The Ngau Wu Reservoir is a small V-shaped reservoir hidden at the edge of the Ma On Shan Country Park, between Wu Kai Sha and Ma On Shan.

The reservoir is so small, that if a path existed around it, you could probably walk around it in a few minutes. But unfortunately, unlike Tai Tam, Ho Pui, or other reservoirs in Hong Kong, there is no path around this reservoir.

So, why do people want to go the Ngau Wu Reservoir? Well, probably because it’s very easy to hike to, and there are plenty of rock pools along the stream to cool off in during a hot Hong Kong summer day.

About the Ngau Wu Reservoir Hike

Unlike the typical reservoirs managed by the Water Supplies Department, Ngau Wu Reservoir is privately constructed, originally serving as a rainwater storage pond rather than a formal irrigation or fresh water reservoir. It was built in the 1950s by the Wu Kai Sha Children’s Garden, an orphanage that later became the Wu Kai Sha Youth Village after the former ceased operation in the 1970s.

The Ngau Wu Reservoir is fed by the Ngau Wu Stream, which originates from the slopes of Ngau Ngak Shan (The Hunchbacks), the notorious 677 meters tall peak on the Ma On Shan Hike.

Although there are numerous trails to reach the reservoir, ranging from super easy to challenging, we’ll stick to the most accessible one in this post.

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The Ngau Wu Reservoir Hike is perfect for a hot summers day, especially if it’s been raining. There are numerous pools and seating areas around and below the reservoir that make it a very relaxing excursion.

Starting Point

The easiest starting point to for the mini hike to Ngau Wu Reservoir is Kam Ying Court in Ma On Shan.

It is possible to arrive at the housing estate via the Ma On Shan MTR Station, but I found that a bus was the easiest mode of transport for me. In fact, there are 23 buses that stop at the Kam Ying Bus Stop, so you might want to plan your trip using Google Maps.

Once you arrive at Kam Ying Court, it’s time to start the hike.

Under the Ma On Shan Bypass

If you arrive at the starting point by bus, cross the road and walk up the stairs to Kam Yin Court’s Kam Leung House.

Then, turn left at Kam Leung House, walk around to the back, and turn left onto the ramp. Continue walking for less than 50 metres until you reach an unmarked trail on the right that goes uphill.

Follow this trail until you reach the Ma On Shan Bypass sound barriers.

At the bypass, turn left and walk down the steps to the path beneath the highway.

From this position, I found the roads above, with their narrow gaps and contrasting levels, quite photogenic.

Walk under the bypass to reach a surprisingly beautiful and unexpected change of scene.

A Short Picturesque Walk

When you emerge from beneath the bypass, a picturesque, tree-lined path suddenly appears. Honestly, I didn’t expect the scenery to change so abruptly.

This path, lined with trees, connects Ma On Shan and Wu Kai Sha along the edge of Ma On Shan Country Park. So technically, you could also arrive here from Wu Kai Sha.

Once on the path, walk straight for about 150 metres as it begins to straighten. At this point, keep an eye to the right and look for a concrete wall featuring red-painted characters “上山” (“Go up the mountain” or “Ascend the mountain”) along with an upward-pointing arrow.

Unfortunately, this is where the scenic path ends, and you will need to follow the red arrow to begin your ascent.

To The Downstream Area

As you enter the trail, climb the steps and follow it as it straightens, till you reach a fork with a danger sign.

If you’re curious, take the left path to explore the stream below the reservoir. It’s a very short detour.

This area, located downstream from Ngau Wu Reservoir, features plenty of rocks to sit on beside the river and rock pools perfect for sitting in.

The entire area is shaded and just a short walk from the main path, making it quite popular.

However, if you want to reach the more scenic rock pools and the reservoir, be sure to return to the path from where you came.

To Ngau Wu Reservoir

Once you return to the fork in the path, take the trail on the right.

The terrain is mostly rocky and muddy, with a surprising number of tree roots cutting across the path. The trail’s slope remains moderately gentle, making this an extremely easy hike.

I found that following the path was relatively easy. There were a few markers and ribbons along the way, and I made sure to follow the most cleared path uphill.

However, it’s important to pay attention to key markers or make mental notes of your surroundings. If you plan to return the same way, noting these markers will help you find your way back. You can also download the GPX file for additional guidance.

Fortunately, the hike is extremely short, and it wasn’t before long that I noticed two men, sitting on the wall of the reservoir.

I had made it, without breaking a sweat on a hot and humid day.

Admire The Reservoir

You can easily climb up to the path along the wall of Ngau Wu Reservoir, and walk along its perimeter.

Standing here, you’ll notice how small this reservoir is. And on a clear day, with the stream and cascades flowing into the reservoir, against the backdrop of Hunchbacks, it creates a truly beautiful scene.

On the opposite side, there is also a small, rocky beach. So, let’s go ahead and head toward the source of the water.

To The Rock Pool and Beach

To reach the opposite side of the Ngau Wu Reservoir, continue on the same trail that brought you here. The trail remains rocky and muddy as it heads up the reservoir.

Keep your eye for a trail marked by a ribbon on the left, that brings you down to the beach. I found the trail to be a bit too treacherous for me on the day. So, I continued walking till I reached another fork in the path.

This time, I took the trail on the left which brought me to a beautiful rock pool and cascade.

Time To Relax

I was fortunate to visit Ngau Wu Reservoir after heavy rains, when Ngau Wu Stream was flowing into the reservoir with some force.

The water in the rock pool was crystal clear, and incredibly inviting. The rock pool isn’t deep at all, and I could see the bottom, that’s how clean the water was.

I spent the rest of my time sitting on the side with my feet dipped in the refreshing water, after getting some photos, of course.

Finish The Ngau Wu Reservoir Hike

To end your day at the Ngau Wu Reservoir, simply retrace your steps to Kam Ying Court, or where you came from. If you feel like walking some more, I recommended taking a stroll on the path with the trees to Wu Kai Sha.

I hope you found this guide to Ngau Wu Reservoir easy to follow and resourceful. Please feel free to share with others who would enjoy visiting this tiny reservoir in Ma On Shan. Also, if you’re looking for another stream hike in Ma On Shan Country Park, I highly recommend the Ma Dai Stream Hike, which is located nearby.

Remember, there are plenty of reservoirs in Hong Kong that you can stroll around, such as the Ho Pui Reservoir, or the Shing Mun Reservoir.

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