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Shek O Beach & Village

Shek O Village Road, Shek O, Hong Kong Island

Description

Shek-O is at the south-eastern end of Hong Kong Island. It is argubaly both the prettiest beach and village on the island. The name "Shek O" means "rocky bay", but the sand is quite white and fine and the beach itself is wide and backs out to the village which has a very laid-back feel with a few narrow streets and several good restaurants. The beach is very popular during the summer holidays and on week-ends before the water gets too cold. No surfing here, for that there is Big Wave Bay a few minutes away.

Access & Transport

The village is accessible via a scenic and twisty road. By public transport, one should alight at Shau Kei Wan station, near the eastern end of the Island line and take the minibus 9 from there. It covers Shek-O road all the way to the Big Wave Bay parking lot and then Shek-O village. Taxi will be faster and might be a good idea for small groups / families.

Instructions & Recommendations

It's the beach and the sun can be strong in Hong Kong so don't forget the usual protective equipment (hat/cap, "green" sunblock, sunglasses, slippers) and some water. On weekends and during the summer months, it will be very difficult to find some parking space so taxi and bus are best - there may be a queue for the latter on the way back.

Meta review

Extremely popular beach with visitors and HK residents alike, it is often pictured in travel magazines and blogs, and reviewers enjoy both the beach and the atmosphere, which is markedly different from the rest of HK Island. At times it seems to suffer from its popularity as it gets very crowded, which is the main negative comments from visitors, alongside the journey time.

Environmental & Social

No or low carbon footprint. The impact on community is the usual two-edge sword: the revenues brought by visitors help the village remain dynamic but lead to increase commercialization and rents.

Conclusion

The best beach option on HK Island: further away than Repulse Bay but visually quite striking and the village is enjoyable.

Key positive

A great combo option with Dragon's Back hike and a meal in the village

Scenic and family friendly

Key negative

Going by public transport is long

Very crowded in season and weekends

Suitability

Kids / family friendly with clean sand, moderate waves and some food options in the village. No accessibility restriction for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Still accessible during the off-season but water temperature gets chilly

av. transport time:0h 55m

est. visit time:3h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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