Amidst the buzzing Hong Kong metropolis are nooks and crannies of nature’s bounty that’ll heal your soul. Especially if you’re looking for a cool respite from the city’s scorching summer blows, it’ll be great to explore some ethereal lush landscapes and flowing cascades that’ll make your jaw drop with their idyllic beauty. Hong Kong is home to some of the most picture-perfect waterfalls. The lush streams showcase the untainted and mighty force of nature you won’t get enough of. Let’s take you through the best waterfalls in Hong Kong, how to visit them, what to expect, and more.
Hong Kong is more than its towering skyscrapers, packed MTRs, sprawling Michelin-star restaurants and bustling night street markets. It’s a lush abode that houses pristine waterfalls across the city, from New Territories to the islands. While some of them are easy to reach, others are accompanied by arduous trekking and hiking trails. From the Tai Shui Hang waterfall nestled in the lush forests of Ma On Shan Country Park to the legendary Bride’s Pool waterfall offering a majestic trail to unwind and relax with your family. They never fail to dazzle visitors.
Whether you’re visiting Hong Kong as a tourist, are a seasoned local, an adventurous hiker or a nature lover (basically anyone in and around the city), you should visit these waterfalls at least once. Trust us, it’s truly worth the effort.
Discover the most majestic waterfalls in Hong Kong
Jump To / Table of Contents
Sheung Luk Stream
View this post on Instagram
On the east side of the Sai Kung Peninsula lies one of Hong Kong’s most picturesque landscapes, the Sheung Luk Stream. Boasting pristine waterfalls and freshwater rivers in all its glowing aura, Sheung Luk is a treat for adventure junkies. An easy one-hour hike leads you to this natural spectacle, offering not only incredible views but also a popular cliff-jumping spot for adrenaline junkies. A refreshing dip while soaking in the scenic views of Sai Kung will rejuvenate your soul.
How to reach: From Sai Kung, take the minibus 29R or a taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion. Following the path, reach the Sai Kung village (around 45 minutes hike). The Sheung Luk Stream will be minutes away.
Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls
View this post on Instagram
A unique and rewarding hike through a super dense jungle leads you to the stunning Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls. Ng Tung Chai is an amalgamation of four streams: Bottom Fall, Middle Fall, Main Fall, and Scatter Fall, each more startling than the other. Located on the north slopes of Tai Mo Shan, the tallest mountain in Hong Kong, this waterfall isn’t for the weak-hearted. Not only does it take a two-hour ride from the city, but you’ll also have to trek up and down 11km on steep grounds.
It’s one of the most popular hikes in summer, wherein you’ll be enamoured by the untainted beauty of these streams. While all the waterfalls are apt for swimming, we recommend the Main Fall for the best experience.
How to reach: Get down at the Tai Wo Station and take the 64K bus to Chai Kek. This is where the hike begins.
Bride’s Pool
View this post on Instagram
Before heaping praise on this majestic waterfall, let’s tell you the interesting story behind its name. Bride’s Pool gets its name from a tragic tale, making it a haunted spot in Hong Kong. Legend has it that a bride was on her way to her wedding when her vehicle crashed due to the stormy weather. The bride-to-be plunged into the pool and drowned.
Thankfully, the pathway is quite clear now unlike previous times. Being one of the most popular Hong Kong waterfalls, Bride’s Pool is quite packed on weekends with hikers and picnic/barbecue enthusiasts enjoying a cool dip. The stunning 15-metre-high waterfall is located in the lush nature of Plover Cove Country Park, requiring only a five-minute hike to reach the pools and waterfalls.
How to reach:
Weekdays and Saturdays: From the Tai Po Market MTR station, take the 20C minibus to Tai Mei Tuk from which Bride’s Pool is just a hike or cab away.
Public holidays and Sundays: Bus 275R will take you directly from Tai Po Market to Bride’s Pool.
Silvermine Waterfall
View this post on Instagram
Silvermine Waterfalls in Mui Wo boasts two parallel waterfalls which culminate with some freshwater pools at the bottom. Perfect for beginners, it is one of the most easily reached among Hong Kong’s best waterfalls. You can access it by navigating gentle trails, passing by the beach and village houses, and through woodland and fields: all incredible sightings of nature. You can either simply sit on the pagodas to enjoy the views or even visit the historic Silvermine Cave located just five minutes away uphill.
How to reach: Hop on the Mui Wo ferry from Central or take bus 3M from Tung Chung. After making your way to Silvermine Beach, take the ‘Mui Wo to Tai Ho Wan’ street and you’ll reach the destination.
Waterfall Bay
View this post on Instagram
Apart from its gorgeous views, Waterfall Bay is probably the most historically significant waterfall in Hong Kong. Culminating directly into the sea, Waterfall Bay became a source of freshwater for early seafarers. Since much of its stream has been diverted to Pokfulam Reservoir, we recommend you come here after heavy rainfall to witness a beautiful cascade. The easy flat hike to Waterfall Bay is about 3.5 kilometres, so you can bring your family along. It’s also a gorgeous sunset spot to capture some amazing Instagrammable shots.
How to reach: Take Bus 4 from Central to Wah Fu Commercial Complex. Then, take a 10-minute walk down Waterfall Bay Road towards the stairs leading to the bay.
Ma Dai Stream
View this post on Instagram
Another best-kept secret in Hong Kong, Ma Dai Stream runs from Ma On Shan to Tai Shui Hang. Boasting breathtaking cliff landscapes and pristine blue waters, the stream is perfect for canyoning, enjoying a picnic, or just relaxing. Getting to Ma Dai Stream through stream trekking is quite a challenge, requiring good hiking skills and legwork while navigating the concrete jungle and streams. If you’re looking for a challenge, this hike will ensure you are satisfied.
How to reach: Get off at the Tai Shui Hang MTR Station via Exit B and begin your stream hike to Ma Dai.
Tai O Infinity Pool
View this post on Instagram
Apart from its bustling fishing village, Tai O is known to house another hidden gem which is the Tai O Infinity Pool. Hands down the best waterfall on Lantau Island, this man-made waterbody provides water to the people of Tai O. The turquoise, deep blue clear waters of the infinity pool are a delight to witness and there’s a series of waterfalls above and below the pool that further adds to its allure. Since the pool is at the bottom of the canyon, you can witness lush flora and fauna in the surroundings. The hike to Tai O Infinity Pool is also quite easy.
Please note that the infinity pool is prohibited to swim by the government. Nonetheless, you can still take a dip, click selfies and more in selected pools above and below it.
How to reach: Go to Central Ferry Pier and hop on the ferry to Mui Wo. After reaching Mui Wo, hop on Bus 1, which will take you all the way to Tai O. It will drop you to the Tai O fishing village, after which you’ll embark on a relatively short and easy hike to Tai O Infinity Pool.
Little Hawaii Falls
View this post on Instagram
One of the easiest waterfall hikes in Hong Kong, Little Hawaii Falls is perfect for beginners and families. A well-paved four-kilometre trail leads you to this natural spectacle, which doesn’t have a very high vertical drop, however, is spread across the slope making it convenient for climbers to explore different levels of the waterfall. Interestingly, the waterfall got its name in the 1950s, when visitors compared the area to Hawaii. Whether it’s actually true or not, you’ll have to find out on your next visit.
How to reach: Get down at the Diamond Hill MTR station and take bus number 91/92 to Tseng Lan Shue. Take the entrance to Wilson Trail Section 3, look up the directions that take you to Little Hawaii Trail and you will arrive.
(Hero image credit: discoverhongkong/ Instagram)
(Feature image credit: jessica_lkw/ Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some of the best waterfalls in Hong Kong include Sheung Luk Stream, Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls, Bride’s Pool and Silvermine Waterfall.
It's recommended to wear comfortable athleisure wear, carry a lightweight and waterproof bag pack and wear a pair of good trekking shoes.
Don't play or swim in deep streams, don't leave any of your friends or family unsupervised, and pay keen attention to the warning signs on the route.
Usually autumn and spring seasons are best to enjoy waterfalls in Hong Kong. The time between January to April and October to December are the best to visit waterfalls in Hong Kong.
Tags
Written by
Kriti Nayyar
Senior Digital Writer, Wellness, Culture, Astrology, Tech
Kriti is a stay-at-home dog mama, whose knack for telling interesting stories keeps her erstwhile monotonous life sane. A literature & journalism degree holder, you'll find her binging on Agatha Christie novels while critiquing the everyday state of affairs. On Kriti's seldom social outings, she's seen devouring coffee sangria with appetizing bread on the side.
Most Popular
