Craving a green escape near the city? Quarry Bay Reservoir Garden offers just that. This garden lies on the northern edge of Tai Tam Country Park. It’s a smaller sanctuary designated in 1979.
Tai Tam Country Park is nestled in the eastern corner of Hong Kong Island. Designated in 1977 it occupies one-fifth of Hong Kong Island’s land. The adjacent Quarry Bay Extension covers 270 hectares. This green country takes in Mount Parker and the north face of Mount Butler.
Conveniently located near Quarry Bay and Sai Wan Ho. This country park is a favorite for morning walks. Many Eastern District residents choose it for leisure activities.
Let’s talk about Mount Parker. Its 532m summit offers sweeping views of Victoria Harbour. Tai Tam Country Park boasts ecological abundance and diversity. Tai Tam Valley is its gem, set amidst Violet Hill. Jardine’s Lookout and Mount Butler surround it. These peaks rise over 400 meters. Mount Parker is the highest at 532 meters.
Rainwater flows down ravines creating hill streams. This nourishes the vegetation. The government named Tai Tam a Site of Special Scientific Interest in the 1970s. This protects its natural treasures. Tai Tam Valley’s landscape has been faithfully preserved. It is one of the best on the Island.
To see Tai Tam Valley, follow Stage 6 of the Hong Kong Trail. It starts at Mount Parker Road. Walk up Quarry Gap. Descend along the southern slopes to woods, streams and lakes. The path around Tai Tam Reservoir provides a full view of the valley.
Quarry Bay Reservoir Garden provides facilities for morning walkers. Several picnic and barbecue areas are in Tai Tam Country Park. These are located along Mount Parker Road and Tai Tam Reservoir Road. A rain shelter caters to individual needs.
Quarry Bay Jogging Trail is a 2500m route along Sir Cecil’s Ride. It starts at Mount Parker Road. It extends north to Braemar Hill. A lookout offers views of eastern Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department provides walks and trails. These include Tai Tam Country Trail and Quarry Bay Tree Walk.
Tai Tam’s vegetation was damaged during WWII. After the war, reforestation revived the hills. Today, Tai Tam is green and full of life. Common trees include Taiwan Acacia and Slash Pine. Slopes and ravines host natural shrubs. Flowering plants include Hong Kong Gordonia and Rhododendrons.
Dense woodlands provide habitats for native wild animals. The Common Muntjac and Chinese Leopard Cat are often heard. The Styan Squirrel moves from tree to tree. Other mammals include the Chestnut Spiny Rat and Chinese Porcupine. Birds include the Hwamei and Magpie Robin. You might see the Black Kite and Yellow-crested Cockatoo.
Many amphibians dwell along the hill streams. The Hong Kong Newt is found here. Romer’s Tree Frog was transferred here from Lantau. Nocturnal amphibians include the Asiatic Painted Frog. Reptiles include venomous snakes.
The valley is rich in insects. Butterflies like the Paris Peacock and Indian Fritillary reside here. You can also spot stick insects and dragonflies. Spiders like the Large Woodland Spider also occur in Tai Tam Valley.
Both the Hong Kong Trail and Wilson Trail pass by Jardine’s Lookout. It offers the most beguiling view of Victoria Harbour. Stage 5 of the Hong Kong Trail conquers Jardine’s Lookout. It then ascends Mount Butler. This challenging hike rewards you with open vistas.
From Jardine’s Lookout and Mount Butler enjoy the contrast of city and nature. To the north, see Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s skyline. To the south are the Tai Tam Group and wooded catchment area. Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Wilson Trail cut through Tai Tam Country Park. Stage 2 shares the starting point with Stage 5 of the Hong Kong Trail. After Jardine’s Lookout and Mount Butler the trail trends down to Sir Cecil’s Ride.