Points of Interest
Management Centre
In order to protect water from being contaminated or tapped illegally, the Reservoir was guarded by watchman who was employed by Public Works Department. R. Dias was the first watchman who received £30 salary a year. In the early days of colonial Hong Kong, reservoirs were usually guarded by the British and filter beds were secured by Indians or Portuguese. Only after 1892 were Chinese employed. The cottage was residence of the reservoir guardsmen. It is a neo-classical granite structure, yet combining different architectural styles to adapt to the local climate, e.g., the dual- tiled Chinese roof can offer better water and thermal insulation. With the opening of the Pokfulam Country Park in 1979, the cottage was reused as the Park’s management centre. It was declared as monument in 2009.
Four Masonry bridges
The four bridges, declared as monument in 2009, connect the uneven landscape of the Pokfulam Reservoir. Underneath its bitumen-covered bridge deck, there are bridges built in the Renaissance Gothic architectural style, with semicircular arches for the first three bridges and a lancet arch for the last. The fine craftsmanship of the bridges can be seen from the fine finishing decorated in reticulated or vermiculated patterns. For safety reasons, it is recommended to peek at the bridges afar, where the fences on them can serve as an identifier.
Bricked-up bunkers
Along the road uphill, a series of bricked-up bunkers can be spotted. The bunkers were a part of the colonial defense works against the Japanese invasion in WWII. The Pokfulam countryside was defended by Canadian Winnipeg Grenadiers, although no major battle happened in that area. The bunkers, with a capacity for 45 soldiers, were defended by the Hong Kong Volunteer Defense Corps.
Service Reservoirs
Service reservoirs are the intermediate water supplying facilities between water treatment plants and households. Turning right from the first junction and slightly go down the path, you can see Pokfulam Service Reservoir No. 2 built in 1977. Its affiliation with the predecessor of the Water Supplies Department, the “Waterworks Office”, can be seen on the wall sign as “HONG KONG WATER WORKS”. Walking further down the path, the No. 3 Service Reservoir built in 1982, with the newly built salt water service reservoir, can be found.
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Pokfulam Reservoir Catchment Area was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1979, with an area of 217 hectares in the Pokfulam Country Park. The Site is covered by a wide variety of plants, including the rare Hong Kong Camellia (Camellia hongkongensis). It is also the home of many reptiles, amphibians and birds. Along the trail, fine grained volcanic ash with quartz veins can also be seen. This typical quartz vein belongs to the Ap Lei Chau Formation in Early Cretaceous (about 140 million years ago).
Native Tree Walk
Native Tree Walk (2.2km), located in Lugard Road, is the first tree walk in Hong Kong that features over 400 species of plants and animals like Hong Kong Gordonia (Polyspora axillaris) and Chinese Hackberry (Celtis sinensis). The Indian Rubber Tree located at 28 Lugard Road is one of the registered old and valuable trees that is 28 metres in diameter. Lugard Road was completed in 1924 and named after the governor Sir Frederic Lugard. The opening of Lugard Road attracted more and more Europeans to live in the Peak District. Along and close to Lugard Road you could still see some historic buildings of the colonial era including Peak Lookout (Grade 2), Peak Tramways Co. Ltd. at No.1 (Grade 2), Victoria Gap Substation at No.35 (Grade 3), and the houses at No.28 and No.34 (both are Grade 3 buildings). The house at No.27 Lugard Road (Grade 2) was constructed in 1914, which was bought by the Taikoo Dockyard and Engineering Co. as staff residence in 1930. In 2013, the current owner filed an application to Town Planning Board to revitalise it into a boutique hotel. Objections and concerns of road safty and pollution received. Arriving Harlech Road, visitor could oversee Lamma Island and wind down to Pokfulam Reservoir.
The Peak Trail
The Peak Trail includes part of the Native Tree Walk and Harlech Fitness Trail. The route leads to Pokfulam Reservoir (winding at Victoria Gap), and another ends at Hatton Road. You could begin the walk from the Peak Galleria. Along the whole trail you could see the panoramic view of the cityscape of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Close to Hatton Road there is Pinewood Battery Heritage Trail at Lung Fu Shan Country Park.
Pathway leading to No. 27 Lugard Road
Hong Kong Trail (Stage 1)
Stages 1 and 2 of Hong Kong Trail lie within the Pokfulam Country Park. Stage 1 (7km; ~2-hour walk) starts from Lugard Road next to the Peak Tram Station. Visitors could enjoy the spectacular view of Victoria Harbour. More information available at: http://hiking.gov.hk/
Hong Kong Trail (Stage 2)
Stage 2 (4.5km; 1.5-hour walk) leads from Pokfulam Reservoir Road to Peel Rise. Beyond the Pokfulam Service Reservoir and Lady Clementi’s Ride, it winds down Mount Kellett. After completing Stage 2, visitors could walk further to Aberdeen.
Pok Fu Lam Family Walk
Pok Fu Lam Family Walk is located in the Pok Fu Lam Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Walk is easy and lined with forests. Bird songs can be heard and the scent of flowers can be felt along the path. The Walk is most suitable for families as it is easily accessible. Visitors can take a bus to the entrance of Pokfulam Reservoir Road and walk another 10 minutes to reach the starting point of the Family Walk which lies near the gate outside the Country Park Management Centre. Walking up the steps, one can get a top view of the Pokfulam Reservoir. Following the path to the end, you can turn right to Pokfulam Reservoir Road and walk downhill to the finishing point which lies next to the management centre.
Gauge Basin
Gauge Basin is used to monitor the flow and depth of water. It was built with the Italianate Renaissance style. It is a declared monument.