Discover Hong Kong's Hidden Beaches: A Guide to the Top 15 Secret Havens

Hong Kong is renowned for its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and vibrant city life. However, beyond the urban landscape lies a secret world of stunning beaches that offer a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Our consultants and clients have helped uncover some of Hong Kong’s most captivating beaches, each with its own unique charm and allure. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top 15 hidden beaches in Hong Kong, offering detailed insights into their locations, accessibility, unique features, activities, and nearby amenities. 

1. South Bay Beach 

Location: Southern side of Hong Kong Island, near Repulse Bay 

Overview: South Bay Beach is a quieter alternative to the more famous Repulse Bay, offering a more secluded and peaceful environment. 

Accessibility: Accessible by bus or taxi from Central Hong Kong.  

Unique Features: Known for its tranquility and beautiful surroundings, it is a great spot for a relaxing day out.  

How to Get There: 

Bus: Take bus number 6, 6A, 6X, or 260 from Central to Repulse Bay, then walk or take a taxi to South Bay Beach. 

Taxi: Direct taxi from Central takes about 20-30 minutes. 

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling. 

Nearby Amenities: Basic facilities like toilets and changing rooms.  

Nearby Residential Areas: Repulse Bay and Stanley. 

2. St. Stephen's Beach 

Location: Stanley, Southern side of Hong Kong Island 

Overview: St. Stephen's Beach is a quiet beach near the bustling Stanley Market. 

Accessibility: Easily accessible by bus or taxi from Central Hong Kong. 

Unique Features: This beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the nearby Stanley Main Beach. 

How to Get There:

Bus: Take bus number 6, 6A, 6X, or 260 from Central to Stanley. From there, it is a short walk to the beach. 

Taxi: A taxi from Central takes about 30 minutes. 

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, windsurfing. 

Nearby Amenities: Restaurants, shops, and bars in Stanley.  

Nearby Residential Areas: Stanley is a well-known residential area with a mix of locals and expatriates. 

3. Turtle Cove Beach 

Location: Southern side of Hong Kong Island, near Tai Tam 

Overview: Turtle Cove Beach is a small, secluded beach nestled between rocky cliffs, offering a peaceful retreat.  

Accessibility: Accessible by a short walk from the Tai Tam Road.  

Unique Features: Known for its calm waters and serene environment, Turtle Cove is perfect for a quiet day out. 

How to Get There:

Public Transport: Take bus number 14 from Sai Wan Ho MTR station to Tai Tam Road. From there, it is a short walk down to the beach. 

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling. 

Nearby Amenities: Limited amenities, so bring your own food and water.  

Nearby Residential Areas: Tai Tam and Stanley are the nearest residential areas. 

4. Tai Long Wan  

Location: Eastern side of Sai Kung Peninsula  

Overview: Tai Long Wan, also known as Big Wave Bay, is a collection of four beautiful beaches: Tai Long Wan, Ham Tin Wan, Sai Wan, and Tung Wan. These beaches are renowned for their pristine white sand, crystal-clear water, and stunning mountain views.   

Unique Features: Tai Long Wan is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and kayaking, offering an unspoiled natural environment. 

How to Get There: 

Hiking: The most popular trail starts at the Sai Kung Country Park Visitor Centre. The hike provides breathtaking views and a rewarding experience. 

Taxi Boat: You can hire a taxi boat from Sai Kung Town, which offers a scenic and convenient alternative. The boat ride is about 30 minutes long. 

Activities: Hiking, camping, kayaking, swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, fishing.  

Nearby Amenities: There are no shops or restaurants on the beaches, so bring your own food and water. Basic amenities are available at the Sai Kung Country Park Visitor Centre.  

Nearby Residential Areas: Sai Kung Town is the closest residential area. 

5. Pak Lap Wan  

Location: Sai Kung Peninsula 

Overview: Pak Lap Wan is a serene and relatively undiscovered beach, offering a tranquil escape with stunning natural scenery.  

Accessibility: Accessible by hiking or taxi boat from Sai Kung Town. 

Unique Features: The beach is known for its soft white sand, clear water, and surrounding green hills. 

How to Get There:  

Hiking: Take a trail from the High Island Reservoir East Dam. 

Taxi Boat: Hire a boat from Sai Kung Town. 

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling, camping.  

Nearby Amenities: No amenities on the beach, so bring your own supplies.  

Nearby Residential Areas: Sai Kung Town. 

6. Long Ke Wan 

Location: Sai Kung Peninsula  

Overview: Long Ke Wan is a stunning and remote beach, often compared to those in Southeast Asia for its beauty.  

Accessibility: Accessible by hiking (around 1-2 hours) or by taking a taxi boat from Sai Kung Town.  

Unique Features: Pristine white sand, turquoise water, and a backdrop of lush hills make Long Ke Wan a slice of paradise. 

How to Get There:

Hiking: Start at the East Dam of High Island Reservoir for a scenic hike. 

Taxi Boat: Hire from Sai Kung Town for a quicker, scenic route. 

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, camping, snorkeling. 

Nearby Amenities: No amenities on the beach, so bring everything you need.  

Nearby Residential Areas: Sai Kung Town is the closest hub. 

7. Hap Mun Bay (Half Moon Bay) 

Location: Sharp Island, Sai Kung  

Overview: Hap Mun Bay, also known as Half Moon Bay, is a picturesque beach found on Sharp Island.  

Accessibility: Accessible by ferry from Sai Kung Pier.  

Unique Features: The beach is renowned for its clear water and crescent shape, offering a tranquil spot for relaxation. 

How to Get There:  

Ferry: Take a Kaito (small ferry) from Sai Kung Pier to Sharp Island. 

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling, hiking.  

Nearby Amenities: Basic facilities like toilets and changing rooms.  

Nearby Residential Areas: Sai Kung Town is the closest residential area. 

8. Hoi Ha Wan 

Location: Sai Kung Peninsula 

Overview: Hoi Ha Wan is a marine park known for its rich biodiversity and clear waters, making it a fantastic spot for snorkeling and diving. 

Accessibility: Accessible by bus from Sai Kung Town.  

Unique Features: The beach and the marine park offer unique opportunities to explore coral reefs and marine life. 

How to Get There: 

Bus: Take minibus number 7 from Sai Kung Town to Hoi Ha Wan. 

Activities: Snorkeling, diving, kayaking, hiking. 

Nearby Amenities: Basic amenities are available but bring your own food and water. 

Nearby Residential Areas: Sai Kung Town is the nearest hub. 

9. Kiu Tsui Beach 

Location: Kiu Tsui Chau (Sharp Island), Sai Kung  

Overview: Kiu Tsui Beach, also known as Hap Mun Bay, is a popular and picturesque beach on Sharp Island.  

Accessibility: Accessible by ferry from Sai Kung Pier.  

Unique Features: The beach is known for its clean sand and clear waters, perfect for a day trip. 

How to Get There:  

Ferry: Take a Kaito (small ferry) from Sai Kung Pier to Kiu Tsui Chau. 

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, hiking.  

Nearby Amenities: Basic facilities like toilets and changing rooms.  

Nearby Residential Areas: Sai Kung Town. 

10. Big Snake Bay (Tai She Wan) 

Location: Sai Kung, New Territories 

Overview: Big Snake Bay is a secluded bay known for its abandoned holiday resort with peculiar statues and structures amidst overgrown vegetation. It offers a unique atmosphere for urban exploration and photography. 

Accessibility: The bay can be reached by hiking along the MacLehose Trail Section 1. 

Unique Features: The crumbling remains of the failed holiday resort, including animal statues, an abandoned pool, and decaying buildings overtaken by nature, create an eerie and intriguing atmosphere. 

How to Get There: 

Hiking: Follow the MacLehose Trail Section 1 from either Sai Kung or Pak Tam Au. The trail passes by Big Snake Bay. 

Activities: Urban exploration, photography, hiking. 

Nearby Amenities: None within the bay itself, as it is an abandoned site. 

Nearby Residential Areas: Sai Kung Town is the closest major residential area. 

11. Pui O Beach  

Location: Northern side of Lantau Island  

Overview: Pui O Beach is one of the longest beaches in Hong Kong, known for its long stretch of white sand, clear water, and stunning mountain views.  

Accessibility: Accessible by bus from Tung Chung MTR station.  

Unique Features: Pui O Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and kiteboarding. It is ideal for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. 

How to Get There: 

Bus: Take bus number 11 from Tung Chung MTR station to Pui O Beach. 

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, kiteboarding, hiking, fishing.  

Nearby Amenities: Several restaurants, shops, and bars are found near the beach, along with a small supermarket and a pharmacy.  

Nearby Residential Areas: Pui O is a small village near the beach. 

12. Cheung Sha Beach 

Location: Southern side of Lantau Island 

Overview: Cheung Sha Beach is one of the longest beaches in Hong Kong, known for its clean sand and clear water.  

Accessibility: Accessible by bus from Tung Chung or Mui Wo.  

Unique Features: Divided into Upper Cheung Sha Beach and Lower Cheung Sha Beach, this area offers plenty of space for various activities. 

How to Get There:

Bus: From Tung Chung MTR station, take bus number 11 or 23 to Cheung Sha Beach. 

Ferry: Take a ferry from Central to Mui Wo, then bus number 1 or 2 to Cheung Sha. 

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, windsurfing, beach volleyball, barbecuing.  

Nearby Amenities: Several beachside restaurants and cafes, public toilets, and changing facilities.  

Nearby Residential Areas: Mui Wo and Tung Chung. 

13. Silvermine Bay Beach 

Location: Mui Wo, Lantau Island 

Overview: Silvermine Bay Beach is a lovely and accessible beach near Mui Wo village, offering a relaxing atmosphere.  

Accessibility: Easily accessible by ferry from Central to Mui Wo, then a short walk.  

Unique Features: Known for its wide sandy shore and calm waters, it is a great spot for families and picnics. 

How to Get There:

Ferry: Take the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo. The beach is a 10-minute walk from the pier. 

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, cycling, hiking.  

Nearby Amenities: Restaurants, cafes, shops, public toilets, and changing rooms. 

14. Lamma Island Beaches 

Location: Off the coast of Hong Kong Island  

Overview: Lamma Island is known for its laid-back vibe, charming villages, and beautiful beaches. Two of the most popular beaches on the island are Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Lo So Shing Beach.  

Accessibility: Easily accessible by ferry from Central Pier 4.  

Unique Features: Lamma Island offers a unique blend of serene beaches, lush green hills, and a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. 

How to Get There:  

Ferry: Take the ferry from Central Pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan. From there, it is a short walk to the beaches. 

Hung Shing Yeh Beach:

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, barbecuing.  

Nearby Amenities: Restaurants, bars, and shops in Yung Shue Wan village. 

Lo So Shing Beach:

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, hiking.  

Nearby Amenities: Basic amenities like toilets and changing rooms. 

Nearby Residential Areas: The main villages on Lamma Island are Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. 

Sham Wan:

Overview: Sham Wan is a secluded beach on the southern coast of Lamma Island, offering a tranquil escape from the city. 

Accessibility: The beach can be reached by hiking trails from the villages of Sok Kwu Wan or Yung Shue Wan. 

Unique Features: Sham Wan is known for its pristine sandy beach, clear waters, and scenic surroundings, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. 

15. Tung Wan Beach 

Location: Cheung Chau Island 

Overview: Tung Wan Beach is a popular beach on Cheung Chau Island, known for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful sunsets.  

Accessibility: Accessible by ferry from Central Pier 5 to Cheung Chau.  

Unique Features: The beach is lively with activities and events, especially during weekends and holidays. 

How to Get There:

Ferry: Take the ferry from Central Pier 5 to Cheung Chau. The beach is a short walk from the pier. 

Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, kayaking, beach volleyball.  

Nearby Amenities: Restaurants, cafes, shops, public toilets, and changing rooms. 

Nearby Residential Areas: Cheung Chau village. 

Summary

Hong Kong’s hidden beaches offer a diverse range of experiences, from the tranquil and secluded to the lively and activity-filled. Whether you are looking to hike, snorkel, surf, or simply relax in the sun, there is a hidden beach in Hong Kong that is perfect for you. Remember to check the accessibility and amenities before you go, and always respect the natural environment to keep these beautiful spots pristine for future visitors. 

Photo credits: hellohongkong.com, Wikipedia, Google Maps