Mui Wo used to be a popular tourist spot on Lantau Island. However, with the opening of Lantau Link and MTR Tung Chung line, Tung Chung has replaced Mui Wo’s role as a transport hub of the outlying islands and attractions. With fewer people visiting, Mui Wo is a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation. Also, Mui Wo is also a starting point for several hiking routes, including the route from Mui Wo to Discovery Bay.
Read more: Hong Kong Day Trip: Ngong Ping to Tai O
How to get to Mui Wo
- Take ferry from Central Pier No. 6
- Take bus 3M from Tung Chung
Here are some hiking trails that start at Mui Wo:
- Tung Mui Ancient Trail: Mui Wo to Tung Chung (11 km, 3.5 hours)
- Lantau Trail (Section 12): Mui Wo to Pui O (9 km, 3 hours)
- Mui Wo to Discovery Bay (6 km, 2 hours)
This time, I hiked to Discovery Bay with two friends. There is a lot to do in Discovery Bay and I will show you in the later part! Before hiking to discovery bay, it is a good idea to spend a few hours in Mui Wo. Here are some places that you can go:
1. Dining at Waterfront
Mui Wo has quite a lot of restaurants and China Bear is one of the restaurants with the best reviews. It is a western restaurant with a great view of Silvermine Bay. You can enjoy the view of the South China Sea with a pint of beer.
2. Silvermine Waterfalls
The Silvermine Waterfalls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Hong Kong. It is just an easy 30-minute walk from Mui Wo Ferry Pier. No steps or steep slopes. Right next to the Waterfalls is the Silvermine Bay Waterfall Garden. Other than a Chinese pavilion, there are 2 barbecue pits. However, there are many more barbecue pits at Silvermine Bay Beach Barbecue Sites, which may be a better venue for barbecue. It is still a good idea to have some snacks in the seating area while admiring the beauty of the Waterfalls.
3. Silvermine Cave
The Silvermine Cave is just a few steps and stairs away from the Silvermine Waterfall. It was a place for silver mining a few hundred years ago but was abandoned due to low silver content. For safety reasons, tourists are not allowed to get in now.
4. Silvermine Bay Beach
Silvermine Bay Beach is famous for its convenient location and surrounding facilities. You can see the beach right after exiting from Mui Wo Ferry Pier. Other than usual beach facilities, there are also a few restaurants, resorts and even barbecue sites. However, I will not say this is the best beach for swimmers. According to the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department, the water quality of Silvermine Bay Beach was mostly “Fair” in recent years (which is the second-best grade).
The Highlight: Hiking from Mui Wo to Discovery Bay
After spending some time in Mui Wo, it’s time to start the hike! Just walk along the beach and you will see a sign pointing to Discovery Bay. Follow the sign and you will see a long and steep stair. As a person who lacks exercise, the first 30 minutes was quite challenging for me. It’s all the way uphill stairs. When we arrived at the pavilion, we were so tired and rested for quite a while. We definitely need to do more exercise.
The remaining trail is much easier, mostly downhill. Very soon, we saw Our Lady of Joy Abbey. Formerly known as the Trappist Haven Monastery, it is the only Hong Kong Catholic monastery built in medieval style. Established in 1951, this monastery was known for producing Trappist Milk. With the increasing demand, the factory and dairy farms had been relocated and the monks were no longer responsible for the actual operations. Until now, Trappist Milk is still available in every supermarket.
After leaving the Monastery, follow the Stations of the Cross. You are just 30 minutes away from Discovery Bay!
The hike ends at Discovery Bay, but this is not the end of the day trip! There are a lot to discover at Discovery Bay. Discovery Bay is one of the key residential communities in Lantau Island and more than half of the residents are non-Chinese. Ferry is the main way to reach Discovery Bay.
1. Tai Pak Beach
Tai Pak Beach is a man-made beach specially designed for outdoor and water sports. It also has the largest sand playground in Hong Kong. Children will definitely love this place.
2. The White Chapel
This is not really a religious chapel. Located at the waterfront with a romantic atmosphere, it is mainly used as a wedding venue. Even though the Chapel is not opened for public entry, the elegantly sleek design still makes it a popular photography spot for Instagrammer.
3. Dinner at D’Deck or Discovery Bay North Plaza
Before ending the day, it is a good idea to enjoy a dinner, especially when you can get a free ferry ride. Discovery Bay is currently doing a special promotion. If you dine in at any of the designated D’Deck or DB North Plaza restaurants and present the receipt for validation at “Dine ‘N Ride Service Counter”, you can enjoy a free ride back to the town with the free ride offer saved in your Octopus Card!
*As of November 2020, this promotion is still available.
How to leave Discovery Bay
- Take the ferry from Discovery Bay Pier to Central Pier No. 6
- Take bus DB01R to Tung Chung
- Take bus DB03R to Sunny Bay