Hong Kong never ceases to amaze me on how many hiking trails and breathtaking views, both landscapes with its rolling hills and bays as well as skylines from the concrete jungle. Cape Collinson, located between Siu Sai Wan and Big Wave beach on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island is another one of these destinations that is a great spot for both hiking and photography to capture its diverse gorgeous views. The cape was named after Major-General Thomas Bernard Collinson, a Royal Engineers surveyor who served in Hong Kong from 1843 – 1846. (Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers Vol. 150. Institution of Civil Engineers. 1902.)

Although it’s not as well known as some of the other hiking spots and historical destinations, Cape Collinson by no means is less interesting to explore. The ancient rock formations next to the ocean and backdrop of Tseung Kwan O is highly recommended for a day of exploration.

Getting There

There are a few different ways to get to Cape Collinson Battery, including from Chai Wan instead of Siu Shui Wan neighborhood. However the suggestion below, which begins at Siu Shui Wan is the most straightforward and easy to find.

1. Get to Siu Sai Wan Neighborhood on Hong Kong Island

Take the MTR Island Line to Chai Wan and cab to Cape Collinson or
Take buses 788 or 8P and get off at Fullview Garden on Siu Sai Wan Road or

Once in Siu Sai Wan hike about 1.9km to the Former Cape Collinson Battery. The entrance to Cape Collinson Battery is difficult to find as you will walk up a paved pathway up the hill. About 0.4km from the Battery, there will be an unmarked entrance towards an unpaved wooded area. Climb over the pipes between the paved pathway and the wooded area towards the last half of the walk towards the Cape Collinson Battery

Views of the hike prior to wooded area towards Cape Collinson

Views of the hike prior to entering the unpaved wooded area towards Cape Collinson

2. Climb Over Pipe from Paved Road Towards the Unpaved and Unmarked Wooded Area to Arrive at Cape Collinson Battery

The area to climb over the fence and pipe is unmarked by signage. However, there should be a red ribbon tied on a tree branch as signage so be on the lookout for it!

Red ribbon on tree branch. Climb over the fence and pipe to enter the wooded area for Cape Collinson Battery

Unpaved wooded pathway towards Cape Collinson - is it Alice in Wonderland or is it just me? — Unpaved wooded pathway towards Cape Collinson – is it Alice in Wonderland or is it just me?

Tips and Other Things to Note

From the Chai Wan side, the route towards Cape Collinson passes by two large cemeteries: the Chai Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery and the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. So if you are not a fan of cemeteries then definitely choose the Siu Sai Wan side to hike this route!
The end of Cape Collinson Road (also the paved area before climbing over the fence and pipe is the Cape Collinson Correctional Institution. Although a minimum security institution, it still gave me quite a lot of American Horror Story type creepy vibes.
Wear hiking appropriate shoes since the wooded area in the last section of the hike is unpaved and with lots of vegetation in its close proximity
Bring bug spray. Goes without saying when you are hiking in a wooded area!

Views from the Chai Wan hike side coming back from Cape Collinson

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Guide to Cape Collinson HONG KONG