Hike to Po Pin Chau

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:

• http://www.geopark.gov.hk/en_s...
• http://www.discoverhongkong.co...
• http://www.walkonhill.com/rout...