Take a Hike: How to hike from Pak Lap to East Dam in Sai Kung

Overview and fast facts:

Have you ever dreamed of travelling to the ends of the earth? Craved the feeling of being at the edge of horizon? You are in luck, as we have hit upon a hidden trail south of the Sai Kung Peninsula. From the small village of Pak Lap, a coastal trail takes you all the way up to the High Island Reservoir East Dam. With long stretches of grass, rock columns, and a mystical cairn clearing, this lesser-known trek has it all, including some of the greatest plunging views of the South China Sea our city has to offer.

This trail is not shaded, so be sure to protect your skin and your head with suitable sunscreen and gear. It is also quite isolated, so make sure you stock up on food and water before heading off! All in all, there are some uphill parts to take on, but none too high or steep. Even with little indications, the way is straightforward. There are multiples viewpoints worth a few snaps, and beautiful spots for breaks.

Distance: 3.5 kilometers approximately

Difficulty: Intermediate

Total time: 2 to 2.30 hours approx.

The hike

The starting point of this hike is Pak Lap Beach—not as famous as Tai Long Wan, but just as beautiful. Known among campers, you might be welcomed by a row of tents and cooled bonfires if you arrive in the morning. The last pitstop before you start walking is Pak Lap Café. You could opt for a sit-down breakfast or lunch (it serves a delicious selection of fried rice and noodles, as well as some delights from the fryer, a sweet mung bean soup, grass jelly with milk, and more), or just take away a few snacks for later. Do not forget to fill up on water as this is the last amenity you will come across!

Once you’ve taken in the beauty of Pak Lap Beach, make your way back until you reach the painted mural. Showcasing local fauna and vague directions, this mural is not the most precise map, but it gives you an idea of where you are headed. With your back to the sea, head right as soon as you can, and start walking!

At first, you’ll follow directions to Mok Min Cave, taking you on a cleared hill path for about 20 minutes. Pay attention to where you’re walking as this trail is not shy of stray rocks, but also take as many chances as you can to stop and look ahead. With only a few outlying islets scattered on the glistening sea, the unobstructed view is out of this world. You can also look back to see Sai Kung’s famous hexagonal rocks. You will soon be quite high up, but the ride doesn’t end there! As the natural landscape dries up gradually, you will arrive at a towering, vertigo-provoking rock formation further on your right. Be careful as this rocky part of the hike can get quite slippery on a rainy day.

Continue walking for around 25 minutes until you glimpse the clear turquoise water of a secluded beach. You can hike down for a break and a snack on the sand, where you are almost guaranteed to be alone. Once you’ve recuperated, it’s time to hike back up to make your way to High Island Reservoir, with still a few surprises along the way.

Before you hit the final ascent, walk along the coast, following the path for another 20 to 30 minutes. You will then be confronted with a tall, steep, grassy flank. The effort is worth it, since the reward is a chance to see a peculiar place. On top of the hill lies a clearing covered in cairns! Hundreds—if not thousands­—of these human-made rock formations, varying in size and height, have been carefully mounted on top of the hill. Historically a way to guide travellers, some of the cairns are as high as a full-grown human, while others make you wonder how they are still standing upright!