High Island Reservoir East Dam Hong Kong
Discover Hong Kong's ancient volcanic past at High Island Reservoir East Dam, home to UNESCO-listed basalt columns and breathtaking reservoir vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
High Island Reservoir East Dam Hong Kong
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Hong Kong's ancient volcanic past at High Island Reservoir East Dam, home to UNESCO-listed basalt columns and breathtaking reservoir vistas.
"A must-see for geology buffs and nature lovers, offering a glimpse into Hong Kong's fiery origins."
🚗 Green Taxi to High Island
Take a green taxi from Sai Kung Pier to the East Dam for direct access.
⏰ Avoid Weekend Taxi Queues
Plan your return transport on weekends; taxis can be scarce after 3 PM.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
UNESCO Volcanic Rock Columns
Near East Dam
Marvel at hexagonal basalt columns, a testament to ancient volcanic activity. A must-see geological wonder.
High Island Reservoir Views
Along the dam
Stunning panoramic vistas of the vast reservoir and surrounding natural beauty. Perfect for photography.
MacLehose Trail Section
Connecting to the reservoir
Experience a segment of Hong Kong's famous hiking trail, offering diverse landscapes and challenging terrain.
Planning Your Visit
Getting to High Island Reservoir East Dam
Best Time for Volcanic Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
I've prepared the hiking guide for the MacLehose Trail in Hong Kong as promised
🚗 Green Taxi to High Island
Take a green taxi from Sai Kung Pier to the East Dam for direct access.
⏰ Avoid Weekend Taxi Queues
Plan your return transport on weekends; taxis can be scarce after 3 PM.
Hiking Sai Kung by myself
My passion, columnar basalt formations. Near East Dam in high Island reservoir, Sai Kung, Hong Kong, China.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is essential for exploring.
📸 Capture the Basalt Formations
The unique hexagonal columns are a photographer's dream.
Hiking in Hong Kong (Sai Kung), is this route realistic?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Green Taxi to High Island
Take a green taxi from Sai Kung Pier to the East Dam for direct access.
⏰ Avoid Weekend Taxi Queues
Plan your return transport on weekends; taxis can be scarce after 3 PM.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The terrain can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is essential for exploring.
📸 Capture the Basalt Formations
The unique hexagonal columns are a photographer's dream.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the unique UNESCO volcanic rock columns and the stunning reservoir views. The natural beauty and geological significance are major draws. However, the transportation challenges, particularly on weekends, and the limited facilities are frequently cited as drawbacks.
"High Island Reservoir and the surrounding Sai Kung East Country Park area are absolutely stunning and a must-visit for nature lovers. The reservoir itself is massive and offers breathtaking views of the turquoise water, rugged coastline, and unique hexagonal rock columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. It’s one of those places that makes you forget you’re still in Hong Kong!
The area is great for hiking, with well-maintained trails that take you through lush greenery and along the coastline. One of the best routes is the MacLehose Trail (Stage 1 and 2), which offers scenic viewpoints overlooking the reservoir and the ocean. If you’re into photography, this place is a goldmine, especially during sunrise or sunset.
The best part? It’s peaceful and not as crowded as other popular spots in Hong Kong. Just keep in mind that there aren’t many facilities, so bring enough water and snacks if you plan to spend a few hours exploring. If you’re up for an adventure, you can also visit nearby hidden gems like Long Ke Wan Beach, which is just a short hike away.
Overall, High Island Reservoir and its surroundings are a perfect escape from city life, offering breathtaking scenery, fresh air, and a bit of adventure. Highly recommend visiting if you love nature, hiking, or just want to experience a different side of Hong Kong!"
Ankitha Chapte
"Always enjoy being here. The 360° open view, sea breeze and rock formation combined forms a great experience. Very pleasant walk along the East Dam and Dolosse, if you just want an easy day out. It is also a good starting point for longer and / or tougher walks. In any case, there is no short of scenic spots. Would be good if there is public transportation to get there on weekdays !"
Val
"Must visit. A truly amazing part of Hong Kong.
Great views over the South China Sea, the marvel of engineering of the dam wall, and off course the famous hexagonal columns.
Everything is well sign posted. It's easy to walk around. There's some toilets too, but not any fresh water/food. So bring your own."
Geo Cacher (CX15)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Start by taking the MTR to Sai Kung Station. From there, head to Sai Kung Pier and catch a green taxi directly to the East Dam. Red taxis are generally for urban travel.
On weekends, especially after 3 PM, finding a taxi back can be very difficult. It's advisable to book a taxi in advance or be prepared for a long wait.
While buses serve the Sai Kung area, direct bus routes to the East Dam are limited. Taxis are the most convenient option from Sai Kung Pier.
The East Dam is a key access point to the geopark. Taking a taxi to the dam is the recommended approach for reaching the columnar basalt formations.
The reservoir trail is best accessed via taxi from Sai Kung. While some parts of the MacLehose Trail are accessible by bus, reaching the specific dam area is easier by taxi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit the High Island Reservoir East Dam and its surrounding natural attractions.
The area is generally accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor natural site. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
The volcanic rock columns are always visible, but visiting during daylight hours ensures you can appreciate their unique hexagonal structure and geological significance.
No booking is required for hiking the trails, including sections of the MacLehose Trail that pass by the reservoir. It's a free-access natural area.
Access to the natural geopark sites, including the columnar basalt formations near the East Dam, is free of charge.
📸 📸 Photography
The dam itself offers panoramic reservoir views, while the nearby volcanic rock columns provide unique geological shots. The surrounding hills also offer scenic vistas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive reservoir and rock formations. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Absolutely! The hexagonal basalt columns are a highlight and offer incredible photographic opportunities, especially during golden hour.
While not explicitly stated, it's always wise to check local regulations regarding drone usage in natural and reservoir areas to avoid any issues.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the landscape's natural beauty.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited. Ensure children wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven paths. Visiting on a weekday is highly recommended to avoid crowds and make the experience more relaxed. Consider a shorter, manageable walk rather than an extensive hike to keep younger children engaged.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Recommendations for hikers: Plan your route in advance, especially if you intend to tackle longer sections of the MacLehose Trail. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and carry sufficient water and supplies. Weekday visits are ideal for a more peaceful hiking experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty without the weekend crowds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the UNESCO Volcanic Rock Columns
To best experience these formations, it's recommended to visit during daylight hours. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain can be uneven. While the columns are impressive from a distance, getting closer allows for a deeper appreciation of their intricate structure. Remember to tread carefully and respect the natural environment.
Many visitors combine a trip to the rock columns with a hike along the MacLehose Trail, which passes through this area. The sheer scale and unique geological history make this a truly memorable part of any visit to Sai Kung.
Transportation and Logistics
Returning from the East Dam can be a challenge, particularly on weekends. Travelers have reported significant waits for taxis or minibuses after 3 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. To avoid this hassle, consider booking a taxi in advance or planning your departure for earlier in the day.
For those planning a hike, the East Dam serves as a convenient starting or ending point for sections of the MacLehose Trail. However, be aware that the 'road' often referred to in hiking guides is essentially the paved access road to the reservoir, which can be quite long if you're walking from further afield.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit