Hong Kong may be known for the thousands of skyscrapers dotting the skyline. But don’t discount 75% of Hong Kong’s land that’s earmarked as countryside. Luckily for us, ‘countryside’ includes HK’s best beaches. Here’s our top five.
HK’s Best Beaches
Shek O
A lazy beachgoer’s dream. Just a short cab ride away from Shau Kei Wan MTR, umbrella and beach chair rentals at Shek O are available for very affordable prices – and they’re rented out without time limits, so feel free to laze the day away here. When you feel like a bite, check out one of the many Thai restos in the area, and don’t forget to try the grilled siu mai that comes with Thai dipping sauces – a Shek O specialty!
Getting there: From Shau Kei Wan MTR station Exit A3, hop on to Bus 9 (take a window seat on the right side for the best views!) and get off at the Shek O Bus Terminus.
Ham Tin
Can we truly have a “best beaches” list if it doesn’t include Ham Tin (main featured photo above)? The remote location, only accessible after a grueling hike or speedboat ride, boasts powdery white sand, crystal clear waters and the occasional crab or two. If you’ve wanted a chic island getaway (arguably better sand quality than you’d find in Phuket) but haven’t got the time or the funds, this is the next best thing. And here’s a bonus. Before or after the beach, use your ENTERTAINER app to enjoy buy one get one free main courses at several Sai Kung dining spots, including Padstow, Cali-Mex Bar & Grill. Chip In Fish & Chips and more.
Getting there: From Hang Hau MTR station Exit B, take a green minibus 101 to Sai Kung town. Walk to Sai Kung Pier and ask any of the water taxis to take you to Ham Tin Wan. Book your trip back at the shop behind the beach. Last trip is 6pm.
Repulse Bay
See and be seen at Repulse Bay. This is the beach of choice to models, crazy rich Asians and ridiculously good-looking young families with adorable children and dogs. The beach is home to numerous restaurants and bars, including fan favorite Limewood, which serves delicious beachside fare.
Getting there: Bus routes 6, 6A, 6X, 66 or 260 run between the Exchange Square Bus Terminus in Central, Admiralty and Stanley via Repulse Bay Beach.
Pui O
Pui O is easily accessible from Tung Chung station via cab. This destination on our ‘best beaches’ list exudes calm, relaxing vibes that will relieve even the most stressed Hongkonger. The road to the beach is filled with green, and your walk to the beach itself will most probably feature friendly local water buffalo. Just don’t get too close! The beach itself is vast, the water clear. Pooch-owning beachgoers will love the fact that the entire place is animal-friendly.
Getting there: Take a ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo. You’ll see the bus terminus immediately upon arrival at Mui Wo. Take Bus 1 to Pui O Beach.
Tung Wan and Kwun Yam
Home to an annual bun festival and a 19th century pirates’ hideout, Cheung Chau is another picturesque beach village that’s a short ferry ride away. Once off the ferry, walk a mere ten minutes on a flat path to visit Tung Wan and Kwun Yam beaches, only minutes apart. Kwun Yam is known for being one of Hong Kong’s best windsurfing spots. In fact, Cheung Chau-born Olympic gold windsurfer Lee Lai-shan trained on this very shore. Even if you’re not a watersports fan, you’ll enjoy the gentle breeze and the island’s blissed out nature.
Getting there: Take a ferry from Central Pier 5 to Cheung Chau.
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