Overview & fast facts
There is no summit to be climbed on this gentle and peaceful trail going into Cape D’Aguilar Marine Reserve. You can still enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery along the way, albeit not from a bird’s eye view.
Located on the southeasternmost tip of Hong Kong Island, Cape D’Aguilar was named after British Major General George Charles D’Aguilar and was made the only Marine Reserve in Hong Kong in 1996. Save for an old village and other day-trippers, Cape D’Aguilar remains hidden from the hustle and bustle in Hong Kong, with unreal scenes overlooking the peninsula as well as Po Toi Islands and Waglan Island in the distance.
It’s about four kilometres walking from Cape D’Aguilar Road bus stop to the Marine Reserve, and the entirety of the road is paved and stroller-friendly, making this a great family and pet-friendly day trip. We would definitely recommend wearing proper footwear and adequate sun protection for it though, as the rocks at the caves at the Reserve are weathered and slippery, and there isn’t much in terms of shade.
It’ll only take about an hour to walk there, and you can spend as much or as little time as you’d like exploring the Marine Reserve area. Though swimming, fishing, and diving are prohibited at the Reserve, many people kayak or paddle in the waters surrounding the peninsula, which offers a closer look at the rock formations that make up the cape.
Distance: 8 kilometres approx.
Difficulty: Beginner
Total time: 2 to 3 hours approx.