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Kam Shan Country Park
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Kam Shan Country Park, popularly known as "Monkey Hill," is a distinctive ecological haven located in the northern reaches of Kowloon. Established in 1977, it is renowned for hosting the largest concentration of wild macaques in Hong Kong, primarily Rhesus and long-tailed species, which are frequently encountered by visitors along the main roads and trails. The park's landscape is defined by its quartet of historic reservoirs: the Kowloon, Kowloon Byewash, Kowloon Reception, and Shek Lei Pui reservoirs. The elegant masonry dams of the Kowloon reservoirs are listed as historic monuments, reflecting early 20th-century engineering. Hikers can enjoy section 6 of the MacLehose Trail, which leads through the park toward Smugglers' Ridge. This area contains significant historical remnants of the "Gin Drinkers Line," a defensive position used during World War World II. To maintain the safety of visitors and the health of the monkeys, feeding the animals is strictly prohibited by law.
- Location: Hong Kong SAR China
- Top sights: Tai Po Road Lookout · PB 314
- Nearby: Hung Hom (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 16 | 18 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 25 | 22 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 35 | 29 | 69 | 109 | 231 | 288 | 197 | 234 | 173 | 56 | 29 | 21 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The park is easily and directly accessible via public buses traveling along the main thoroughfares, making it a popular and quick destination from the surrounding urban areas.
Best season
Visiting is possible year-round, but the noticeably cooler and drier winter months make walking among the varied local wildlife much more comfortable and less exhausting.
Terrain & paths
The landscape consists mainly of fully paved roads and established woodland paths, offering generally accessible and straightforward walking routes for a variety of ages.
What to bring
Wear comfortable walking shoes, and most importantly, ensure all bags are securely zipped and food is completely hidden from sight to avoid attracting the wild macaques.
Parking
Parking spaces are typically severely limited near the main park entrances, so visitors are strongly and consistently encouraged to use local public transportation instead.
Safety
The wild macaques can become aggressive; visitors must follow strict rules to never feed, touch, provoke, or openly display any food items in front of the animals.
Time needed
A typical, unhurried visit to safely observe the monkeys and walk the main trails of the park usually takes about two to four hours, depending entirely on your chosen pace.
Geography
Facts
- Area: 339 hectares
- Established in 1977
- Macaque population
- Golden Hill: 369 m
- Secondary forest
- Reservoir
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Kam Shan Country Park (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called 'Monkey Hill'?
Because of the huge population of macaques that you can almost always see there.
Should I carry bags of food openly?
No, monkeys can become aggressive if they see plastic bags or food.
How to get to the park?
Bus 81 from Nathan Road (Kowloon) stops right at the park entrance.
Are there reservoirs there?
Yes, the park houses the Kowloon Reservoirs with their historical architecture.
Is the park suitable for a short walk?
Yes, the paths along the road and reservoir are flat and short.
Kam Shan Country Park: where is it located?
Kam Shan Country Park is located in Hong Kong SAR China.
Kam Shan Country Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tai Po Road Lookout, PB 314.
Kam Shan Country Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Kam Shan Country Park: why is it worth visiting?
Kam Shan Country Park, popularly known as "Monkey Hill," is a distinctive ecological haven located in the northern reaches of Kowloon.
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