Kowloon Reservoir-one of the man-made lake in Hong Kong
Unlike the continents in Europe or America, there isn't any large lakes nor rivers in Hong Kong. So the government started building reservoirs decades ago to catch the rain during heavy rainfall seasons between May and July each year. And we need to purchase fresh water from Mainland China to satisfy the daily need of fresh water for citizens of Hong Kong. Kowloon Reservoir is one of the man-made lakes built for such purpose.
If you like to explore the natural beauty of this little city on foot, Kowloon Reservoir is a nice place to visit. This man-made lake was once a valley between two hills, Smuggler's Ridge and Needle Hill. Both of them are located in Kowloon. The catchment areas of this lake lies within Kam Shan Country Park.
Here the authorities have planted dense secondary forest to help retain water and control soil loss. These woodlands around the reservoir are feeding grounds for a great variety of animals.
To begin your hiking journey , I suggest you start from Tai Po Road and trail your way on the road winding up by the Country Park warden post. Very soon you will reach Kowloon Byewah Reservoir and Kam Shan Tree Walk. When you set foot on Golden Hill Road, you will get the fine bird's views of Kowloon Reservoir.
On your way to the reservoir, you may find lots of wild monkeys roaming around, and so the area is also called "Monkey Hill". But be cautious, just ignore them and don't feed these animals because they may go quite nasty sometimes. Apart from feeding them is illegal, the monkeys are aggressive, they may attack visitors when they fight for food. At the end of Wilson Trail, there goes the route through some reforestation woodlands. When you walk past these woodlands you have reached Kowloon Reservoir and enjoy a great deal of scenic beauty.
For transportation, you may go to Nathan Road, Monkok and take bus no 81, then you will arive the section of Tai Po Road within Piper's Hill in less than one hour.
