12 April, 2022
best beaches hong kong island guide eat drink things to do
best beaches hong kong island guide eat drink things to do
Summer, What's On HK

The Best Beaches In Hong Kong: HK Island, New Territories, Lantau & More

12 April, 2022
best beaches hong kong island guide eat drink things to do

We’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best beaches in Hong Kong, from Tai Long Wan in the New Territories to Stanley, Shek O and more.

There are so many beautiful beaches in Hong Kong — with a whopping 42 open to the public. Whether you’re looking for a spot to sunbathe or prefer a beach with more shade, fancy a dip in the water or plan to have a barbecue with friends, Hong Kong has it all. Scroll through for the best beaches in Hong Kong, along with details on how to get there.

Read more: The Best Beachside Restaurants And Bars In Hong Kong

Jump to:
Hong Kong Island Beaches
New Territories Beaches
Lantau Beaches
Lamma Island Beaches
Cheung Chau Beaches

Editor’s Note: The situation in Hong Kong regarding closures and social distancing restrictions is constantly evolving. It’s a good idea to check with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to see if the beach you’re heading to is currently open for swimming and/or barbecue, and if lifeguard services are provided at present.

Read more: The Best Public Pools In Hong Kong

The Best Beaches In Hong Kong


Beaches On Hong Kong Island

Dragon’s Back to Big Wave Bay Hike

Big Wave Bay

Just down the road from Shek O, Big Wave Bay Beach is Hong Kong’s only officially recognised surf beach. Which is why, of course, you’re very likely to spot surfers taking advantage of the waves and consistent swell (did the name not give that away?). Surfer or not, it’s a clean and scenic beach — not a bad spot for downing a couple of cold beers.

Facilities: Cafés, changing rooms, showers, public toilets, barbecue pits

How to get there:
Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan, find Exit A3 and then take New World First Bus (NWFB) 9 or a taxi to Shek O. Get off at the junction of Shek O Road and Big Wave Bay Road, then walk about 10 minutes to Big Wave Bay Village and beach.


Chung Hom Kok

Chung Hom Kok is a quaint little beach that has “urban hideaway” written all over it. Easily accessible but slightly tricky to find, this beach is a three-minute walk down a leafy park directly off a quiet residential street, meaning it’s nowhere near as busy as other beaches in Hong Kong, like Repulse Bay or Stanley!

Facilities: Changing rooms, showers, public toilets, barbecue pits

How to get there:
From Central Exchange Square take Citybus 6X or 973 or NWFB 63 or 66 to Chung Hom Kok Beach bus stop on Chung Hom Kok Road.


best beaches hong kong island deep water bay

Deep Water Bay

The (somewhat) quieter little sister to Repulse Bay Beach, Deep Water Bay is located just up the hill from two of the busiest beaches in Hong Kong, or at least on Hong Kong Island. It’s a favourite amongst locals, and with more than 30 barbecue pits, it’s a popular beach for groups too.

Facilities: A café, changing rooms, showers, public toilets, barbecue pits

How to get there:
From Central Exchange Square, take Citybus 6, 6A, 6X or 260, and alight at the Deep Water Bay bus stop. You can also hop on the same buses from Connaught Road outside City Hall and Queensway at Admiralty MTR Station.


Repulse Bay Beach

Lying just up the hill from Stanley, Repulse Bay Beach is a popular choice for weekend beachgoers. The beach here is bigger but still gets pretty crowded as one of the most accessible beaches in Hong Kong. Get there early to snag a good spot on the sand and be sure to stop for lunch along the boardwalk.

Facilities: Restaurants, changing rooms, showers, public toilets

How to get there:
From Central Exchange Square, take Citybus 6, 6A, 6X or 260, and alight at the Repulse Bay Beach bus stop. Once off the bus, cross the road and make your way down the steps to the beach. You can also hop on the same buses from Connaught Road outside City Hall and Queensway at Admiralty MTR Station.

Read more: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Repulse Bay


best beaches hong kong island shek o

Shek O Beach

A popular beach to cool off at after hiking Dragon’s Back, Shek O Beach is ever-popular with locals and tourists alike. Go prepared and enjoy a seaside barbecue at one of the many pits by the sand. And arrive as early as possible — the barbecues are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Facilities:
Cafés, changing rooms, showers, public toilets, barbecue pits

How to get there:
Take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan, find Exit A3 and then take NWFB 9 or a taxi to Shek O. It should take about half an hour to reach Shek O Beach.

Read more: The Best Beginner Hikes In Hong Kong


Shek O Back Beach

A five-minute walk from the main Shek O Beach — Shek O Back Beach is a dog-friendly paradise. Another draw is that it tends to be quieter as it’s a little hidden, and crowds are normally drawn to the main beach.

Facilities: Cafés, changing rooms, showers, public toilets and barbecue pits

How to get there:
Follow the directions (mentioned above) to Shek O Beach and get off at the Shek O Bus Terminus. Head towards the colourful houses you’ll spot when entering Shek O Village, and the paved road will lead you to Shek O Back Beach.

Read more: The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches, Restaurants, Hikes And Parks


best beaches hong kong island stanley main

Stanley Main Beach

One of the most picturesque beaches on Hong Kong Island, Stanley Main Beach is a great place to cool down after hiking The Twins. It’s also right by the Plaza — making it very easy to pick up some groceries from the supermarket and have a beach barbecue. If you’d rather sit down for a meal first, choose from the many seafront restaurants along the boardwalk before heading to this sandy haven.

Facilities: Restaurants, changing rooms, showers, public toilets, and barbecue pits

How to get there:
From Central Exchange Square, take Citybus 6, 6A, 6X or 260, and alight at the Stanley Village bus stop. You can also hop on the same buses from Connaught Road outside City Hall and Queensway at Admiralty MTR Station. To reach the beach, follow Stanley Beach Road for about 200 metres from the bus stop.


St. Stephen’s Beach

A secluded pick, St. Stephen’s Beach is just a five-minute walk from Stanley Main Beach but feels like an entirely different world. It’s smaller than other beaches in the area but far less crowded and, best of all, it offers plenty of shade.

Features: Changing rooms, showers, public toilets, barbecue pits

How to get there:
Follow the above directions to get to the Stanley Village bus stop. Walk along Stanley Beach Road for about 200 metres to find Wong Ma Kok Road, and then follow it down to St. Stephen’s Beach.


Beaches In The New Territories

best beaches new territories clear water bay first second

Clear Water Bay (First and Second) Beaches

Sitting in the southeast corner of the New Territories, Clear Water Bay has two beaches. Aptly named Clear Water Bay First Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach, the two are separated by a short stretch of rocky coast. First Beach is a little more secluded, and Second Beach has a small café selling refreshments.

Facilities: Changing rooms, showers, a small kiosk, barbecue pits, public toilets

How to get there:
Take the MTR to Diamond Hill Station and then catch the KMB 91 bus. It first stops at Clear Water Bay First Beach bus stop, before terminating at Second Beach. The two beaches are also connected by a footpath and steps, so you can easily access both.


Golden Beach

Catch golden hour at this 545-metre stretch of sand imported from Hainan Island or take a stroll down the seaside promenade. Golden Beach is the largest public beach in Tuen Mun, complete with tropical trees, refreshment kiosks, a hotel (Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel) and a shopping centre.

Facilities: Restaurants, public toilets, changing rooms, showers

How to get there:
Take the K53 bus from Tuen Mun Station and alight at Golden Beach. Alternatively, you can take Citybus 962N from Causeway Bay (Moreton Terrace) or KMB 252B bus from Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.


best beaches new territories hap mun bay half moon

Hap Mun Bay Beach

Also known as “Half Moon Bay” because of its crescent shape, Hap Mun Bay Beach is just a short sampan ride away from Sai Kung. As one of the prettiest and easiest beaches to get to from Sai Kung, Hap Mun Bay can get very busy at weekends. It’s also one of the cleanest beaches in Hong Kong (consistently ranking high in the water quality ratings!), making it the perfect place to enjoy a cool swim on a sunny afternoon.

Facilities: Changing rooms, showers, campsites, barbecue pits, public toilets

How to get there:
To get to Sai Kung, take the MTR to Mong Kok and take Exit E2. Walk to Dundas Street and take the Red Minibus to Sai Kung from outside the Kwong Wah Hospital. You can also take the MTR to either Choi Hung or Hang Hau and then take a minibus to Sai Kung Town.

Then from Sai Kung Pier, take a boat to Hap Mun Bay Beach (there’ll be lots of vendors selling tickets along the pier).


Long Ke Wan

Along with the beaches of Tai Long Wan, Long Ke Wan is the closest we get to white sand and crystal waters in Hong Kong. Although it’s one of the most beautiful beaches, facilities are limited, with only dry pit toilets in sight. Be sure to bring water, food and anything you may need with you as there are no shops in the area. There is, however, a small campsite for those who truly want to escape the city and rough it for a night in the great outdoors.

Facilities: Dry pit toilets and a small campsite

How to get there:
You can hike to Long Ke Wan, but the easiest way to reach this beach is by taxi. Get to Sai Kung (using the above-mentioned directions), then take a taxi from Sai Kung Town to “East Dam” of High Island Reservoir. After reaching the East Dam, walk upwards for 20 minutes and you will meet the sandy shore.


Lung Mei Beach, Tai Po

Lung Mei Beach

Been there, done that when it comes to beaches in Hong Kong? Newly opened Lung Mei Beach should tide you over while you dream of returning to out-of-city sandy shores. Found not far from Tai Mei Tuk and the Plover Cove Reservoir, this pristine 200-metre long man-made stretch of sand comes complete with a long observation deck ideal for sunset watching.

Facilities: Changing rooms, shower facilities, public toilets

How to get there:
From Tai Po Market Station MTR, take bus 75K, KMB 275R (available on Sundays and public holidays only) or Green Minibus 20C. Alight at the Lo Tsz Tin stop and walk about two minutes to the beach.

Read more: What To Know About Hong Kong’s New Lung Mei Beach In Tai Po


Tai Long Wan (Sai Wan, Ham Tin Wan, Tai Wan And Tung Wan)

A favourite for many in Hong Kong, the beaches of Tai Long Wan are most definitely worth the journey. Made up of four beaches along the bay — Sai Wan, Ham Tin Wan, Tai Wan and Tung Wan — Tai Long Wan is located on the east coast of the Sai Kung Peninsula. The four beaches are connected to each other by short trails, so you can easily see more than one in a day, but only Sai Wan and Ham Tin beaches have places to eat and bathroom facilities.

All of the beaches are popular for camping, with equipment available to rent from a small store at Ham Tin or back in Sai Kung. Although not officially recognised as a surf spot (and with no lifeguards), the beaches here are also popular with surfing enthusiasts, with board rentals and lessons also available in Sai Wan.

Facilities: Small restaurants, public toilets, surfboard hire

How to get there:
Get to Sai Kung (using the above-mentioned directions), then take the NR29 Village Bus or a green taxi to the Sai Wan Pavilion, and, from here, hike 90 minutes to the beach. If you’d rather skip the hike, you can also hire a boat from Sai Kung Pier that will take you to Tai Long Wan. There is no other way out of Tai Long Wan, so we prefer to hike in and get the boat home! Once you arrive at the beach you should book your departure boat home.

Read more: Your Guide To Tai Long Wan — What To Do, See & Eat


best beaches hong kong new territories turtle cove stanley tai tam

Turtle Cove Beach

A small stretch of soft sand bordered by lush greenery, this secluded cove is nestled between Stanley and Tai Tam Reservoir. There aren’t any food or drinks stalls nearby or much shade at this beach, so be sure to pack a lunch and a wide-brimmed hat. It’s worth noting that Turtle Cove Beach is the last known nesting place for Hong Kong’s endangered green turtles, and is closed between June and October; though sadly no turtles have been spotted on the beach for some time now.

Facilities: Barbecue pits, changing rooms, shower facilities, public toilets

How to get there:
Take the MTR to Sai Wan Ho, find Exit A and then take the NWFB 14 bus. Alight after the Tai Tam Reservoir stop and follow the steps down to the Turtle Cove Beach.


Beaches On Lantau

best beaches hong kong lantau island mui wo

Pui O Beach

Pui O Beach has a very relaxed, laid back vibe, and although it is popular, it never feels overwhelmingly busy. Although Mavericks is now sadly closed, you can still head to Treasure Island Beach Club (open Friday to Sunday and on public holidays) for some food and drinks, before heading back down to the beach for a swim. Complete with a campsite, Pui O is a great spot for a night between sand and stars — just be wary of the water buffalo that can stray away from the nearby fields. It’s also worth noting that, although pleasant, the sand here is darker and quite sticky, so don’t visit and expect to find an idyllic white sand beach.

Facilities: Restaurant, changing rooms, showers, campsites, barbecue pits, public toilets

How to get there:
Take the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then take Bus 1 to Pui O Beach (about 15 minutes). Alternatively, take the MTR to Tung Chung and then take the 3M Bus, which should take about 20 minutes. Cross the road and walk down the path that leads to the beach.


Upper and Lower Cheung Sha Beaches

Located on southern Lantau, Cheung Sha is one of the longest beaches in Hong Kong. Stretching around 3km, you’ll find two beaches here — Lower Cheung Sha and Upper Cheung Sha. Lower Cheung Sha Beach has more restaurants and tends to be busier so stick to Upper Cheung Sha Beach if you want to escape the crowds.

Facilities: Restaurants, changing rooms, showers, barbecue pits, public toilets

How to get there:
Take the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo. Then take the 1, 2 or 4 bus to Lower Cheung Sha Village — it’s then about a 5-minute walk to either beach. Alternatively, take the MTR to Tung Chung and then take the 11 or 23 bus, which should take about 20 minutes to Lower Cheung Sha Village. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the beach.


best beaches hong kong lantau island mui wo silvermine bay

Silvermine Bay Beach

Just a short walk from Mui Wo Ferry Pier, Silvermine Bay Beach is considered one of the cleanest beaches in Hong Kong. Though popular during the day, Silvermine Bay really comes to life at night, with many enjoying the public barbecue pits and other nearby dining options.

Facilities: Restaurants, changing rooms, showers, barbecue pits, public toilets

How to get there:
Take the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo. Turn right at the pier, head towards Mui Wo Ferry Pier Road, then walk to Ngan Kwong Wan Road and along Ngan Shek Street to get to Tung Wan Tau Road and the beach.

Read more: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Mui Wo


Beaches On Lamma

best beaches hong kong lamma island hung shing yeh

Hung Shing Yeh Beach

An easy weekend getaway, Hung Shing Yeh Beach has long been adored for its clear blue waters and soft white sand. The beach is also fully equipped with all the essentials and has very good water quality. Only a 30-minute ferry ride from Central, it’s a convenient option for escaping the city but can get busy come the weekend!

Facilities: Changing rooms, showers, barbecue pits, public toilets, lifeguards

How to get there:
Take the ferry from Central Pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan and follow the Family Walk trail. Hung Shing Yeh Beach is a 30-minute walk from the hilltop pavilion. You can also take the ferry from Aberdeen to Yung Shue Wan.


Lo So Shing Beach

Lo So Shing is a small little crescent-shaped beach that is adorned at the edges by thick, forested hills. Many argue that it is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand on Lamma Island! It’s also often much less crowded than other Lamma beaches, including Hung Shing Yeh Beach.

Facilities: Changing rooms, showers, barbecue pits, public toilets

How to get there:
Take the ferry from Central Pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan and take the Family Walk trail. Lo So Shing Beach is a 15-minute walk from the hilltop pavilion. You can also take the ferry from Aberdeen to Yung Shue Wan.


Beaches On Cheung Chau

Kwun Yam Beach: Cheung Chau

Kwun Yam Beach

Kwun Yam Wan is a go-to destination for windsurfing and kayaking. The Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre is found by the beach and can provide windsurfing, surfing and canoeing equipment for those keen to get involved.

Facilities: Restaurants, changing rooms, showers, barbecue pits, public toilets

How to get there:
To get to Cheung Chau, take the ferry from Central Pier 5 (the slow boat takes 55 minutes, the fast one takes 35 minutes). From the Cheung Chau Ferry Pier, walk along Tung Wan Road for about 10 minutes until you reach Tung Wan Beach. Then walk a further five minutes in the direction of the Warwick Hotel until you reach Kwun Yam Beach.

Read more: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Cheung Chau


Tung Wan Beach

Don’t head home from a day at Cheung Chau without making a trip to Tung Wan Beach. It’s easy to reach and there are vendors who can rent you umbrellas, chairs and just about anything you need to make your day at the beach a great one.

Facilities: Restaurants, changing rooms, showers, barbecue pits, public toilets

How to get there:
To get to Cheung Chau, take the ferry from Central Pier 5 (the slow boat takes 55 minutes, the fast one takes 35 minutes). From the Cheung Chau Ferry Pier, walk along Tung Wan Road for about 10 minutes until you reach Tung Wan Beach.


Editor’s Note: “The Best Beaches In Hong Kong” was originally published on 26 June 2017 and was most recently updated in April 2022.

Hero image courtesy of Taylor Simpson via Unsplash, image 1 courtesy of Getty, image 2 courtesy of Wpcpey via Wikimedia Commons, image 3 courtesy of Mohammad Idrees via Unsplash, image 4 courtesy of Jeanne Rose Gomez via Unsplash, image 5 courtesy of Allan via Wikimedia Commons, image 6 courtesy of kobe CHENG via Wikimedia Commons, image 7 courtesy of LCSD, image 8 courtesy of 惠民 曾 via Unsplash, image 9 courtesy of Gregor Vand via Unsplash, image 10 courtesy of edwin.11 via Wikimedia Commons, image 11 courtesy of fading via Wikimedia Commons, image 12 courtesy of Sassy Media Group

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