💧【High Island Reservoir • West Dam (萬宜水庫 • 西壩)】 is located in the Sai Kung District and stands as part of one of Hong Kong’s largest reservoirs. Together with the East Dam, the West Dam forms the primary retaining structures for the reservoir and is well-known for its gorgeous coastal scenery, hexagonal volcanic columns, and coastal erosion landforms. As part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, it attracts numerous hikers, photography buffs, and geologists looking to explore.— —
Location & Key Features
1. Geography
The High Island Reservoir West Dam sits in the southeastern part of the Sai Kung Peninsula, right next to High Island (Leung Shuen Wan). Together with the East Dam, it seals off the original Kwun Mun Channel to form a massive artificial freshwater lake.
2. Main Landmarks
- Hexagonal Volcanic Columns: Formed by intense volcanic activity around 140 million years ago, these neatly arranged pillars display a truly unique geological landscape.
- Sea Arch: Beautifully carved out by centuries of wave erosion, this spot is perfect for capturing coastal scenery and sunsets.
- High Island Reservoir Completion Monument: This landmark records the history of the reservoir’s construction, marking a massive milestone in the development of Hong Kong’s water supply system.
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Hiking Routes
1. Pak Tam Chung to High Island Reservoir West Dam
- Route Features: Kick off from Pak Tam Chung and follow Section 1 of the MacLehose Trail to reach the West Dam.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate; great for general hikers.
- Distance: Around 8 kilometers, taking about 3 to 4 hours.
2. West Dam to East Dam
- Route Features: Walk along the edge of the reservoir from the West Dam straight to the East Dam, passing right by clusters of hexagonal rock columns and sea arches.
- Difficulty: Moderate; best for visitors with a bit of hiking experience.
- Distance: Around 4 kilometers, taking about 2 hours.
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Outdoor Activities
- Photography: Boasting wide, majestic coastal views, the West Dam is an incredible spot for capturing sunrises, sunsets, and geological wonders.
- Stargazing: Because the West Dam is tucked far away from urban light pollution, the night skies are crystal clear—making it a huge favorite for astronomy lovers.
- Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Visitors can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to explore the calm, serene waters within the legal activity zones near the reservoir area.
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Transport Info
1. How to Get to High Island Reservoir West Dam
Visitors can catch a bus or minibus from Sai Kung Town Center to Pak Tam Chung, and then hop in a taxi or hike directly out to the West Dam.
2. Public Transport to Pak Tam Chung
- Bus Route 94: Runs from Sai Kung Town Center to Pak Tam Chung.
- Minibus Route 9: Runs from Sai Kung Town Center to Pak Tam Chung.
- Bus Route 96R: Runs from Diamond Hill MTR Station to Pak Tam Chung (operates on Sundays and public holidays only).
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Things to Note
1. Safety Tips
- Bring Enough Drinking Water: There are no supply stores or kiosks near the West Dam, so making sure you pack plenty of your own water is an absolute must.
- Use Caution in Bad Weather: The trails can become quite slippery, and coastal winds can get very strong during rainy or unstable seasons.
2. Environmental Conservation
- Please strictly follow “Leave No Trace” principles and pack out all your own trash to keep the reservoir pristine.
- Avoid Damaging Rock Formations: The hexagonal rock columns sit inside a protected geological zone. Please do not climb on, chip at, or deface the rocks.
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Summary
The High Island Reservoir West Dam blends stunning coastal scenery, unique geological marvels, and a variety of outdoor activities into one of Hong Kong’s top spots for hiking and photography. Whether you are searching for ancient volcanic rock structures, catching a peaceful sunset, or taking on a scenic hike, it delivers an incredible natural getaway. By staying safe and respecting the environment, we can help protect the beauty of the West Dam for everyone to enjoy!
