When you picture tropical islands and beautiful beaches, you typically don’t think of Hong Kong. However, there is more to when visiting Hong Kong than just the busy city. In fact, Hong Kong is home to more than 200 different islands! While many of them are undeveloped and inaccessible for most people, there are a few that make for wonderful getaways…or day trips from the busy city.
Hong Kong Island – Beyond the City
Hong Kong Island is where you will find the Central district, and this is where the modern heart of the city is. And while the surrounding areas on that side of the island are just as busy, all it takes is a short 15-20 trip to the south side of the island and you feel like you are in a different place altogether!
Hong Kong Beaches on Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Beaches – Repulse Bay
This beach is definitely one of the most beautiful and accessible in all of Hong Kong; this also means it is one of the most popular. Located in an upscale residential area, it is quite popular with tourists and can get crowded on weekend and holidays. The area has a very resort-like feel to it, and there are a number of shops and restaurants nearby.
Hong Kong Beaches – Deep Water Bay
Being just the next big cove over from Repulse Bay, this lesser known beach is just as good as Repulse Bay — minus the crowds of tourists. This beach is quite popular with locals, and there is a promenade that connects it to Repulse Bay. There are a few shops nearby and one or two restaurants.
Hong Kong Beaches – South Bay Beach
This much smaller beach is just beyond Repulse Bay. It is much more tranquil, and visited by primarily locals. To get there, you will need to take a taxi from Repulse Bay (about 10 minutes) or you can walk (but it takes a good 30 minute). Even though it is small, there are facilities here — such as showers, changing rooms, a few open air restaurants, and BBQ pits. It is also said to be a great place to watch the sunset due to it’s position, much better than nearby Repulse Bay!
Hong Kong Beaches – Chung Hom Kok Beach
On the southern part of Hong Kong Island, between Repulse Bay and Stanley, is the district of Chung Hom Kok. In this laid back neighborhood, the beach is fantastic and quite relaxing. There are BBQ pits, as well as other basic facilities. It can be difficult to find though because you can’t see it from the road, and you have to walk a few minutes through the trees.
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Hong Kong Beaches – Stanley
The lovely beach town of Stanley is one of our favorite parts of the south side of Hong Kong Island. This funky town is home to a fantastic Hong Kong market, where we find the deals to be better than at other famous markets around town, and we find the vendors to be less pushy. Maybe it’s the beach vibe, everyone here just seems more relaxed. There are a few beaches around town, or you can just relax on the boardwalk and people watch, enjoying one of the many sidewalk cafes with great views into the sea.
You can also take the Big Bus Tour to Stanley
Hong Kong Beaches – Shek O Beach & Big Wave Beach
These two beaches are right near each other, but are a little further away from the action; which is nice. They are nowhere near as crowded as Repulse and Deep Water Bay, yet still easily accessible via Hong Kong public transportation. Located on the eastern tip of Hong Kong Island, Big Wave Beach is popular for surfers, but Shek O seems to be a bit more calm. There are also a number of hiking trails nearby (including the most popular Dragon’s Back hiking trail) as well as some prehistoric rock carvings.
Lantau Island – Feels Remote, Yet Very Accessible
Lantau Island is actually the biggest of all the islands in Hong Kong. Yet, it is relatively undeveloped. The airport, Disneyland, and a few communities dot the north west part of the island; however, the remaining majority of the island is designated as parklands. There are many things to do on Lantau Island, and it makes for a great escape from the city, and this includes the beaches.
Beaches on Lantau Island
Silvermine Bay Beach
Located in Mui Wo, the village is where the main ferry brings you over from Hong Kong Central. It’s amazing, because in 30-45 minutes you can be in a completely different world from Hong Kong Central! And, it’s a beautiful boat ride. Silvermine Bay beach is within walking distance from the ferry pier, and walking to the beach you will pass by numerous markets, include a cooked food market where you can dine next to the water.
Hong Kong Beaches – Cheung Sha Beach, Poi O Beach & Tong Fuk Beach
Along the south side of Lantau Island, it seems there is almost nothing but beach. Cheung Sha Beach is known to be the longest in Hong Kong, and there are many places you can access the beach just off the main road. Other notable beaches include Poi O beach, close to the village of the same name. There are also some other smaller beaches along this south coast of the island (such as Tong Fuk), accessible by car or hiking — but they are lesser known.
Hong Kong Beaches – Discovery Bay
Located on the northeast part of Lantau Island, Discovery Bay is an upscale mixed (but primarily residential) community that is full of expats. Even though you are in Hong Kong, it feels like you are in a residential area of California…with similar prices too! The hub of activity is near the DB Plaza — where you will find transportation links, shops, high-end restaurants, bars, and the nearby beach at Tai Pak Bay.
Lamma Island – Slow Life in Hong Kong
Tucked away from the city is Lamma Island. Located on the south side of Hong Kong Island, it’s close yet just far enough away. This is a small island, with only a couple villages on it. Once you get to the island by ferry, there are a few beaches to choose from. Again, there are beautiful hiking opportunities on the island — and we love the laid back, super relaxed feeling about the whole place.
In fact, I had one of the most enjoyable and relaxing days during my many trips to Hong Kong while walking the main trail on Lamma Island. Passing through small villages, a few beaches (stopping off for a swim) then finishing up at a village for dinner. A fantastic way to spend the day!
Beaches on Lamma Island
Hong Kong Beaches – Hung Shing Yeh
With it’s clean water and beautiful powder sand, this beach on Lamma Island is an incredible piece of paradise. It is much quieter on this island, so the crowds will be minimal. It’s an amazing place to watch the sunset, and there are popular BBQ facilities nearby – so you can grill out and relax in the evening in the tranquility.
Cheung Chau Island
A less visited island, it s still very accessible via ferry service from Central on Hong Kong Island via ferry service. This is a peaceful island and very small island; with no cars or taxis to to worry about and a number of sights to see and places to eat. Cheung Chau is also home to the famous bun festival!
While there are hiking trails all around the island, you can also opt to rent a bike from one of the many rental shops for super cheap.
Beaches on Cheung Chau Island
Tung Wan Beach and Kwun Yam (located right next to each other) on the island are famous for the Olympic gold medal-winning windsurfer who trained here, Lee Lai-Shan.
The beaches have fantastic blue water, and nice views out toward Lamma Island and Aberdeen, on the south side of Hong Kong Island. As you would expect, there are some windsurfing shops nearby where you can rent various types of outdoor and water equipment.
Tuen Mun – Butterfly Beach
Out near Tuen Mun in the New Territories district of Hong Kong, is Butterfly Beach. Totally off of the main tourist trail, you will mostly find locals here. It is much less crowded than other beaches, and quite long. Next to the beach is Butterfly Beach Park – a beautiful park area with manicured gardens, promenade, picnic facilities, camping area and soccer pitch. It is located along the promenade, near the Tuen Mun Ferry Pier — which connects visitors to Tai O Fishing Village on Lantau Island.
The Beautiful and Remote Sai Kung Beaches
If you really want to get away from the city and explore some breathtaking scenery and beaches, then definitely check out Sai Kung. This area is quite remote, and the only way to get there is by hiking in or arrive by boat. The whole area of Hoi Ha Wan is protected by law, and you can see a variety of wildlife in addition to stunning natural beauty and rock formations.
Check out the video below from Sai Kung Beach – this is definitely one of my favorite beaches in Hong Kong!
https://www.facebook.com/peanutsorpretzels/videos/1731450056946324/
Hiking is actually a popular activity in Hong Kong, with many wonderful trails throughout the region. This is a great way to enjoy the natural scenery of the area and get a bit of background from a local. After admiring the area and relaxing on the beach, you can hike back or opt for a speed boat adventure that will also take you through the Geo Park on the way back!
** Be aware that this is a serious hike that can take a few hours. You can take a boat, which I did, to save on time – although I would have liked to hike.
So get outside the city and head the Hong Kong’s beaches for a day of rest and relaxation!
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