Ng Tung Chai Waterfall Hike in Hong Kong: Hiker’s Guide

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.

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!