MacLehose Trail Extreme Night Hike
Dawn at East Dam: North Tarn to High Island Reservoir on Foot
An extreme overnight hike along MacLehose Trail Section 1 (Wan Tsai Road) and Section 2. Start at Pak Tam Chung before dawn, reach East Dam around 07:17, then continue via Long Ke, Sai Wan Shan, Tai Long Wan, Ham Tin to Pak Tam Au. Full schedule, essentials, and transport notes.
Night stretch: Pak Tam Chung to East Dam
Key notes
Itinerary Schedule
Pak Tam Chung (Start)
Set off. The trail is silent; only your head torch lights the way. The real feel of a non-stop challenge.
West Dam, High Island Reservoir
Pass the west dam; the reservoir is like a mirror in the night. A test of will in the solitude.
Wan Tsai Road (later section)
Sunrise. Dawn breaks through the dark; distant ridges appear. The darkest hour before the dawn.
East Dam, High Island Reservoir
Target arrival. You reach the heart of the geopark. The "Chow Yun-fat moment"—morning light on the hexagonal columns.
Long Ke Wan
Over a small hill to the beach. The appearance point of the mystery hunter.
Sai Wan Shan (Millionaire’s Steps)
Start the toughest stone-step climb. The backdrop of the "world is wide" lyric.
Tai Long Wan (Sai Wan)
Reach the store for the first proper rest and refuel. A breathing space for two to share stories.
Ham Tin Wan
Cross the wooden bridge and take in the Four Beaches of Tai Long. The peak of the scenery.
Pak Tam Au (Finish)
Finish the ~24 km trek. Take bus 94 to leave. Challenge complete; the journey continues.
Transportation
Getting There
No buses to Pak Tam Chung in the small hours. Take a taxi from Sai Kung town or pre-book a car to the start.
From Pak Tam Au at the end, take bus 94 to leave.
Essentials
- Head torch or strong flashlight (fully charged)
- Windproof jacket
- Breakfast and energy bars
- At least 2–3 L water
- Comfortable hiking shoes
Travel Tips
Bring a head torch or strong flashlight with enough battery—Section 1 has no street lights.
Dress in layers; it can be cold and windy by the reservoir in the early hours.
No shops for the first ~15 km (until Sai Wan). Carry breakfast, energy bars, and at least 2–3 L of water.
No buses to Pak Tam Chung at night; use a taxi from Sai Kung or a pre-booked car.
The 10 km of paved road in the dark can feel long; keep a steady pace and breathing.
Arriving on foot before most visitors gives East Dam a rare sense of isolation and scale.
Best Time to Visit
Start in the small hours to reach East Dam about 30 minutes after sunrise (around 07:17).