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Uniquely HK
Feature Story
Splashing, Frolicking Summer Fun – Hong Kong’s Best Beaches
More than 260 islands, 700 kilometres of picturesque coastline and almost 100 beaches: Hong Kong's seaside statistics are a large part of what make the city such a unique global metropolis. There is a wide range of options too. Whatever your aquatic desire – feeling a cool sea breeze on your face, paddling, swimming in sparkling waters, trying your skill at surfing, or just hanging out on the sand enjoying unspoilt scenery, there is just the right beach for you, and better yet, many of them are just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
So, don’t delay – grab your swim gear and prepare for a wonderful day out by the sea as CityLife showcases Hong Kong’s best beaches!
Hong Kong Island beaches: Your no-hassle choice. The beaches may get a bit crowded in the summer, but they are just so convenient, mostly less than 30 minutes from Central.
Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay – convenient and iconic: Two of Hong Kong’s most iconic and popular beaches are just minutes away from the city centre. Visually striking against their mixed natural and built surroundings, both are also good swimming beaches with full amenities. Be sure to visit the large Kwun Yam Temple alongside Repulse Bay, and the scenic promenade connecting the two beaches makes for a delightful and leisurely stroll. Bus 6A, 6X or 260 from Central.
Shek O / Big Wave Bay – surfing and swimming haven. These beautiful beaches on southeast Hong Kong Island attract swimmers and surfers for their unimpeded waves from the South China Sea. The enchanting village of Shek O provides a rustic backdrop to the two hotspots. Full BBQ facilities are available for picnic cook-outs. And it’s still just a (thrilling) bus ride away from the urban core of Hong Kong. Bus 9 from Shau Kei Wan.
South Bay, Middle Bay, and Turtle Cove – secluded but still convenient: Secluded locations, uncrowded, smooth sand and clean water – sound enticing? These three beaches on the south side of the island are perfect if you want a quick getaway far from the madding crowd. Middle Bay and South Bay are close to Repulse Bay, off Beach Road, but much quieter and more serene. Turtle Cove is on Tai Tam Road, just off the Tai Tam Peninsula and well worth the lengthy steps down to reach it.
Sai Kung beaches: Sai Kung Peninsula and its neighbouring islands, Hong Kong ‘s emerald playground, are home to the territory’s best and most scenic beaches, with powdery white sand and clear blue waters. You’ll need to walk a bit to reach them, but that only adds to the enjoyment of their sheer, unspoiled beauty.
Long Ke – visual treasure: A glorious secluded beach, framed by spectacular geological formations and sparkling waters, Long Ke is accessible by a moderate hike from High Island Reservoir – bring your own food and water as there are no provisions and it’s not tended to – but you’ll have all the privacy you could wish for. Take a taxi ride from Pak Tam Chung in Sai Kung to High Island Reservoir East Dam.
Tai Long Wan (Big Wave Bay) beaches – pristine and untamed: Further up the coast from Long Ke, along Maclehose Trail Section 2, the famous four Tai Long Wan beaches, arguably the crown jewel of Hong Kong’s beaches, await. Ham Tin and Sai Wan are the more frequented, both good for surfing and near-shore swimming. Tai Wan is known for its high waves and is a surfer’s paradise, while the smaller Tung Wan sand is less visited but really just as nice. Overnight camping at these beaches is popular. To reach them, it’s a 90-minute hike from Sai Wan Pavilion or hire a boat form the public pier in Sai Kung Town. As you admire the beauty of Hong Kong's own tropical paradise, swim with care as these beaches are also unattended and the waves can be strong.
Pak Lap Wan – the sparkling hideaway: To get to this secluded beach you’ll hike a way off MacLehose Trail Section 1. It has become more popular, especially on weekends. Besides smooth sand and sparkling waters, it has a campsite. It is well worth the trek and a relaxing way to spend a balmy summer day.
Clearwater Bay Beaches: Due to its proximity to the city and relatively easy access, the tow beaches at Clearwater Bay (1 and 2) can be busy on a sunny weekend. Still, the water quality is generally good, the sand is smooth, and the amenities are excellent. The sheltered beaches offer calm waves most of the time and are excellent for swimming or just frolicking in the waters.
South Lantau beaches. Hong Kong’s largest island also is home to several fine beaches along its southern coastline, facing the South China Sea. Easily accessible by ferry to Mui Wo from Central and then bus 1, 2, 3 or 4.
Cheung Sha beaches – clamming and swimming: The long stretches of Upper and Lower Cheung Sha Beaches offer smooth sands and calm waters for swimming. And you can try your luck digging for clams all along the seashore – you’ll be surprised how many big juicy clams you turn up. Watch the setting sun over cool drinks at one of the beachside restaurants – a most relaxing way to cap a sun-soaked afternoon.
Tong Fuk Beach: Further along from the Cheung Sha beaches is Tong Fuk Beach, with expansive smooth sand and clear waters, and much quieter. Nearby Tong Fuk Village has several restaurants and the adjacent campsite allows visitors to spend the night and enjoy the quiet beach in darkness.
Pui O Beach – golden sands and golden sunset: Located on a beautiful bay with calm waters and fine smooth sands, west-facing Pui O Beach is another fabulous vantage point to watch a gorgeous sunset over a tall drink at one of the beachfront restaurants. The long beach is mostly crowd-free and sleepy Pui O village retains the air of old Hong Kong.
Island beaches: Enjoy a blissful summer’s day exploring one of the city’s idyllic islands and their lovely beaches.
Sharp Island Beaches – clean water fun: A kaito (small ferry) ride from Sai Kung’s town centre, the island hosts part of the Hong Kong Geopark, featuring a real tombolo and two clean beaches: Kiu Tsui Beach and Hap Mun Bay Beach. On a good day, the water can be crystal clear – perfect for swimming and splashing about.
Lo So Shing Beach, Lamma Island – solitude: Lamma is popular with visitors and can get a bit crowded in the village area, but it doesn’t take long to find peace and space on one of its beaches, especially Lo So Shing Beach, beyond Sok Kwu Wan, also easily reachable from Yung Shue Wan, the other popular village. A seafood dinner in Sok Kwu Wan is a must, and convenient for your return trip. Central Ferry Pier No. 4 to Lamma Island, either Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan.
Tung Lung Chau: This island off Clearwater Bay Peninsula offers camping, cliff climbing, caves, stunning rock formations, and a nice sandy beach to boot. The small but clean beach is located just off the ferry pier and is perfect for a dip on a hot summer’s day before departing the island. Ferry rides from San Ka Tsuen or Sai Wan Ho on public holidays.
