Ready to savor the flavors of nature and friendship? Right here we are at Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir Barbecue Area Site 3. It is one of the barbecue sites in Tai Tam. These sites are near Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir Road. Let’s discover more.
Tai Tam Country Park is in Hong Kong Island’s eastern corner. It was designated in 1977. The park covers 1,315 hectares. That’s about one fifth of Hong Kong Island.
Within Tai Tam Country Park are four reservoirs. These are key water storage facilities. They are called the Tai Tam Group. This group includes Tai Tam Upper Reservoir. It also includes Tai Tam Byewash Reservoir. Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir is part of it. Finally, Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir completes the group. These reservoirs were built between 1888 and 1917. Their total capacity is 9 million cubic meters.
Tai Tam Valley is the gem of Tai Tam Country Park. This green area sits among high peaks. Violet Hill and Jardine’s Lookout surround it. Mount Butler and Mount Parker are also nearby. These peaks rise over 400 meters. Mount Parker reaches 532 meters. Rainwater flows down to form streams. These streams nourish the valley’s plants.
To see Tai Tam Valley, follow Stage 6 of the Hong Kong Trail. It starts at Mount Parker Road. Go up Quarry Gap. Then descend to woods and streams. The path around Tai Tam Reservoir offers full views of the valley. At Tai Tam Mound, a small path leads to Tai Tam Road.
Picnic and barbecue areas are mostly along Mount Parker Road. They are also near Tai Tam Reservoir Road and Woodside. Rain shelters are available.
After World War II, Tai Tam was barren. Reforestation efforts revived the hills. Now, Tai Tam is green and full of life. Common trees include Taiwan Acacia and Slash Pine. They tolerate dry weather and strong wind. Shrubs and flowering plants also grow here.
The woodlands near Tai Tam Reservoir Road are home to wild animals. Common Muntjacs and Chinese Leopard Cats are often heard. Styan Squirrels move through the trees. Other mammals include Chestnut Spiny Rats and Chinese Porcupines. Birds like Hwameis and Magpie Robins live here. You might also see Common Kingfishers and Black Kites.
Many amphibians live by the streams. The Hong Kong Newt can be found here. Romer’s Tree Frog was moved here from Lantau. Nocturnal amphibians include Asiatic Painted Frogs. Brown Tree Frogs also live here. Reptiles include venomous snakes.
The valley has many insects. Butterflies like Paris Peacocks and Indian Fritillaries fly here. Stick insects and Tiny Brown Mantids can be seen. Blue Spotted Tiger Beetles and dragonflies are also present. Large Woodland Spiders also occur in Tai Tam Valley.
Both the Hong Kong Trail and Wilson Trail pass by Jardine’s Lookout. This spot offers the best views of Victoria Harbour. Stage 5 of the Hong Kong Trail starts at Wong Nai Chung Gap. It climbs Jardine’s Lookout. The trail then goes downhill before climbing Mount Butler. The open views make the hike worthwhile.
Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir Barbecue Area Site 3 offers more than just a place to grill. It provides a gateway to explore the natural beauty and historical richness of Tai Tam Country Park. Enjoy your barbecue. Reflect on the history. Appreciate the ecological wonders that surround you here at Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir Barbecue Area Site 3.