If Hong Kong has a wilderness, this is it. Sai Kung East Country Park spreads across the rugged eastern half of the Sai Kung Peninsula — a landscape of green hills, a vast blue reservoir, volcanic sea cliffs and beaches so remote you can only reach them on foot or by boat. It is, by common consent, one of the territory’s premier country parks.
Gazetted in the late 1970s as part of Hong Kong’s pioneering country park system, the park protects a sweep of coast and uplands that feels a world away from the city’s towers — yet it begins barely an hour from downtown. Within its boundaries you can trace the territory’s deep past: volcanic rock laid down in cataclysmic eruptions long before humans existed, fishing and farming villages that thrived for generations, and the reservoir engineering that helped a thirsty modern city survive. Few protected areas pack so much variety into one accessible expanse.
The High Island Reservoir
At the heart of the park lies the High Island Reservoir, a feat of 1970s engineering that dammed a sea channel between the peninsula and what was once High Island. Today its calm fresh water mirrors the surrounding hills, and its two great dams are among Sai Kung’s signature sights.
The East Dam is the star. Here you can stand beside the famous rhyolitic hexagonal volcanic columns — pale, silica-rich rock formed in violent eruptions around 140 million years ago, and the centrepiece of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. A sea arch, a blowhole and the dramatic dolosse-armoured dam wall complete one of Hong Kong’s most extraordinary landscapes. Don’t miss the chance to see the East Dam up close.
The MacLehose Trail
Sai Kung East is the birthplace of Hong Kong’s most famous footpath. MacLehose Trail Sections 1 and 2 run right through the park:
- Section 1 follows a gentle, paved road along the reservoir shore from Pak Tam Chung to the East Dam — flat enough for families and first-time hikers.
- Section 2 climbs over the hills and drops to the wild beaches of Tai Long Wan, a tougher and more rewarding stretch.
These two sections alone showcase the park’s full range, from easy waterside strolling to demanding coastal hiking.
The wild eastern beaches
The park’s eastern shore holds some of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong — and among the hardest to reach.
Tai Long Wan
Tai Long Wan (Big Wave Bay) is a string of golden, surf-washed bays — Sai Wan, Ham Tin and Tai Wan — backed by green hills and reached only on foot or by boat. There are no roads, no lifeguards and strong rip currents, so the beaches are gloriously unspoilt but demand real caution from swimmers. Small seasonal village stores sell drinks and simple meals, but you should carry your own water and food.
Quieter coves
Beyond Tai Long Wan, the park’s indented coast hides quieter inlets and the old village bays of Chek Keng and Long Harbour, threaded together by trails and the occasional kaito ferry — perfect for those seeking solitude.
Pak Tam Chung: the gateway
Almost every visit begins at Pak Tam Chung, the park’s main gateway. Here you’ll find:
- The Sai Kung East Country Park Visitor Centre, with exhibits on the area’s geology, ecology and Hakka heritage — a worthwhile first stop.
- The start of the MacLehose Trail and the gentle Pak Tam Chung Nature Trail.
- The historic Sheung Yiu Folk Museum, a restored Hakka village.
- Bus stops, basic refreshments and toilets before you head into the wild.
Wildlife and landscape
The country park is rich in life. Its woodlands, streams and grasslands support barking deer, wild boar, civets, porcupines and a wealth of birds and butterflies. Freshwater streams shelter dragonflies and amphibians, while the rocky coast draws seabirds. Because so much of the park is roadless and dark at night, it is also one of Hong Kong’s best places for stargazing — the campsites here offer genuinely dark skies.
How to explore — at a glance
| Activity | Where | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Reservoir & geology | High Island East Dam | Easy (with transport in) |
| Waterside walk | MacLehose Section 1 | Easy–moderate |
| Wild beaches | Tai Long Wan | Moderate–hard (long hike) |
| Family nature trail | Pak Tam Chung | Easy |
| Camping & stargazing | Designated campsites | Varies |
Camping and campsites
Sai Kung East has several designated campsites, popular with hikers, families and stargazers. They are basic and remote — expect simple facilities and no shops — so you must carry in all your supplies, including water, and carry out all your rubbish. Camping here is one of the finest ways to experience the park’s silence and night skies.
Practical tips
- Carry plenty of water and food. Shops are few and far between, and limited to a handful of seasonal village stores.
- Start early for long hikes, and always check the last bus and boat times before you set out.
- Respect the sea. The eastern beaches are unpatrolled with dangerous currents.
- Mind the weather. Avoid exposed ridges and beaches during thunderstorm, rainstorm or strong-wind warnings.
- Leave no trace. This is a protected area; take everything home and stay on marked trails.
Best time to visit
- Autumn and winter (October–March) offer the finest weather — cool, dry and clear, ideal for long hikes and crisp reservoir views.
- Spring brings green hills and wildflowers but can be misty and humid.
- Summer is hot and stormy; if you visit, start at dawn, carry extra water and watch for thunderstorm and rainstorm warnings, which can turn trails and beaches dangerous.
- For stargazing and camping, choose a clear, moonless night well away from city lights.
Weekdays are far quieter than weekends, when popular spots like the East Dam and Tai Long Wan draw crowds.
Itinerary ideas
- Half a day: Pak Tam Chung visitor centre and nature trail, plus a taxi or hired boat to the East Dam columns.
- A full day: Walk MacLehose Section 1 along the reservoir to the East Dam, then continue (or return by transport).
- A big adventure: Tackle Sections 1 and 2 over to Tai Long Wan, swim, and exit by boat from Sai Wan.
- Overnight: Camp at a designated site for sunset, stars and a dawn start on the trails.
Getting there
There is no MTR station in Sai Kung. From the city, take KMB bus 92 from Diamond Hill MTR or green minibus 1A from Choi Hung MTR to Sai Kung Town, then bus 94 (or 96R on Sundays and holidays) to Pak Tam Chung. See the full transport guide for routes, fares and frequencies — and pair your visit with the neighbouring Sai Kung West Country Park for an even bigger day in the great outdoors.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sai Kung East Country Park known for?
It’s known for the High Island Reservoir and its hexagonal volcanic columns, the first two sections of the MacLehose Trail, and the wild, unspoilt beaches of Tai Long Wan — some of the most beautiful scenery in Hong Kong.
Where is the gateway to Sai Kung East Country Park?
The main gateway is Pak Tam Chung, where you’ll find the visitor centre, the start of the MacLehose Trail and bus connections. Reach it via Sai Kung Town — see the transport guide.
Can you camp in Sai Kung East Country Park?
Yes. There are designated campsites within the park, popular with hikers and stargazers. Bring all your own supplies and follow the leave-no-trace rules, as facilities are basic and remote.
