Author: Team Hong Kong Living
Source: https://hongkongliving.com/
Link: https://hongkongliving.com/best-beaches-in-hong-kong/
Aside from the iconic skyline and Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong is also known for its many stunning beaches. And the best part? Most of them are just a short bus ride away from the city centre! Here’s a list of the city’s finest sandy shores.
Shek O
The dramatic scenery, sheltered location and clean, fine golden sands make this a popular choice during the summer months. The beach overlooks a small island called Ng Fan Chau and the rocky cliffs offer excellent rock climbing opportunities. Cococabana offers a terrace with delicious mediterranean food, while Ben’s Back Beach Bar provides a casual atmosphere and very reasonably priced drinks.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan Exit A2, then take bus 9 to Shek O Beach
Turtle Cove
Slip through the gap in the barrier just past Pak Pat Shan Road at Redhill Peninsula on Tai Tam Road and be transported to a world away. The steep path winds through mountain-side terrain, gurgling streams gush seawards and you aren’t rewarded with a glimpse of the golden sands until you round the final bend. This is not a walk for strollers, so make sure you bring a carrier or sling for tiny tots. The beach itself boasts a small kiosk, lifeguards and a protected cove for swimming. Be warned, though: parking is practically non-existent up on the road, so a taxi is probably your best bet.
How to get there: Take MTR to Sai Wan Ho Exit A, then take bus 14 from Tai On Street
Hap Mun Bay
A sandy destination that can only be reached by sampan, Hap Mun (or “Half Moon”) Bay is a beautiful crescent of a beach on Sharp Island, New Territories. Approach one of the sampan ladies (or kaito – small ferry operators) on Sai Kung pier – a round trip should cost about $40-50 per person. Hap Mun is the smaller of the two beaches located on Sharp Island, while Kiu Tsui stretches along the western edge. The water quality is generally good at Hap Mun and there are handy family-friendly facilities including toilets, changing rooms, showers, kiosks and barbecue pits. As with all Hong Kong beaches, mid-week is much quieter than weekends.
How to get there: The only way to get to this beach is by taking a boat to Hap Mun Bay from from a vendor at Sai Kung Pier. You can take MTR, minibus or bus to get to Sai Kung
Clearwater Bay First Beach
Clearwater Bay Two’s less-well-known little sister, Clearwater Bay First Beach sits nestled in the northern crook of Clearwater Bay. The sand is clean and there is protected swimming to be had in the bay. Reach the beach from the main road by heading downhill by foot on Tai Wan Tau Road. There is some parking off Clearwater Bay Road by Shing Kee Store, otherwise park at Hang Hau MTR and grab a taxi. Expect crystal-clear waters, fewer visitors and a lifeguarded stretch of sand. There is no kiosk so bring your own supplies.
How to get there: Take bus 16 from Hang Hau to Po Toi O and walk downhill to Clearwater Bay First Beach
Stanley Main Beach
Being a mere five minute walk from Stanley Market, on the eastern side of the peninsula, this is the perfect place to enjoy the best of both. The sand on this narrow stretch of beach is pleasant and the location is popular for watersports. The Hong Kong Sea School is a boarding school for underprivileged boys in Stanley which is located at the southernmost end of the beach along with the watersports centre, which is closed on Wednesdays.
How to get there: Take minibus 40 or 40X from Causeway Bay to Stanley
Chung Hom Kok Beach
One of Southside’s prettiest and most secluded beaches is Chung Hom Kok. A sun-dappled path leads down the wooded hillside and onto the beach, passing a shady children’s playground – a huge hit with young kiddies. The water is a beautiful turquoise (and clean, there is a water cleanliness monitoring board on the beach). It’s the perfect spot to spend a happy afternoon collecting shells and watching the occasional junk or fishing boat drift past. The beach is patrolled from April to October and there is a handy kiosk selling soft drinks, snacks and inflatable water toys. There are clean changing rooms and shady areas on the beach in the mornings from the surrounding trees.
How to get there: Take minibus 40 or 40X from Causeway Bay to Cape Drive and walk over to Chung Hom Kok Beach
Repulse Bay
The backdrop to this beach is widely regarded as one of the most expensive housing areas in Hong Kong. The recently revamped boardwalk offers a host of eateries including Limewood, Classified and The Verandah for something more special. The pulse shopping centre offers a chance to escape the heat and enjoy a relaxed beachside shopping environment. Facilities include changing rooms, toilets, shower facilities, a playground and a beach volleyball court.
How to get there: Take minibus 40 or 40X from Causeway Bay to Repulse Bay Beach
Trio Beach
Beloved by Sai Kung’s locals, this beach can get crowded on weekends, but as it’s reasonable challenging to reach (a five-kilometre hike from the Sai Kung branch of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club or a sampan from Pak Sha Wan Pier), it tends to be quieter mid-week than many of Hong Kong’s more popular beaches. There is parking on Pak Sha Wan pier, from where you can catch one of two sampans that chug backwards and forwards all day to little Trio. Once you’ve disembarked, you’ll find a kiosk, BBQs (charcoal is available from the kiosk) and a children’s play area. The swimming area is protected and boasts a dive platform, and the beach is lifeguarded until the end of the summer.
How to get there: To get to Trio Beach you need to take a boat from Hebe Haven Pier in Sai Kung. To reach the pier take MTR to Hang Hau, Exit B, then minibus 101M to Pak Sha Wan. Cross the road to Hebe Haven Pier and get a boat ticket for Trio Beach
Big Wave Bay Beach
Hailed as the birthplace of Hong Kong’s surf scene this beach is naturally popular with local windsurfers. It is smaller than neighbouring Shek O and easily accessible by road. Facilities include a cafe, showers, toilets, barbecue pits and a car park.
How to get there: Take MTR to Chai Wan, Exit C, then bus 18M to Cape Collinson Road and walk to Big Wave Bay Beach
Deep Water Bay
Located on the southern shore of Hong Kong island and reputed to be the “wealthiest neighbourhood on earth” according to Forbes. This beach is popular with elderly Chinese locals taking an early morning dip. Coco Thai offers excellent Thai food into the evening in an open air, beachside setting. The beach also has changing rooms, toilets, shower facilities and barbecue pits.
How to get there: Take MTR to Causeway Bay Exit F1, then minibus 40 or 40X to Deep Water Bay Beach.
Looking for more sandy inspiration? Explore the best beaches in Sai Kung.