Battered by strong waves, Clear Water Bay Country Park stands as a testament to nature’s artistry. This craggy wilderness features a sinuous coastline. I am excited to share its secrets with you today.
Clear Water Bay Country Park designated in 1979, spans 615 hectares. It is located in the southeastern New Territories. The park encompasses the wild eastern and western parts of the Clear Water Bay Peninsula. The area has avoided industrial development. It is now a popular destination for outdoor activities.
Clearwater Bay Peninsula is a submergent coast. It was formed by rising sea levels or crustal subsidence. The park showcases unique landforms. Whether you are into geology or love natural landscapes, Clear Water Bay has much to offer.
High Junk Peak is a major attraction here. It is one of Hong Kong’s four treacherous peaks. Despite its challenging ascent, the peak provides peaceful vistas. A Qing Dynasty poet marked his journey to High Junk Peak. He wrote, “Hiking across Sheung Yeung Shan and Ha Yeung Shan, the encounter with High Junk made my day”.
Towering 344 metres high, High Junk Peak tests hikers. Precipices plunge down to wooded foothills. The High Junk Peak Country Trail offers views on both sides. Common Melastoma adds a touch of pink to the slopes in early spring.
Clear Water Bay Country Park features several trails. They cater to different interests and abilities. The visitor centre offers information and guidance. Take KMB bus 91 to Tai Au Mun to reach the park. Then, walk about 1 km to the carpark. A path leads to the visitor centre.
Clearwater Bay Tree Walks is a 1.2 km walk in Tai Hang Tun. It features 12 stops with information on different plants. You can see Laurel Sweet-leaf and Monkey-pod along the route. Butterflies and dragonflies frequent this green path. It is an ideal family walk.
The Clear Water Bay peninsula is rich in flora. Natural forests and plantations thrive here. Common plants include Ivy Tree and Autumn Maple. The High Junk Peak Country Trail passes through shrublands and fung shui woods.
Many bird species inhabit Clear Water Bay Country Park. You might spot the Chinese Bulbul or the Crested Myna. Common Gulls fly elegantly near Tai Hang Tun and Lung Ha Wan.
Butterflies thrive here, too. Look for the Common Mormon and the Glassy Tiger. Mammals are less common. You might encounter a Wild Boar. If lucky, you might see a Masked Palm Civet.
Clearwater Bay Country Park is known for rocky uplands and emerald waters. Tai Leng Tung rises 291 metres high. It envelops the eastern corner of Clearwater Bay. Weathered rocks are exposed along the coast.
Tai Hang Tun offers a panorama of coasts and islands. Clearwater Bay is calm and clear. Po Toi O and the Clearwater Bay Golf Course add blues and greens. Green Island and the Ninepin Group lie in the distance. The cool sea breeze enhances the scenery.
The earliest human activity here is a rock carving in Lung Ha Wan. It features Bronze Age geometric patterns. It may be about 3,500 years old. The Tin Hau Temple at Joss House Bay was built in 1266. It is Hong Kong’s oldest temple.
Clear Water Bay Country Park offers the best of land and sea. The 8.5-km High Junk Peak route traverses the Clear Water Bay Peninsula. Less experienced hikers can skirt the hill. The route shows different faces of Hong Kong. You can see the coastline and nearby country club.
The Lung Ha Wan Country Trail is a 2.3-km loop. It offers stunning views of High Junk Peak. It also offers views of islands off Sai Kung.
Clear Water Bay Country Park is more than just a park. It is a journey through time and nature. Its beauty will stay with you long after you leave.