“Unfortunate” is a word that often comes to mind when one speaks of Bride’s Pool. Bride’s Pool is a breathtaking waterfall in northeastern New Territories. It is shrouded in lush Plover Cove Country Park woodland. The area is one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful spots. It’s an unmissable place to unwind. It’s perfect for Instagram-worthy photographs.
Bride’s Pool got its name from a tragic legend. The legend says a bride was on her way to meet her groom. She was being carried in a sedan chair by four porters. As they passed the pool, one of the porters slipped. The bride fell into the water. Sadly, she drowned. The pool was then named Bride’s Pool in her memory.
Getting to Bride’s Pool is easy. You can take the enthralling Bride’s Pool Nature Trail. The trail also passes another memorable waterfall. This is Mirror Pool. You can also see Bride’s Pool Stone Bridge. The bridge is another Instagram favorite. It dates back to 1906.
The Bride’s Pool Nature Trail takes hikers to two spectacular waterfalls. These are Bride’s Pool and Mirror Pool. The trail is easy to walk. It is ideal as an outdoor family activity. Hikers can relax. They can follow the winding footpath. They will be immersed in Plover Cove Country Park’s rich woodland. They can savor the soothing sound of nearby streams and waterfalls. They can also hear birds chirping in the trees overhead.
The route crosses Bride’s Pool Stone Bridge. It was built in 1906. It made commuting easier between the villages of Wu Kau Tang and Chung Mei. The bridge is a good spot for photographs.
Arguably, Bride’s Pool is one of the city’s most famous waterfalls. The soothing whoosh of its white cascading water tumbles. It tumbles in an ever-widening shape. This shape is reminiscent of a billowing wedding dress.
From the start of the trail, walk down to a stone bridge. This leads to the barbecue site. After passing the site, you will cross the century-old Bride’s Pool Stone Bridge. It is near the rocky area surrounding Bride’s Pool. Here, hikers can listen to the rhythmic sound of the tumbling water. Instagram buffs can photograph the scene. The area is also home to wildlife. This includes a variety of dragonflies and butterflies. You might even spot the very rare Orange Awlet. You can also view the pool easily from the viewing deck nearby.
Mirror Pool is located at the end of Bride’s Pool Nature Trail. It is another stunning waterfall. It has a height of around 35m. This is much taller than Bride’s Pool. Its wide torrent appears to create a series of ripples as it falls. It veers left across what appears to be a giant mirror on the rock face. Then it falls into the pool. The relaxing shaded pool area is surrounded by thick woodland. It is a popular spot. Hikers can unwind. They can be immersed in the countryside. They can take photos of the waterfall and its pool.
Remember to bring enough drinking water. There are no shops or kiosks along the trail. A few vending machines are available at the Bride’s Pool bus stop. This is near the start of the nature trail.
Tai Mei Tuk is a waterfront recreational area. It is a few minutes’ drive from the start of Bride’s Pool Nature Trail. Many Hongkongers come here to relax. They rent bicycles, boats, or kayaks. They fly kites. They sit with family and friends. They cook at the government’s large barbecue area. Or they take a lazy stroll along nearby Lung Mei Beach. You will find several restaurants here. They specialize in Thai cuisine and barbecued dishes. Plus there are cafes and shops. They sell instant noodles and other snacks.
To get here, exit MTR Tai Po Market Station. Walk to the nearby Tai Po bus terminus. On Sundays and public holidays, you may take bus 275R from Exit A3. This will take you to the starting point of Bride’s Pool Nature Trail. If you travel on a weekday, you may take minibus 20R to the start of the trail.
After visiting Mirror Pool, return to Bride’s Pool Stone Bridge. Take the turn on your right. Follow the trail to the other end at Bride’s Pool Road. Here, you can take bus 275R or minibus 20R back to MTR Tai Po Market Station. Alternatively, you may want to stop at Tai Mei Tuk before returning to Tai Po.
Whether you believe the legend or not, Bride’s Pool is a place of stunning natural beauty. It offers a tranquil escape from the city.