5 amazing waterfalls in HK worth chasing

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By YP cadet Thomas Gomersall
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Forget sun, sea, and sand – spend this summer exploring the beautiful waterfalls around the city instead

By YP cadet Thomas Gomersall |
Published: 
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Water cascades down the Brides Pool waterfall in Hong Kong.

Hongkongers love hitting the beach and hanging by the pool – it’s one of the best ways to keep cool in this sticky weather. If, however, you fancy a change from the coastlines and crowds, head outside the city. Hong Kong’s mountain streams are also home to plenty of waterfalls, and many are within easy distance of walking trails and public transport. Here are five of the best waterfalls to check out.

Bride’s Pool

Legend has it that a bride fell to her death here on her way to meet her groom. The story is grisly, but nothing else about this waterfall is. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into a painting when you see the clear pool, surrounded by lush greenery.

How to get there: Take the 75K bus from Tai Po Market MTR to Tai Mei Tuk. Follow Bride’s Pool Road until you reach a pavilion on the right side of the road. Follow the Bride’s Pool Nature Trail down the steps to a bridge leading to a barbecue site. From there, take the steps up towards Bride’s Pool.

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Ng Tung Chai fall on Tai Mo Shan.
Photo: Martin Williams

Ng Tung Chai

Getting to these falls requires a steep walk up Hong Kong’s tallest mountain, Tai Mo Shan. However, the main waterfall – which is 35 metres tall – is completely worth the hike.

How to get there: Take the 64K bus from Tai Po Market or Tai Wo MTR. Get off at Ng Tung Chai then follow Ng Tung Chai road for 10 minutes. Take the path going to the right uphill. Take the rock paved path to the temple, then continue straight on. Follow signs to the various falls.

 

The Sheung Luk river system in Sai Kung.
Photo: Martin Williams

Sheung Luk Stream

This stream doesn’t just boast a deep plunge pool and towering cliffs (which make a perfect natural diving board!), it also has three waterfalls. It’s also within walking distance of Sai Kung’s picturesque Sai Wan Beach.

How to get there: Take the 29R minibus from Sai Kung to Sai Wan Pavilion. Follow the signs to Sai Wan Village until you reach the beach. Alternatively, get a sampan from Sai Kung for HK$150 per person. Walk to the end of the beach and follow the stream from its mouth upwards until you reach the falls.

 

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Waterfall Bay in Pok Fu Lam.
Photo: Nora Tam/SCMP

Waterfall Bay

Can’t decide between the waterfalls and the beach? You don’t have to. This waterfall near Pok Fu Lam pours directly into the sea in a small cove, offering you the best of both worlds.

How to get there: Take bus 40, 40M, or 4 from Wan Chai Pier Bus Terminus to Wah Fu Commercial Complex. Walk down Waterfall Bay Road until you reach Waterfall Bay Park.

 

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Tai Tam Mound

This secluded waterfall near Tai Tam Tuk reservoir is easy to overlook – but you’d be missing out if you did. If its cool water and serene surroundings aren’t enough to convince you, then the presence of its own little beach will.

How to get there: Take bus 14 from Sai Wan Ho MTR to Tai Tam Reservoir (North). Walk back along the road until you reach the signpost. Take the trail to the right for around 15 minutes, crossing two bridges. Between the second bridge and some stairs, take the left path until you reach the waterfall.

Tai Tam Mound near Tai Tam Tuk.
Photo: Martin Williams

Edited by Ginny Wong

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