Walking in the Rocky Wonderland by Nia Tam Kwai Ting

many couples who use them as a backdrop to their wedding photos.

of nine checkpoints, each with an The Geopark is open to information board. all visitors and admission is free. Visitors can take bus number 94 from Sai ou are walking Ting Kwai Tam Nia These boards are educational. For Kung Market or number 96R from the along the example, they indicate how the rocks Diamond Hill MTR station. Get off after Yroad on the buckle under pressure when they are and walk along Tai Mong top of a dam. The cooling down and solidifying. You will Tsai Road to the junction ahead. Turn azure sky and ocean also understand how the power of right into Man Yee Road. This should are seemingly nature can cut a hill into two halves. take about half an hour. Then walk on connected. You for another 9 km to the enjoy the sea breeze “People will learn the value of rocks,” Reservoir East Dam, the starting point and take in the says Avis Yim Tak-yin, project officer of of High Island Geo Trail. refreshing air. Then, the Community Centre, suddenly, something attracts your gaze. “they observe closely so that they are Hiking beginners are recommended It is a 30-metre tall wall made up of reminded of preservation.” to walk along the MacLehose Trail to countless hexagonal volcanic columns. the East Dam and take a HK$60 taxi ride Not only is it a natural wonder, the when heading back. Otherwise it could This extraordinary landform, near is also the biggest take you about five hours to complete the High Island Reservoir East Dam in water-storage facility in Hong Kong. the circuit on foot. Sai Kung has been designated as one Here you can find dolosse units, the of the eight geosites of the Hong Kong term for the more than 7,000 anchor- To help visitors explore the beautiful Geopark since November 2009. shaped concrete blocks which make up countryside of Hong Kong, the Hong the breakwater. It is designed to protect Kong Tourism Board has launched the Geoparks aim to conserve unique the seafronts of both the East Dam and “Great Outdoors Hong Kong” campaign landforms and landscapes by protecting the West Dam. Each one is up to double to give comprehensive information on the environment in which they are an average man’s height. the MacLehose Trail. found, and to educate the public. With both natural and man-made For more information, please visit For beginners, Varsity recommends attractions on one site, it is no wonder http://www.geopark.gov.hk/ and also you challenge yourself with the that the site has become a popular spot http://www.discoverhongkong.com/ High Island Geo Trail for your first for photographers. The 140-million- promotions/greatoutdoors/eng/index. Geopark excursion. There are a total year-old volcanic columns also attract html.

44 Varsity NOV 2010 ISSUE 117