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THE VISITOR'S GUIDE TO HONG KONG 香港旅游指南
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Life's a beach!

Summer is here and the only place to be during the hot, sticky weekends is the beach. But where should you go? There are hundreds of beaches around Hong Kong and its islands but unfortunately many of them are not hugely enticing due to high pollution levels, proximity to busy roads, rubbish and awful high-rises looming in the background. But don’t be disheartened as there are equally some great beaches to visit. Kyle Johnson reports on a few of his personal favorites.

Hong Kong has 41 beaches that are managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. This means that most of them have decent facilities and the water quality is checked regularly (three times monthly in high season) to ensure it is safe to swim there. Looks can be deceiving - many beaches may look clean but the water quality can be very poor. The Environmental Protection Department has devised a grading system that helps you decipher the good from the bad.

Grade 1:

good. The amount of E. coli is no more than 24 counts per 100ml of beach water.

Grade 2:

fair. The amount of E. coli is about 25–180 counts per 100ml of beach water.

Grade 3:

poor. The amount of E. coli is about 181–610 counts per 100ml of beach water

Grade 4:

very poor. The amount of E. coil is greater than 610 counts per 100ml of beach water. As a result, swimmers are advised not to swim at Grade 4 beaches.

Hong Kong Island

St Stephen’s Beach, Stanley

St. Stephen’s Beach is in Stanley so you can enjoy all the facilities of Stanley like the market and the many western-style bars and restaurants. There is a water-sports centre where you can hire dinghies, windsurfing boards and kayaks or canoes.

Beach Water Quality:

 Grade 2 as taken on June 11, 2008.

Facilities:

 Lifeguards, surf school, light refreshment kiosk, barbeque area, shark nets, changing rooms with showers and toilets.

Getting there:

 Take bus no. 6A from Exchange Square in Central to Stanley Fort (buses depart every 30 minutes approximately) to Wong Ma Kok Path, and then walk for about three minutes to reach the beach.

 

Big Wave Bay Beach

Big Wave Bay is 2 kilometers north of Shek O and is generally a good spot for body boarding, although the waves wouldn’t impress a serious surfer. It is quite remote but this isn’t to say that it doesn’t get packed. This beach has stunning views and draws a large crowd at the weekend especially groups of young people. A small beach side restaurant serves beers and simple food until the sun goes down.

Beach Water Quality:

 Grade 2 as of June 11, 2008.

Facilities:

 Lifeguards, shark net, showers, toilets, barbeque pits, restaurant, shops, deck chairs and umbrellas for rent.

Getting there:

 Bus no. 309 from Central (Public holidays only). On weekdays, catch bus no. 9 to Shek O and walk for approximately half an hour, or take the MTR to Shau Kei Wan and then a taxi from there to the beach for about $70 to $80.

 

Shek O Beach

Shek O is a small village on the southern end of Hong Kong Island and the beach here is particularly scenic. It doesn’t tend to get big waves which keeps the surfers away and makes it a pleasant place for swimming.

Beach Water Quality:

 Grade 2 as taken on June 11, 2008.

Facilities:

 Even if the water quality isn’t superb right now, the scenery and facilities in some way make up for this. There are lifeguards, a shark net, rafts, showers, toilets, a barbeque area, deck chair and umbrella rental, restaurants, a beach bar and shops.

Getting there:

 Bus no. 9 from Shau Kei Wan MTR station or catch bus 309 from Central. Alternatively take a taxi which will cost around $150 from Central for the 30 to 40 minute trip.

 

Outlying islands

Pui O Beach, Lantau Island

There are several nice beaches on Lantau Island and Pui O Beach is one of them. The sand is fine and the water is clear with plenty of shade from the trees, and maybe the best part is that there are good camping facilities right next to the beach.

Beach Water Quality:

 Grade 1 as of June 10, 2008.

Facilities:

 Lifeguards, shark net, toilets, showers, refreshment kiosks, barbeque area and camping facilities.

Getting there:

 Take the MTR from Central to Tung Chung and then take bus no. 3M or A35. Takes approximately 30 minutes.

 

Kwun Yam Beach, Cheung Chau

Kwun Yam Beach is situated on the east coast of Cheung Chau Island. It is a small beach but is relatively empty mid-week and never gets too crowded even at weekends. It is often used for sail boarding and other water sports.

Beach Water Quality:

 Grade 1 as taken on June 10, 2008.

Facilities:

 Lifeguards, shark net, refreshment kiosk, changing rooms, showers, toilets, raft and a children’s playground.

Getting there:

 Ferries depart from Central pier to Cheung Chau approximately every 30 minutes depending upon time of day. The trip takes 55 minutes or 35 minutes on the high speed ferry. You can walk from the ferry to the beach.

 

Lo So Shing Beach, Lamma Island

This small, sandy beach is located on the island's west coast about halfway between the main villages of Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. The beach is bordered on three sides by lush green hills.

Beach Water Quality:

 Grade 1 as of June 5, 2008.

Facilities:

 Lifeguards, shark net, barbeque area, changing rooms, shower facilities, toilets, diving raft.

Getting there:

 Travel to Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan from Central by ferry and then walk for about 40 minutes. It’s worth it!

 

New Territories

Clearwater Bay First, Sai Kung

Sai Kung is famous for its beautiful beaches. Located at Clear Water Bay Peninsula, the Clear Water Bay First Beach, Second Beach and Silverstrand Bay Beach are all famous for their good water quality and beautiful scenery.

Beach Water Quality:

 First - Grade 1 as of June 12, 2008. Clearwater Bay Second - Grade 2 as of June 12, 2008. Silverstrand - Grade 2 as of June 12, 2008.

Facilities:

 Lifeguards, barbeque area, shark net, changing rooms, shower facilities, toilets and diving raft

Getting there:

 Take bus no. 91 from Diamond Hill MTR station

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