The park contains the High Island Reservoir, the largest reservoir in Hong Kong by water capacity.
The hexagonal volcanic columns in the park were formed during the middle Jurassic period, approximately 140 million years ago.
Tai Long Wan is comprised of four separate beaches: Sai Wan, Ham Tin, Tai Wan, and Tung Wan.
Sharp Peak is widely regarded as one of the most challenging hiking summits in Hong Kong due to its loose scree and steep gradient.
The park borders the Sai Kung West Country Park, forming a massive contiguous protected green belt.
The construction of the High Island Reservoir involved building two massive rock-fill dams that permanently altered the local geography.
The area is part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, specifically the High Island Geo-Area.
Sai Kung East Country Park encompasses 4,477 hectares of rugged coastal landscape in the eastern New Territories of Hong Kong. It features a deeply indented coastline characterized by rocky headlands and hidden beaches such as Tai Long Wan. The park contains the High Island Reservoir, which involved the damming of a strait between the mainland and High Island. Significant geological features include the hexagonal volcanic tuff columns found in the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark area. It is home to the MacLehose Trail, with Sections 1 and 2 running through the park's eastern and northern reaches. The terrain varies from coastal lowlands to peaks like Sharp Peak, which is known for its steep, challenging ascent. Biodiversity includes native shrubland and secondary forest habitats supporting various local bird and butterfly species. The area is largely undeveloped, lacking permanent residents and maintaining a remote wilderness character. It serves as a primary site for protected ecological conservation within the Hong Kong Country Park system.
The ridgeline ascent toward the summit of Sharp Peak looking down toward Tai Long Wan.
Carry significantly more water than you expect to need, as there are very few reliable resupply points on the trails.
Check the weather forecast for extreme heat or typhoon warnings, as coastal trails offer almost no shelter.
Wear high-traction hiking boots, as the volcanic rock and loose gravel on trails like Sharp Peak are notoriously slippery.
Attempting to hike to Sharp Peak without prior experience or during the peak of summer heat.
Take all trash out with you, as there are no waste disposal facilities on the trails; do not remove any volcanic rock samples.
