In this post, we’ll take you to a remarkable destination in Hong Kong where you can witness the famous hexagonal rock columns. This geological wonder is located at the High Island Reservoir in the eastern part of Sai Kung, Hong Kong.
High Island Reservoir
Nestled within Sai Kung Country Park, the High Island Reservoir was completed in 1978 and remains the largest reservoir in Hong Kong. It features two main dams: the West Dam and the East Dam. Surrounded by lush countryside, it’s a popular hiking spot. A full walk around the reservoir takes over an hour. You can reach it by bus from Diamond Hill MTR Station or Sai Kung Town, or by taxi. For hikers, we recommend taking the bus to Sheung Yiu Station, which is close to the reservoir and offers a scenic nature walk.
High Island Reservoir Drain Hole
If you arrive by bus, your walk from Sheung Yiu Station begins with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. The first landmark you’ll encounter is the impressive drain hole — a massive structure designed to release excess water when the reservoir reaches full capacity. When water levels are low, the entire drain hole is visible, resembling a giant UFO from afar — a sight that’s both unusual and fascinating.
High Island Reservoir West Dam
A 20–30 minute walk from the drain hole brings you to the West Dam, which separates the reservoir from the Chong Hing Water Sports Centre. To your left, the reservoir’s deep blue waters glisten like glass under the sunlight. To your right, the water sports centre sits below the hillside, complete with a pond, pavilion, and open field. From a distance, it resembles a charming Chinese village.
High Island Reservoir East Dam
Continue for another 30 minutes and you’ll reach the High Island Reservoir Monument, marking the entrance to the East Dam. This light blue hexagonal column was built to honor the workers who lost their lives during the dam’s construction. Along the dam, you’ll see the reservoir on one side and a smaller body of water lined with striking hexagonal rock columns on the other. In the distance, Po Pin Chau — a dramatic sea stack — rises from the water, appearing as though it’s been sliced cleanly by a giant blade.
The highlight of the East Dam is, without a doubt, the hexagonal rock columns. Unique to High Island Reservoir in Hong Kong, these formations resemble natural basalt columns but are actually man-made concrete structures built to shield the dam from powerful waves. Their geometric beauty and dramatic setting make them one of the area’s most photogenic attractions.
Plan Your Visit
If you found this guide helpful for planning your trip, feel free to share it with friends and leave a comment below. Come and discover the natural beauty and geological wonders of Sai Kung for yourself!
