Sai Kung East Dam Po Pin Chau Trail Launches Free Reservation Trial for Weekends and Holidays
RTHK · 5 SOURCES3 minutes ago3 MIN
Summary
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced on August 21 a trial reservation system for the Po Pin Chau section of the Wan Tsai Geological Trail at East Dam of the Man Yee Reservoir in Sai Kung, effective September 5 to October 7 . The scheme applies to all weekends during the trial period, the Mid-Autumn Festival (September 25-27), and the National Day holiday week (October 1-7), with advance booking required for entry between 9 AM and 5 PM . The reservation system is provided free of charge during the trial phase, marking the government's first systematic attempt to regulate access to this popular geopark attraction through advance booking .
Key Points
- The trial runs from September 5 to October 7, covering specific weekends (Sept 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 25-27) and the entire National Day holiday week (Oct 1-7)
- Each two-hour time slot accommodates 500 visitors, with a daily maximum of 2,000 visitors
- The reservation requirement applies exclusively to the Po Pin Chau section; other areas of East Dam remain freely accessible
- Bookings open August 24 at 11 AM through Klook's website, mobile app, and WeChat mini-program, requiring real-name registration
- Each booking permits up to five persons, including the booker; visitors must present electronic vouchers and valid identification at the entrance
- Unfilled slots may be available for walk-in booking on-site; cancellations are permitted up to 48 hours before the reserved time
- AFCD Director Leung Kin-ming stated that the 500-person per slot quota was determined based on traffic capacity assessments during peak periods, expecting the system to help ease congestion rather than increase pressure on transportation
- The real-name registration system aims to prevent ticket scalping; Director Leung warned that measures may be taken to impose consequences if scalping or no-show patterns emerge
Why It Matters
The Po Pin Chau trail, celebrated for its dramatic hexagonal rock columns and coastal landscapes, has experienced surging popularity in recent years, leading to overcrowding, safety concerns, and environmental degradation at one of Hong Kong's most iconic geopark sites . This pilot scheme, managed through the experienced Klook platform, could serve as a template for managing other natural attractions across Hong Kong, potentially extending to high-demand sites like the MacLehose Trail or High Island Reservoir .
Specific Reservation Dates Requiring Advance Booking:
- September 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 25-27
- October 1-7 (entire National Day holiday week)
- Outside these dates and hours, no reservation is needed
The Po Pin Chau trail, celebrated for its dramatic hexagonal rock columns and coastal landscapes, has experienced surging popularity in recent years, leading to overcrowding, safety concerns, and environmental degradation at one of Hong Kong's most iconic geopark sites . This pilot scheme, managed through the experienced Klook platform, could serve as a template for managing other natural attractions across Hong Kong, potentially extending to high-demand sites like the MacLehose Trail or High Island Reservoir .
Specific Reservation Dates Requiring Advance Booking:
- September 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 25-27
- October 1-7 (entire National Day holiday week)
- Outside these dates and hours, no reservation is needed