Introduction::
Stage One skirts the south side of High Island Reservoir, in Sai Kung East Country Park (4,477 hectares). This is a pleasant beginning, as here the Trail is often flat -- and the few climbs are only gradual.

The route begins at Pak Tam Chung, continues out along the Sai Kung Man Yee Road, and crosses High Island Reservoir's two dams. About halfway along, various side paths descend to coastal villages. But the most striking country is at the end, where jagged rocks dominate the coast. Stage One ends with a short climb over to Long Ke, perhaps Hong Kong's most idyllic bay.

High Island Reservoir lines this stage, with its expanse of water, sloping banks and enormous dams. The reservoir, completed in 1979, challenged the rules of reservoir building -- for engineers actually joined High Island to the mainland. Coffer dams were built at sea level, and massive volumes of salt water pumped out. Then the main dams were built, which today rise over 100 metres above their foundations. High Island Reservoir holds over 270 million cubic metres of water -- 40 times the capacity of Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir.

Four hundred Hakka villagers were re-located for the reservoir. However, the project opened up the east Sai Kung peninsula, allowing visitors to experience its majestic setting. The outer peninsula is extremely exposed, and there the vegetation is mostly grassland and shrubland. However, in the more sheltered valleys, pockets of low trees are establishing.

Transport Access:
Section 1 starts at Pak Tam Chung. Take bus 94 from Sai Kung Town and get off at the Pak Tam Chung Terminus adjacent to the Pak Tam Chung Barrier Gate. The starting point by the junction of Pak Tam Road and Man Yee Road is about 400 m from the Barrier Gate.

Bus
92  Diamond Hill to Sai Kung Town
299 Sha Tin to Sai Kung Town
96R Choi Hung to Sai Kung Town (only on Sundays & Public Holidays)
Minibus
1A Minibus green cab Choi Hung to Sai Kung Town

A food kiosk and a public toilet can be found next to the Pak Tam Chung Bus Terminus.