Say Hello! to summer!
It's summertime! Stay away from shades, go to the beach, have fun!
Hong Kong is such a dynamic and diversified city. You always have choices, even when talking about beaches - from government managed to private or unattended; from convenient to remote; from packed to solitary; from scenic to grotty.
Here are the most remarkable ones:-
ISLAND SOUTH
Repulse Bay Beach(清水灣泳灘) is probably the busiest beach on every weekend and holiday. Located in Island South, it is well served by public transports, restaurants, shops and facilities like showers and changing room. The nearby Deep Water Bay Beach(深水灣泳灘) is usually less crowded because it's less preferred considering the road just above it. If the former two have no room for you, try South Bay Beach(南灣海灘) or Middle Bay Beach(中灣海灘)! Though they are not directly accessible by public transport, a 15-min walk will mean nicer and quieter surroundings.
Getting there: take any bus or minibus running along Repulse Bay Road, e.g. Bus No. 6, 6A, 6X, 260 or minibus No. 40, 52.
ISLAND EAST
Though it is remote and served only by one bus route, Shek O Beach(石澳泳灘) is packed on holidays. Gangs of youngsters enjoy swimming, as well as barbecuing, there. To the north, you will find Big Wave Bay Beach(大浪灣海灘) in a more rural setting. Though people say it's a misnomer - no big waves in Big Wave Bay - surfs can be up and strong when it's windy and during storms. Look out!
Getting there: take bus No. 6 from Shau Kei Wan; or the holiday route No. 309 from Central
NEW TERRITORIES
Clear Water Bay(清水灣) is one of the most popular family spot. Free parking is available, and you can also choose to go by buses or minibuses. The beach has changing room, lockers, showers and lifeguards during summer.
Getting there: Green minibus No. 103 from Kwun Tong or 103M from Tsueng Kwan O; bus No. 91 from Diamond Hill MTR.
Also in Sai Kung but stuck in the middle of MacLehose Trial (Section 2, between Long Ke and Pak Tam Au), Tai Long Wan(大浪灣) is only accessible with your legs. There you will find a series of beautiful sweeping beaches. Bring a tent, rent a village house or stay in the youth hostel in Chek Keng.
Getting there: Set off at any point along MacLehose Trial. Make sure you are physically ready. For details: http://www.hkwalkers.net/longtrail/eng/index.html
Golden Beach(黃金泳灘) aligns with the resort hotel on Castle Peak Road. It is well served by public transports. After a day of sunbath, you can relax yourself in any of the nearby theme restaurants.
Getting there: any buses or minibuses going to Tuen Mun or Yuen Long via Castle Peak Road, e.g. minibus No. 140M, 141 & bus No. 52X, 53, 962.
OUTLYING ISLANDS
Tung Ping Chau(東平州), though always forgotten, is somewhere you can't miss. It is the eastmost island of Hong Kong and a good place for snorkeling. You'll find the characteristic shale, the coral offshore and a pleasant beach. Do check the ferry schedule and plan your day in advance.
Getting there: by ferry from Ma Liu Shui, schedule: http://www.traway.com.hk
Cheung Sha(長沙) has the best sand, in yellow and black, in Hong Kong. Located near Tong Fook, it is easily accessible by buses and well-served by restaurants. Also on Lantau, but on the far west, is Fan Lau(分流). Set out at Shek Pik Dam, hike along the coastal trail, you'll be there in 2 hours. Enjoy the tranquility at this westmost point of Hong Kong.
Getting there: take bus No. 23 from Tung Chung or No. 1, 2 or 4 from Mui Wo after a ferry ride from Central.
Cheung Chau, home of Olympic champion Lee Lai Shan, has two nice beaches - Tung Wan(東灣) and Kwun Tam Wan(觀音灣). Tung Wan is the destination of many weekend holidayers. Next to the windsurfing centre is the smaller Kwun Yam Wan, where you can hire a kayak. Both are in short walking distance from the pier.
Getting there: Walk to Northeast from the pier after a ferry ride form Central.
Stop loafing away the sunny days. Head to the beach NOW!
For transportation details, please visit http://www.td.gov.hk/transport_in_hong_kong/public_transport/index.htm
