How to get to Checkerboard Hill – Hong Kong’s Aviation Landmark

If you’re planning to visit Checkerboard Hill in Hong Kong, the huge red and white visual navigation aid that used to help pilots fly the approach to Kai Tak Airport, here is a simple no nonsense guide of how I got there.

1, Buy an Octopus card

I downloaded the Octopus app on my phone and using that makes it dead easy to get around Hong Kong. You’ll need this if you’re planning to travel on the MTR rail network and don’t want to have to deal with buying single tickets from the machines.

2, Get a train to Lok Fu station

This is the closest station to Checkerboard Hill and can be found on the Kwun Tong Line of the Hong Kong MTR (Mass Transit Railway). Get out here and walk to the exit.

3, Exit and look for Wang Tau Hom East Road

Exit the station and turn right to find Wang Tau Hom East Road. Follow this up the hill, under the bridge that connects the shopping mall, and to a set of lights. Cross over the lights and turn right.

4, Walk up Junction Road

Walk up the hill on the left side of Junction Road for around 5 minutes until you see a turn-off to the left.

5, Turn left and walk into Lok Fu Park

Take a left turn into the park and take the first left again.

This is where the walk starts to get quite hilly so be warned. You’ll want comfortable shoes and water, the hill gets steeper as you go up.

6, Turn left at the top and keep the reservoir to your right

When you get to a T-junction, turn left and keep the large reservoir to your right.

7, Look for the narrow path next to the fence

This is where you’ll feel like you’re trespassing, but don’t worry you’re not! Keep the reservoir to your right and eventually you’ll see this big black fence. Next to that is a very steep path down the other side of the hill. Watch your footing here, but make your way down with the fence close to your right.

8, Find the steps

You’ll then come to a set of steps, walk down these again being very careful. It’s very steep and in the wet I imagine this would be very slippery. So take your time coming down here.

9, Turn right and follow the path

You’re nearly there! At the foot of the steps turn right and walk along the path for another minute or two. Then look up to your right and you should see the bottom of Checkerboard Hill.

10, Walk up the steps, and you’re there

Finally, at the end of the path is another set of steps which you can walk up to the Checkerboard itself. Congratulations, you’ve made it a really important part of aviation history. Enjoy your time there and take loads of photos.

Google Maps directions to Checkerboard Hill

Here’s that route in Google Maps if you prefer to follow it this way.