The Kowloon Reservoir Hike is an easy hike around the Kowloon Group of Reservoirs and Shek Lei Pui Reservoir in Kam Shan Country Park.

View of Hong Kong from above Shek Lei Pui Reservoir

The trail passes the four reservoirs and their dams, running along the shores, and crossing streams that deliver water to them.

Little hidden gems around the Kowloon Reservoirs Hike

And because Kowloon Reservoirs are located in Kam Shan Country Park, that can only mean there’s plenty of wildlife to admire, especially macaques and wild boars!

Don’t mind the boars!

About the Kowloon Reservoir Hike

The Kowloon Reservoir Hike is a 5 km loop across four reservoirs – Kowloon Reservoir, Kowloon Byewash Reservoir, Kowloon Reception Reservoir (commonly referred to as the Kowloon Group of Reservoirs) and Shek Lei Pui Reservoir.

Kowloon Reservoir Hike Map

Other than a short incline at the start and one at the end, the hike is almost exclusively on flat terrain. This means you can attempt the hike even on a hot and humid day.

So, if you’re a fan of long walks along reservoirs in Hong Kong, you’ll enjoy the Kowloon Reservoir Hike.

Panoramic view of Kowloon Reception Reservoir

Here’s a quick aerial view of the Kowloon Reservoirs and Kam Shan Country Park to get you excited!

A quick word about macaques before we start

Kam Shan Country Park is famous for its macaques. The country park is their home and you’re a visitor.

A family of macaques playing on Golden Hill Road

Please refrain from getting too close to them or feeding them. As long as you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you.

They’re used to human company and won’t do a thing if you mind your own business.

Starting point

The Kowloon Reservoir Hike starts at the intersection of Golden Hill Road and Tai Po Road.

The starting point – Golden Hill Road

The easiest way to arrive here is by bus number KMB 72 (between Tai Po and Cheung Sha Wan) or KMB 81 (between Wo Che and Jordan, West Kowloon Station). The Tai Po Road divides Lion Rock Country Park from Kam Shan Country Park.

Depending on which side you arrive from, make sure that you’re on the side of the road with the toilet (the Kam Shan Country Park side). Walk towards Golden Hill Road and turn onto it. This is the start of the hike.

Opposite Golden Hill Road is Piper’s Hill Road, the entrance to the Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail and Beacon Hill Hike. If you enjoy stunning views of Kowloon, return to the Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail on a clear day!

To the Kowloon Reservoir Dam

Walk down Golden Hill Road, which also happens to be Maclehose Trail Section 6.

View of Kowloon Reservoir walking down Golden Hill Road

At the bottom of the road is a small bridge, at the nook of the Kowloon Reservoir. Underneath, the excess water from the Kowloon Reservoir flows into the Kowloon Byewash Reservoir.

From the bridge, it’s a short walk to the Kowloon Reservoir Dam.

Keep walking to the Kowloon Reservoir Dam

The Kowloon Reservoir, completed in 1910, is the first reservoir in the New Territories of Hong Kong. The dam has a unique curved outline design.

From on top of the dam, you can admire the Kowloon Reservoir on one side and the Kowloon Byewash Reservoir on the other.

View of Kowloon Reservoir from the dam

Take a moment to admire the still water and click photos.

Admiring the beautiful Kowloon Reservoir

Next, cross the dam and walk towards the pavilion and the entrance to the Kam Shan Tree Walk.

A quick break anyone?

Towards Shek Lei Pui Reservoir

Feel free to take a quick break at the pavilion at the start of the Kam Shan Tree Walk.

The pavilion next to the entrance of the Kam Shan Tree Walk

The Kam Shan Tree Walk is an 830-metre family-friendly track that showcases the various types of trees in Kam Shan Country Park.

But to continue to Shek Lei Pui Reservoir, walk uphill n Golden Hill Road for another 80–100 metres.

Walk uphill on Golden Hill Road

Just before the bend, notice a flight of steps to the left. Follow the signs for the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Jogging Trail and climb the steps.

After the steps follow the narrow trail on a gentle incline.

After the steps, it’s a gentle incline

The trail runs parallel to the road below before turning left to run alongside the catchwater drain.

Continue walking along the catchwater drain till the trail splits in two. At this point, which path should you take?

Which path should you take? Ideally, go right.

Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Mini Dam Wall

Up ahead is the smaller Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Dam Wall and the path splits towards either end of it.

The path on the left reaches the end of the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Jogging Trail and is a short walk to the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Main Dam. This path is a shortcut to the dam and the next reservoir.

Admiring the shape of Shek Lei Pui Reservoir from the air

The path on the right reaches the start of the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Jogging Trail. And from there, it’s a 1.5 km walk to reach the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Dam.

We took the path on the right, around Shek Lei Pui Reservoir.

Around Shek Lei Pui Reservoir

The Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Jogging Trail is a flat 1.7 km trail around Shek Lei Pui Reservoir.

The start of the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Jogging Trail

At the start of the trail, the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Dam appears deceptively close on the opposite side.

And the trail remains scenic with the reservoir within touching distance. The still water is visible just beyond the trees and shrubs.

The trail runs alongside the reservoir

But as the trail continues, the reservoir moves further away. Fortunately, there are a couple of other attractions along the way that make this trail worthwhile.

The trail slowly moves away from the shoreline

Depending on the time of the year, there are multiple streams around the reservoir to admire. These streams carry water to the reservoir and are quite picturesque.

The first stream

Along the north shore of the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir are a couple of nooks. And each nook is accompanied by a stream flowing into the reservoir.

The first stream appears 400 metres after the start of the trail.

Arrived at the first stream

When we arrived, water was gushing with quite a force into the reservoir! It made for quite a photo opportunity!

And what was even better was that we had the stream all to ourselves for the entire time we were there.

The streams flowing into the reservoir

But after we had done admiring the stream, we realised that we weren’t the only ones at the stream.

There was a large group of macaques who were swimming at the mouth of the stream in the reservoir who decided to scare us!

The second and third streams

After the first stream, the trail heads south before turning back up north again.

Views like these make the hike scenic

The impressive views of the reservoir continue along the trail.

And after another 450 metres of walking, the trail arrives at the next nook with another stream.

Almost at the next stream

At this stream, the water flows down a cliff, into a shallow pool, before continuing into the reservoir.

The mini-waterfall at the second stream

The pool of water set against the mini-waterfall is a pretty sight!

Admiring the water flow from the top of the hill into Shek Lei Pui Reservoir

And from this nook, you also get your first glimpse of the views of the city. But more on that later.

The tip of ICC is visible from this end

After the second stream, the third stream is only 200 metres away. But unfortunately, it’s not much to look at.

Continue walking along the trail as it twists and turns. From this section of the trail, it is also possible to see Beacon Hill and Lion Rock.

After another 300 metres, the trail arrives at a small outdoor seating area. Just after the seating area, the trail splits in two. At this point, turn left towards the fence.

Turn left along the fence

The section with the fence is directly opposite the start of the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Jogging Trail. And from here, you can not only admire the reservoir but also Lion Rock in the distance.

View of the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir from the fenced path

Cross the cleared area with the fence and keep walking for another 120 metres to the main dam. But just as the trees clear, the views dramatically change!

Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Dam

Construction of the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir began in 1923 and was completed in 1925. The two dams and the valve houses at the centre of the dam are listed as Grade II historic buildings.

The dam offers views of both sides of Hong Kong. On the one side, is the calm still water, surrounded by green hills. But turn around to admire the views of the city that are a contrast to the other side!

And the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Dam stands between these two contrasting views!

If you don’t feel like continuing to the next reservoir, you can simply cross the dam and continue walking to Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Dam Jogging Trail and complete the loop.

Another aerial view of Shek Lei Pui Reservoir

But to continue on the Kowloon Reservoir Hike, follow the sign for the Kowloon Reception Reservoir.

Head down to the Kowloon Reception Reservoir to continue the hike

To The Kowloon Reception Reservoir

The Kowloon Reception Reservoir is straightforward, downhill walk from the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Dam.

Aerial view of Kowloon Reception Reservoir from Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Dam

The trail is a bit rougher than the jogging track, but that shouldn’t be an issue.

The rough downhill trail to Kowloon Reception Reservoir

At the start of the descent, the views of the city remain visible. But as the trail descends below the tree line, those views disappear.

When the trail reaches the reservoir, turn right to continue the Kowloon Reservoirs Hike. Similar to the previous reservoir, the left turn is a shortcut to reach the end of the trail.

Turn right when you arrive at the Kowloon Reception Reservoir

Around the Kowloon Reception Reservoir

Just like the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir, the trail around the Kowloon Reception Reservoir is also labelled as a jogging trail. And both trails share many similarities.

The trail around the Kowloon Reception Reservoir is a similar length of 1.6 km and is also flat, shaded, and easy.

The Kowloon Reception Reservoir Jogging Trail is very similar to the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Dam Jogging Trail

It runs alongside the reservoir with views of the water and access to the shore.

Stepping onto the shores of the Kowloon Reception Reservoir

And although there are three streams that flow into this reservoir too, they’re not as picturesque as those at the previous reservoir.

To the first stream

400 metres from the start, the trail reaches a nook with a stream flowing into the reservoir.

At the first nook, stay left, don’t take the path on the right

Make sure to cross the stream and continue around the bend. Don’t take the steps to the right.

Walk around the first stream

To the second stream

After the first nook, the trail continues along the reservoir before turning towards another nook.

This time there is a small pedestrian bridge over the stream. Unfortunately, this stream was dry when we visited.

Cross the bridge over the second stream

After the bridge, turn left and continue on the Kowloon Reception Reservoir Jogging Trail.

Stay on the Kowloon Reception Reservoir Jogging Trail

To the third stream

The trail remains relatively uneventful till it returns closer to the shore. And then it turns back towards another small stream.

The third stream flows under the path and onto the rocks below.

The third stream at the Kowloon Reception Reservoir

After the stream, the trail continues on a quieter section before returning to the shore once more.

This area probably has the best views of the Kowloon Reception Reservoir.

Such gorgeous views of Kowloon Reception Reservoir

Continue walking for a short distance before the trail arrives at a fork.

Take the path on the left to step onto the dam wall. The paved path on the right heads down to the Shek Lei Pui Water Treatment Works.

Stay left to walk onto the Kowloon Reception Reservoir Dam

To The Kowloon Reception Reservoir Dam

The top of the Kowloon Reception Reservoir Dam is just wide enough to fit two people.

The narrow Kowloon Reception Reservoir Dam

Despite its narrow wall, the views of the reservoir from the dam are quite beautiful.

Unfortunately, because the dam is located downhill, there are no views of the city from here.

To Cheung Yuen Road

To continue on the Kowloon Reservoir Hike, cross the dam and continue on the trail.

Shortly onto the trail, there is a flight of steps to the right. The steps head up to a picnic area but continue following the trail.

Keep walking around the reservoir and don’t go up the steps

Further ahead, the trail becomes slightly narrower as it approaches a fence.

The fence signals the end of The Kowloon Reception Reservoir Jogging Trail as the flight of steps ahead reaches the start and end points of the jogging trail.

Walk down the steps

To continue on the Kowloon Reservoir Hike, exit the Kowloon Reception Reservoir Jogging Trail onto Cheung Yuen Road.

The part where the start and finish of the trail meet

To The Kowloon Byewash Reservoir Dam

As you walk down the steps onto Cheung Yuen Road, turn left.

Walk onto Cheung Yuen Road and turn left

Follow the road downhill for approximately 150 metres to the Kowloon Byewash Reservoir Dam.

This is the fourth and final dam on the Kowloon Reservoir Hike.

Standing on top of the Kowloon Byewash Reservoir Dam

From on top of the dam, you can admire the elongated Kowloon Byewash Reservoir and even the Kowloon Reservoir Dam.

The Kowloon Reservoir Dam was the first dam on the hike, and now you’ve almost come a full circle.

Kowloon Reservoir and Kowloon Byewash Reservoir

Finish the hike at Tai Po Road

With the Kowloon Byewash Reservoir, it’s a short distance to end the hike.

Continue on Cheung Yuen Road as it starts its incline immediately after crossing the dam.

Cross the dam and continue on Cheung Yuen Road

As the trail begins its gentle incline, it runs parallel to Tai Po Road.

The gentle incline to the end of the hike

Macaques and wild boars also make a return on this section of the trail. We hadn’t seen them since the first stream at Shek Lei Pui Reservoir.

Up ahead, Tai Po Road

Cheung Yuen Road finally curves right and ends next to the toilet and bus stop at Tai Po Road.

And we end the hike where we start, at Tai Po Road

Kowloon and Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Hike

We hope you enjoyed our detailed guide to the Kowloon Reservoir and Shek Lei Pui Reservoir Hike. It’s honestly a fun, easy hike that’s suitable for anyone who doesn’t mind macaques and wild boars on their trails!

Hong Kong and Kowloon Reception Reservoir Dam

If you’re looking for another reservoir hike in Kowloon, why not walk around Shing Mun Reservoir or hike from Lower Shing Mun Reservoir to Upper Shing Mun Reservoir?

I also recommend Maclehose Trail Section 6, which covers the Shing Mun War Relics Trail. The hike starts at Shing Mun Reservoir and ends at Kowloon Reservoir and passes all the incredible war tunnels that are still in perfect condition!

But if you prefer a more relaxing reservoir hike, we recommend the Ho Pui Reservoir Family Walk or the Tai Tam Reservoir Circular Walk. There are plenty of reservoir hikes and walk in Hong Kong to explore!

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