It’s all about Thrill, High Speeds
and Top Level Risk
Make Calculated Risks and Reap the Rewards
Extreme Sports
Challenge Yourself and Push the Limits
Perched on a ridge high above Saikung, the takeoff area is right next to the Ngong Ping Viewing Point (GoogleMaps location: https://goo.gl/maps/XVAsjLi5yemvrPCZA )
This is a beautiful, grass-covered open area popular with paragliders, as well as hikers, trail-runners, and campers, especially due to its proximity to Section 4 of the Maclehose Trail.
Flyable on East wind days, the takeoff area allows easy access to Pyramid Hill and Ma On Shan itself (at 702m, the 10th tallest peak in Hong Kong, and the tallest peak in Ma On Shan Country Park)
A Never Ending “Adventurous Journey”
The approach hike takes you from Ma On Shan Village, along the Ma On Shan Country Trail, a beautiful walk up a ravine, next to a shimmering creek. Once near the plateau you get to see the vast expanse of this nature reserve, with views of Kowloon Peak, Tai Mo Shan, Sharp Peak, High Junk Peak, and many other famous mountains.
Looking to the east you see the whole of Saikung East Country Park far below, while looking into the park you will notice a magnificent jungle with a great mix of rhododendrons, orchids, and unusual ferns. In addition to wild boars and Saikung’s famous wild cattle, the park is home to several kinds of raptors, which often join us in flight: usually black kites, but sometimes kestrels and even white-bellied eagles make an appearance.
Getting There
The takeoff area in Ma On Shan Country Park is located on the grassy Ngong Ping ridge next to Pyramid Hill.
(GoogleMaps location: https://goo.gl/maps/XVAsjLi5yemvrPCZA )
The easiest approach is from Ma On Shan Village side along the Ma On Shan Country Trail and then along the Maclehose Trail. You can get to the village by taxi/Uber or self drive to the very end of Ma On Shan Road and park at the gravel trailhead parking lot. (Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/9rbnH9npaUbsksru8 )
Another option is to hike up to Ngong Ping from Saikung side, however, while the views are amazing, that hike is a bit longer, and it will always feel warmer because it is more exposed to sunlight.
The usual team meeting spot is at University MTR station from where we ride to the Ma On Shan trailhead in taxis. You will most definitely be reminded to NOT go to the wrong MTR station —> you want to be at the University Station of the East Rail Line, not HKU station on the Island Line.
