Not sure about swimming here... after all, it's so close to the Lamma Power Station…read more.. Nevertheless, it's still a good place to chill and relax on a sunny day.

After our shore excursion group's photo stop enjoyment at Victoria Peak, our skilled driver whipped…read moredownhill towards Repulse Bay. Our guide kept mentioning the high cost of properties at The Peak but then said it's even more expensive to purchase or live in Repulse Bay. Repulse Bay is home or vacation home to many rich and famous Asians and non-Asians. Although I can see the beauty, less hectic atmosphere, and exclusivity of living in this bay area where residents can escape the frenetic city life, the name "Repulse Bay" annoyed me. So, I asked our guide about its history. He told the group that there are several unsubstantiated stories about the origin of the bay's name. But he's sticking to saying, "This bay was used as a base by pirates and caused serious concern to foreign merchant ships trading with China. The Royal Navy subsequently repulsed the pirates, hence the name." Anyway, we were allotted an hour to either wander along the beach sand (IMHO, the sand was coarse and not like the finer sand we have in Hawai'i) while dipping our toes into the cool water, roam through their shopping mall, or follow the guide to the Taoist Kwun Yam (Guanyin) Shrine at the southeastern side of the beach. We followed the group to the Kwun Yam Shrine to view the gigantic statues of Guanyin (Chinese Goddess of Mercy) and Tiānhòu (Empress of Heaven or Goddess of the Sea and Patron Deity of fishermen, sailors, and any occupations related to the sea). According to our guide, the Kwun Yam Shrine isn't "active"; the shrine-like exterior is just a façade for a small convenience store, although several people offered prayers with joss sticks or incense to the statues. The guide encouraged everyone to cross "The Bridge of Longevity" at least seven times because of the belief in extending your life an additional ten years with each crossing. Woohoo! My husband and I quickly jumped on board with that belief and traversed that bridge! We felt relieved and comforted by walking along the beachfront yet slightly unsettled by the densely built-up apartment buildings and estates behind us as the development reminded us about Hawai'i's Waikīkī, Kaka'ako, and Ala Moana neighborhoods. But, thankfully, our island isn't as densely populated as Hong Kong.

Repulse Bay 淺水灣 is in en route towards Stanley and I have only visited once during a day tour…read moreguide. It was a nice experience to escape the metropolitan atmosphere. Located at the southern end of Hong Kong yet fully accessible via public transportation and a common site for the privileged or advantage to settle.

Experience fishing villages, temples, beaches, cafes and bars on a Lamma Island hike. Day trips to…read moreLamma is good with family, friends & dogs. The Island is small so you can walk from one side to the other. If you do plan to spend the day then I suggest getting to Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island: Take a ferry from Central Pier No. 4 to Yung Shue Wan. It takes about 30 minutes. Then leaving from Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island: Take a ferry from Sok Kwu Wan to Central or Aberdeen. Stop 1: Yung Shue Wan the main residential area on Lamma Island, with shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. Stop 2: Hung Shing Yeh Beach (Around a 20-minute walk from Yung Shue Wan Pier) white sandy beach, you can enjoy the sun, sand and water. Stop 3: Tin Hau Temple Stop 4: Sok Kwu Wan This tiny village is still very much focused on fishing. The seafood restaurants along the bay are great!

Although Lamma Island comes highly rated on Trip Advisor and Lonely Planet's 2015 Travel Guide,…read moreit's a huge tourist trap and doesn't necessarily capture the beauty of Hong Kong's countryside. From Pier 4 at Central, there are two ferries to take to/from Lamma Island's two main piers: Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan, with the former being more popular and running more frequently. Most visitors hike the Family Walk, which is a ~4 km long trail (~2 hours slow-paced walking with stopping for breaks and photos), from one pier to the other. The power plant at Yung Shue Wan is an eyesore, but there are a few other lookout spots on Lamma Island that provide stunning views of the fishing villages, beaches, and sparkling waters. I recommend Sai Kung over Lamma Island for a half day trip, but Lamma Island is still a good option for those who prefer mild hiking (ie: not too long or difficult in elevation).

I find Stanley the most accessible of all the south-side beaches. The number 14 bus runs straight…read morethere from the Sai Wan Ho MTR station, and the trip itself is a bit of an experience! Travelling up Tai Tam Road and over the resovoire, it's a pretty drive, but the real fun comes from the roller coaster type ride that comes from sitting at the top of a double decker bus traveling at break neck speeds around some very windy mountain roads. Not to mention the "will they lose a wing mirror" game you can play watching cars try and squeeze past each other on the bridge over the dam wall. Technically it's two lanes, but I'd say its more like 1 3/4, and i bet there's many a panel beater or paint retoucher in Hong Kong who owe that bridge a hefty commission. Anyway, back to the beach. It's a pretty narrow stretch of sand, but it's clean and has good amenities (shower, toilet, changing room) with a life guard station and restaurant at the top of the sand. Leave your surf board at home, honestly most of the times I've been there the sea has been about as flat as a board itself. But it is a great beach for young kids as you don't have to worry about them being pounded by a wave. So grab your bucket and spade and head on down. If you do forget anything, dob't stress, Stanley Market is just up the road and you can buy anything you forgot to pack.

Went for a Saturday afternoon swim . Pool was about 25 to 27 degrees indoors. Not too crowded. Only…read moretwo dedicated lanes for lap swim indoors but not crowded. Cost HKD 20 to get in. And need HkD coin refundable for the locker. Hot showers afterwards in individual cubicles

Wow, the happy 200th review! Can't believe I can write that much, look like Hong Kong is really a…read morecool place to stay and a very energetic city, loving it! So, this time I am going to introduce one of my favorite swimming pools in Hong Kong, Kowloon Park Swimming Pool. Honestly, I don't feel I am a very suitable person to write a review for pool because I prefer swimming in beach, but I know not everyone fancy in the salt, plus you may need the pool to practice if you are not a good swimmer, right? There are indoor, outdoor pools, training pool, diving pool and toddlers' pool, so give you various choices to choose. The main pool is of standard size which is good to practice and do exercise, while the leisure pool outdoor is huge so give you plenty space to relax and play. More than that, the swimming pool opens all year, so you can enjoy the water anytime. I did my scuba diving training in the diving pool before, and I have to say that is a really big and deep pool, it allows at least four teams of divers to practice same time and everyone still had a lot of rooms. The facilities are good as well, there are plenty shower and changing rooms, so you will never wait too long. The only thing I have to mention is, because of the good location, it is always packed on weekends and public holidays, try to avoid and get an easy day to enjoy.

Probably the most scenic hike I've been to. Lamma is such a beautiful island and I'm happy I got to…read morevisit during my time in Hong Kong. You can start in either side of the island. We started on the side with Rainbow restaurant and carried in with our journey to the other side. Definitely a 10/10 hike and place to visit when in Hong Kong

Lamma Island might not be a hidden gem but as a tourist it is kind of fun to go there for half day…read moreto get away from the "City". The hike is short if you just keep walking non stop, it will be around 75 minutes (5 km) or so, but there are pit stops that worth visiting along the way. GETTING THERE You can catch a 20 minute or so ferry ride from Central Pier中環碼頭 You can go to either Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan piers. For my hike, I started at Yung Shue Wan because the ferry was there when I got to the Pier STARTING POINT: YUNG SHUE WAN PIER/VILLAGE This is where the local residents actually live. This section is less touristy and quiet. The restaurants here is a lot smaller and have more traditional HK street style food PIT STOPS: 建興亞婆豆腐花 Ah Por Tofu Pudding Hung Shing Yeh Beach 洪聖爺灣泳灘 Hilltop Pavilion Lo So Shing Beach 盧鬚城泳灘 Sok Kwu Wan Tin Hau Temple 索罟灣天后宮 Sok Kwu Wan Business Area 索罟灣 ENDING POINT: SOK KWU WAN FERRY PIER 索罟灣碼頭 PRO TIPS: Please wear comfortable shoes. I know this is not real hiking. But it is just painful to see people wearing their heels doing the walk. Bring or buy bottle water so you will stay hydrated. Remember to bring your bathing suit if you want to have a dip. VERDICT: This is a safe route for me as I was by myself and I am not really a hardcore hiker. There are so many little places to get a snack so perfect for me more like a food crawl away from the City.