Plover Cove Country Park & Reservoir

Plover Cove Country Park, wrapping around the vast Plover Cove Reservoir in Hong Kong's New Territories, is a startlingly green escape from the city's intensity. The reservoir itself, once a sea inlet dammed to create a freshwater lake, is ringed by rugged hills and offers some of Hong Kong's most rewarding hikes, with sweeping views over the water and out to the distant islands of Tolo Channel. It's a place where the only sounds are birdsong and the rustle of wind through grass, and where the scale of the engineering marvel is matched only by the natural beauty it has created.

Highlights & What to See

• Bride's Pool & the Plover Cove Trail: A scenic 12–15 km hike that circles the reservoir, passing the photogenic Bride's Pool waterfall and offering constant, ever-changing lake views. The trail is well-marked and suitable for moderately fit walkers.
• Pat Sin Leng Country Park: Adjacent to Plover Cove, this park boasts the eight-peaked Pat Sin Leng range (the 'Eight Immortals'), with a challenging but hugely rewarding ridge walk that delivers panoramic views over the reservoir and the coast.
• Tai Mei Tuk: The main access point for the area, with a peaceful waterfront promenade, bike rentals for cycling the reservoir's perimeter road, and a handful of local eateries serving seafood and traditional Hong Kong dishes.
• Hok Tau Reservoir & BBQ Sites: A smaller, picturesque reservoir within the park, perfect for a short, gentle walk and popular for family picnics and barbecues.
• Luk Keng: A historic Hakka walled village near the reservoir's edge, where you can see traditional architecture and get a glimpse of rural New Territories life.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least a full day to properly experience Plover Cove. The main Plover Cove Trail takes 4–5 hours at a steady pace, while a longer day could combine it with a section of the Pat Sin Leng ridge. If you're short on time, a half-day can be spent cycling around the reservoir from Tai Mei Tuk (allow 2–3 hours) or simply enjoying the lakeside scenery and a meal. Most visitors come from Hong Kong Island or Kowloon, so factor in travel time of about an hour each way by MTR and bus.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Sai Kung Peninsula: Just east, this area is famous for its pristine beaches, seafood restaurants, and the start of the MacLehose Trail. Combine for a multi-day outdoor adventure.
• Tai Po: The nearest town, home to the Hong Kong Railway Museum and the Tai Po Waterfront Park, a pleasant spot for a stroll before or after your hike.
• Sha Tin: A larger New Territories hub with the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery and the Sha Tin Racecourse, easily linked by MTR.
• Ma On Shan Country Park: Offers excellent hiking with views of Tolo Harbour, and is connected to Plover Cove via the Wilson Trail.
• Hong Kong Global Geopark: The northeast New Territories section of this UNESCO-listed geopark features dramatic volcanic rock formations and sea arches, accessible via boat tours from Sai Kung.

Please check official sources for current details.