Tei Shek stream (Tung Chung river West - 東涌河)
Duration:
3 km (2h). But you will most likely want to stay much longer to enjoy the natural pools.
Difficulty:
7/10. Note that for some sections, you have to go in the water as there are no real bypasses. So, this is definitely a wet hike.
Cel phone coverage: Everywhere
Water needs: 1 liter. 50% shaded
Appreciation: 8/10. Nice and very clear stream. Lots of pools to soak in.
Exercise Area: No
Transportation: Exit 'B', go to the bus terminus, take 34 that brings you right at the trail-head (final stop). You can also take 34 right across from exit 'D' but if it gets busy, I always prefer to be at the terminus so I always have a spot. Return the same way. Check the bus' frequency as it is way-less frequent that typical HK buses. Just so you do not end up waiting an hour. https://www.hkemobility.gov.hk/
Why it's worth it:
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Exit 'B', then...
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... go straight through the building.
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Straight
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| Bus 34's terminus is just in front of you. |
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Take the bus and go all the way to the end stop.
It should take about 15 minutes
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The bus/minibus end stop is right by the Shek Mun Kap Public Toilet (石門甲公廁).
Head left on the road that has a slight elevation
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| Just about a minute or two later, you will walk by the Tung Chung Lo Hon Monastery (東涌羅漢寺) |
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A few more minutes into the hike (about 550m from the bus stop), you will reach this fork.
Take a right which will lead you right into the stream. Actually, it is the first time I see such a well maintained path just to get to a stream! |
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You arrive at the stream, head left...
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... and a few meters after, you'll reach this water catchment. First time you'[ll have to wet your feet today, but not the last!
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First pool. Clear water. Very nice!
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About an hour into the hike. The tallest waterfall of that stream
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Must be bypassed on the left, there are ropes and rock steps
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| Once you have reached the top of the first falls, keep left and use the ropes to pass the little bit of rock formations that do not offer enough of a ledge to climb on. Once passed, come down on the rope and cross the stream... |
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... as the bypass for the second falls is on the right. However, you can spend some time in the nice pool there before you keep on going, as this is the last major falls.
 | The exit point of the stream is about 25-40 minutes later. It is easy to miss if you do not pay attention as the path, while very close to the stream, is not visible from it. Pay attention to the shallow pool and rock characteristic rock face. The path is to the left, less than 5m away.
Get out of the stream and head left on the path which will parallel the stream, all the way back to the same bus stop, closing the loop!
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The bus stop in the distance. Note that you can always walk back to the MTR, which will take you about 45-50 minutes. Not an especially pleasant walk though...
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Please, don't litter!
Hiking is about communion with nature. So please pickup after yourself. There's no excuse to leave plastic bags, water bottles or any rubbish on or around the trails; if you managed to bring it, you can manage to bring it back!
