High Island (Hong Kong)
Island Sai Kung island within Hong Kong Geopark, volcanic formations
On Hong Kong’s Sai Kung peninsula, High Island forms part of the regional country park; visitors hike coastal trails, study columnar volcanic rock at the reservoir’s dams and launch boat trips.
High Island (Leung Shuen Wan) is an island in Sai Kung District in the eastern New Territories of Hong Kong, notable for its volcanic geology and for the reservoir infrastructure built on and around it. The site is part of the area designated within the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.
The location is visited for its dramatic columnar volcanic rock formations and sea stacks along the eastern coastline, which form well-preserved hexagonal columns visible in cliff faces and coastal platforms. There are established hiking routes and shoreline viewpoints that allow close observation of these geological features.
The island was incorporated into a major water-supply project when two dams were built across adjacent channels and the High Island Reservoir was completed in 1971. That engineering work altered the island’s connection to the Sai Kung Peninsula and created accessible dam walkways.
Geographically it sits on the eastern side of the Sai Kung Peninsula in Hong Kong and is reachable by boat from Sai Kung town or by road access to the reservoir dams and nearby country park areas. The site lies within Sai Kung East Country Park and is managed as part of Hong Kong’s protected coastal and geological attractions.
- Geopark status: Part of Sai Kung District in eastern New Territories and included within the area covered by the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.
- Reservoir history: The reservoir was completed in 1971 following construction of two dams, transforming the island's access and shoreline.
- Access and viewpoints: Popular access points include boat services from Sai Kung town and trails that run along the reservoir dams and surrounding country park coastline.
What to See #
- High Island Reservoir (East and West Dams): Completed in 1971 by building two main dams across adjacent channels, creating the High Island Reservoir which links the former island to the Sai Kung Peninsula.
- Hexagonal rock columns and sea stacks: Coastal cliffs and sea stacks formed from columnar volcanic rock; the most visited exposures are at the island's eastern coast and nearby stacks such as Po Pin Chau.
How to Get to High Island (Hong Kong) #
From Sai Kung Town: take the green minibus 29R or taxis to the High Island Reservoir East Dam (Leung Shuen Wan). By car, drive along Sai Sha Road and follow local signs to the reservoir. Buses from Kowloon/Central bring visitors to Sai Kung where a short taxi or minibus connects to the reservoir area.
Tips for Visiting High Island (Hong Kong) #
- Walk the High Island Reservoir Geo Trail (East Dam) early in the morning to avoid day-trip crowds from Sai Kung.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen; the trail has exposed sections with little shade.
- Use the Sai Kung public transport options to avoid limited parking-local minibus or bus plus a short taxi are convenient.
Best Time to Visit High Island (Hong Kong) #
Best visited in autumn or spring when humidity drops and skies clear; the hexagonal rock columns and Geo Trail are pleasant outside the summer monsoon.
Weather & Climate near High Island (Hong Kong) #
High Island (Hong Kong)'s climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 12°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2044 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 25 mm and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (300 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (338 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (303 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (356 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (251 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
.jpg?width=600)
