The Ng Tung Chai Waterfall hike is an epic adventure that guides you through the jungle, visits multiple waterfalls and can lead to the highest peak in Hong Kong (if you venture that far). Out in the New Territories, this is a wild hike. In fact, this hike was probably the most wild I saw the jungle in my entire time in Hong Kong.
NG TUNG CHAI WATERFALL GUIDE
In this blog post, I’ll share everything you need to know about the Ng Tung Chai Waterfall including where it is, how to get there, and when it’s best to visit.
NG TUNG CHAI WATERFALL HIKE DETAILS
- Hike Distance: The hike distance on the return-loop is a 6-km return route from the Ng Tung Chai bus stop.
- Hike Duration: The hike up and down took under two hours but make sure you leave some spare time to explore the waterfalls.
- Hike Difficulty: The hike was relatively safe with no exposure/drop-offs on the trail for the most part. It was very steep in parts of course but it was more a consistent climb up rocky steps. The area surrounding the waterfalls was slippery so mind your step when it’s wet.
- Hike Incline: The total hike incline to the Ng Tung Chai waterfalls was 350m from start to finish.
HOW TO GET TO NG TUNG CHAI WATERFALLS
I did the Ng Tung Chai Waterfall hike on my route to Tai Mo Shan, which is the highest peak in Hong Kong. However, you can take the same route and simply turn back after visiting the waterfalls if that is enough adventure for you.
NG TUNG CHAI WATERFALL HIKE DIRECTIONS
- Take the MTR to Kam Sheung Railway Station
- Catch the 64K bus to Ng Tung Chai Bus Stop
- Backtrack 100m to the trail entrance on the opposite side of the road (sign marked NG TUNG CHAI)
- Follow the signs to the Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls
- Return to Ng Tung Chai bus stop.
- Catch the bus to Kam Sheung Railway Station.
The pin location for Ng Tung Chai Bus Stop is pinned below and I’ve also placed a photo below that shows the trail entrance from where the bus stops. It has a huge NG TUNG CHAI sign.
NG TUNG CHAI WATERFALL MAP LOCATION
I’ve added the exact pin location for the Ng Tung Waterfall below so you can plan how to get there from your starting location.
You NEED the Octopus Card
TRAVEL TIP: In Hong Kong you NEED the Octopus Card to use public transport and ferries, which is how everyone gets around. Pre-Book your Octopus Card with a Pre-Loaded balance of 50HKD so you can pick it up at the airport (very easy) and then catch public transport straight to your hotel.
- Conveniently ride the MTR, bus, ferry, coach, and tram with just a tap of your Hong Kong Tourist Octopus Card
- Conveniently pick up your card with a preloaded credit of HKD50-100 at the Hong Kong International Airport
MY EXPERIENCE ON THE NG TUNG CHAI WATERFALL HIKE
As always, a little bit of transit preparation is required before a Hong Kong hike but with the 64K bus dropping us at the trailhead, we set off into the forest to find the waterfalls. The trail began like many in Hong Kong, a paved road winding up through the foothills. There were a few forks in the road but following the signs to the Ng Tung Chai waterfalls seemed to do us well.
There was one intersection early on that pointed to the right and said “Tai Mo Shan via Ng Tung Chai Waterfalls’ and the other suggested it was not via the waterfalls. It’s only an extra 15-20 minutes (if you are heading to Tai Mo Shan, so we decided to visit the waterfalls as well. You have now entered the Tai Mo Shan Country Park.
At the start of the hike, the trail leads you underneath a beautiful archway near a temple, past some small mini-waterfalls, and through the wild jungle. This was the most wild I had seen in Hong Kong so far, which was surprising considering we hadn’t traveled far from the city at all.
After about 30-40 minutes we reached the first waterfall called ‘Bottom Falls’. Although it isn’t as big as ‘Main Falls’ further up the track it was our favorite because it is in a tiny slot canyon and it’s a magical little spot. You could definitely just enjoy the bottom area but you can also climb up the walls and reach the middle section, which is the best area in my opinion.
The climb up on the rocks isn’t hard but you will have to judge for yourself if it is for you. We hung out here for almost an hour soaking it all in. No-one else was around and it was my favorite part of the adventure
The hike continues with a theme of rocky steps, which lead you up the relentless incline. The next waterfall was called Choi Hung Waterfall. It was still pretty but not as impressive as the others. You are really spoilt for choice here with more than five waterfalls in the region. I quickly stopped in for a look before continuing on to the Main Fall.
The Main Fall is unsurprisingly the biggest. It reminded me of the waterfalls in Hawaii the way it seemed to fall down the rocks on the cliff-side rather than free-fall down the pool below. It’s important to keep in mind that we visited in dry December, so it may be much more impressive to visit the waterfalls after heavy rain. There were many signs warning about flash-flooding so keep that in mind.
The next waterfall was Scatter Fall, which also fell down the rocks without much force. This would be a great spot in the rainy season I suspect. There was also a little cave to the left of this waterfall for those looking for a bit of extra adventure.
There is one more waterfall called Yuk Nui Fall that I didn’t quite get to as the Tai Mo Shan trail took me a different way. The path looked quite overgrown.
Along the way, there were lots of small rock pools and sections of cascades to explore so you really could spend a full day out here checking out all the spots. I suggest to come during hot weather but when it has been raining recently. That way it is hot enough to swim in the cold water but the waterfalls are in full force!
To get back to Kam Sheung Station you just need to return the way you came and catch the 64K bus back to the MTR station. It’s an out and back hike, which makes things pretty simple. I hope you enjoy the waterfalls and Tai Mo Shan summit if you decide to continue up the mountain like us!
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT NG TUNG CHAI WATERFALL
- Waterfall Cascades: Ng Tung Chai Waterfall features a series of beautiful cascades, with a total of four main waterfalls along the trail. Each waterfall offers its own unique charm, creating a picturesque setting that is perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
- Trail Difficulty: The Ng Tung Chai Waterfall hike is considered moderately challenging, with steep and uneven terrain. The trail includes sections of stairs and rocky paths, requiring a moderate level of fitness and agility.
- Multiple Waterfall Pools: Along the trail, you’ll come across several natural pools formed by the waterfalls. These pools provide a refreshing opportunity to take a dip and cool off during the hike. However, always exercise caution and assess the safety of the water conditions before swimming.
- Distance and Duration: The hike to Ng Tung Chai Waterfall covers a distance of approximately 4.5 kilometers. On average, it takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the time spent enjoying the waterfalls. Plan accordingly to allow ample time for exploration and relaxation.
- Access and Facilities: To access Ng Tung Chai Waterfall, you can take public transportation to Tai Po Market MTR Station and then a taxi or minibus to the starting point at Ng Tung Chai Village. It’s advisable to bring sufficient water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Limited restroom facilities are available along the trail.
By keeping these key points in mind, you can make the most of your Ng Tung Chai Waterfall hike, embracing the natural beauty, capturing memorable moments, and enjoying a rejuvenating experience in the heart of Hong Kong’s serene landscapes.
TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN HONG KONG
- Best Value Hotel: Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay – 4-star hotel for less than $100
- Best Value Luxury Hotel: Hotel ICON – $150 for a 5-star hotel with an epic pool
- Best Hiking/Adventure Base: Hotel Stage – Located in Kowloon and right next to lots of epic hikes.
Check out my full guide here: BEST AREAS TO STAY HONG KONG
MY 4 FAVORITE HONG KONG TOURS
- Victoria Peak Tram & Sky Terrace: If you visit Hong Kong, you have to visit Victoria Peak!
- Aqua Luna Victoria Harbor Cruise: Sail Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour on a traditional Chinese wooden junk boat.
- Hong Kong Disneyland Park: An awesome experience for all ages!
- M+ Museum Ticket: Most popular museum in Hong Kong!
Click the orange button below to view all of the top-rated tours on Klook
5 BEST HIKES IN HONG KONG
I wrote a massive guide about the 21 Best Hikes in Hong Kong, but if you are only in Hong Kong for a week or less here are the five most epic routes.
HAVE YOU READ MY OTHER HONG KONG ARTICLES?
- A complete guide to the best things to do: 27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN HONG KONG
- My favorite hikes in Hong Kong: 21 AWESOME HIKES IN HONG KONG
- How to plan your Hong Kong trip: 3-DAY HONG KONG ITINERARY FOR ADVENTURE-LOVERS
- The biggest ever guide for where to stay in Hong Kong: WHERE TO STAY IN HONG KONG: BEST AREAS & HOTELS
- My favorite EASY hikes: 10 EASY HIKING TRAILS IN HONG KONG
- The most luxurious places to stay: THE TOP 10 LUXURY HOTELS IN HONG KONG (5-STAR LIST)
- The ultimate adventure: EPIC HONG KONG HELICOPTER TOUR FROM THE PENINSULA HOTEL
- The toughest overall hike: WEST DOG’S TEETH HIKE ‘HARDEST HIKE IN HONG KONG’
- Best waterfall hike: TAI MO SHAN HIKE: THE HIGHEST PEAK IN HONG KONG
antonio.carlos.nomada
Monday 23rd of December 2019
The waterfalls looks awesome as well as the surroundings . The water seems to be icy! do you know the water temperature in this time of the year?