Yeah, Hong Kong certainly isn't all that famous for its beaches, despite the fact that it does…read morehappen to be located in the tropics. In a way that is the same with Singapore. Anyway, this is one of the beaches, and as a beach it is okay, a reasonable place to swim, though only if you happen to come here as a group. The problem that I found was that there really isn't any place to store your things, but then again that does happen to be a problem the world over.

Crowded. Easy to get to. Only one restaurant and they charge exorbitant prices. BYOB but dont be a…read morejerk - no glass. Tons of kids everywhere and their parents taking a million photos of them. There are a lot of boats in the bay to watch - we even saw someone on a jet pack or something doing tricks! The view is great and the water is almost cool enough to be truly refreshing. An easy afternoon there and back on busy bus lines, but a nice afternoon all the same.

Beautiful pier running a significant portion of the waterfront. Plenty of spots to get in the junk…read moreships as well as the access point for the star ferry across the water. Lots of photo ops of the buildings over on Hong Kong island, the clock tower, ships and the random people walking about! A guy was walking around with tricked out baby doll with fake diamond ear rings and a cigarette... I guess every place has one of these dudes. The area also has a number of spots for public events - like a break dancing competition that we saw today - as well as food trucks and lots of space for kids to run. A great, and apparently very popular spot that your shouldn't miss!

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.

Albeit it is a bit far from where I live, I think this is one of the prettiest places I have been…read moreto in Hong Kong. My friend and I took the ferry to Lamma Island one late afternoon and it's one of the best decisions I've made. The sunset that day was absolutely gorgeous (and I have been to many beautiful places and saw my beautiful sunrises/sunsets). My friend lived in Aberdeen so the view is her daily usual (so jealous!) Anyways, I prefer the ferry ride from here to Lamma Island than the one from Central. The boats are smaller and more intimate. You could even go on the deck on a beautiful day such as this one to appreciate nature's gift!

My absolute favorite place in Hong Kong!…read more The hike to get here is not easy, but it's not hard. It is a well-defined path and parts of it are shaded. The hike has lots of trees and vegetation along the way. The beaches though are fantastic! White sand and clear water! I am from San Diego, California, and these beaches are way better than any beach here. We came during the week, and there were other people in the trail, but very few. Once we got to the beach, we walked passed the first ones and stayed at the third beach (the one with couple cute tiny restaurants in the back). We were the only ones in the water. My fiance grew up coming to this place several times per year, so these beaches are something special to his family. I am very happy they took me here :)

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.

I visited Lantau Island last year with my hb…read more Lantau Island is famous for the Tian Tan Buddha, the Po Lin Monastery, the Hong Kong Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360 cable car. And lessor known areas that our driver pointed out to us in a distance, Shek Pik Prison, a prison for mid to long term sentences and for life imprisonments. And other corrections facilities that we didn't see, but on the island. On Lantau Island, you feel the remoteness away from the hustle and bustle of the Hong Kong metropolis. It used to be completely farm country until it became touristy with the erecting of the Buddha and Disneyland. On our drive, we saw some water buffaloes (similar to the carabao in the Philippines, maybe same species) on the winding roadways that I thought were statues because they were just so still. Sitting or standing. But our driver told me that years ago when the government wanted to develop part of the land, a lot of farmers (landowners) let their water buffaloes roam free and become wild instead of killing them, so today, they inhabit the island. I absolutely love it and wouldn't mind coming back to explore again when pandemic is over.

Great day trip to Lantau Island. We taxi (MTR was closed) so…read morecant give you advice on that. Ngong Ping gondola ride is a must. Purchase the crystal (glass) one if you're not afraid of heights---you can see below to the green trees and ocean. BUy your ticket off Klook for a discounted price. Walk up the 298 steps the to Tian Tan---big Buddha! Walk around Lo Pin Monastery. Take a short 10 min bus ride to Tai O Village and Market to see the houses on stilts and try their famous shrimp paste flavored food!

Most people goes to Sai Kung for seafood but did you know there are a lot of boats by the pier…read moreoffering half-day to day trips to the geopark? It's a good activity for schools and companies groups alike - very healthy and suitable for all ages. (They cater to smaller groups as well so you can go with your friends or even by yourself if you want.) We stopped at Leung Shuen Wan (糧船灣) for a seafood lunch - some of my friends raved about the freshness of the seafood here but I thought it was only ok. There was a small beach at Leung Shuen Wan where you can go swimming (no lifeguard).

Who would have thought, volcanic rock islands in Hong Kong? Not me, even after visiting Sai Kung I…read morehad no idea these eight mini islands existed. It was not until a friend of mine invited me on an excursion did I witness them. It took more than a bit of persuading to get me up and out of bed early enough to enjoy a day out in Sai Kung but I hadn't been out of my cave in a while. We arrived in Sai Kung just after eleven in the morning, stuffed ourselves with a quick Subway sandwich then hurried along to the pier. Luckily for me my friend is a local Hong Konger meaning we didn't get ripped off! Now, from here there are a couple options. You can just as easily organize a group outing on a catered boat as rent a private little sampan, of course its more expensive the fewer wallets you have around but at the time it was just the two of us. We negotiated a reasonably fair price (I think) and hopped onto the rickety boat. The captain took as around the eight islands slowly enough for us to marvel at the volcanic rock structures, which were quite amazing even for a non-nerd. The coolest of the islands were off limits for humans but we managed to land on a smaller one and explore the beach and rocks from a closer perspective. Nothing to write home about. I think the captain took us there because it was closest to the pier, the other seven islands were about a hundred times more interesting. On the way back we found out that the Geo Park was not just the islands but included the coast opposite them, too. With enough time and motivation I'd go back and test some of the hiking trails in the area as I know there are a few hidden beaches lying around. Anyway, volcanic rocks - fun, beaches - fun, landing on the wrong island - not so fun.