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How to Spend Your Weekend Getaway in Ma On Shan (A Local’s Detailed Guide!)
- Where is Ma On Shan?
- What is the main street in Ma On Shan?
- How to Get to Ma On Shan
- What to Do and See in Ma On Shan
- Explore Ma On Shan Country Park
- Try paragliding with Hong Kong Hike & Fly
- Pitch a tent at Ngong Ping Campsite
- Accomplish Ma On Shan Country Trail
- Wander along Ma On Shan Promenade
- Where to Eat and Drink in Ma On Shan
- Mou Mou Club
- Sun Thai Restaurant
- Sha Tin 18
- Where to Shop in Ma On Shan
- Ma On Shan Plaza
- MOSTown
- Where to Stay in Ma On Shan
- Alva Hotel by Royal
- Regal Riverside Hotel
- FAQ
Ma On Shan is a new town that offers a blend of urban conveniences and epic natural attractions. That’s why it’s perfect for a laid-back yet fun weekend excursion.
Its hive of outdoor activities, challenging peaks, and scenic lookouts are just waiting to be explored. If you have a penchant for some nature-loving meandering, Ma On Shan can be your next getaway spot.
Come check out this underrated destination with us!
Where is Ma On Shan?
Ma On Shan borders the eastern waterfront of Tolo Harbour in the New Territories.
It’s officially part of the Sha Tin District. However, it has its own town center and government facilities, so it’s treated like a separate new town.
What is the main street in Ma On Shan?
Ma On Shan Road is the main thoroughfare in Ma On Shan, extending from Tate’s Cairn Highway to Sai Sha Road.
It’s the main access point to attractions in Ma On Shan as well as parts of Sha Tin and Sai Kung North.
How to Get to Ma On Shan
Closest subway: From Central Station, take the Tuen Ma Line and get off at Ma On Shan Station. Take Exit A1 or A2 to start your exploration at Ma On Shan Plaza.
What to Do and See in Ma On Shan
Explore Ma On Shan Country Park
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Location: Eastern New Territories
Pricing: Free entrance
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Ma On Shan Country Park is the perfect playground for adventurers who want to enjoy a range of outdoor activities amid the town’s natural landscape.
This verdant land covers over 2,880 hectares of the Eastern New Territories’s rugged countryside. It has 34 named peaks to explore, making wildlife viewing, hiking, and camping popular activities here.
If you have the time and energy, you can explore several peaks like Pyramid Hill, The Hunch Backs, and Ma On Shan Peak during your stay.
Try paragliding with Hong Kong Hike & Fly
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Location: Ma On Shan Country Park (paragliding site)
Phone: +852 6767 3372
Pricing: Paragliding (with inflight video) – HKD 2,500 per person
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 8 PM
Ever dreamt of flying like an eagle in the sky? Well, paragliding is like the next best thing, so why not give it a try?
This may seem like an extreme activity, but with a professional team like Hong Kong Hike & Fly, you can be assured of a fun and safe experience.
If you’re truly worried about safety, rest assured that the paragliding site is approved by the Civil Aviation Department. This means the location is officially secure, with accessible takeoff and landing areas.
Now for the fun part: not only does your experience include soaring above breathtaking vistas, but it also comes with an inflight video!
This allows you to take home a unique keepsake of your adventure, so you can relieve those thrilling moments whenever you like.
Pitch a tent at Ngong Ping Campsite
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Location: Within Ma On Shan Country Park
Phone: +852 2134 7658
Pricing: Free entrance
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Ngong Ping Campsite is a popular picnic and camping site in Ma On Shan. It’s well-equipped with barbecue pits, dry toilet facilities, and more.
Just a heads up, though, there are no shops on the site. Make sure you bring enough drinking water, food, and other supplies when you camp.
The great thing is, once you’re all set up, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. Plus, you can explore several viewpoints featuring the stunning vistas of Pyramid Hill, Sai Kung, and Tolo Harbour.
Accomplish Ma On Shan Country Trail
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Location: Between Ma On Shan and Tai Shui Tseng
Pricing: Free entrance
Hiking distance: 4.6 kilometers
Elevation: 158 meters
Ma On Shan Country Trail is a scenic and fun way to discover a part of Ma On Shan’s history. On this route, you’ll have the opportunity to see the notable Ma On Shan Iron Mine, which started the village’s industrial heritage.
Plus, you can also explore the Mining Heritage Centre.
This hiking trail stretches from Ma On Shan and Tai Shui Tseng in Sai Kung. With a few stops for breaks or photo ops along the way, it can take around two hours to complete.
Once you reach the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of Pyramid Hill, Ngong Ping Plateau, and parts of Sai Kung.
Wander along Ma On Shan Promenade
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Location: Northwest waterfront of Ma On Shan
Phone: +852 2643 5320
Pricing: Free entrance
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
If strenuous hikes aren’t your cup of tea, maybe a stroll along Ma On Shan Promenade is for you.
Many people love jogging here, and we have a feeling you will too. Some people also keep themselves busy at the promenade’s Tai Chi corner, dog park, and fitness station.
Plus, this beautiful waterfront walkway stretches along Sha Tin Hoi and Tolo Harbour. That means there are plenty of Instagrammable spots that deserve a place on your IG feed.
Where to Eat and Drink in Ma On Shan
Mou Mou Club
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Address: Shop 364A, 3/F, Ma On Shan Plaza, Ma On Shan
Phone: +852 2194 6028
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Good to know: Various shabu shabu specialty sets
Mou Mou Club is a Japanese restaurant located in Ma On Shan Plaza, offering shabu-shabu specialties that provide a refreshing take on classic Hong Kong-style hotpots.
Once you’re seated, you can savor an all-you-can-eat variety of paper-thin cuts of Wagyu beef sourced from Japan, America, and Australia.
Along with this, you can also enjoy unlimited udon noodles and fresh vegetables. Many customers rave about their hot and spicy and milky beef bone broths, so give them a try!
Once you select your favorite ingredients and soup base, dive into a hotpot heaven!
Sun Thai Restaurant
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Address: Sai Sha Rd, 608號, Ma On Shan Plaza, Ma On Shan
Phone: +852 2327 2199
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Good to know: Best for Thai curries and soups
Craving a bite of flavorful Thai comfort food? Just head over to Sun Thai Restaurant and check out their extensive menu of Thai snacks, soups, and curries.
If you want something light, we recommend you try their shrimp rice paper roll or spicy prawn cracker. If you’re starving, you can go for hearty dishes like the satay skewers, fish baked in banana leaves, and Thai green curry.
These are best paired with a glass of fresh coconut smoothie and decadent mango sticky rice.
Sha Tin 18
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Address: 4/F, 18 Chak Cheung St, Ma Liu Shui
Phone: +852 3723 7932
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 5:30 PM to 10 PM, Saturday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 3 PM, 5:30 PM to 10 PM
Good to know: Serves vegetarian dishes
Sha Tin 18 is the place to be if you’re after Northern Chinese cuisine, Dongguan cuisine, or East-West fusion delights.
The stars of the menu here are their peking duck and flambé rose wine barbecued pork with lard rice.
But that’s not all – they’re also quite famous for their unique desserts. Make sure you try the preserved plum sherbet, preserved beancurd cheesecake, or chinese wine chocolate ice cream!
As the perfect cherry on top, these dishes come with live tableside performances by the chefs.
Takeaway service is available. But if you want to dine onsite, here’s a tip: remember to wear smart casual attire.
Where to Shop in Ma On Shan
Ma On Shan Plaza
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Address: 608 Sai Sha Rd, Ma On Shan
Phone: +852 2631 0802
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 11 PM
Ma On Shan Plaza is a must-visit spot if you have the budget for a shopping splurge.
This huge mall boasts a wide selection of local and international stores. You’ll even find boutiques selling all sorts of clothes, shoes, and more!
If you’re coming with the kiddos, don’t forget to check out the enchanting carousel set in the middle of Ma On Shan Plaza. It only operates during the weekends, but it’s surely a hit with the kids and kids-at-heart.
MOSTown
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Address: No. 18 On Luk St, Ma On Shan
Phone: +852 2643 9110
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
With an area of over 735,000 square feet, MOSTown is Ma On Shan’s largest shopping mall. It’s a go-to destination for visitors, offering everything from shopping to entertainment in one convenient location.
The mall also has supermarkets and drugstores, so you can drop by here if you need to buy supplies before hiking or camping on Ma On Shan Peak.
Where to Stay in Ma On Shan
Alva Hotel by Royal
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Address: 1 Yuen Hong St, Sha Tin
Distance from Ma On Shan: 11 minutes away
Phone: +852 3653 1111
Pricing: $$
There are no hotels in Ma On Shan. However, if you wish to explore the area for a few days, we suggest checking out modern and accessible hotels in Sha Tin, like Alva Hotel by Royal.
Aside from the comfortable rooms and suites with overlooking views of the Shing Mun River, you can access a fitness center to maintain your workout routine even while on vacation.
Plus, they have a thermostatic rooftop pool where you can sunbathe and have a leisurely swim.
The hotel also offers a complimentary bike lending service from 8 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 6 PM. We suggest you make the most of this and explore nearby attractions.
Regal Riverside Hotel
Media Credit: regalriversidehotel
Address: 34-36號, Tai Chung Kiu Road, Sha Tin
Distance from Ma On Shan: 13 minutes away
Phone: +852 2649 7878
Pricing: $
If you want to stay in a more affordable lodging, you can come to Regal Riverside Hotel.
It’s set along the Shing Mun River and has access to various restaurants, cafes, and function rooms.
When it comes to amenities, the hotel’s spa and sauna are a big hit with guests. For an added fee, you can try a wide array of spa packages!
Among our favorites are their signature aromatherapy, traditional healing therapy massage, and facial treatments.
