A Traveler’s Guide to the Best Beaches in Hong Kong
When one thinks of Hong Kong, scores of clean, soft, sandy beaches might not be the first thing to come to mind. However, Hong Kong is full to the brim with over 50 pristine beaches, each one more beautiful than the next. Each beach offers something for the eager tourist to enjoy. Some Hong Kong beaches are made for camping, while others are made for surfing. Before you head out to one of their stunning beaches, remember to pack the essentials. These items include, beach towels, beach rugs, comfortable shoes and swimwear, and plenty of sunscreen. Even though there are many fine eateries on the beaches, it’s still smart to bring your own water and food.
5. Stanley Main Beach
There are a few beaches in Stanley, Hong Kong, but the one we’re concerned with is the main beach. You’ll find the main beach sitting around 7 to 10 minutes away from Stanley’s main market and promenade. Those of you who enjoy water sports will really have a good time here, at the main beach, where a water sports training facility awaits you. If swimming is your passion, then know that their swimming season goes from April to October. Visiting the main beach in Stanley not only provides you with the opportunity of enjoying water sports, but also gives you a closer look into the lives of the Hong Kong people. For instance, you can visit the Dragon Boat Festival. The Dragon Boat Festival is a fabulous way to get acquainted with Hong Kong. Occurring in June, the Dragon Boat Festival is the perfect way to celebrate the people of Hong Kong. You may participate or simply enjoy the show. Other things to do include shopping in the famous Stanley Market. Found on Stanley New Street, you’ll find an assortment of shops and restaurants. Other stops to make include the Pak-Tai Temple and Ma Hang Park.
4. Big Wave Bay Beach
Big Wave Bay Beach is considered by many to be one of Hong Kong’s best beaches, especially for surfers. Before we go any further, know that Big Wave Bay Beach is not to be confused with any other beach known as Big Wave Bay or Tai Long Wan. If you’re looking to ride the waves or learn to hit the surf, this beach is a must. The surrounding area caters to the sport, as surfing rental companies and surfing lessons are plentiful. However, that’s not all. When the surfing’s done, you are free to enjoy one of its many barbeque pits, fast food eateries and even a water sports center. There are also plenty of changing rooms, showers and toilets for your convenience. If you’re new to surfing, make it a habit to check out the surf report. The surf report lets you know the conditions of the weather and waves before you head out to the beach. Before you leave, make sure you check out one of Hong Kong’s national monuments, their prehistoric rock carvings.
3. Repulse Bay Beach
At 960 feet in length, Repulse Bay Beach is one of the longest strips of sand in Hong Kong. This popular beach is located in one of the most wealthiest of communities in Hong Kong. Fully serviced, it comes complete with barbeque pits, clean showers and bathrooms, popular eateries, a playground and water sports center. For those of you who wish to entertain a more active day, know that they also have a beach volleyball court. The waters at Repulse Bay Beach are temperate, clean and peaceful. Shark nets are in place to ensure no unwanted visitors harass swimmers. Nearby you can visit the Kwun Yam Shrine or an old lighthouse. Other attractions near Repulse Beach include the Longevity Bridge, and the Tin Hau Temple. To end the day, how about a little shopping? The Pulse is a fabulous shopping mall just minutes from the beach.
2. Cheung Sha Beach
Cheung Sha beach is located on the southern coast of Landau Island. Divided into Cheung Sha beach upper and Cheung Sha beach lower by a headland, it’s considered the longest beach in Hong Kong. Filled with friendly cafes and restaurants, you’ll find that lower Cheung Sha beach is more populated with tourists than upper Cheung Sha, which has no commercial development, and much quieter and peaceful. Upper and Lower Cheung Sha beach are connected by a trail which lies behind the headland. As expected, the weekends are packed with tourists. So, if you’re looking for a peaceful day of swimming and sunning, a week day visit would be preferred. In fact, you might even see a few water buffalo trot past you from time to time. When it comes to taking a nice, morning dip, know that the beach is equipped with shark nets for your peace of mind and safety.
1. Shek O Beach
Shek O Beach translates to “rocky bay” in English, and is one of Hong Kong’s best loved beaches. In contrast to Big Wave Bay Beach, the waters here at Shek O Beach are rather calm. Newcomers to Hong Kong will be welcomed here. This fully serviced beach comes with everything to make your visit a pleasant one. One word of warning though, Shek O Beach is extremely popular during the weekends. So, if you’re searching for a quieter time, consider visiting this beach during the week. Water quality at Shark O Beach is consistently rated as “good”, but it’s recommended that if you wish to spend time in the water, early morning is best. As previously stated, this is a fully serviced beach, which means they have plenty of eateries, umbrellas and chairs to rent, as well as clean bathroom/shower facilities. The surrounding village is said to be charming and filled with lovely people and fun shops. Finally, it’s suggested that you take public transportation to the beach, as parking is rather limited.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Hong Kong is much more than a fast-paced city with a gorgeous skyline. Hong Kong is also host to over 50 beaches. With so many Hong Kong beaches from which to choose, we’ve done our best to whittle it down to 5, each one offering you something a little different to enjoy. But wait, there’s more! You can also do your part in helping to keep Hong Kong’s beaches beautiful by participating in one of the many beach clean-ups which occur on a regular basis. By joining a beach cleanup, you’ll be a huge part of maintaining Hong Kong’s enviable ecosystem.
