2021.12.25 SAT
【Hiking • 010】
Yuk Kwai Shan (Mount Johnston) . Ap Lei Pai . Mount Johnston Lighthouse
玉桂山 . 鴨脷排 . 玉桂山 • 燈塔
Located in Ap Lei Chau, Yuk Kwai Shan / Mount Johnston (玉桂山) stands at a height of 196m. The trails here are notoriously steep and rugged, often requiring you to use both hands and feet to 『scramble』 up the slopes. The entire route takes approximately 3 to 4 hours and is best suited for hikers with some experience under their belt. As there are no refill points along the way, make sure to pack plenty of water and 『supplies』. This trek offers a fantastic blend of Southern District’s natural beauty and historical remnants, making for a truly memorable adventure.
Lei Tung Estate → Yuk Kwai Shan (Mount Johnston) → Ap Lei Pai Tombolo → Ap Lei Pai → Mount Johnston Lighthouse → Lei Tung Estate
Route Overview
Lei Tung Estate → Yuk Kwai Shan (Mount Johnston) → Ap Lei Pai Tombolo → Ap Lei Pai → Mount Johnston Lighthouse → Lei Tung Estate
【Start】 Setting off from Lei Tung Estate, this route invites you to explore the hidden gems of Hong Kong Island’s south side. Begin behind the Lei Tung bus terminus, following the catchwater path to the left near the base of the mountain. After a few flights of concrete steps, you’ll transition onto the rugged trail of Mount Johnston. Once you 『bag the summit』, prepare to be blown away by the 『killer views』. From the peak, you get a 360∘ panoramic vista overlooking all of Ap Lei Chau, the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, and Brick Hill / Nam Long Shan. The horizon is incredibly vast and open.
【Finish】
Descending from the summit, you’ll head toward the Sandbar. Take extra care on this stretch—the slope down to the sandbar is covered in loose gravel and scree, making it a bit of a 『slip-and-slide』 if you aren’t careful.
This sandbar connects Ap Lei Pai and Mount Johnston and is one of Hong Kong’s rare natural wonders—perfect for a 『gram-worthy』 photo. After crossing, you’ll enter Ap Lei Pai. While the path here is relatively flatter, you still need to keep your wits about you. Follow the trail to the southern tip of the island to reach Lighthouse No. 198, where you can enjoy stunning views of Lamma Island and Ngan Chau.
After a quick 『breather』 at the lighthouse, you can retrace your steps back to Lei Tung Estate. The return journey allows you to wind down and soak in the coastal beauty one last time.
Here are the reference statistics for this journey:
Transport Guide
START
Lei Tung Estate
- Take the MTR South Island Line to Lei Tung Station Exit B, then head towards Lei Tung Commercial Centre.

END
Mount Johnston Lighthouse
- After leaving Mount Johnston Lighthouse, you can retrace your steps back to Lei Tung Estate.
- From Lei Tung Estate, take the MTR or various buses to return to the urban area.

Route Breakdown
🚶🏻➡️
Full Route
《Lei Tung Estate → Yuk Kwai Shan → Ap Lei Pai → Mount Johnston Lighthouse》
1. 📍 Start: Lei Tung Estate

MTR Lei Tung Station, Exit B

Lei Tung Estate, Lei Tung Commercial Centre
2. 📍 Ap Lei Chau (Salt Water) Service Reservoir

Ap Lei Chau (Salt Water) Service Reservoir
3. 📍 Hiking Poster: “Hiking is not about risking your life”

Hiking is not about risking your life (行山唔係搵命搏)
4. 📍 Yuk Kwai Shan, Warning Sign 《I》

Mount Johnston, Warning Sign 《I》
5. 📍 Yuk Kwai Shan Mid-levels

Mount Johnston Mid-levels
6. 📍 Yuk Kwai Shan, View of Lei Tung Estate

Yuk Kwai Shan, View of Lei Tung Estate
7. 📍 Yuk Kwai Shan, Warning Sign 《II》

Yuk Kwai Shan, Warning Sign 《II》
8. 📍 Yuk Kwai Shan, Trigonometrical Station

Yuk Kwai Shan, Triangulation Station, Stylish Doggie 《I》

Yuk Kwai Shan, Triangulation Station, Stylish Doggie 《II》
9. 📍 Yuk Kwai Shan Summit

Yuk Kwai Shan Summit
10. 📍 Mount Johnston Stone Tablet

Mount Johnston Stone Tablet
11. 📍 View of Ap Lei Pai from Yuk Kwai Shan

View of Ap Lei Pai
12. 📍 Ap Lei Pai Tombolo

Ap Lei Pai Tombolo
13. 📍 Ap Lei Pai, Looking back at Yuk Kwai Shan

Looking back at Mount Johnston
14. 📍 Ap Lei Pai Mid-levels

Ap Lei Pai Mid-levels
15. 📍 Ap Lei Pai Summit

Ap Lei Pai, View of Ocean Park / Nam Long Shan
16. 📍 Finish: Mount Johnston Lighthouse


