The Hunch Backs, Mountain summit in Sha Tin District, Hong Kong.
The Hunch Backs, also called Ngau Ngak Shan, is a 677-metre summit in eastern Hong Kong's New Territories, the twelfth-highest mountain in the territory. It stands just north of Ma On Shan, whose main peak it accompanies as a secondary top, and its north-south ridge forms the boundary between Sha Tin District and Tai Po District (Sai Kung North). From the summit the view takes in Sai Kung, Tai Po and Sha Tin.
The northern and northeastern slopes gained protection in 1976 when about 118 hectares were designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This designation recognized the area's ecological importance to the region.
The Cantonese name Ngau Ngak Shan means "ox yoke mountain", while the English name The Hunch Backs refers to the humped profile of the ridge. The mountain is also called Ma On Tail (馬鞍尾) because it stands just north of Ma On Shan, the main peak. Its north–south ridge forms the boundary between Sha Tin District and Tai Po District (Sai Kung North).
Hikers can reach this peak via Ma On Shan MTR station and follow marked trails heading northwest along Leung Yau Road. Proper footwear is essential since the paths become steep in places and can be slippery after rain.
The summit connects to MacLehose Trail Section 4, which links multiple peaks and reveals how the region's terrain flows together. From the top you can see across Sai Kung to the Sha Tin valley below in clear conditions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,911 contributors worldwide.