Tai Lam Chung reservoir (大欖涌水塘) also, commonly referred to as 'Thousand Islands lake' is a reservoir in Tai Lam Country Park, Tuen Mun District, Hong Kong. It is the first reservoir built in Hong Kong after the Second World War. These countless islands were once upon a time small hills and in their current state is a result of the catchwater flooding the Tai Lam Chung Valley.

Elevation

230 meters

Distance

7 kilometers

Time Taken

3 hours

Difficulty Rating

Easy

Highlights of the hike

Countless small islands
Mostly shaded hike, suitable for all ages and pets
Beautifully illustrated signpost for the ‘Reservoir Islands Viewpoint’

Getting Here

From Tuen Mun MTR - Take green minibus 43 in front of the market on Ho Pong Street.

Get off at the last stop So Kwun Wat village. You will see a temple take a left turn from the temple and follow the road.

While returning follow the same path, take green minibus 43 to Tuen Mun MTR station

Green minibus stop — *Green minibus no. 43 stop and temple in the background*

*Take road on the left and follow the directions*

Picturesque hike

Follow the path towards the Maclehose Trail as below. On your way, you will also notice a goats farm. I think it's the first time we have seen goats in Hong Kong.

Arrive at a junction and cross the over on the other side of the barrier. From here, the Tai Lam Chung trail begins. There is also a blue portable public restroom at the beginning of this trail (a few steps after crossing the barrier).

From here, it’s a paved path, but there is a continuous incline you have to climb for a while.

As you are mostly walking through the paved path along the Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, below is the first viewpoint from where you get a closer look at these beautiful, countless mini islands. The higher up you go, the view gets better.

*First glimpse of Thousand Islands Lake*

From the first viewpoint, take the dirt trail leading in the woods. There are signboards and a portable public toilet at the start of the dirt trail hard to miss. Follow the dirt trail as the final viewing point is another 30 mins, 1km from here.

*Signboard at the start of the dirt trail*

Hear the sounds of birds, nature, and the forest while you walk. Be careful some roots are coming out from the ground, especially if you are walking with young children.

Walking through woods — *Walking through the woods*

Keep walking through the woods until you arrive at this beautifully illustrated signpost and follow the steps up from here. On weekends and public holidays, this hike gets busy. If you want to avoid the crowd, come here early in the morning.

Useful tips

Mostly a shaded hike, you can also try to do this in the summer months
This hike starts with a continuous uphill climb for a while (not too steep but an incline)
Carry enough water, fruit, and snacks, as there are no shops along the way
Do this hike on a clear day to get some nice reflection shots
You can also see the Shenzhen skyline at a distance