Tai Tam Tuk Reservoirs

Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir is part of the Tai Tam group of reservoirs which were erected from the late 1880s into the early 1910s when Hong Kong’s demand for water constantly outstripped supply. Tai Tam Tuk is the biggest one of out the group and probably the one seen by most people as they make their way to Stanley, when they pass by the precariously narrow dam road that lines one side of the reservoir.
This is truly one of Hong Kong’s scene of natural beauty where within 20 minutes from bustling Central you can get to somewhere that’s basically been untouched since the beginning of time. One of the favourite routes to take in all this would be to take a hike from Parkview (which is at the top of the hill) and walk down past the smaller reservoirs up top and then onto this main body of water where it joins back with the main road.
One of the attractive features of this route would again be the masonry of the buildings here, being built at that time it had a very heavy British influence and much like parts of Hong Kong; you would at times think whether you really are on the edge of the South China sea or somewhere Somerset. This is also a particularly popular path as the route is mainly downhill hence making it easier for families and it takes around 2 hours in total.
Locals and tourists alike– I will be willing to bet my money that you won’t be disappointed.

I always say that one of the most amazing things of Hong Kong is the fact that, in 10 minutes cab ride, you are in the middle of nature. How many cities can say that? And how cool is that? In most other big cities, you may need to get on a train, pay a high fare and travel for a couple of hours. It also means you need to plan. That’s not the case in Hong Kong and whether you are a hiker or not, you can still enjoy beautiful landscapes and retreat for a few hours. Feeling like an easy Sunday hike? One of your options is Tai Tam Tuk Reservoirs, located at the Tai Tam Country Park, in the East side of Hong Kong Island.
That’s what three of us did early on a Saturday morning a few weeks ago. We only walked for about an hour, contemplating the nature and chatting. It is a very easy hike, flat and signaled all the way, mostly sheltered by trees so there is plenty of shadow. We went through the main stone bridges, of similar design but different heights and dating back to the 20s. They are all English style building classified as I Grade heritage. And so is the huge dam, that you can see from afar. What impressed me more was the bright turquoise water, and the contrast with the greenery and the intense blue of the sky, which created such an inspiring view!
If you are in need of a deep breath of pure air outside of the city, but not feeling like hiking up the hills, get on a cab and head to Tai Tam, you’ll feel alive again.

Every Sunday my family and I go hiking with our dogs. One of the few places we love to hike is the peak and tai tam. The tai tam hike is my most preferred hike in Hong Kong. In terms of physical work out it is a very easy hike, well depending on which route you take. There are also steep slopes and stairs for the vigorous hiker. The best thing about hiking for me at least, are the views and the natural beauty of the scenic areas. I take deep breaths and soak it all in. It’s funny how a city girl like me needs to get her nature fix every week to feel like one with nature. It’s very nourishing to the soul and ones clarity.
Tai tam has one of the best scenic hikes I’ve ever been on. The hike goes around the reservoir and you can hear the water crashing down from the waterfall at points between your hike. The water is a royal blue and just calmly sits there for you to admire. My dogs love it. The air is fresh and it’s just all around beautiful. For a moment it feels like you’re not in Hong Kong. We usually park right across the entrance near Hong Kong international school. On weekends it’s pretty easy to find parking right outside of HKIS.