Braemar Hill Hike: An Easy Hong Kong Hiking Trail

Looking for a quick and beginner-friendly hike in Hong Kong? The Braemar Hill Hike, often referred to as the Red Incense Burner Summit, is one of the easiest and quickest hikes in Hong Kong.

Famous for its panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and easy accessibility from the city, Braemar Hill is perfect for casual walkers, first-time hikers, tourists, and locals alike (and the beginner hikers among us!). The trail’s nickname, Red Incense Burner Summit, comes from the unique rock formations at the top that resemble traditional Chinese incense burners. In this guide, discover how to get to Braemar Hill, the best times to visit, and what to pack for your hike. Whether you’re chasing sunset views or planning a peaceful morning stroll, this rewarding trail is a must-do in Hong Kong’s hiking scene.

Read More: 6 Short Hiking Trails In Hong Kong: Easy Hikes Under Two Hours

Jump To:
How to Get To Braemar Hill 
All About The Braemar Hill Hike 
The Best Times To Visit 
Where To Eat After Braemar Hill Hike
What To Pack For The Braemar Hill

How To Get To Braemar Hill Hiking Trail

There are multiple ways to get to Braemar Hill Hike, but we recommend heading to the Braemar Hill Bus Terminus via Minibus 25 from Causeway Bay. If you’re travelling by MTR, take Exit E at Causeway Bay and you’ll soon see the minibus stop. Running every five minutes with a fare of only HK$5, the minibus is a quick and efficient (slightly bumpy!) way to reach the start of the hike – though the only downside is working up the confidence to shout “yau lok!”

The bus ride takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Once you disembark, cross the road, and look for steps leading down beside St. Joan of Arc Secondary School. From here, follow the path, which will take you to the start of the hiking trail. 

Alternatively, you can also arrive via Fortress Hill MTR Station and then catch bus 8 or 8X, which will drop you near the trailhead.

Read More: Best Hong Kong Hikes: Your Ultimate Hong Kong Hiking Trail Bucket List

All About The Braemar Hill Hike

The hike from the bus stop to the lookout point takes approximately 20 minutes along a straightforward trail, making it suitable for most hiking levels. With only about 120 meters of elevation gain, this hike measures around 3 kilometres from Mt Butler Road to the Red Incense Burner Summit, meaning this is ideal for those who aren’t quite ready for Lion Rock or Dragon’s Back hikes! 

And for those of us who struggle with the summer humidity (but still want to get a hike in!), you’ll be pleased to know that the actual walking time is about one hour. However, expect the total experience to last about three hours, as we predict that Insta-worthy content and easily-accessible vantage points are worth grabbing on this Hong Kong hike (beauty is pain!). 

As to Braemar Hill Hike’s difficulty level, we would rate it easy to moderate, due to its trail length but slight incline, making Braemar Hill perfect for beginners and families – and even a great option for taking your pooch for an adventurous outing! Since this hiking trail traverses through both greenery and a mixture of paved paths and natural terrain, this hike will be a realistic level-up from the beginner-friendly peak hike! If photographers can hike it to the top of Braemar Hill with their heavy gear and overflowing backpacks, you can certainly do it too!

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The Best Times To Visit — Don’t miss the breathtaking sunset views

The lookout at Braemar Hill is celebrated for its breathtaking sunsets and 360-degree view of Hong Kong, providing a stunning view as the sun sinks over Victoria Harbour. As one of the top free viewing points in Hong Kong, it’s an ideal place to spend a day off. Simply sitting on top of a large rock on Braemar Hill serves as a mental reset.

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For the most enjoyable experience, consider hiking Braemar Hill during the cooler months, from October to March. We’d also recommend squeezing in a hike in early mornings or late afternoons, so you can avoid the heat and enjoy Hong Kong’s stunning sunrise or sunset views from Braemar Hill. 

Read More: Victoria Peak: Everything You Need To Plan The Perfect Peak Trip

Where To Eat After The Braemar Hill Hike

Coffee 101 — A coffee-based post-hike refuel

Coffee enthusiasts – rejoice! For there is nothing worse than a hike without a coffee-based reward. A great option to refuel and reenergise after the Braemar Hill Hike, Coffee 101 serves up classic western treats such as burgers, pastas and healthy quinoa and kale bowls. For the true aficionados, don’t miss Coffee 101’s hand-crafted single origin brews available via various brewing methods, or speciality drinks such as their Rose Latte or Irish Coffee (we said afternoon hike for a reason!).

Sassy Tip: Coffee 101 even offers brewing classes so you can find out how to make your own delicious cup of coffee at home!

Coffee 101, Shop 12, G/F, Braemar Hill Shopping Centre, 45 Braemar Hill Road, North Point, Hong Kong, 23382521

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NAGE Taiwanese Cuisine — Delicious Taiwanese food in Hong Kong

Accessible just a short descent away from Braemar Hill is a Team Sassy-recommended NAGE. Offering up traditional Taiwanese Cuisine, you’ll come for the bubble tea and stay for (and be blown away!) by the generous portion size. It’s also imperative that you order dessert here – not only to replenish those post-hike sugar levels, but because you are seriously missing out if you don’t! 

NAGE Taiwanese Cuisine, Shop C-D, G/F, Tung Po Building, 483-497 King’s Road, North Point, Hong Kong, 98648997

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Xi Kuai 囍筷 — Classic Cantonese dishes post-hike

If you’re feeling classic Cantonese dishes, then Xi Kuai is a great choice near the end of the hiking trail. With a mix of classic cha chaan teng dishes available, such as curry rice and eggs and toast, combined with a refreshing milk tea, Xi Kuai is a no-nonsense eatery sure to get the post-hike refuel done!

Xi Kuai, Shop 3, Braemar Hill Shopping Centre, 45 Braemar Hill Road, North Point, Hong Kong, 62128366

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Cloud View Chinese BBQ Congee Needle Restaurant — Hearty dishes after a hike

A small restaurant in North Point serving up Guangdong dishes, ideal for a quick and hearty meal after a hike. Signature dishes include the barbecued pork and double egg rice, cuttlefish dumplings, and roast goose with rice noodles. As it’s an older-style eatery, so we recommend bringing some cash!

Cloud View Chinese BBQ Congee Needle Restaurant, Shop 5, G/F, Braemar Hill Shopping Centre, North Point, Hong Kong, 25780505

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What To Pack For The Braemar Hill Hike

While it’s always best to pack to your discretion, here are some Sassy recommendations for what to pack: 

• Water Bottle 
• Dress in sports gear 
• First aid, such as bandages and plasters
• Sunscreen – for face and body 
• Speakers for music 
• Bug Repellent 
• Extra snacks such as protein bars and energy drinks