It still amazes me that Hong Kong has some of the most beautiful, unspoilt beaches around. We saw a few last time when hiking Tai Long Wan and the surrounding bays. Another beach, and one of the most popular, is Long Ke Wan beach in Sai Kung East Country Park, along the first part of the MacLehose Trail Section 2. Many consider this one of the most scenic hikes in Hong Kong, so of course we had to go check it out!
The route tracked by Runkeeper.
We start off at the East Dam of the High Island Reservoir, arriving there by taxi from Sai Kung town. The dam is an impressive structure, and also happens to be located in one of the designated sites of Hong Kong Global Geopark. The area contains many interesting rock formations and sea caves as a result of volcanic activity ages ago – a geologist’s dream come true. The trail then winds northward to Long Ke Wan bay and beach, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful views before following MacLehose Section 2 to climb the main peak of Sai Wan Shan mountain at 314m. The hike ends where we started on the Tai Long Wan excursion – at the Sai Wan Road pavilion – where we were lucky to catch a village bus back to Sai Kung just in time for dinner.
Click on the photos for a better view.
The starting point at the High Island Reservoir East Dam.
Exposed rock by the dam show the characteristic hexagonal formations.
More rock columns.
At the far side of the dam, one of the many sea caves in the area.
The cave is accessible by an easy climb.
The cave. Just a hole in the wall…
The main dam wall, which is a huge pile of rocks. We headed up the stairs which were technically off-limits.
Half way up the main wall, a few of the lower wall and South China Sea beyond.
Panoramic view of the East Dam.
Onwards and upwards! Here scenic MacLehose Section 2 begins.
A view of Long Ke beach from above. Beautiful.
Pristine and unspoilt. Let’s hope it stays that way.
The whole beach to themselves.
On the ascent again, a view of Long Ke Tsai beach, which is even more secluded than the main beach.
Taking a break at a pavilion before tackling Sai Wan Shan mountain (behind).
Half way up the mountain, looking back down at Long Ke bay.
The peak reached, a modest 314m.
Descending the other side, a view of Tai Long Wan bay and beaches below.
Typical winter haze today, but still good views and great hiking weather.
The High Island Reservoir.
Looking north, Kap Man Hang river flows into Sai Wan bay.
As the sun sets, we can see the path ahead in the valley below.
Reaching the pavilion at Chui Tung Au, we leave MacLehose to join the Tai Long Wan hiking trail. The rest of the way is paved.
Along Tai Long Wan hiking trail.
Sunset on the High Island Reservoir.
One last view before darkness.
Peter Lam Photography 
Gorgeous shots! Looks like the perfect getaway from all of the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. You would think those pictures were taken of some tropical island in the middle of nowhere if you didn’t know better!
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Isn’t it great? Unfortunately most of the coastline in HK is polluted and littered with garbage. Which makes these beaches all the more special.
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Great pics, Peter! Thanks for sharing these details. I must make it out there!
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I’ll see you on the trails, Deb! 🙂
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