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Hike to Po Pin Chau

Maclehose Trail Sec. 1, Hong Kong

4.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

1.9 miles

Elevation Gain

820.2 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Kyle Obermann

Hike through Hong Kong's volcanic past with brilliant examples of volcanic basalt pillars and great ocean views.

This is a fairly non-strenuous hike which still offers some really nice views, the chance to gain some elevation and then cool off at a beach, and also learn some geology. 

Getting to High Island Reservoir East Dam starts from Sai Kung village. There are many ways to get to Sai Kung village, I took Public Light Bus 101M from the Hang Hau Station MTR stop (Purple Line).

From Sai Kung take a taxi to the East Dam (东坝). The taxi drivers are very familiar with taking people to this point and the fair is $107 HKD one way. Make sure to get the taxi phone number on your way there for calling one on your way out or simply wait and catch one dropping others off when you're done.

When the taxi drops you off at the pavilion on top of the dam head down the road to the bottom of the dam and go straight along the bottom road along the massive, concrete seaside barriers to the end of the road. At the end of the road in front of the fence and small utility building there will be a small path cutting off to the left through the last of the concrete pillars. Take this path.

The path goes up the hill directly opposite of Po Pin Chau (which is the broken-off island featured in the the first picture) for views of the basalt seaside cliff and ocean. There are many different paths which also lead to several beaches and other routes but finding the correct route to Po Pin Chau is not difficult. 

This trail is part of the High Island Reservoir Geopark, Sai Kung Trail, and MacLehose Trail Stage 1 so if you are looking for longer options in the area, there are plenty. Beware that you will have to bring ample water and there is little shade.

Here are some other sites describing the route and other options in the area:

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Features

Rock Climbing
Photography
Swimming
Hiking
Bathrooms
Beach
Easy Parking
Groups
Picnic Area
Cliff Jumping
Swimming Hole

Hike to Po Pin Chau Reviews

I spent a day here with some friends on a recent trip to HK. There's a bit of work to get to the Damn between the ride from HK to the taxi ride or hike to the dam. It's a great place for some drone photography if you have one at your disposal. I would highly recommend getting an early start to avoid the crowds. You'll also get better taxis in/out and be able to get better photos with less people visible.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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