The Hindu Temple of Queen’s Hill Military Camp
Some of the places in Hong Kong are never heard of, and out of this world. The Hindu Temple of Queen’s Hill is such a place.
According to the introduction on site, the “Hindu Temple at Burma Lines (formerly known as Queen’s Hill Camp) in Fanling was built in the 1960s for the Gurkhas from Nepal who were stationed at the camp.” The temple has the shape of a lotus. Its hexagonal design signifies holiness and beauty. The god being worshipped in this temple is the Hindu god of destruction, Shiva. Before 1996, the Gurkhas held Hindu festivals here, until obviously the British forces left Hong Kong in 1997 and thus this temple fell into disrepair.
When I saw the Hindu Temple, its beauty amazed me. The inside was like avant garde, it felt as if I were in MOMA. I used up a whole roll of film.
In terms of exploration of this site, there was not much beyond its beautiful exterior and interior. However, the Queen’s Hill Camp is behind the temple. According to the introduction by other hikers, the camp is huge. Fallen trees blocked the road. I stopped proceeding once having passed this covered pathway.
Photos: the way to the military camp structures. Fallen trees blocked part of it.
How to get to the Hindu Temple of Queen’s Hill
I went by private car. From Lau Shui Heung Road, I turned right onto Po Kak Tsai Village. At the Po Kak Tsai Lau Shui Heung Public Toilet, there is a way on the right that leads up to the Hindu Temple. The area is under construction. At first glance it looked as if there was no through way. But do enter, and at the opening of the trail, keep to your right.
No, it does not even look like a way, but the very narrow path up (note, all along the wired fence) is the one that leads you to the temple. As with the hiking of other trails in Hong Kong, where you see strings, ropes or ribbons tied on the path, it is indication that you are on the right path. On this path, you will see large white ropes tied on the side all the way to the Hindu Temple.
Photos: follow the ribbons and the white ropes, and walk along the wired fence to reach the Hindu Temple.
If you take the wider pathway on your left, you will come across an old dog-breeding type of structure, and that is when you know you are on the wrong way.
Photos: if you see these structures, you have gone on the wrong way. Turn back!
From the opening of the pathway to the Hindu Temple the gentle path up only takes about 5 minutes.
Annoyances
The mosquitoes in this area were fierce. I do not usually get bites when I wear long pants. On this day only my ankles were exposed and they came down with tens and tens of bites. Therefore, go in full cover and with additional mosquito repellent on you.