A Stream Hike Up The Yellow River

This is a must hike for anyone looking for an action packed day out with a stunning waterfall to cool off in at the end.

Remember stream hikes can be dangerous. Do not go if the weather report is showing any threat of rain. Ideally, go with someone else, but if you go alone, make sure to tell someone where you're going and your expected return time.

The hike up takes about an hour for an adult.

What To Pack:

Water, suntan lotion, snacks, a fully charged phone and ideally a portable power bank. Make sure to wear shoes with a decent grip and ones you don't mind getting wet as some parts of the hike require you to walk in the steam unless you're Spiderman.

How To Get There:

From Tung Chung MTR you can either jump on the 37H at the bus station and hop off at the stop after the hospital, or walk. If walking head on the cycle path route to the left of PizzaHut and follow it around to the left. Go under the bridge and follow the path up the hill. Take a right under the next bridge and then follow the path down the hill until you go up the first ramp. Take a left at the top and walk down until you reach a junction. This should be your approximate view of the hills you're going to be hiking into.

There is a little convenience store under the houses to the left of this picture in case you need to top up on snacks and cold drinks.

Follow the road to the right and past the water catchment, then take the road on the left pointing to Chep Lap Kok New Town. It's about a 25-minute walk uphill to the start of the river bed hike from this point.

Once you get to the top of the road, there is a little path to the left that leads down to the river, just behind these beautiful gentlemen.

Walk upstream and take the steps on the left. The adventure is about to begin!

The terrain is uneven and incredibly slippery but the scenery is stunning. Not too much to say about the stream climb apart from roots and vines are your friend and don't step on the shiny bits or you'll end up in the river.

After 1.5kms you'll start to hear the sound of splashing water getting louder and louder and with good reason - you're reached the waterfall, or mountain fountain as my daughter calls them.

It's breathtakingly beautiful and enforced my love of Lantau Island. It's worth the sweaty and wet climb up the river to reach it. The pool under the waterfall is deep enough to swim in and provides a glorious sanctuary from the heat. You can climb up the rocks to the left and jump in, but check the depth first and see if there are any hidden rocks.

There were only two other people at the waterfall when we got there, but got super busy about 11:30 am so I recommend getting there early if you want some peace.

Rotten Head sells an excellent hat that's lightweight, easily washable and keeps the sweat out of your eyes. You can grab yours here for just $138 with free shipping.

If you want the swim in a cooling stream but without the hike, check out this post.

#wildswimming #lantauisland #HongKong #Lantau #swimming #thingstodowithkids #TungChung #nature #hiking #islanderhk #rottenhead