point)
To Tai Po Market Station:
① From Tai Mei Tuk, take the green minibus 20C or KMB bus 75K to Tai Po Market Station. Both services operate throughout the week.
② On Sundays, you can also use KMB bus 275R, which passes through Tai Mei Tuk.
Alternative Options:
Taxi: Taxis are available from Tai Po Market MTR station to Tai Mei Tuk if you prefer a direct ride.
Tips for Transportation to Devil's Fist
Minibus Frequency: Ensure you check the minibus schedules in advance, especially for Wu Kau Tang, as services are less frequent.
Public Holidays and Weekends: Some bus services, like the 275R, operate only on Sundays and public holidays, so plan accordingly.
MTR Interchange Discounts: If you use the MTR and then transfer to a minibus or bus, you might be eligible for a fare discount by using the same Octopus card within 90 minutes.
By following these transportation options, you can efficiently reach the starting point at Wu Kau Tang Village and return from Tai Mei Tuk after completing the Devil's Fist hike.
Alternative Access: Speedboat to Devil's Fist
For those who prefer a less strenuous experience, visiting Devil's Fist by speedboat is an excellent alternative. This option allows you to enjoy the scenic views without the grueling hike.
Island Hopping Tour: Visiting Devil's Fist and Port Island in Global Geopark!
The Geopark Flaming Red Coast Island Hopping Tour by Splitdyboat is an exhilarating journey through Hong Kong's UNESCO Global Geopark. This 2.5-hour boat trip explores the region's oldest sedimentary rocks at Bluff Head, including the iconic Devil's Fist and Bacon Rock, and showcases the stunning red formations of Port Island. The tour includes a knowledgeable guide, photography assistance, and requires only a short walk. It's perfect for those interested in geology and nature.
→ Geopark Red Coast (Devil's Fist & Port Island) Island Hopping Tour
Shore Excursion Tour: Visiting Devil's Fist and Red Rock Gate in Global Geopark!
The Geopark Flaming Red Coast Shore Excursion Tour by Splitdyboat offers a relaxed exploration of Hong Kong's UNESCO Global Geopark. This 2.5-hour boat tour visits eight scenic spots, featuring Bluff Head's Devil's Fist and Red Rock Gate's vibrant red coastlines. Suitable for all ages, this tour requires no hiking and includes a guide and photography services, making it ideal for families.
Both tours provide unique experiences within the Global Geopark, offering insights into Hong Kong's geological history and stunning natural beauty.
→ Geopark Red Coast (Devil's Fist & Red Rock Gate) Shore Excursion Tour
