Monkeys roam freely. Welcome to Shing Mun Picnic Site No.2. This site is near Shing Mun Reservoir. It is a popular hiking destination for families. Shing Mun Reservoir enhances picture-perfect memories. The reservoir area is a rich habitat. Butterflies and cattle live here. Even wild pigs can be spotted.
Walk along the reservoir roads. The trails immerse you in nature. The idyllic setting surrounds you. Stop by the paperbark trees. They offer Instagram-worthy photos.
The Pineapple Dam Nature Trail offers an insightful start to your day. It is an eye-opening experience. The trail is family-friendly. It is a short stroll through local flora and fauna. Monkeys tend to hang around the picnic areas. They look for food. This area was once home to Hakkas of the Cheung family. They settled here and grew rice and pineapples. That is the origin of the dam’s name.
Feeding monkeys is prohibited in specific places. This is according to Hong Kong law. It affects their natural behavior. It promotes unnatural growth of the monkey population. Normally monkeys will not harass you if you don’t offer food. Remain calm when monkeys are nearby. Avoid holding food or plastic bags. Do not stare at the monkeys. Staring provokes them.
The main reservoir road is picturesque. It is lined with white-colored paperbark trees. They get their name from their peeling bark. They can grow up to 18 metres tall. Enjoy the soft sounds of birdsong. Listen to the gently rushing water. The paperbark trees line your path. This is the perfect spot for photos.
Step off the main path to find an oasis of wood. It is commonly known as the paperbark tree grove. This is perhaps the most popular spot in Shing Mun Reservoir. Many people take photos and videos here. Wedding photos are especially common. Take a breather and admire your surroundings. Enjoy the view from beneath the canopy. Close your eyes and imagine yourself away from everything. Do not miss this tranquil natural habitat.
At the crest of the hill, take a short detour. It is a two-minute walk at the crossroads. You will encounter a stunning view of the reservoir. At first, a panoramic mountain skyline greets you. You gradually approach a pagoda. From this viewpoint, you see the Shing Mun Reservoir in full. The skyline of Kwai Chung contrasts behind it.
The Main Dam is key to supplying fresh water. It provides water to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. It is also the lifeblood of the local flora and fauna. They flourish along the banks of the reservoir. The soft lines of nature contrast nicely. The clean symmetry of the dam’s structure creates an Instagram-worthy scene. From the dam, you can see Lion Rock. It is Hong Kong’s iconic mountain. You can also see Tai Mo Shan. It is the city’s highest peak.
The Shing Mun War Relics Trail allows you to walk back in time. Take the short climb up the steps. They lead from the barbecue pits. You’ll come to the Shing Mun Redoubt. It is part of a 12-acre citadel. The citadel straddles the Kwai Tsing and Sha Tin districts. The trenches have inspired names such as Shaftesbury Avenue. This aided the soldiers’ navigation. It was built to defend against attacks from the north. The 250-metre trail was an important stronghold. It was part of the Gin Drinker’s Line. The trail has defense installations. Trenches, military marker stones and pillboxes were built before World War II. They were built from around 1937 to 1938. Bring enough water when visiting the War Relics Trail. Vending machines and a water filling station are available. They are next to the toilet near the barbecue site. This is right before you head up to the trail.
Enjoy a respite at Lo Tak Court in Tsuen Wan after exploring. Find snack stalls and local cafes. These are traditional cha chaan tengs. There are exciting street food options. Takeaway dim sum and Hong Kong-style fish balls are available. Egg waffles are another popular choice.
Minibus 82 takes you directly to the start. You can find it from MTR Tsuen Wan Station Exit B1. Walk across the bridge over Castle Peak Road. Then go through to Shiu Wo Street.
After returning to the kiosk, take minibus 82 back to Tsuen Wan. Enjoy some food and transport home. Shing Mun Picnic Site No.2 awaits your return.