Standing on the Giant’s Shoulder: The “Mask Rock” on Mount Nicholson
The “Mask Rock”
Located above Wong Nai Chung Reservoir in the middle of Hong Kong Island, Mount Nicholson, apart from being known as a luxury residential area, is also a famous hiking destination to see the landmark “Mask Rock”. In fact, many interesting rock formations can be found in the countryside of Hong Kong. The “Amah Rock” in Shatin, “Dragon Boat Rock” in Ma On Shan, “Ghost Hand Rock” in Wong Cuk Kok Tsui are all brilliant works of human imagination. The “Mask Rock” is actually a pile of giant rocks stacked up at the mid-level of Mount Nicholson, resembling a giant in mask overlooking Deep Water Bay when viewed from the side.
The uphill path of Hong Kong Trail’s beginning section lies behind a row of luxury residential houses on Black’s Link will lead you to the “Mask Rock”. If you go for photography only, you can go to Black’s Link directly by transportation and start trekking and climbing for about half an hour to reach the destination. Though short, the route is a tough one as the latter half of it is not a proper path which means some climbing on the rocks are needed. This is not a route recommended for causal hikers. Make sure you have experience climbers to go with you.
The uphill path of Hong Kong Trail’s beginning section lies behind a row of luxury residential houses on Black’s Link will lead you to the “Mask Rock”. If you go for photography only, you can go to Black’s Link directly by transportation and start trekking and climbing for about half an hour to reach the destination. Though short, the route is a tough one as the latter half of it is not a proper path which means some climbing on the rocks are needed. This is not a route recommended for causal hikers. Make sure you have experience climbers to go with you.
Any buses going to Wong Nai Chung Gap / Reservoir will do. This time we took bus 41A at North Point
Get off at Sinopec Gas Station
Cross the road
Walk towards the sea from the bus stop and then turn right at the junction
Go up along Black’s Link
Walk past a row of luxury residential houses
Continue onto this hill path
The “Mask Rock” comes into view in less than 2-minute trekking on the path. We can climb uphill along the flume, but strongly not advised unless you have climbing experience for it is a very tough path
EOS 70D • EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS • f/4 • 1/500s • ISO 200
There were isolated showers on the day we visited
There were isolated showers on the day we visited
EOS 70D • EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS • f/4 • 1/1000s • ISO 200
Ocean Park on the opposite hill
Ocean Park on the opposite hill
EOS 70D • EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS • f/4 • 1/640s • ISO 200
Another interesting rock formation on the way up - “Eagle’s Head Rock”
Another interesting rock formation on the way up - “Eagle’s Head Rock”
EOS 70D • EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS • f/5.6 • 1/500s • ISO 200
Climbing ropes left behind by former hikers. Have a check before using it. You will reach the “Mask Rock” after this
Climbing ropes left behind by former hikers. Have a check before using it. You will reach the “Mask Rock” after this
The “Mask Rock”
EOS 70D • EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS • f/5.6 • 1/1000s • ISO 200
You will feel like standing on a giant’s shoulder overlooking Deep Water Bay when standing next to the “Mask Rock”
You will feel like standing on a giant’s shoulder overlooking Deep Water Bay when standing next to the “Mask Rock”
EOS 70D • EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS • f/5.6 • 1/500s • ISO 200
A chamber behind the “Mask Rock”
A chamber behind the “Mask Rock”
EOS 70D • EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS • f/4 • 1/100s • ISO 640
Multi-colored moss
Multi-colored moss
EOS 70D • EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS • f/5.6 • 1/400s • ISO 320
Lamma Island
Lamma Island
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