Hiker Death Prompts Warning Over Lantau Climb

A mountaineering coach warned on Monday that Nei San Stream on Lantau is one of the most dangerous climbs in Hong Kong and is unsuitable for inexperienced hikers, a day after a man fell to his death there.

Jewellery company owner Ken Lo, 65, slipped and plunged a hundred metres at the Sky Cliff section of the stream.

He had been with 16 other hikers, who were later moved to safety by the Civil Aid Service.

Nei San Stream is regarded as one of the 19 most high risk locations for hikers by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, which manages Hong Kong's country parks.

Sunny Leung of the Mountaineering Council said Sky Cliff itself is slippery and special equipment is needed there.

"Especially in the summer, there is a lot of water coming from the rocks. At the same time, the vertical climb is very slippery. It's not easy to climb up," he said.

"It's near rock climbing, it's not only for hiking... People think it's like a normal hike but it's a totally different story."

Leung said hikers are advised only to go to the area with a coach and take with them safety harnesses and helmets to protect themselves.