Clinging to the side of the Sai Kung Peninsula is a necklace of
four bays separated by a turret of hills, each with pearly sands
and mirror-clear waters. Set off from San Wan to Ham Tin Wan,
crossing through grassy valleys and forest-fringed corridors.
You’ll know you’re near when you reach the waterfalls and rock
pools. Take a dip before continuing on. It’s quite a journey, so
set up camp overnight – you can rent surfboards, camping gear and
firewood from On Kee Store. S’mores under the stars? Obligatory.
For something more substantial, before you leave the city proper,
pick up a ready-made picnic from Brick Lane.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill sandy sandwiches; its hampers
come complete with (proper) utensils, blankets and, the best bit,
loaded-truffle fries.

Getting there: Head to Sai Kung Town by taking
bus 92 from MTR Diamond Hill Station Exit C2. Once there, jump on a
speedboat direct to Ham Tin or set about on the hike from Sai Wan
Pavilion. It’ll take you about 90 minutes depending on how many
times you stop (for snacks/ snaps/ a swim in the rock pools).

Chung Hom Kok is just a 50-minute bus ride from
the hubbub of city life. Most sunseekers are deterred by the 200
(or so, we lost count after that) steep steps that lead to the
beach, but when compared to other multiple-ferry-crossing sandy
crescents, this is fairly fuss-free to reach. Stretch out – there’s
little chance of shaking sand onto someone else’s towel here –
before firing up the free-to-use beach barbecues. We suggest
stocking up Bones & Blades for a selection of cuts gathered
from some of the best family-owned farms from across the world for
a sunset cookout.

Getting there: From Central (Exchange Square)
hop on bus 6. Walk downhill, take a left and you’ll reach those
stairs.

Encircled by lush, raw forest, this teeny tiny crescent is one
of our favourite sun-dappled spots in Hong Kong. It’s blissfully
void of crowds and the water is some of the bluest around. Plus,
there’s little-to-no tide making it an ideal spot for morning
breaststroke. Getting restless? Turtle Cove is just south of the
Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir – a favourite hiking spot for Hong Kongers.
Venture back uphill for about an hour to reach the reservoir. There
are no shacks or stalls here – plenty of barbecue pits, though – so
pop to Oliver’s The Delicatessen before to load up.

Getting there: Take the MTR to Sai Wan Ho, then
jump on bus 14.

Despite being one of the most accessible beaches in Sai Kung,
Trio Beach’s tucked-away location prevents it from overcrowding.
That being said, we suggest visiting during the week if you’re
seeking complete seclusion. Part of the beach’s allure is the 3km
trail that traverses by cliff-jumping spots, rock pools and views
across the bobbing boats found lining Hebe Haven. Start the route
at Pak Sha Wan Public Pier and follow the trail signs to the beach.
You’ll know you’ve reached your destination when you spot the Wes
Anderson-style lifeguard tower.

Getting there: Take minibus 1A or 101M from Sai
Kung Pier and hop-off at Che Keng Tuk Road.

Often overlooked in favour of Lamma Island’s busier beaches,
we’re signposting this dinky, near-empty cove for its pristine
sands – it regularly achieves the highest rating from the city’s
Environment Protection Department – barefoot appeal and the epic
sunsets. Reachable only by foot (Lamma Island is car-free), head
south from Hung Shing Yeh Beach and follow the flora-flecked path
past two pavilions. You’ll want to detour from the trail, known as
the Lamma Island Family Trail, and descend a set of steps to reach
the cove. There’s only a single refreshment stand on the shores, so
pick up water, sunscreen and beers from the hawkers lining the
steps.

Getting there: Hike across the island,
detouring from the Lamma Island Family Trail.

Geographically floating closer to Shenzhen, China than Hong
Kong’s mainland, Tung Ping Chau is a remote island with a
vibrant coral reef ideal for snorkelling. Plan an urban-escape day
trip, starting with a 90-minute ferry ride from Ma Liu Shui Public
Pier.

On your itinerary: the 5km Ping Chau Country Trail that
circumnavigates the island. It’s a great way to orient yourself.
After arriving at the Tung Ping Chau ferry pier, turn left. Stroll
past an abandoned hamlet with vines smothering empty houses. Cross
the wave-ravaged stones that resemble dragon scales and head uphill
into the jungle. Dip in and out of the bamboo groves, banyan trees
and even the odd cactus – two varieties of which grow on the island
– before circling round to a silver stretch of beach. It’s the
longest sandy swathe on the island, and you’ll want to don your
flippers here – spot more than 100 types of reef fish darting in
and out of the coral. Stop by Sunshine Store (identifiable by its
rainbow-painted facade) in Tai Tong village on the eastern coast
for its salt and pepper shrimp.

Getting there: Make your way to Ma Liu Shui
Public Pier and jump aboard the ferry. There’s only two crossings a
day, one at 9am and a returning ferry at 5.15pm and the ferry
service operates only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Schedule your day accordingly and don’t miss your ferry back.

Disclaimer: we’re a little bit reluctant to share this one.
Floating off the coast of Sai Kung is a crescent of fine grained
sands where crabs nibble the coastline, hammocks are strung between
the trees and the bath-warm water shines a Tiffany-blue. In short:
it’s as pretty as a postcard. Yet, there’s also plenty to do for
those who get bored of retreating to a sun-soaked stupor. Head out
on the one-hour trek through Kiu Tsui Country Park where you’ll find a
string of volcanic rock formations that have earned the nickname
“pineapple bun” rocks thanks to the similarity between them and the
baked pastries of the same name. Still got itchy feet? On the
opposite side of the island there’s a tombolo that connects the
island to the shoreline. Visit at low tide when the naturally
formed, rocky bridge is exposed.

Getting there: Hail a sampan (wooden boat) from
Sai Kung Pier. It’ll take about 15 minutes to reach Hap Mun’s
shores. Make a note of the flag flying from the sampan as this will
be the same sampan you need to board for your journey back.

Hailed as Hong Kong’s last hidden beach, this raw and rustic
enclave offers translucent waters, powder-soft sands and an
overnight campsite that beckons you to sleep under the stars. To
reach the bay you’ll need to follow Section 1 of the world-renowned
MacLehose Trail that skirts along the
coastline. Look out for the hexagonal volcanicrocks that flank one
side of the bay – they are 140 million years old and make up part
of the Hong Kong Unesco Global Geopark. Planning to camp? Stop by
SEED, Sai Kung’s zero-waste supermarket.

Getting there: Hail a taxi from Sai Kung to
East Dam and follow the MacLehose Trail that’s dotted with signs
leading to Long Ke Wan Beach from here. If you want to bypass the
hike, charter a speedboat from the pier.

Ok, so this sandy spot on Lantau Island can’t claim to be as
under-the-radar as other beaches in Hong Kong, but we’re still firm
fans thanks to its top-draw sundowner bar, novice-friendly swell
and the wandering water buffalo that are known to join us for a
dip. Make tracks to Treasure Island restaurant and bar where you’ll
find DJs spinning sets reminiscent of summers in Ibiza, while
beginner boarders not yet ready to tackle the swell at Big Wave can
also pluck up their courage. Need to sleep it off after
one-too-many San Miguels? Book one of the cottages or cabanas for a
sleepover.

Getting there: Board the ferry from Central
Pier 6 to Mui Wo. Change here for bus 1 to Pui O Beach.