Kam Shan Country Park, affectionately known as “Monkey Hill” is a 339-hectare gem nestled between northwestern Kowloon and Sha Tin in Hong Kong. Renowned for its large population of wild macaques, scenic reservoirs, historical wartime relics, and accessible hiking trails, it’s an ideal destination for nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your visit, spot monkeys safely, and explore the park’s trails, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Why Visit Kam Shan Country Park?
Kam Shan Country Park, established in 1977, offers a unique blend of wildlife, history, and natural beauty. It’s home to approximately 1,800 macaques—about 85% of Hong Kong’s wild monkey population—making it one of the best places to observe these primates in their natural habitat. The park also features four reservoirs (Kowloon, Shek Lei Pui, Kowloon Reception, and Kowloon Byewash), lush flora, and remnants of the Gin Drinker’s Line, a British WWII defense system. Its proximity to urban Hong Kong makes it an easy escape into nature, with trails suitable for beginners, families, and seasoned hikers.
Getting to Kam Shan Country Park
Kam Shan Country Park is conveniently accessible by public transport or car. Below are the best options to reach the park:
By Public Transport
- From Sai Wan Ho MTR: Take the Island Line to Admiralty, transfer to the Tsuen Wan Line (Red Line), and get off at Lai Chi Kok (Exit A). From Cheung Sha Wan Plaza, board bus 72 and alight at Shek Lei Pui Reservoir. Walk left along Golden Hill Road to enter the park.
- From Jordan MTR: Take bus 81 (from west of the station) and get off at Kowloon Reservoir or Shek Lei Pui Reservoir.
- From Prince Edward MTR: Exit E, walk to Boundary Street, and catch KMB bus 81. Disembark at Shek Lei Pui Reservoir (six stops, about a 2-minute walk to the park).
- Travel Time: Approximately 15–30 minutes from central areas like Mongkok or Kowloon, depending on traffic.
By Car
- Drive along Tai Po Road, turn off at Kowloon Reservoir, and cross the reservoir dam wall to enter the park. A parking lot is available near the Monkey Mountain public toilet. Keep windows closed to avoid curious monkeys.
By Taxi
- Taxis from Cheung Sha Wan MTR to the park cost around HK$50. This is a quick option if you prefer not to navigate buses.
Tip: Check bus schedules on the KMB website or apps like Citymapper for real-time updates. Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler weather.
Spotting Monkeys: Tips and Safety Guidelines
Kam Shan’s macaques, primarily rhesus and long-tailed macaques, are descendants of monkeys released in the 1920s to control poisonous strychnos plants around the reservoirs. While they’re a highlight of the park, their behavior can be unpredictable due to human feeding, which is illegal under Hong Kong’s Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (fine up to HK$100,000). Follow these guidelines to observe monkeys safely:
Where to Find Monkeys
- Park Entrance: Monkeys are often spotted near the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir stop, on Golden Hill Road, and around pavilions or trash cans.
- Kowloon Reservoir: Walk across the dam wall to see monkeys in trees or near the water.
- Picnic Areas: The picnic area uphill from the reservoir, about 20 minutes along Golden Hill Road, is a hotspot for macaque families in their treetop habitat.
- Trails: Monkeys are less concentrated on forested trails but can be seen along the Kam Shan Family Walk or near reservoirs.
Best Time: Late afternoon is ideal, as monkeys are more active and visible. Mornings may yield fewer sightings.
Safety Tips
- Do Not Feed Monkeys: Feeding is illegal and encourages aggressive behavior. Monkeys may snatch food or bags they associate with food.
- Secure Belongings: Avoid carrying plastic bags, as monkeys mistake them for food containers. Hide snacks and water bottles in a backpack.
- Keep Distance: Stay at least a few meters away, especially from babies, as mothers are protective. Avoid sudden movements or direct eye contact, which can be perceived as threats.
- Dress Neutrally: Avoid bright clothing or accessories that might attract attention.
- Stay Calm: If a monkey approaches, remain still and avoid lunging or raising your camera suddenly.
- Be Aware: Monkeys can be aggressive, especially if they feel threatened. Some visitors report being chased, so stay vigilant.
Fun Fact: Monkeys may swim in the reservoirs or groom each other in trees, offering great photo opportunities if you’re cautious.
Hiking Trails in Kam Shan Country Park
Kam Shan offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy, family-friendly walks to moderately challenging hikes. Most are well-paved or signposted, making navigation straightforward. Below are the top trails, with details on difficulty, duration, and highlights:
1. Kam Shan Tree Walk
- Length: 0.86 km (loop)
- Difficulty: Easy (2/10)
- Duration: 30–45 minutes
- Starting Point: Just north of Kowloon Reservoir Dam
- Highlights:
- Showcases native and exotic flora, including Brisbane box, eucalyptus, and paper-bark trees, with informative signboards.
- Passes by Kowloon Byewash and Reception Reservoirs, offering serene water views.
- Ideal for families or botanists, with flat, paved paths.
- Monkey Sightings: Monkeys are less common here but may appear near the reservoirs.
- Access: Take bus 72 or 81 to Shek Lei Pui Reservoir, cross the road, and follow Golden Hill Road to the trailhead.
2. Kam Shan Family Walk
- Length: ~1.5 km
- Difficulty: Easy (3/10)
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Starting Point: Adjacent to Golden Hill Road, near park entrance
- Highlights:
- A flat, forested trail parallel to Golden Hill Road, perfect for kids and casual walkers.
- Offers shade and occasional views of Kowloon Reservoir.
- Connects to other trails, like the MacLehose Trail Section 6.
- Monkey Sightings: Monkeys are frequent near the entrance and picnic areas along the trail.
- Access: Start from the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir bus stop and follow signs.
3. MacLehose Trail Section 6
- Length: 4.6 km
- Difficulty: Moderate (3/10)
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Starting Point: Tai Po Road, near Kowloon Reservoir
- Highlights:
- Part of the iconic MacLehose Trail, this section runs through Kam Shan to Shing Mun Reservoir.
- Features historical WWII bunkers and tunnels of the Gin Drinker’s Line, including the Shing Mun Redoubt with names like Regent Street etched into passages.
- Offers panoramic views of Tai Mo Shan, Lion Rock, and Sha Tin New Town from higher points.
- Monkey Sightings: Monkeys are common at the start near the reservoir and less frequent deeper into the trail.
- Access: Disembark at Kowloon Reservoir (bus 81) and follow trail signs.
4. Smuggler’s Ridge Trail
- Length: 4 km
- Difficulty: Moderate (4/10)
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Starting Point: Shing Mun Road, near Kowloon Reservoir
- Highlights:
- Explores the northern part of the park, with well-preserved WWII relics like pillboxes and the Shing Mun Redoubt.
- Includes a few steep climbs but rewards with views of reservoirs and military history.
- Connects to Shing Mun Country Park for extended hikes.
- Monkey Sightings: Monkeys are less prevalent but may be spotted near the reservoir.
- Access: Take bus 72 or 81 to Shek Lei Pui Reservoir and follow signs to Shing Mun Road.
5. Eagle’s Nest Nature Trail
- Length: 4 km
- Difficulty: Moderate (3/10)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Starting Point: Near Kowloon Reservoir
- Highlights:
- A shaded trail with city views and opportunities to spot birds like crested goshawks or common kingfishers.
- Offers a mix of paved and natural paths, suitable for photography.
- Monkey Sightings: Monkeys may appear near the trail’s start or reservoirs.
- Access: Start from Kowloon Reservoir (bus 81) and look for trail signs.
6. Golden Hill (Kam Shan) Peak
- Length: ~3 km (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate (4/10)
- Elevation Gain: 369 meters
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Starting Point: Golden Hill Road
- Highlights:
- Ascends to the park’s highest point (369m), offering sweeping views of Smuggler’s Ridge, Tai Mo Shan, and Sha Tin.
- A steady climb with paved sections, manageable for most hikers.
- Monkey Sightings: Monkeys are abundant along Golden Hill Road and near the picnic area at the top.
- Access: Walk up Golden Hill Road from the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir bus stop.
Trail Tips:
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes, as some trails have uneven or steep sections.
- Bring a map or use apps like AllTrails for navigation, though trails are well-marked.
- Combine trails (e.g., Tree Walk with Family Walk) for a longer adventure.
Other Attractions and Activities
Beyond monkeys and hiking, Kam Shan offers additional points of interest:
- Kowloon Group of Reservoirs: Admire the historic reservoirs, built between 1910 and 1931, with scenic dam walls and clear waters.
- WWII Relics: Explore the Gin Drinker’s Line, including bunkers and tunnels named after London streets, concentrated in the northern park.
- Picnic and BBQ Areas: Enjoy family-friendly picnic sites near Kowloon Reservoir and Shek Lei Pui Reservoir, equipped with tables and barbecue pits.
- Flora and Fauna: Spot exotic trees like Brisbane box and native species like rose myrtle, plus birds (e.g., black-eared kites) and butterflies (e.g., common eggfly).
- Photography: Capture monkeys, reservoirs, and panoramic views, especially from Golden Hill or along the MacLehose Trail.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
What to Bring
- Water and Snacks: No food or water is available in the park. Hide snacks to avoid attracting monkeys.
- Sunscreen and Hat: Trails have shaded areas, but open sections can be sunny.
- Camera: For wildlife and scenic shots, but use cautiously around monkeys.
- Backpack: To secure belongings and avoid plastic bags.
- Hiking Map or App: For trail navigation, though signs are clear.
- Comfortable Clothing: Breathable attire and sturdy shoes for hiking.
Weather Considerations
- Best Time to Visit: October to April offers cooler, drier weather (15–25°C). Avoid rainy or foggy days for better views and safer trails.
- Summer Caution: High humidity and thunderstorms are common; bring rain gear if visiting in summer.
Park Rules
- Follow all signs, especially regarding monkey interactions.
- Dispose of trash properly to protect wildlife.
- Stick to designated trails to avoid disturbing flora and fauna.
Accessibility
- Most trails (e.g., Tree Walk, Family Walk) are flat and suitable for strollers or wheelchairs, though some sections may be uneven.
- Picnic areas and restrooms are accessible near the park entrance.
Sample Itinerary for a Day Trip
Morning:
- 8:00 AM: Depart from central Hong Kong (e.g., Sai Wan Ho or Jordan MTR).
- 8:30 AM: Arrive at Shek Lei Pui Reservoir via bus 72 or 81.
- 8:45 AM: Walk along Golden Hill Road, spotting monkeys near the entrance and Kowloon Reservoir.
- 9:30 AM: Hike the Kam Shan Tree Walk (45 minutes) to explore flora and reservoirs.
- 10:30 AM: Continue to the Kam Shan Family Walk for a leisurely stroll, observing monkeys in picnic areas.
Midday:
- 12:00 PM: Picnic at a designated site near Kowloon Reservoir (bring your own food).
- 1:00 PM: Embark on the MacLehose Trail Section 6 (2 hours) to see WWII relics and enjoy views.
Afternoon:
- 3:30 PM: Optional: Ascend Golden Hill for panoramic views (1.5 hours round trip).
- 5:00 PM: Return to the Shek Lei Pui Reservoir bus stop via Golden Hill Road, watching for late-afternoon monkey activity.
- 5:30 PM: Catch bus 72 or 81 back to the city.
Total Time: ~9 hours, adjustable based on pace and trail choices.
Nearby Attractions
- Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery: A spiritual site in Sha Tin with golden Buddha statues, reachable by taxi or bus from the park.
- Shing Mun Country Park: Adjacent to Kam Shan, offering more trails and the scenic Shing Mun Reservoir.
- Sham Shui Po: Explore markets and street food in this vibrant Kowloon district after your hike.
Final Notes
Kam Shan Country Park is a must-visit for anyone seeking a blend of wildlife, history, and outdoor adventure in Hong Kong. By following safety guidelines, you can enjoy observing the park’s famous macaques while exploring its scenic trails and historical sites. Whether you’re a family with kids, a solo hiker, or a history buff, Kam Shan offers something for everyone. Plan your trip, pack wisely, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Monkey Hill!
