How to hike Shing Mun Reservoir
Enjoy an easy-going walk around the scenic reservoir, but watch out for the monkeysShing Mun Reservoir, a discreetly tucked away corner of rural Hong Kong, has an incredible amount on offer for those who wish to satisfy a burning urge of wanderlust. Located between northwestern Kowloon and Sha Tin, Shing Mun Country Park is well-known for its population of wild monkeys. However, the area has plenty of other attractions too, including an easy-going nature trail around Shing Mun Reservoir. For more adventurous hikers, there are many trails running up to Tai Mo Shan, including the Wilson and Maclehose.
Read more: Best hikes in Kowloon
How to get there
The simplest way in (other than driving) is to head over to Tsuen Wan MTR station and take exit B1. From the station, it’s a five minute walk to the No. 82 green minibus, which will take you directly to Shing Mun Country Park, terminating below the grassy banks of Pineapple Dam. We recommend that you enjoy a meal before your visit or bring a picnic with you, as there are no vendors in the park other than a small kiosk at Pineapple Dam.
A note about monkeys
Once you arrive at Pineapple Dam bus stop, keep an eye out for some of the delightful wildlife on offer, especially during the weekdays. You could be confronted by many monkeys, invariably a troop of Rhesus Macaques. These monkeys roam in large numbers and tend to hang around the entrance, as the rubbish bins and human presence increases their chances of finding a meal.
Read more: How to hike Monkey Hill
There are signs at the park entrance spelling out the dos and don’ts in regards to the monkeys. From experience, simply be relaxed. Don’t approach the monkeys with food and they will mind their own monkey business. Direct eye contact and sudden movements won’t endear you to them either. With those unpleasantries out of the way, the monkeys are great fun to observe and can be extremely photogenic.
The route
Keep turning right from Pineapple Dam and follow the shoreline in a clockwise direction (Pineapple Dam Nature Trail to Shing Mun Jogging Trail). There are more points of interest early on in the trail and you can turn back if you prefer a shorter stroll rather than going all the way around the reservoir.
For those who are up for more of a challenge there are several routes you can follow. Primarily the Lung Mun Trail heading west or joining the Wilson Trail and Maclehose Trail. If you combine the two trails, you can even make a loop via Needle Hill. For the courageous, take a river walk up Tai Shing Stream.
Read more: Best waterfall hikes in Hong Kong
On a clear day, a gap in the foliage may reveal framed views of Tsuen Wan, Kowloon and the Hong Kong Island behind. Back at the reservoir, the final leg of any route you take is particularly pleasant, walking along a flat paved surface under large shady trees that cloak the water’s edge. Take a breather down here, soak up the tranquil atmosphere and capture relaxing views across the water.
