From Siu Lam to Ho Pui Reservoir (via the Siu Lam Mountain Bike Trail)
The day began with a slight overcast and a pleasant coolness. We planned a hike of about four hours from Siu Lam to Ho Pui Reservoir.
The journey began at Palatial Coast in Siu Lam. I got off at the minibus stop (information below) and began walking behind the minibus stop. We walked on for about ten minutes and reached the beginning of the Siu Lam Mountain Bike Trail at this sign:
Photos above: the pathway from the minibus stop to the beginning of the Siu Lam Mountain Bike Trail. Follow the sign to the Tai Lam direction to begin hiking.
We would be taking the route on the right of this sign, heading toward the Main Dam of the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir. There were some really pleasant views on this first part of the walk.
There was a gradual incline in this first part of the trail. About fifteen minutes later we arrived at the viewpoint, where the Main Dam of Tai Lam Chung Reservoir (also known as Reservoir Islands) came into full view.
Photos: Above the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir’s Main Dam comes into full view. Below introduction of the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir at the Main Dam.
We walked on and reached the southern entrance of the Tai Lam Country Park.
We just followed this long mountain bike trail for perhaps more than two hours. Again there was gradual incline but the hike was mostly on level grounds on a paved road. It was a wide open area surrounded by the mountains. Although the views were not too exciting, the exercise was easy and substantial as well.
On this part of the journey, we savored other views of the Reservoir Islands.
Throughout this part of the journey, follow the signs for Shek Kong. Until you reach this bridge, and further on see the crossroads reaching different directions. To head over to Ho Pui (both the village and the reservoir), follow the sign for Lui Kung Tin.
Photos: above at this bridge, you see the crossroads further on. below follow the sign for Lui Kung Tin.
Watch out at this section. Very soon (perhaps five minutes later) you will arrive at this sign. Follow the sign for Ho Pui Reservoir, pointing to the stairs down. You will then walk onwards for about another 1.5 hours.
This part of the journey was a little rigorous for us. We have already walked more than two hours from Siu Lam, it was already stretching our abilities. Therefore the stairs and incline on this trail were strenuous.
Photos: left an odd-looking tree on the way to Ho Pui. right another view of the Reservoir Islands.
Nearing the Ho Pui Reservoir, you will sense the presence of water, and you will hear many people walking the Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk. We ended up not walking this one-hour trail because by the time we reached Ho Pui, we were simply exhausted. Finally, we headed to the Ho Pui Village for another fifteen, twenty minutes. At the village, we had a bowl of noodles for a very reasonable price. All in all, a very good day.
Reminders
Overall, the walk took a little more than four hours. The section within the Tai Lam Country Park was paved throughout. The section to Ho Pui was a mountainous path. Be fully prepared with enough water and snacks. At no point between Siu Lam and Ho Pui was there any store for supplies. If you go during the summer, bring plenty of water with you.
How to Get There
From the San Hui Market in Tuen Mun, take Minibus 43B and get off at the Palatial Coast stop. Then follow the path toward the mountains to reach the sign post.
To leave from Ho Pui Village, take the minibus 71, which stops at both the Kam Tin MTR Station and Yuen Long.