Pretend like you’ve travelled to a tropical island while exploring these waterfalls in Hong Kong. You’ll enjoy the sweet escape!
To beat the heat, some flock to the beach or a nearby pool for a dip; others escape the city for a weekend camping trip or a hike at night. If you’re thinking, “Sign me up!” Then you need to check out these stunning waterfalls in Hong Kong.
Psst – caution, Honeys! While diving straight into waterfalls sounds like an amazing idea (especially to cool down after a hike), it’s resulted in numerous lethal accidents in Hong Kong over the years. Be extra careful when treading around the area and think twice before taking the plunge. Stay safe!
Most beautiful waterfalls in Hong Kong
1. Silvermine Waterfall and Pearl Waterfalls
Mui Wo is a popular destination for city dwellers wishing to get away from the hustle and bustle of the 852. While you’re in the area, why not venture deeper into nature and discover some breathtaking waterfalls? Silvermine Waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in Hong Kong for hikers and photographers alike. Especially attractive are its lush greenery, tranquil atmosphere, and steady stream all year-round. Further up the trail, you’ll come upon the hidden Pearl Waterfalls. This lesser-known site has an equally impressive waterfall that flows into a natural pool. Pack your swimwear and take a dip!
Directions:
- Get to Mui Wo by ferry or bus.
- Follow the waterfront promenade next to the pier and cross the second bridge. Take the first left onto Ngan Shu Street.
- Take the first right onto Mui Wo Rural Committee Road and continue until you reach the junction with Chung Shing Street. Continue upslope.
2. Sheung Luk Stream
Also known as Sai Kung Rock Pools (ring a bell?), this spot is famous amongst adrenaline junkies for cliff jumping. The pool itself is pretty big so even if the area gets crowded (which it does), you will not feel bothered as there’s still plenty of space for you to take a dip. Depending on how recently it has rained or not, there may not always be a splashing waterfall, but it’s worth the visit nonetheless. Moreover, Sai Wan Beach is just minutes away from the pool and is a perfect place for camping.
Directions:
- Take minibus 29R from Sai Kung Town Center to San Wan Pavilion.
- Hike around To Sai Wan to reach Sheung Luk Stream within minutes.
3. Tai Tam Mound Waterfall
Getting to this pristine waterfall requires a bit of a hike (as do some others on this list) but it’s all worth it! The 30-minute hike is not too difficult, and on most days the waterfall is quiet with a minimal crowd. Do note that you’re not allowed to swim here as the waterfall connects to Tai Tam Reservoir which serves as a source of drinking water in Hong Kong. Despite that, it’s definitely worth stopping by, if you have a camera, set it on long exposure and you’ll get some Nat-Geo worthy shots of this hidden waterfall. The path is suitable for families but, as it can be a bit slippery, proper sports shoes must be worn.
Directions:
- Hop on bus 14 from Sai Wan Ho MTR Station and alight at Tai Tam Reservoir North.
- Hike around Tai Tam Country Park along section 6 of the Hong Kong trail.
4. Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls
Notice the plural, because there are four falls in the vicinity – each one more stunning than the last, and also more difficult to get to. For the ambitious, the path eventually connects to Tai Mo Shan (Hong Kong’s tallest peak). Amongst the four waterfalls (bottom fall, middle fall, main fall, and scatter fall), the main fall is the most sought after by hikers and photographers as it’s the tallest waterfall in Hong Kong. You can hike around and make it to all four waterfalls, but some paths may not be very suitable for families or beginners. But, all four waterfalls are suitable for swimming.
Directions:
- Take bus 64K from Tai Wo Station and get off at Ng Tung Chai village.
- Follow the path, it’s slightly uphill but leads to the trailhead.
5. Little Hawaii Waterfall
One of the easiest waterfall hikes in Hong Kong, Little Hawaii offers rewarding views (you may want a drone for this) in just around an hour. This is a family-friendly hike and it does get a little crowded during weekends given its easy accessibility, so you may need to schedule a less popular timing if you want (waterfall) pool to yourself.
Directions:
- Get to Wilson Trail Section 3 on Clear Water Bay Road.
- Follow the trail, it’s initially well-paved until the fork, follow the signposts on the path for Little Hawaii Trail.
6. Bride’s Pool
Undoubtedly one of the most well-known waterfalls in Hong Kong, Bride’s Pool is famous for two things: for starters, it’s gorgeous waterfall, and the other for being haunted. According to the popular ghost story, a bride was being carried to her groom in a sedan chair when one of her carriers slipped, which resulted in the bride drowning to death. Legend has it that her spirit still haunts the waters, into which she drags the unwary. Despite the terrifying rumours, Bride’s Pool is still one of the most crowded waterfalls in Hong Kong, so don’t be afraid to venture out!
Directions:
- Take minibus 20R or 275R from Tai Po Market MTR Station and alight at Bride’s Pool.
- The waterfall is a five-minute walk from the bus stop.
7. Ma Dai Stream
The stream that runs through Ma On Shan Country Park has several pit stops for a dip and two waterfalls but note that not all permit swimming. If you’re looking to cool off in the water, you can plunge in the lower fall and the pools, but not in the waterfall that’s higher up. There’s a reason why the water here is crystal clear and authorities clearly want it to stay that way (we all do, TBH), so please clean up after yourself!
Directions:
- Take Exit B from Tai Shui Hang MTR station.
- Walk along Chevalier Garden on Tai Shui Hang North Street until you reach a flight of stairs. Climb up and you’ll reach the stream.
8. Dragon Ball Waterfall (Wang Chung Stream)
Getting to Dragon Ball requires some clambering. Be mindful when making your way through the rocks, as it can get very slippery due to the low-lying pools along the way. If you’d like to continue going up the stream after reaching the waterfall, you will connect to the Pat Sin Leng Country Trail, a hiking route with scenic views. The enormous rocks have a surreal feel to them and you’ll definitely feel like you’ve transcended into a tropical paradise.
Directions:
- Take minibus 20R or 275R from Tai Po Market MTR Station.
- Alight at Bride’s Pool and hike up the path near the barbeque pits.
9. Wong Lung Hang Stream
Navigating through this stream is not easy, but this rather difficult path leads to beautiful waterfalls that will be well worth the effort. Much of the path was damaged by typhoon Mangkhut, so be sure to check the ropes before you hold on to them for dear life. Reaching the first waterfall is the easiest amongst the three; reaching the farther two is not best suited for beginners as the path upward is very steep. To make your way back, you’ll either need to return the way you came through the stream, or continue climbing uphill to reach the Lantau Trail heading towards Mui Wo, though note that this means more hiking.
Directions:
- Take Exit A in Tung Chung MTR Station.
- Walk past Tat Tung Road and Shun Tung Road until you reach a footbridge with signposts to Tung Chung Fort.
- Head to Wong Lung Hang Road and go past Tei Po New Village, the picnic site, and Wong Lung Hang trail. Reach the end of the road until you see a dam.
- Go over the dam on the right to start the trek.
10. Tai O Infinity Pool
Also known as Man Cheung Po’s Infinity Pool or Shui Lo Cho Infinity Pool, this waterfall at the far end of Lantau is undoubtedly one of the best infinity pools in Hong Kong. Sadly, it’s prohibited to swim at the infinity pool (there are CCTV cameras!) but worry not, there are plenty of pools nearby where swimming is allowed.
Directions:
- Walk along Tai O Promenade from the village, accessible by both the ferry and bus.
- When the path descends, keep walking until you see a beach past the campsite.
- Climb up the stairs and you’ll reach the waterfall after a short hike.
11. Waterfall Bay
Although it is located right in Pok Fu Lam, this waterfall is not well known. Perhaps it’s due to the fact that swimming is not allowed in this hidden gem or, gather round, it’s because of another ghost story. Back in the Qing Dynasty, this location was famous amongst pirates who occupied a nearby village. According to legend, the pirates used the waterfall as a dumpsite for corpses, hence it’s supposedly filled with water ghosts and it’s been reported that several children have drowned here in the past. Yep, this got real dark real quick…
Paranormal activities aside, the waterfall still attracts those who like to have a picnic by the beach (yes, there’s a tiny beach!) and explore the relics left behind by the British during World War II.
Directions:
- Get to Wah Fu Estate.
- Go to Waterfall Bay Park.
- Walk to your right once you’re in the park and at the next fork, turn left.
- Continue making your way down in the stairway with the blue railing until you reach the waterfall.
12. Double Dragon River
Don’t be fooled by its name! Double Dragon River is formed by a mild yet steady waterfall that flows between rock formations. You’ll find this stunning waterfall in the lush countryside of Lantau South Country Park. Coupled with its tranquil and secluded setting, this is a hidden gem worth visiting.
Directions:
- Get to Pui O and take the bus to Lo Wai Tsuen.
- Head up South Lantau Road and take the fifth left.
- If hiking isn’t your cup of tea, take the bus straight to Swire House Holiday House. The waterfall is just paces away from the bus stop!
[This article was originally published in May 2022 and updated in 2024 by Celia Lee.]