Overview
Shek Pik Reservoir is a large freshwater reservoir located on the southwestern coast of Lantau Island, Hong Kong. It is not in Japan — this is a Hong Kong destination, and this guide reflects that accurately.
Completed in 1963, the reservoir was built by the Hong Kong government to address the territory's chronic freshwater shortages. It is one of the largest reservoirs in Hong Kong and sits within the boundaries of Lantau Country Park, which protects a wide corridor of subtropical hillside, stream valleys, and coastal terrain.
The area is a favourite among hikers and nature lovers. The Lantau Trail — one of Hong Kong's most celebrated long-distance hiking routes — passes along and above the reservoir, rewarding walkers with expansive views over the South China Sea and the remote southern coastline of Lantau. The landscape is noticeably less crowded than many other parts of Hong Kong, giving the area a genuinely quiet, rural character.
Phi Pik Prison, a correctional institution, is also located nearby, and some access roads in the area may be restricted as a result. Visitors should stay on marked trails and observe any posted signage.
Before You Go
Visas
Shek Pik Reservoir is in Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of China. Visa requirements for Hong Kong differ from those for mainland China. Check the TravelerPulse Visas section and the Hong Kong Immigration Department's official website for requirements applicable to your nationality.
What to Pack
- Sturdy, well-broken-in hiking footwear with ankle support
- Plenty of water — refill points on remote trail sections are limited
- Sun protection (hat, SPF) and a rain layer year-round
- Insect repellent, particularly in warmer months
- Printed or offline map of the Lantau Trail (mobile signal can be weak in the hills)
Health
No vaccinations are specifically required for Hong Kong, but check current recommendations with your doctor or a travel health clinic before departure. Tap water in urban Hong Kong is treated, but carrying bottled or filtered water on hikes is advisable.
Getting There
From Urban Hong Kong
The reservoir is most commonly reached via Mui Wo (Silvermine Bay) on Lantau Island. Ferries to Mui Wo depart regularly from Central Pier 6 on Hong Kong Island — verify current schedules and fares with the ferry operator or the HKTB (Hong Kong Tourism Board) website before travel.
From Mui Wo, Bus Route 1 (operated by New Lantao Bus) runs southward along Lantau Island's southern road and passes through or near the Shek Pik area. Confirm current timetables and stops locally, as rural bus schedules can change seasonally.
Alternatively, hikers often approach via sections of the Lantau Trail starting from Tung Chung (accessible by MTR Tung Chung Line) or from Tai O on the western tip of Lantau, reached by bus from Mui Wo or Tung Chung.
By Private Vehicle or Taxi
Taxis can travel to Lantau Island via the Lantau Link (Tsing Ma Bridge corridor). Confirm with your driver in advance that they are willing and permitted to travel to the southern Lantau area, as not all drivers service this route.
Getting Around
The reservoir and surrounding country park are explored almost entirely on foot. The Lantau Trail passes above the reservoir's eastern and northern catchment, and signed branch paths lead toward the dam and shoreline areas.
The southern Lantau Road skirts part of the reservoir and is used by buses and occasional vehicles, but there are no public bicycle hire stations in this area. Hiking is the primary and most rewarding way to experience the landscape.
Trail signage within Lantau Country Park is maintained by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). Distance and directional markers are generally clear, but carrying a paper map as a backup is recommended.
Things to See & Do
Hiking the Lantau Trail
The 70-kilometre Lantau Trail is divided into 12 sections. Stages 7 and 8 traverse the hills above Shek Pik, offering some of the finest coastal panoramas on the route. Most visitors tackle one or two sections as a day hike rather than attempting the full trail at once.
Reservoir Dam and Catchment Views
The dam wall itself is a substantial piece of mid-20th-century civil engineering. Walking along or near it provides an orientation point and good views across the reservoir's wide body of water toward the surrounding hills.
Wildlife and Birdwatching
Lantau Country Park supports a variety of bird species, raptors included, along with macaques, barking deer, and a range of butterfly and dragonfly species. The quieter southern section of Lantau sees far less footfall than areas near Ngong Ping, making wildlife encounters more likely.
Shek Pik Beach
A small beach at Shek Pik, not far from the reservoir, is accessible to visitors. Facilities are basic — verify current conditions locally before planning a swim.
Photography
The interplay of reservoir water, terraced hillsides, and open sea is visually distinctive and particularly striking in low-season morning light or during autumn when haze is reduced.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants, cafes, or food stalls at or immediately around Shek Pik Reservoir itself. Visitors must bring all food and drink they will need for the day.
Mui Wo, roughly 7–9 kilometres to the northeast by road, has a small but functional cluster of restaurants, convenience stores, and a market area where supplies can be bought before heading out. Tai O village to the west also has food options, including local seafood and traditional snacks, and can serve as a pleasant end-point for a longer Lantau traverse.
Pack more water than you think you will need, especially between May and September when temperatures and humidity are high.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
For all emergencies in Hong Kong, dial 999 (police, fire, ambulance). Mobile signal in the hills around Shek Pik can be intermittent; inform someone of your hiking plan before you set out.
Facilities
Toilet facilities within the country park are limited and may be found at designated country park rest areas — verify locations on the AFCD's official trail maps before departure. There are no ATMs, petrol stations, or pharmacies in the immediate reservoir area.
Leave No Trace
Shek Pik sits within a protected country park. Littering carries fines under Hong Kong law. Carry out all waste, stay on marked trails, and do not disturb wildlife or vegetation.
Connectivity
Mobile data coverage from Hong Kong's major carriers generally extends across Lantau's road network but weakens at higher elevations and in valleys. Download offline maps before leaving an urban area.
Safety
Lantau's hills can turn dangerous in poor weather. Typhoons affect Hong Kong between May and November; if a typhoon signal is raised, hiking in exposed areas is strongly inadvisable. Check the Hong Kong Observatory (weather.gov.hk) for current warnings before heading out.
Trails above the reservoir include moderately steep terrain. Descents can be slippery after rain. Proper footwear is not optional — sandals or flat-soled shoes are unsuitable.
As noted, a correctional facility operates in the Shek Pik area. Stay on designated public paths and observe any restricted-area signage.
