2022.12.11 SUN
【Hiking • 019】
Cross The Frog 🐸 – Hong Kong Island
劏青蛙 🐸 之 橫跨香港島 • 東西兩極
【Crossing the Frog (劏青蛙)】 is a challenging route that traverses Hong Kong Island from one end to the other. Because the map of Hong Kong Island resembles the shape of a frog, this cross-island route is famously known as “Slicing the Frog.” This particular version of the itinerary takes a relatively manageable path, starting from 【MTR Kennedy Town Station (堅尼地城地鐵站)】 and passing through 【Mount Davis (摩星嶺)】, 【Lung Fu Shan (龍虎山)】, 【Lugard Falls (盧吉飛瀑)】, and 【Peak Galleria (山頂廣場)】. It then continues through 【Wong Nai Chung Reservoir (黃泥涌水塘)】, 【Tai Tam Reservoir (大潭水塘)】, 【Hong Kong Trail Section 6 & 8 (港島徑第6段和第8段)】, and the 【Pottinger Peak Country Trail (砵甸乍山郊遊徑)】, finally finishing at 【Siu Sai Wan • Promenade (小西灣 • 海濱花園)】. The entire route spans approximately 24 kilometers and takes about 8 to 9 hours to complete, making it ideal for seasoned hikers with good physical stamina. If you are looking to push your limits, why not take on this feat of crossing the east and west poles of Hong Kong Island? 😆💪🏻 It is sure to be an unforgettable journey.
Route:
MTR • Kennedy Town Station → Mount Davis → Lung Fu Shan → Lugard Falls → Peak Galleria → Wong Nai Chung • Reservoir → Tai Tam Reservoir → Hong Kong Trail • Section 6 → Hong Kong Trail • Section 8 → Pottinger Peak • Country Trail → Siu Sai Wan • Promenade
Duration
7.6
hrs
Distance
24.3
km
Highest Point
427
m
Difficulty
3.5
m
Explore the Route
路線簡介
MTR • Kennedy Town Station → Mount Davis → Lung Fu Shan → Lugard Falls → Peak Galleria → Wong Nai Chung • Reservoir → Tai Tam Reservoir → Hong Kong Trail • Section 6 → Hong Kong Trail • Section 8 → Pottinger Peak • Country Trail → Siu Sai Wan • Promenade
【Start】 Setting off from 【MTR • Kennedy Town Station (港鐵 • 堅尼地城站)】, head along 【Smithfield (士美菲路)】 before turning into 【Mount Davis Path (摩星嶺徑)】 to begin your ascent of 【Mount Davis (摩星嶺)】. As the westernmost peak on Hong Kong Island, standing at 260 meters, it is home to a wealth of military relics, including World War II-era gun batteries. From the summit, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of 【Victoria Harbour (維多利亞港)】. Afterward, follow the mountain trail towards 【Lung Fu Shan (龍虎山)】. Although 【Lung Fu Shan • Country Park (龍虎山 • 郊野公園)】 is the smallest country park in Hong Kong, it offers beautiful scenery perfect for a leisurely stroll. Continuing forward, you will reach 【Lugard Falls (盧吉飛瀑)】, a hidden waterfall with crystal-clear water and a fantastic spot for photography.
【Middle】
From 【Lugard Falls (盧吉飛瀑)】, follow the path towards the 【Peak Galleria (山頂廣場)】. This famous landmark is a major tourist attraction in Hong Kong, featuring several observation decks with 360-degree views of the city skyline. It is also an ideal spot for supplies and a break, offering a wide variety of restaurants and shops.
After leaving the 【Peak Galleria (山頂廣場)】, head downhill and pass by 【Wong Nai Chung • Reservoir (黃泥涌 • 水塘)】. Built in the 19th century, it is one of Hong Kong’s oldest reservoirs, surrounded by lush woodlands and a tranquil atmosphere. Keep going until you arrive at the 【Tai Tam Reservoir (大潭水塘)】. Comprising four separate reservoirs, it is one of the largest reservoir systems in Hong Kong and is truly picturesque.
【Finish】 Next, trek along 【Hong Kong Trail • Section 6 (港島徑 • 第6段)】, a scenic route that showcases the natural beauty of Hong Kong Island. Then, transition into 【Hong Kong Trail • Section 8 (港島徑 • 第8段)】; while this section is more rugged and challenging, the vistas are even more grand. Finally, follow the 【Pottinger Peak • Country Trail (砵甸乍山 • 郊遊徑)】, a beautiful path that offers a bird’s-eye view of 【Siu Sai Wan (小西灣)】 and the 【Clear Water Bay Peninsula (清水灣半島)】, eventually finishing at the 【Siu Sai Wan • Promenade (小西灣 • 海濱花園)】.
Duration
7.6
hrs
Distance
24.3
km
Highest Point
427
m
Scenery
3.5
⭐️
Difficulty
3.5
⭐️
Exposure Index
3.5
⭐️
Here are the reference statistics for this journey:
Total Ascent
896
m
Total Descent
908
m
Moving Speed
4.1
km/h
Average Speed
3.2
km/h
Moving Time
5.7
hrs
Total Journey Time
7.6
hrs
Transport Guide
START
🚩
MTR • Kennedy Town Station (港鐵 • 堅尼地城站)
- 🚇 MTR • Kennedy Town Station – Exit C (港鐵 • 堅尼地城站 – C 出口)
END
🏁
Siu Sai Wan • Promenade (小西灣 • 海濱花園)
- Head to the 【Island Resort Public Transport Interchange (小西灣 (藍灣半島) 公共運輸交匯處)】 to take a bus back to 【Causeway Bay (銅鑼灣)】 or 【Kowloon (九龍)】 urban areas.
📷 Tips:
- Since you’ll be finishing at the Promenade, the 【Island Resort (藍灣半島)】 bus terminus is just a short walk away. From there, you’ll find plenty of 『Cross-Harbour』 buses (starting with the number 1 or 6) to get you back to Kowloon or the 788/789 for a fast trip to Central and Admiralty!
Route Breakdown
🚩
Start
《Kennedy Town → Mount Davis → Peak Galleria》
1. 📍 Start: MTR • Kennedy Town Station 🚉
MTR • Kennedy Town Station (港鐵 • 堅尼地城站)🚇
Start: Exit from 【MTR • Kennedy Town Station (港鐵 • 堅尼地城站)】 Exit C, then head along 【Forbes Street (科士街)】 towards 【West Wan Estate (西環邨)】.
Smithfield • Cooked Food Centre (士美菲路 • 熟食中心)
Located in 【Western District, Hong Kong Island (香港島 • 西環)】, this is one of Hong Kong’s earliest cooked food centres, opened on May 2, 1975, and managed by the Housing Authority. The two-story centre houses over 100 stalls selling authentic local favorites like roasted meats (Siu Mei), stir-fries, noodles, and congee. 【Smithfield • Cooked Food Centre (士美菲路 • 熟食中心)】 is famous for its affordable and delicious food, making it a 『must-visit』 for tourists wanting a taste of real Hong Kong life.
2. 📍 Forbes Street • Stone Wall Trees
Forbes Street • Stone Wall Trees (科士街 • 石牆樹)
While walking along 【Forbes Street (科士街)】, you’ll see the iconic 【Forbes Street • Stone Wall Trees (科士街 • 石牆樹)】 on the side of the road. This is the largest group of stone wall trees in Hong Kong, witnessing over a century of the city’s changes. These trees are listed in the Register of Old and Valuable Trees and serve as a cultural landmark of the 【Western District (西區)】.
3. 📍 Tung Yuen Terrace, West Wan Estate
Tung Yuen Terrace, West Wan Estate (西環邨 • 東苑臺)
At the end of 【Forbes Street (科士街)】, you arrive at 【West Wan Estate (西環邨)】. 【Tung Yuen Terrace (東苑臺)】 is a section of the estate built in the 1970s, consisting of several high-rise residential blocks with various public housing unit types.
4. 📍 Block 2, Centennial Mansion (百年大樓 • 2座)
Block 2, Centennial Mansion (百年大樓 • 2座)
Reach the end of 【Forbes Street (科士街)】 and turn right into 【Cadogan Street (加多近街)】. 【Centennial Mansion (百年大樓)】 is a veteran residential estate in the district, consisting of two 26-story towers. Its prime location near the MTR station and surrounding amenities makes it a classic housing choice in the west.
5. 📍 Cadogan Street / Victoria Road
Cadogan Street / Victoria Road (加多近街 / 域多利道)
Continue along 【Cadogan Street (加多近街)】 to the traffic light intersection. Turn from 【Cadogan Street (加多近街)】 into 【Victoria Road (域多利道)】 and keep heading towards the 【China Merchants Wharf (招商局 • 碼頭)】.
6. 📍 Mount Davis Path • Entrance
Mount Davis Path • Entrance (摩星嶺徑 • 入口)
After walking about 1.7 km from the start, you will reach the 【Mount Davis Path • Entrance (摩星嶺徑 • 入口)】. To the right is the uniquely designed 【University of Chicago Francis and Rose Yuen Campus in Hong Kong (芝加哥大學 • 香港校園)】, an important Asian base for the university occupying about 1.2 hectares.
7. 📍 Mount Davis Path 《I》
Mount Davis Path 《I》
Pass the 【University of Chicago Hong Kong Campus (芝加哥大學 • 香港校園)】 and turn from 【Victoria Road (域多利道)】 into the uphill section of 【Mount Davis Path (摩星嶺徑)】.
8. 📍 Mount Davis Path 《II》
Mount Davis Path 《II》
Head up the slope for about 300 meters until you reach a fork. The left path leads to the 【Jockey Club Mt. Davis • Youth Hostel (賽馬會摩星嶺 • 青年旅舍)】, but we will go straight towards 【Mount Davis • Service Reservoir (摩星嶺 • 配水庫)】.
9. 📍 Mount Davis • Service Reservoir
Mount Davis • Service Reservoir (摩星嶺 • 配水庫)
After 2.3 km of walking, you’ll reach the 【Mount Davis • Service Reservoir (摩星嶺 • 配水庫)】. Opened in 1966 with a capacity of 127,000 cubic meters, it is the largest service reservoir on the island. The top features a large lawn—a perfect spot for picnics, dates, and admiring 【High West (西高山)】.
10. 📍 Mount Davis Path 《III》
Mount Davis Path 《III》
From the 【Mount Davis • Service Reservoir (摩星嶺 • 配水庫)】, look out towards the sea. You can clearly see 【Lamma Island (南丫島)】 in the distance with its three distinctive chimneys of the 【Lamma • Power Station (南丫島 • 發電廠)】. You can also look down at 【Sha Wan Drive (沙灣道)】, where colorful rooftops and greenery form a vivid picture.
11. 📍 Mount Davis Path 《IV》
Mount Davis Path 《IV》
From the 【Mount Davis Path • Entrance (摩星嶺徑 • 入口)】 near the 【University of Chicago Hong Kong Campus (芝加哥大學 • 香港校園)】, follow the incline for about 300 meters to the fork. The left leads to the 【Jockey Club Mt. Davis • Youth Hostel (賽馬會摩星嶺 • 青年旅舍)】, while we continue straight toward the 【Mount Davis • Service Reservoir (摩星嶺 • 配水庫)】.
12. 📍 Mount Davis Road 《I》
Gazing at High West / Weeping Fig (摩星嶺道 《仰望 • 西高山 / 大樹 • 垂葉榕》)
At the end of 【Mount Davis Path (摩星嶺徑)】, you will join 【Mount Davis Road (摩星嶺道)】. From here, 【High West (西高山)】 appears massive, looking as if it’s right before your eyes. You will also see a large 【Weeping Fig (垂葉榕)】 tree standing by the road.
13. 📍 Greenery Garden
Greenery Garden (怡林閣)
Along 【Mount Davis Road (摩星嶺道)】, you’ll spot 【Greenery Garden (怡林閣)】, a residential building with a striking design featuring a lush green exterior and circular balconies. Located in a quiet corner of 【Hong Kong Island (香港島)】, it offers residents a high-quality living environment that stays closely connected to nature while being away from the city’s hustle.
14. 📍 Mount Davis Road 《II》
Mount Davis Road (摩星嶺道) 《II》
After walking about 3.3 km from the starting point at 【MTR • Kennedy Town Station (港鐵 • 堅尼地城站)】, you will be on 【Mount Davis Road (摩星嶺道)】. Looking ahead, you can see 【Kwun Lung Lau (觀龍樓)】, which sits just above our starting point in Kennedy Town.
15. 📍 Mount Davis Road 《III》
Looking Down at Smithfield (摩星嶺道 《腳下 • 士美菲路》)
From this vantage point on 【Mount Davis Road (摩星嶺道)】, you can look down upon 【Smithfield (士美菲路)】. This road in the 【Central and Western District (中西區)】 connects 【Pok Fu Lam Road (薄扶林道)】to the 【Kennedy Town • New Praya (堅尼地城 • 新海旁)】. Its name comes from an old London meat market, as the area once housed cattle sheds and abattoirs. Today, it is a bustling hub featuring a 【Municipal Services Building (市政大廈)】, library, and sports centre.
16. 📍 Mount Davis Road 《IV》
Mount Davis Road (摩星嶺道) 《IV》
By this point, you have covered about 2.3 km since the start to reach the area near the 【Mount Davis • Service Reservoir (摩星嶺 • 配水庫)】. This reservoir, opened in 1966, is the largest on the island with a capacity of 127,000 cubic meters. Its grassy rooftop is a popular spot for picnics and enjoying views of 【High West (西高山)】.
17. 📍 Old Pok Fu Lam Road / Cape Mansion
Old Pok Fu Lam Road / Cape Mansion (舊薄扶林道 / 嘉瑜園)
Reach the end of 【Mount Davis Road (摩星嶺道)】 and turn left. After walking along 【Pok Fu Lam Road (薄扶林道)】 for a short while, take the pedestrian tunnel towards 【Old Pok Fu Lam Road (舊薄扶林道)】 near 【Cape Mansion (嘉瑜園)】. 【Old Pok Fu Lam Road (舊薄扶林道)】 is the historical precursor to the modern-day main road.
18. 📍 Pik Shan Path 《I》
Pik Shan Path 《I》
【Pik Shan Path (碧珊徑)】 is a 3.5 km hiking trail on the western side of Hong Kong Island, forming part of the historical 『Victoria Gap Road』 (locally known as the 『Skirt-with-the-Belt Road』). It connects the 【Lung Fu Shan Environmental Education Centre (龍虎山環境教育中心)】, 【The University of Hong Kong (香港大學)】, and 【Queen Mary Hospital (瑪麗醫院)】. The shaded path with small streams is suitable for all ages. The path is named after a local wildflower, the 【Philippine Violet (紫花地丁)】, which blooms in pale purple or white.
19. 📍 Pik Shan Path 《II》
Pik Shan Path 《II》
Continue along 【Pik Shan Path (碧珊徑)】, enjoying the tranquil woodland scenery. This historical route offers a peaceful escape with its lush greenery and gentle waterfalls, linking various key landmarks in the western part of the island.
20. 📍 Pik Shan Path 《III》 / Lung Fu Shan Country Park • Chinese Herb Garden
Pik Shan Path 《III》 / Lung Fu Shan Country Park • Chinese Herb Garden
The 【Lung Fu Shan Country Park • Chinese Herb Garden (龍虎山郊野公園 • 中草藥園)】 is a unique educational site created through a partnership between a local community group and the government. Established in 2000 by the 『Morning Walkers Friends of Lung Fu Shan Country Park』, it received support from the District Council, AFCD, and the HKU School of Chinese Medicine. Despite its modest size, the garden has cultivated over 500 species of Chinese medicinal herbs, including many rare and protected plants. Each herb is labeled with its name, properties, and healing effects, making it an excellent outdoor classroom for the public.
21. 📍 Pik Shan Path 《IV》
Pik Shan Path • Fitness Facilities (碧珊徑 • 健身設施)
This section is also part of the 【Lung Fu Shan • Country Park 《Fitness Trail》 (龍虎山 • 郊野公園 《健身徑》)】, featuring various exercise stations that allow citizens to work out while immersing themselves in the beauty of nature.
22. 📍 Lung Fu Shan • Fitness Trail 《I》
Pinewood Battery • Information Board (松林炮台 • 資訊牌)
The 【Pinewood Battery (松林炮台)】 (historically part of the coastal defense system) was built around 1899. Constructed with large granite blocks, it is sometimes referred to as the 『Stone Fort』. This multi-level military site includes observation posts, bunkers, and gun platforms. Built during the British colonial era, it was designed to protect Hong Kong’s coast from potential naval attacks and played a significant defensive role during World War II.
23. 📍 Lung Fu Shan • Fitness Trail 《II》
Fitness Trail • Pebble Path / Parallel Bars (龍虎山 • 健身徑 《卵石徑 / 雙摃》)
There is a 【Pebble Path (卵石徑)】 (reflexology path) within the fitness trail. Feel free to take off your shoes and give your feet a challenge!
24. 📍 Lung Fu Shan • Fitness Trail 《III》
Fitness Trail • Frog Rock 🐸 (健身徑 • 青蛙石)
If you use your imagination, you’ll discover a hidden 【Frog Rock 🐸 (青蛙石)】 along the trail. Keep an eye out for this amphibian-shaped boulder as you pass by!
25. 📍 Harlech Road • Fitness Trail 《I》
Harlech Road • Fitness Trail 《I》
After crossing the Lung Fu Shan section, you will join the 【Harlech Road • Fitness Trail (夏力道 • 健身徑)】. The peak rising to your right is 【High West (西高山)】, which you previously glimpsed from the Mount Davis Service Reservoir.
26. 📍 Lugard Falls
Lugard Falls (盧吉飛瀑)
Named after Lugard Road, 【Lugard Falls (盧吉飛瀑)】 is actually located along Harlech Road. The waterfall drops about 10 meters down the cliffside, creating a beautiful white ribbon of water. After heavy summer rains, the flow becomes powerful and grand. The falls harmonize perfectly with the surrounding rocks and lush vegetation; under the sunlight, the splashing droplets sparkle like countless scattered pearls, making it a prime spot for landscape photography.
27. 📍 Peak Road Garden / Peak Galleria
Peak Galleria (山頂廣場)
Having trekked approximately 7.5 km from the start at 【MTR • Kennedy Town Station (港鐵 • 堅尼地城站)】 via 【Mount Davis (摩星嶺)】, 【Lung Fu Shan (龍虎山)】, and 【Lugard Falls (盧吉飛瀑)】, you have finally arrived at the 【Peak Galleria (山頂廣場)】. Situated at an elevation of nearly 400 meters on 【The Peak (山頂)】, this iconic landmark features a modern 『gem-like』 curved entrance and an all-glass curtain wall, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city, 【Victoria Harbour (維多利亞港)】, and the outlying islands.
Route Breakdown
🏁
Finisth
《Peak Galleria → Tai Tam Reservoir → Siu Sai Wan》
28. 📍 Findlay Road
Findlay Road (芬梨徑)
【Findlay Road (芬梨徑)】 is a charming path on Victoria Peak, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Along the way, you can see landmarks such as the Peak Tower, Peak Galleria, the musical fountain, and the Lions Pavilion. The road is named after Alexander Findlay Smith, the founder of the Peak Tram and the former Peak Hotel. It holds significant historical value as it was a vital transportation route connecting the Peak and Central during the British colonial era.
29. 📍 The Peak • Lions Pavilion
The Peak • Lions Pavilion (太平山 • 獅子亭)
【The Peak • Lions Pavilion (太平山 • 獅子亭)】 is an iconic observation deck donated by Lions Clubs International in 1969. Its official name is the 『Akihito Pavilion』, commemorating the visit of the then-Crown Prince Akihito of Japan. Designed in traditional Chinese pavilion style and adorned with stone lions, it is one of the best free spots to admire Victoria Harbour’s night view. Located just a two-minute walk from the Peak Tower via Findlay Road, the pavilion is flanked by four stone lions representing the UK, China, the Netherlands, and Portugal—four nations that have left their mark on Hong Kong’s history.
30. 📍 Central • Nature Trail / Old Victoria • Hospital Maternity Block
Central • Nature Trail (中區 • 自然徑)
The 【Central • Nature Trail (中區 • 自然徑)】 is a 1.8 km hiking trail on the northern slope of the Mid-Levels, developed by the Central and Western District Council and The Conservancy Association in 2009. It climbs from Admiralty to Barker Road on the Peak. The trail features 14 interpretation stations explaining local history and architecture. At the trail’s end stands a century-old 【Weeping Fig (垂葉榕)】 with a magnificent broad canopy, located right in front of the maternity block.
Old Victoria • Hospital Maternity Block (舊域多利 • 產科醫院大樓)
Built in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the 【Old Victoria Hospital (舊域多利醫院)】 was originally the Victoria Jubilee Hospital. The maternity wing was added in 1921, designed by Palmer & Turner. It is a three-story Neoclassical building featuring red brickwork, imitation stone walls, arched colonnades on the ground floor, and Venetian-style windows. Now a Grade III Historic Building, the main block was converted into the Chief Secretary’s official residence, while the maternity wing serves as government quarters named 【Victoria House (維多利亞大廈)】.
31. 📍 Barker Road 《The Stiff-Necked Lamppost》
Barker Road 《The Stiff-Necked Lamppost》 (白加道 《瞓捩頸的燈柱》)
About 600 meters past the Old Victoria Hospital, keep an eye out for a 『stiff-necked』 (crooked) lamppost that looks like it’s in a bit of pain. Hopefully, the Highways Department can give it a 『treatment』 soon!
32. 📍 No. 1 • Barker Road
No. 1 • Barker Road (白加道 • 1號)
【No. 1 • Barker Road (白加道 • 1號)】 is home to 【Skyhigh (摘星閣)】, a historic residence built in the 1930s that once housed senior British officials. It is now a Grade I Historic Building and has been redeveloped into an exclusive private club area.
33. 📍 No. 21 • Coombe Road
No. 21 • Coombe Road (甘道 • 21號)
【No. 21 • Coombe Road (甘道 • 21號)】 is a prestigious address on Coombe Road, a quiet lane connecting Peak Road and Morrison Hill Road. The area is famous for its luxury villas and high-end detached houses, offering a secluded living environment for the city’s elite.
34. 📍 Coombe Road • Children’s Playground 🎠
Coombe Road • Children’s Playground (甘道 • 兒童遊樂場) 🎠
【Coombe Road • Children’s Playground (甘道 • 兒童遊樂場)】 covers about 0.4 hectares on the Peak and features slides, swings, and climbing frames. Across the street is 【Wanchai Gap Park (灣仔峽公園)】, which has a snack kiosk—perfect for a rest and food resupply if you’re feeling tired. Both parks are “hidden gems” on Hong Kong Island, ideal for families.
35. 📍 Black’s Link 《Gazing at Mount Nicholson ｜ Mask Rock》
Black’s Link 《Gazing at Mount Nicholson ｜ Mask Rock》 (布力徑 《仰望 • 聶高信山 ｜ 面具石》)
Continuing the 『Crossing the Frog』 journey from 【Peak Galleria (山頂廣場)】, you have now covered 5.5 km via 【Findlay Road (芬梨徑)】, 【Central Nature Trail (中區自然徑)】, 【Barker Road (白加道)】, and 【Coombe Road (甘道)】 to arrive at 【Black’s Link (布力徑)】. Part of this path overlaps with 【Hong Kong Trail • Section 4 (港島徑 • 第4段)】.
📷 Tips:
- 【Mask Rock (面具石)】 is a unique granite formation on the southern slope of 【Mount Nicholson (聶高信山)】. Standing 10 meters tall, it resembles a human face with distinct eyes, a nose, and a mouth. Next to it is a narrow crevice known as 【A Slice of Heaven • Stone Chamber (一線天 • 石室)】, which leads to the side of the rock for a stunning view of 【Repulse Bay (淺水灣)】.
36. 📍 Wong Nai Chung Gap Road
Wong Nai Chung Gap Road (黃泥涌峽道)
As you reach this area, the coastal breeze from the right is incredibly refreshing. Looking out towards the sea, 【Lamma Island (南丫島)】 is clearly visible, along with its famous 【Lamma • Power Station (南丫島 • 發電廠)】 and its three iconic chimneys. You can also admire the vibrant scenery of 【Sha Wan Drive (沙灣道)】 below.
37. 📍 Tai Tam Reservoir Road / No. 1 • Repulse Bay Road 《Portier Marie》
No. 1 • Repulse Bay Road 《Portier Marie》
This luxury mansion is held by the late tycoon Stanley Ho. Spanning over 10,000 square feet with a private garden and sea views, it was purchased in 1966 for HK700,000 and is now estimated to be worth over HK1 billion.
Tai Tam Reservoir Road (大潭水塘道)
The starting point is at 【Wong Nai Chung Gap (黃泥涌峽)】, intersecting with several major roads. It marks the end of Section 4 and the start of Section 5 of the Hong Kong Trail. Along this road, you can admire declared monuments, such as the 【Tai Tam Tuk Raw Water Pumping Station (大潭篤原水抽水站)】 and the majestic granite arched bridges.
Wong Nai Chung • Power Station (黃泥涌 • 電力站)
Completed in 1905, this was one of Hong Kong’s earliest hydroelectric power stations, utilizing water pressure from the reservoir. The Neoclassical red-brick building features a clock tower and a circular archway.
38. 📍 Wong Nai Chung • Reservoir 《Entrance》
Wong Nai Chung • Reservoir 《Entrance》
Shortly after passing 【No. 1 • 水Repulse Bay Road (淺水灣道 • 1號)】, you will arrive at the entrance of 【Wong Nai Chung • 水Reservoir (黃泥涌 • 水塘)】.
39. 📍 Wong Nai Chung • Reservoir 《Park》
Wong Nai Chung • Reservoir 《Park》 (黃泥涌 • 水塘 《公園》)
【Wong Nai Chung • Reservoir (黃泥涌 • 水塘)】 was the third reservoir built in Hong Kong and the first to be converted into a boating park. It is a declared monument with rich historical value.
40. 📍 Tai Tam • Country Trail 《I》
Tai Tam • Country Trail (大潭 • 郊遊徑) 《I》
This 5.2 km loop trail centers around the reservoir park. It offers views of various historic waterworks, including dams, valve houses, and aqueducts.
41. 📍 Tai Tam • Country Park
Tai Tam • Country Park (大潭 • 郊野公園)
After trekking about 7 km from the Peak, you enter 【Tai Tam • Country Park (大潭 • 郊野公園)】. Spanning 1,315 hectares, it covers about one-fifth of Hong Kong Island’s total area.
42. 📍 Tai Tam • Family Walk
Tai Tam • Family Walk (大潭 • 家樂徑)
A short 1.6 km trail suitable for families and beginners, offering views of the 【Tai Tam Upper and Byewash Reservoirs (大潭上水塘及副水塘)】.
43. 📍 Tai Tam • Country Trail 《II》
Tai Tam • Country Trail (大潭 • 郊遊徑) 《II》
The trail continues to showcase the engineering aesthetics of early Hong Kong waterworks, featuring granite stone bridges and majestic dam structures.
44. 📍 Tai Tam Reservoir 《Public Toilet / Owl Sculpture🦉 / Water Station💧》
Tai Tam Reservoir 《Public Toilet / Owl Sculpture🦉 / Water Station💧》
You have now covered approximately 15 km since 【MTR • Kennedy Town Station (港鐵 • 堅尼地城站)】. You are two-thirds through the 『Crossing the Frog』 challenge! With about 8 km left, this is a great place to freshen up and rest.
45. 📍 Tai Tam • Waterworks Heritage Trail
Tai Tam • Waterworks Heritage Trail (大潭 • 水務文物徑)
【Tai Tam • Waterworks Heritage Trail (大潭 • 水務文物徑)】 is a key heritage area including the Upper, Byewash, and Intermediate Reservoir dams, as well as the 【Tai Tam Tuk • Reservoir Memorial Stone (大潭篤 • 水塘紀念碑)】.
46. 📍 Hong Kong Trail • Section 6 / Towards Quarry Gap
Hong Kong Trail • Section 6 《Quarry Gap • Signpost》
At the junction, follow the sign and turn left towards 【Quarry Gap (大風坳)】. This section follows the reservoir and features British-style architecture. 【Quarry Gap (大風坳)】, sitting at over 300 meters between 【Mount Butler (畢拿山)】 and 【Mount Parker (柏架山)】, serves as the starting point for this easy 6.5 km stretch.
47. 📍 Tai Tam Reservoir • Main Dam
Tai Tam Reservoir • Main Dam (大潭水塘 • 主水壩)
After trekking 16.6 km from the start, you finally arrive at the 【Tai Tam Reservoir • Main Dam (大潭水塘 • 主水壩)】. Built between 1912 and 1917, this 60-foot high and 800-foot long dam was a revolutionary design of its time, once hailed as the “Greatest Dam in Asia.” Designed by Chief Engineer Daniel Jaffe, the dam features 12 majestic arches supported by half-round granite columns, which carry 【Tai Tam Road (大潭道)】 across its spillway. The reservoir’s construction was so immense that it eventually submerged the original Tai Tam Tuk Village at the valley floor.
48. 📍 Hong Kong Trail • Section 6 / Mount Parker Section
Hong Kong Trail • Section 6 / Mount Parker Section
Continue along the reservoir’s edge past the main dam. Looking back, you can spot 【Hong Kong Parkview (陽明山莊)】 and the towering 【Violet Hill (紫羅蘭山)】 in the distance. This section follows 【Mount Parker Road (柏架山道)】 and is a relatively easy 6.5 km stretch, making it ideal for families and beginners.
49. 📍 Tai Tam Road / Shek O Road
Tai Tam Road / Shek O Road (大潭道 / 石澳道)
After the main dam, head along 【Mount Parker Road (柏架山道)】 and transition onto the 【Hong Kong Island Forest Track • Boa Vista Section (港島林道 • 美景路段)】. Once you reach 【Tai Tam Road (大潭道)】, continue towards 【Shek O Road (石澳道)】.
50. 📍 Shek O • Country Park
Shek O • Country Park (石澳 • 郊野公園)
Upon entering 【Shek O Road (石澳道)】, you will see the sign for 【Shek O • Country Park (石澳 • 郊野公園)】. Follow the steps upward to join the 【Hong Kong Trail / Dragon’s Back (港島徑 / 龍脊)】. This 701-hectare park covers the Shek O and Cape D’Aguilar peninsulas and is a world-class hiking destination.
51. 📍 Hong Kong Trail / Dragon’s Back
Hong Kong Trail / Dragon’s Back(港島徑 / 龍脊)
After climbing the steps and reaching the 【Hong Kong Trail / Dragon’s Back (港島徑 / 龍脊)】 signpost, continue along the paved path.
52. 📍 Dragon’s Back • Map Information Board
Dragon’s Back • Map Information Board (龍脊 • 地圖資訊板)
【Dragon’s Back (龍脊)】 is a famous ridge on eastern Hong Kong Island. This 8 km stretch offers breathtaking views of the South China Sea, 【Stanley Bay (赤柱灣)】, 【Shek O (石澳)】, and 【Big Wave Bay (大浪灣)】. Its highest point is 【Shek O Peak (龍脊山/歌連臣山)】 at 396 meters, the second-highest peak on the island, known for its iconic rock formations.
53. 📍 Hong Kong Trail • Section 8 / Pottinger Peak • Country Trail 《I》
Pottinger Peak • Country Trail 《Map Information Board》
The 【Pottinger Peak Country Trail (砵甸乍山 • 郊遊徑)】 is a 1.9 km path located between Shek O and Cape Collinson, nestled within the 【Shek O • Country Park (石澳 • 郊野公園)】.
54. 📍 Pottinger Peak • Country Trail 《II》
Pottinger Peak • Country Trail
Standing on 【Pottinger Peak (砵甸乍山)】, you can look down at the coastlines of 【Grass Bay (草堆灣)】 and 【Big Wave Bay (大浪灣)】, with distant views of 【Cape D’Aguilar (鶴咀)】 and 【Po Toi Island (蒲台島)】.
55. 📍 Cape Collinson Road • Morning Joy Pavilion
Cape Collinson Road • Morning Joy Pavilion (歌連臣角道 • 晨樂亭)
At the end of the trail, you will reach the 【Morning Joy Pavilion (晨樂亭)】, a popular rest spot for morning walkers and hikers to refuel.
56. 📍 Siu Sai Wan • Promenade
Siu Sai Wan • Promenade (小西灣 • 海濱花園)
After a 24.3 km journey and roughly 8 hours on the trail—traversing 【Mount Davis (摩星嶺)】, 【Lung Fu Shan (龍虎山)】, 【The Peak (山頂)】, and the reservoirs—you have finally arrived at the 【Siu Sai Wan • Promenade (小西灣 • 海濱花園)】. You have successfully completed the 『Crossing the Frog 🐸』 feat, crossing the island from west to east!
🫡 Acknowledgements:
- We couldn’t have completed this 『Crossing the Frog 🐸』 challenge without the brilliant leadership of Yan. Thank you 😄!