Sai Kung East Country Park: Travel Guide (4.5★)

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Sai Kung East Country Park sits on a peninsula of steep granite ridges and volcanic rock east of Sai Kung town, bordered by Port Shelter and the open waters toward the Ninepin Group. It covers roughly 47 square kilometres, making it one of Hong Kong’s largest country parks. Inside its boundaries: the High Island Reservoir, sections of the Maclehose Trail, and some of the territory’s most photographed coastline.

The park’s headline feature is the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region, a UNESCO-recognized geological area on the East Dam of High Island Reservoir. Hexagonal rock columns, formed from cooling volcanic ash 140 million years ago, rise in tilted, folded formations along the shoreline. A short walk from the dam’s car park brings you to viewing platforms overlooking them.

Tai Long Wan, a string of four beaches, is the park’s other big draw. Reaching Sai Wan or Ham Tin usually means a hike of one to two hours from Pak Tam Au or Wong Shek, rewarded with white sand and turquoise water rare this close to a major city. Long Ke Wan, near the East Dam, is shorter to reach and often quieter on weekdays.

Getting into the park

There’s no MTR station nearby; access is by road or trail.

• From Sai Kung town, minibus 29R or hired vans run to Pak Tam Chung, the park’s main gateway.
• From Pak Tam Chung, another minibus or taxi continues to the East Dam for the volcanic rock viewpoints.
• Hikers doing Maclehose Trail Sections 1 and 2 start at the East Dam and finish near Pak Tam Au.
• The park is open 24 hours daily, but trails and viewpoints are best tackled in daylight; there’s no lighting once you’re off the main roads.

Hiking Maclehose Trail Section 1

This opening stretch of Hong Kong’s 100km trail runs from the East Dam to Pak Tam Au, about 10.6km. It’s considered one of the easier sections, mostly paved or graded path, with sea views toward the Ninepin Group for much of the route.

Bring more water than you think you’ll need. There’s little shade and no shops until Pak Tam Au. Given the size and open exposure of the park, sunburn and heat exhaustion are the main risks, not getting lost.

Timing your visit around the crowds

The park is well-known and draws heavy weekend traffic, especially to the East Dam and Tai Long Wan trailheads. Weekday mornings are noticeably calmer for both the volcanic rock viewpoints and the beach hikes.

October through March brings drier air and cooler hiking temperatures, avoiding the summer heat and typhoon season (roughly June to September). Typhoon signals close trails and beaches entirely, so check Hong Kong Observatory warnings before setting out.

Practical notes for the reservoir and beaches

High Island Reservoir has no swimming access; it’s a drinking-water supply, so admiring it from the dam and East Dam viewpoints is as close as you’ll get. Tai Long Wan beaches have no lifeguards outside limited summer hours, so treat any swimming there as at your own risk. Pack cash for the small noodle shops and drink stalls at Ham Tin and Chek Keng, since card payment is rarely available this far from town.