A lot of you readers out there probably already have your minds made up about Discovery Bay. DB, Dogs and Babies. Living in the small community for over twenty years I can say with some certainty that you are bang on the money. Babies crying and dogs barking everywhere! However, a small hike from the ferry pier, or bus terminal, you can rid yourself of those sounds. Somewhat.
I visit the rock pools frequently during the hot months of Hong Kong's dominating season, summer, and I am constantly awed by its beauty. Except on a Sunday or public holiday - on those days I'm awed for a split second, the awe is then shattered by the shrill, high-pitched cry of a very small, very young human being. After a fifteen-minute walk up the road towards the golf club there is a small trail that leads into a valley of rocks and cascading water. From here you have you choice of about three to four pools. The easiest one to get to is directly below the trail and by far one of the most fun. However, being the easiest and most fun means it is generally more populated than the others. On a good day I'll find it empty and manage a few cannonball jumps from the ten-foot cliff above the pool before relaxing in its refreshing waters. Further up the valley is a larger pool, I call it the family pool, you can guess why. There's a shallow swimming area, a deeper part and two waterfalls to jump from. You may spot a few beer cans and plastic bottles wedged between the rocks but I've been told they scare away the snakes. Just kidding! I've only ever seen one snake in those parts and it was a baby. There is another hundred meters of the valley to comb over for those adventurous types with some isolated pools, too far for those young humans to crawl to. Bring a cold drink, some mosquito repellant then lie back and enjoy the day. read more