Baby beach is a great beach, mostly locals and it has a great Hong Kong vibe. I love the…read moreannouncements over the loud speakers telling the people how to behave, mind your children and that conditions can change but not to depend on the life guard. The announcements also tell beach patrons when the lifeguards are leaving for the evenings. The beach is wide open and has plenty of space. The walk down from the parking lot is about 5 minutes, walking back up is a trek but it's not horrible. We took a taxi both ways from Hong Kong to the beach. I guess you could have to wait for a taxi, maybe call one if it's not there. For us, there were enough taxis waiting that all of us were able to leave right away. There are bathrooms, vendors with drinks and ice cream along with surf boards rentals and other beach toys.

This is hands down the best beach in Hong Kong, coming from a local who was born and raised here…read morefor all his life. It should mean something. I am not a good swimmer and during summer I spend most of my time in public swimming pool which is naturally packed with visitors, (not a pleasant experience) so I always wanted to look for a secluded place with nice view and I am really glad to say that I found it. As my previous review on the Dragon's Back trail, my roomy and I arrived this magnificent beach. Commonly known as Tai Long Wan (大浪灣), it is a bay well-known for windsurfers, which is located in the Southern District of Hong Kong. If you are not a surfer like me, you will still be overwhelmed by the scenery here with clean sands and water. Yes it can be windy at times (that's why there are so many daring surfers) but if you have a blanket with you, you will be fine with the breeze. My roommate and I ended up spending a night here as it was just so breathtaking (and I was too tired to hike my way back to civilization). And what do you expect? We actually saw lots of STARS in the evening. Who would have thought you could still do that in Hong Kong. Also, there is a declared monument here as well - a rock carving that was believed to pacify the adverse weather during the Bronze Age in ancient China. If you are worried about food and refreshments, there are several cafes and restaurants there but do not expect a filling meal though, I suggest bringing your own food and drinks and definitely spend a night there to really enjoy this secluded place which you thought had all disappeared in Hong Kong.

Ah, can't wait to hike it again. Joined a tour to check out the Dragon's Back trail. Booked on…read morePelago as you get double Krisflyer miles per dollar spent. It started mid morning 10a.m. Met the tour guide outside the metro station, grabbed a local bus up the mountain and started the trek 128m from the summit. It's chockers full of people so go earlier !. We set a crazy pace up the massive steps, stones and earth. Stopped only to catch a view and a quick breath. Everyone was out there but it was absolutely lovely and shady. The views of course were well worth it!. We diverted to walk down steps after the reservoir to get to Big Wave Bay where local surfers hang out. Ended the hike in 2.5 hours ( give yourself 4 to 5 hours, our guide was fast). Spent the next 45 minutes by the beach watching the waves and cooling down. Best time is winter for cool weather. Best time for wildlife is July!

This is a great Medium difficulty hike with spectacular views of the beaches and bays on either…read moreside of the island. Take a bus to drop you off at the trailhead and start your hike up the mountain. Total time to hike the trail took about 2 hours at a brisk pace. If you're taking a leisurely stroll it will take much longer. I would recommend doing the hike that leads to Big Wave Bay where you can grab a bite to eat by the beach while watching the surfers catch some waves.

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.

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.

Quite beach that is close to the Stanley market. Not as crowded as the Stanley main beach. Located…read morenext door is the outdoor water sports recreation area where you can wind surf and paddle board. The beach has a private parking lot and is easily accessible by the line 14 bus. Stumbled by here on accident and I'm glad I came. Nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.