Pok Fu Lam Reservoir - Pok Fu Lam
Written by Noor Rizvi
Pictures by Noor Rizvi, Larry Yam & Saara Tam
Research by Noor Rizvi, Larry Yam, Saara Tam & Krishna Vakati
Pictures by Noor Rizvi, Larry Yam & Saara Tam
Research by Noor Rizvi, Larry Yam, Saara Tam & Krishna Vakati
History The Pok Fu Lam Reservoir was built in 1863 and was the first reservoir in Hong Kong. before the British came to Hong Kong the main water source was from streams and rivers. As the population became bigger it got harder to get water for everyone in the city, so the government decided to build a reservoir so they could collect rainwater and give everyone in the city enough water. The reservoir was made larger in 1871 and was made a historic monument in 2006. Nearby is the Pok Fu Lam Village which has a history dating back to at least 400 years. There are around 2000 residents living in squatter houses. These squatter houses are made of large pieces of metal, however Pok Fu Lam village is not a slum, most of this land is owned by villagers. Most of the residents of Pok Fu Lam Village are quite old as the younger generation have started to leave for jobs in the city. You can also visit the University Hall built in 1861. The design of the mansion was inspired by medieval castle's and was built by a Scottish ship owner. In 1886 a dairy farm was built and half of the village population was employed at this dairy farm. The government is now planning to make a museum out of the old dairy staff quarters. In the 1970's a 20 storey estate was built with a wall surrounding it. However because of this wall villagers were unable to go to the nearby forest were they used to go look for herbs. Fun fact: The village doesn't even have a sewage system due to government neglect. However the villagers have constructed some beautiful seating areas around a waterfall surrounded by flowers. A watchman's cottage can also be found at the end of the trail. It uses British and Chinese architecture with tile roofs and arches, you can see a picture of it above.
What to see and doThere are many things you can do on the hike including having a picnic near the streams. One of the streams has open access, remember to avoid having a picnic near the stream if you have young children as they may slip, also remember to take away any rubbish or litter you may have brought with you. You could also visit the nearby Pok Fu Lam Village after the hike, where there are many beautiful sites. The village is filled to the brim with history. Also remember to explore the watchman's cottage.
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Pok Fu Lam Reservoir TrailThe Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Trail is a easy trail it ranges from The Peak to the Pok Fu Lam Reservoir. There are many streams and waterfalls on the way, one of the streams is accessible. The trail is just road for the entire way so it is suitable for the elderly (Who can walk and don't have knee problems) and young children. If you are going to have a picnic near the stream please make sure you take extra care of the young children. The hike is 1 1/2 hours or 2 hours depending on the speed of your walking and an extra half and our is added if you decide to have a picnic. There are many plant and animal species you can see along the hike so make sure you pay attention.
ActivitiesThe hike could get a bit boring for children and adults alike so here we have a few activities to do with your children and families. This is a great way to educate your children and yourself about the hidden beauties of HK.
1. See if you can spot any streams. If you can go take some photos with your friends and have a photography competition. (WARNING: This activity is not suitable for children younger than eight as they may slip near the stream or into it) 2.Spin The Bottle, The Family Version. This activity is a great way to recycle a plastic bottle. Take a plastic bottle, or any bottle for that matter, sit your family down in a circle and spin the bottle. When the bottle stops spinning whoever it is pointing to has to tell the entire family about one interesting animal or plant they saw, see if they can describe it and recognise the species. 3. Find an insect. We found some pretty impressive fauna on our trip to Pok Fu Lam reservoir. As part of the trip we tried to find some insects and take some close up photos of them. We found an insect that camouflages with bamboo and a black and yellow spider. FacilitiesThere are public buses taking you up to the peak from central like Bus No.15, however there are no tables or chairs on the hike so your going to have a sit on the floor, you also won't be able to bring elderly who need to sit down. Remember there are no public toilets, so you better go to the toilet at the Peak Galleria.
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HikeThe hike itself is fairly easy and getting to the start is quite convenient. Make your way to the peak galleria, you can take bus number 15 or you can also take a red Taxi from wherever your starting point is. When you come out of the bus Terminal go towards the red taxi stands and out of the entrance you see after the taxi stands. After you exit from the bus terminal turn left towards the Peak Galleria. Cross the road once you'll see a sign on the opposite side of the Road saying “Pok Fu Lam Country Park” Once you cross the road that is the start point of the hike. The hike is 3.34 Kilometers long and if your feeling athletic you can jog the entire way, just remember to do it only if you are physically fit, if you have asthma take your inhaler and lastly if you are elderly, please don't jog.
What to Bring and Wear1. Healthy Snack(In case you need to nibble on something)
2.Lunch(If you are hiking during lunch time) 3.1 liter of water per person 4.First Aid Kit 5. Umbrella/Raincoat in case of rain 6.Appropriate foot wear (No High Heels) 7.Camera 8.Phone |
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Ecology |
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Animals
From Left: Spiny Chestnut Rat, Chinese Leopard Cat, Ferret Badger
Spiny Chestnut Rat:
The spiny chestnut rat is a colourful rat that lives on hillsides, it has brown and black hairs spread out between it's chestnut ones. It is usually around 5 cm long and can be found all around Hong Kong.
Chinese Leopard Cat:
This cat weighs around 6-15 pounds and is the size of a pet cat however it has longer legs than a pet cat. The patterns on it's body are a lot like a leopards an mainly consist of yellows, light browns and blacks. It lives in forest and woodland, it will also live on hills. This cat is the most common cat in Southern Asia
Ferret Badger:
The Ferret Badger lives in mainly China and lives in holes that they don't have to dig. They come out to hunt mostly at night and eat small eggs, insects and fruit. It can also eat dead frogs and birds.
The spiny chestnut rat is a colourful rat that lives on hillsides, it has brown and black hairs spread out between it's chestnut ones. It is usually around 5 cm long and can be found all around Hong Kong.
Chinese Leopard Cat:
This cat weighs around 6-15 pounds and is the size of a pet cat however it has longer legs than a pet cat. The patterns on it's body are a lot like a leopards an mainly consist of yellows, light browns and blacks. It lives in forest and woodland, it will also live on hills. This cat is the most common cat in Southern Asia
Ferret Badger:
The Ferret Badger lives in mainly China and lives in holes that they don't have to dig. They come out to hunt mostly at night and eat small eggs, insects and fruit. It can also eat dead frogs and birds.
Plants
From Left: Showy Prairie, Hong Kong Camellia, Kofe Tonga
Birds
From Left: Hawk, Falcon, Sparrow
Risk & Hazards
1.Slipping while walking on the edge. Though this is unlikely because the entire hike is paved the sides of the pavement are no barricaded and a young child running around could slip. To avoid this happening keep a very close eye on children
2.Slipping near the streams. When you go to the open access stream there is a kind of mini cliff and you slip into the waterfall , especially with young children. To avoid this happening remember to keep a close eye on them and avoid having a picnic in that area.
3. Tripping down and falling on rocks. Ensure that you stay on the pavement. Avoid letting children run around
2.Slipping near the streams. When you go to the open access stream there is a kind of mini cliff and you slip into the waterfall , especially with young children. To avoid this happening remember to keep a close eye on them and avoid having a picnic in that area.
3. Tripping down and falling on rocks. Ensure that you stay on the pavement. Avoid letting children run around