Hok Tau | The Wild Column

IN THE NOVEMBER ARTICLE OF OUR MONTHLY COLUMN IN SAI KUNG/SOUTHSIDE MAGAZINES; WE VENTURE OUT INTO THE WILDS OF PAT SIN LENG COUNTRY PARK, TO THE HIDDEN GEM THAT IS HOK TAU

If you fancy exploring a natural world that most folk don’t know about within Hong Kong, then a day trip out to Hok Tau Reservoir could be in order. Located within the innermost depths of Pat Sin Leng Country Park, it is a region that is as much unknown as it is remote. However, the area is easily assessable via public transport and totally worth the effort to reach. Nestled amongst rolling hills and the gateway to the northern parts of Pat Sin Leng Country Park, Hok Tau is truly rural. Life moves at a different pace here, the locals are as relaxed as they come in HK. It rubs off quickly and once there, you certainly won’t be in a rush to leave. From there one can venture into higher peaks of Pat Sin Leng and discover hidden gems that lie within.

​The simplest way in (other than driving) is to head into the northern New Territories on the MTR East Rail Line before disembarking at Fanling Station. From there, one can catch the 52B minibus that departs roughly every 20 minutes. Hop off the bus at Hok Tau Wai and make your way to the t-junction in the road. Continue along the sealed road in a southerly direction following signs for Hok Tau Reservoir. Walking in is easy going on a sealed access road. The imposing ranges of Pat Sin Leng become ever nearer and before you know it you’re in amongst the rocky peaks. After rising up, one reaches a dam wall and the impressive panorama of the lake held behind is unveiled; from this point onwards the adventure begins in earnest.

Hang a right and climb the stairs following signs for the ‘Hok Tau Family Walk’. One is quickly rewarded with stunning views across the lake below and mountains above. The well maintained dirt path then delves under the forest canopy, into a realm where light fights its way through the lush vegetation emerging in ethereal rays. Every now and then, a glimpse can be caught through the undergrowth of the surrounding hills. Keep an eye out for some of the delightful wildlife on offer in HK, especially on the quieter weekdays!

• There are a couple of ways to circumnavigate the reservoir, the simple way and the adventurous way. The simple way being to keep turning left and follow the well signposted Family Trail, taking just over an hour to complete.
• Or, follow the signs for ‘Sha Lo Tung’ to delve deeper into a genuinely remote portion of terrain. This route is can take up to three hours depending on your speed and navigation skills. The land flattens out as you pass by abandoned Hakka settlements, mountain vistas and multiple streams. But make sure to then take all left hand turns at junctions in the path if you wish to return towards Hok tau. There is the option to continue south over Cloudy Hill and back to Tai Po, but I recommend heading back to Hok Tau Reservoir.

Back at the reservoir, one either rejoins or continues along the Family Trail beside the lake. This final leg of the loop is particularly pleasant, walking along a flat paved surface under large shady trees that cloak the waters edge. It is most definitely worth it to have a breather down here, soak up the tranquil atmosphere and capture relaxing views across the water.

It’s perfectly feasible to walk the lakeside loop in a clockwise direction, but the anticlockwise adventure makes for the best experience and simplest navigation. Once back at the dam wall, retrace your steps down the valley to Hok Tau village. Return travel from the Hok Tau Wai is fairly simple. More or less the same way as when you came in. However it is probably worth catching a taxi back to the main highway near Fanling if possible to avoid waiting for a minibus.
 
This far-flung corner of HK has an incredible amount on offer for those who enjoy venturing into the wild; a day trip here serves up an insight into Hong Kong’s past and the full scope of her landscape. Escaping to Hok Tau provides a peaceful retreat for those wishing to find space for reflection or satisfy a burning urge of wanderlust.