The best hidden waterfalls in the New Territories
Your summer just got a whole lot coolerNeed to spot to cool down during your hike? We’ve rounded up the best hidden waterfalls in the New Territories to splash around in this summer.
Sheung Luk Stream
One of Hong Kong’s most popular and Instagrammable hidden waterfalls is Sheung Luk Stream. Tucked away in the greenery of secluded Sai Wan Beach, this waterfall is made up of three connecting pools each offering a freshwater swimming pool and gushing streams. The overflowing rock pool at the top has become a must-see for visitors and locals, particularly in the summer months.
How to get there
From Sai Kung centre take bus 29R from Chan Man Street or a 25-minute taxi ride to Sai Wan Pavilion. Hike from Sai Wan Pavilion down to the beach then head across towards a narrow path leading into the jungle, after you leave the track you’ll come across a concrete bridge, walk over and find Sheung Luk stream to the right.
Read more: kayaking around Sai Kung Country Park
Bride’s Pool
Taking its unique name from an old Chinese legend, Bride’s Pool is a magnificent tiered waterfall with a dark secret. Legend has it that a bride fell into the pool and drowned on her way to meet her groom. To this day, people report seeing her ghostly foot in the middle of the waterfall. But don’t let this put you off, this beautiful location makes for the perfect day out, with jungle trails and smaller waterfalls surrounding the location.
How to get there
From Sai Kung, take the 299x bus to Sha Tin Centre. From here hop onto the MTR to Tai Po Market Station and take minibus 275R straight to Bride’s Pool on weekends. There’s also free parking.
Read more: Tai Po Lung Mei Beach opens
Hau Tong Kai
Hidden in plain sight, this waterfall can be easy to miss as you walk along Sai Kung Country Park towards Hoi Ha. The half-natural, half-man-made rock pool is the perfect place for a refreshing swim after heavy rainfall. Head up the stream further into the overgrown jungle, to discover a few more rock pools and streams sheltered from the road.
How to get there
Take bus 92 or green minibus 7 from Sai Kung Town Centre. Alight at Hau Tong Kai. From the road you’ll notice a bridge with blue railings, cross this bridge over the dam and follow the path on your left to get to the first waterfall.
Ma Dai Stream
Located high up in the mountains by Ma On Shan, this hidden waterfall overlooks some of the area’s tallest skyscrapers while still being surrounded by nature. Large rocks surround the pool and offer privacy, a place to sunbathe and a platform to dive into the cool waters. The pools vary in depth, getting deeper the higher up you venture.
How to get there
From Sai Kung, take bus 99 to Heng On and hop on the MTR one stop to Tai Shui Hang. Take exit B and walk five minutes down Hang Tak Street, turn left when you get to a small manmade river between Tai Shui Hang Village and Chevalier Garden.
Read more: The best beaches to visit in Hong Kong
Luk Wu Country Trail
This hike in Sai Kung Country Park will take you to not one, but three hidden waterfalls varying in depths. The first stream is just one kilometer into the trail and offers a fresh water pool for hikers to cool down in before continuing with the trail. The next two waterfalls are shallower but still offer dramatic views along the way.
How to get there
From Sai Kung centre take bus 29R from Chan Man Street or a 25-minute taxi ride to Sai Wan Pavilion. From Sai Wan Pavilion, walk back 100 metres along the road and take the steep steps up to the right to start the Luk Wu Country Trail.
