If winter in Hong Kong is the time to hit the trails, then summer is the time to hit the beaches! Hong Kong truly is fortunate to have it all, incredible hiking trails and beautiful beaches!
We’ve previously covered the best beaches on Lamma Island, Lantau Island, and of course, our favourite beaches in Hong Kong. But this time, we want to cover the best beaches on Hong Kong Island.
Now, the beaches on Hong Kong Island may not have the stunning blue waters found at Tai Long Wan or Long Ke Wan. But for those living on the island, they’re a very convenient escape from the city.
So, if you’re wondering which beach to head to on a summer’s day, here’s a list to help you decide.
Shek O Beach
Perfect beach day for Shek O
- Facilities available:
- Fast food kiosks, restaurants, and cafés
- BBQ pits
- Changing rooms
- Shower facilities
- Toilets
- Playground
- Car park
- Obstacle golf course
- How to get here:
- Red minibus or bus number 9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR
- X9 from Central (Star Ferry Terminal)
Shek O Beach is perhaps the best beach on Hong Kong Island in my opinion. Its rustic vibes, surrounding hills, and bustling cafés and restaurants make it a favourite for many on the island. It’s no surprise then that it’s always so crowded!
Aerial view of Shek O Beach
The sandy beach offers unobstructed views of the south with waves that are perfect for swimming.
Shek O Beach on a clear, crisp, and cool day
Other beaches close to Shek O Beach
Shek O Back Beach
There are plenty of restaurants and cafés around the Shek O Village to satisfy your cravings. And if the main beach gets too crowded, you can always escape to the smaller Shek O Back Beach.
-
- Shek O Thai Restaurant is our go to for delicious food at Shek O
-
- Shek O Back Beach
Many choose to combine their visit to Shek O Beach with a hike on the Dragon’s Back. I highly recommend it too because the views of Shek O from the trail are spectacular!
The Dragon’s Back trail with Shek O in the background
Read more about Shek O in this post.
Big Wave Bay Beach
The sun playing hide and seek at Big Wave Bay Beach, Hong Kong
- Facilities available:
- Fast food kiosks and cafés
- BBQ pits
- Changing room
- Shower facilities
- Toilets
- Fee-charging car park
- How to get here:
- Red minibus or bus number 9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR
2 km north of Shek O is Big Wave Bay Beach, its smaller, quainter neighbour.
Known as one of the best destinations for surfing, Big Wave Bay Beach certainly has its own charm. But even if you don’t surf, you can still enjoy the beach!
Surfers love the strong waves at Big Wave Bay
Much like Shek O, it too is surrounded by hills with no civilization in sight. But the beach just feels cosier thanks to its smaller size and closer hills.
Big Wave Bay on a busy day
There are a few shops and cafés next to the beach to grab a quick bite or drink. But it does lack the variety offered at Shek O.
A gorgeous evening at Big Wave Bay Beach, Hong Kong
And there’s also an ancient rock carving next to the beach that I recommend visiting.
The ancient rock carving at Big Wave Bay
More information on Big Wave Bay can be found in this post.
And if you feel like hiking to Big Wave Bay, you can do so via the Dragon’s Back or from Siu Sai Wan.
Repulse Bay Beach
Natural beauty and modern facilities – Repulse Bay Beach
- Facilities available:
- Fast food kiosks, restaurants, cafés, and a mall
- Changing room
- Shower facilities
- Toilets
- Playground and beach volleyball court
- How to get here:
- 6 – Central to Stanley
- 6A – Central to Stanley Fort
- 6X – Central to Stanley Market
- 63 / 65 (public holidays only) – North Point Ferry Pier to Stanley Market
- 66 – Central to Stanley Plaza (Ma Hang)
- 73 – Cyberport / Wah Fu (North) – Stanley Market
- 260 – Central Exchange Square to Stanley Market
- 973 – Tsim Sha Tsui (Mody Road) to Stanley Market
- GMB 40 / N40 – Causeway Bay (Jardine’s Bazaar) – Stanley Village
- GMB 40X – Causeway Bay (Jardine’s Bazaar) to Stanley Prison
- GMB 52 – Shek Pai Wan to Stanley Prison
Repulse Bay Beach is probably the most urban, scenic, and family-friendly beach on Hong Kong Island. Not only that, but it also has a colonial-era charm and resort-like feel.
Repulse Bay Beach, Hong Kong
Unlike Shek O or Big Wave Bay, Repulse Bay is a shorter drive from the north side of Hong Kong Island. Which just means it’s quicker to get to.
Some of the most expensive houses in the world
The beach is located in Repulse Bay, a high-end neighbourhood, and has many restaurants and shops next to the beach in a mall. This, for me, makes Repulse Bay Beach the best beach for families on the Island.
Green hills, and expensive real estate – Repulse Bay, Hong Kong
Other than the shops and restaurants, there are a couple of old temple structures located along the beach. Not to mention the beautiful hills (Twin Peaks and Violet Hill) in the background.
The Tin Hau Temple and the Bridge of Longevity
In fact, if you’re looking for a viewing point over Repulse Bay, take a hike on the Tsz Lo Lan Shan Path. It’s a flat trail with scenic views of the bay.
Other beaches close to Repulse Bay Beach
Deep Water Bay Beach
If you’d like to take a beautiful coastal walk at Repulse, it is possible to walk to the neighbouring Deep Water Bay and enjoy the beach there!
-
- The beautiful coastal walk between Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay on Seaview Promenade
-
- Aerial view of Deep Water Bay Beach and the golf course
Middle Bay Beach and South Bay Beach
And on the other side of Repulse Bay are two smaller beaches, Middle Bay Beach and South Bay Beach. It is possible to reach them by foot or taxi.
Middle Bay Beach (left) and South Bay Beach (right), Repulse Bay
Stanley Main Beach
People enjoying their day at Stanley Beach
- Facilities available:
- Fast food kiosks, restaurants, and cafés
- BBQ pits
- Changing room
- Shower facilities
- Toilets
- How to get here:
- Bus 6/6A/6X from Central
- Bus 973 from Tsim Sha Tsui
- For other options, check Google Maps.
Often associated with the famous Dragon Boat Races in Hong Kong, Stanley Main Beach shares many similarities with Repulse Bay Beach. It’s family-friendly, located in an upscale neighbourhood with access to many shops and restaurants within walking distance from the beach.
Dragon Boats and kayaks stacked at Stanley Beach
However, its smaller size and lack of surrounding hills make it feel slightly less scenic.
Stanley and Stanley Beach
Stanley Main Beach by itself it’s the prettiest of beaches. But it’s quite convenient to get to and offers so many water sports facilities, such as kayaking and windsurfing.
Water sports are fairly popular at Stanley
From the beach, one can directly see across Tai Tam Bay towards Cape D’Aguilar and Dragon’s Back.
-
- Crowds at Stanley Mian Beach
-
- Views of Cape D’Aguilar and Dragon’s Back from Stanley Beach
-
- Stanley doesn’t have the prettiest of beaches, but its easy to get to with plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance
But even if it isn’t one of the prettiest beaches on this list, Stanley is a fun neighbourhood to explore. So, one could easily make a day trip to Stanley and factor the beach into the plan.
Swimming around Stanley Beach
Other beaches close to Stanley Main Beach
And if Stanley Main Beach gets too crowded, or you’re looking for a quieter beach, there are a few more beaches in the vicinity.
Hairpin Beach
Right beside Stanley Main Beach is Hairpin Beach, and it can be reached by a short 5-min walk along the coast.
-
- The smaller, secluded Hairpin Beach which is right next to Stanley Beach
-
- The coastal path that connects Stanley Main Beach with Hairpin Beach
Chung Hom Kok Beach
There is also Chung Hom Kok Beach, located on the other side of the peninsula. However, it is a much longer 25 mins walk from Stanley Main Beach.
Aerial view of Chung Hom Kok Beach
Turtle Cove Beach
A beautiful evening at Turtle Cove Beach
- Facilities available:
- BBQ pits
- Changing room
- Shower facilities
- Toilets
- Playground
- How to get here:
- Bus 14 from Sai Wan Ho
- Bus 314 from Siu Sai Wan (Island Resort)
- GMB 16A, 16M, or 16X from Chai Wan
Turtle Cove Beach is a small beach, tucked between hills, next to Tai Tam Reservoir.
Turtle Cove Beach, between the hills
Because of its name, the beach is often confused with Turtle Beach (Sham Wan Beach) on Lamma Island which is an actual green turtle nesting site.
Aerial view of Turtle Cove Beach
Unfortunately, there are no turtles at Turtle Cove Beach. But what you will find is a relatively quiet beach that not too many people visit.
Views of Stanley from Turtle Cove Beach
The beach has basic facilities but no restaurants or cafés. So, feel free to bring your picnic basket!
Turtle Cove Beach – Tucked away in its nook
There are a few historic relics abandoned on the side of the beach. And depending on the season, you may encounter a small stream running alongside the steps down to the beach.
-
- An abandoned structure next to Turtle Cove Beach
-
- A pillbox from from WWII next to the beach
-
- The stream that runs along the steps to the beach
Oh, did I not mention? In order to get to the beach, you’ll need to walk from the bus stop to the steps leading to the beach.
Walk down the road from the bus stop till you see this sign
Simply follow the sign down to the beach. Unfortunately, this also means that you’ll need to climb back up those steps.
Yes, you have to walk down steps to access the beach
To Tei Wan Beach
The soft sands of To Tei Wan Beach
- Facilities available:
- None officially
- How to get here:
- Red minibus or bus number 9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR. Remember to alight at the To Tei Wan (Dragon’s Back) bus stop.
Hong Kong Island is, after all, an island. And there are numerous beaches scattered all across the south side. So far, the beaches listed above are gazetted or maintained by the government.
But walk along the coast of Hong Kong, and you’ll surely find many smaller, unmarked beaches. And To Tei Wan Beach is one such beach.
To Tei Wan Beach with catamarans on the side
Located at the base of Shek O Peak and Dragon’s Back, along Hong Kong Trail Section 7, To Tei Wan Beach is relatively unknown.
Other than a boat and kayak rental shop and a small barbecue shack, there’s not much else on the beach. There is also an abandoned WWII pillbox, but it’s pretty badly damaged.
-
- To Tei Wan Beach
-
- The hidden pillbox at To Tei Wan Village
The beach is located directly opposite Stanley and Turtle Cove beaches but is so far away that you can hardly notice them.
Views of Redhill Peninsula and Stanley from To Tei Wan
What I loved about the beach is that it’s quiet, scenic, and secluded. If you’re one for picnics or like to bring your own food or drinks to a beach, To Tei Wan isn’t a bad option.
Kayakers’ briefing sessions at To Tei Wan Beach
The only downside to the beach is that it’s a 500 m walk downhill from Shek O Road. And the only way back to the road are the steps uphill. Getting to and from the beach is a mini hike.
Walk up the steps to Shek O Road
More beaches in Hong Kong
If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to check out our favourite beaches on Lamma Island and Lantau Island too.
And if you’re looking for the best beach in all of Hong Kong, look no further than Long Ke Wan or Tai Long Wan.
As always, please feel free to share this post on the social media channel of your choice or drop us a comment below.
You might also like
Leave a reply