Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get our top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
Header image courtesy of Minghong (via Wikimedia Commons)
Originally published by Kriti Gandhi. Last updated by Enoch Ngan.
Living in a city synonymous with tall skyscrapers and urban lifestyles, it’s often easy to forget that Hong Kong is home to countless beautiful beaches. Although many choose to visit them during the day, beaches are more than suitable for overnight camping as well—there’s nothing quite like falling asleep under the stars only to wake up to a gorgeous beach sunrise with the serene lapping of waves in the background. For a perfect getaway from chaotic city life, why not take a trip away from Hong Kong’s iconic skyline and head on over to one of these beaches that are perfect for camping? Get back in touch with nature with our guide to the best beaches for camping in Hong Kong!
Located on Lantau, Cheung Sha Beach is a haven for those looking for a weekend getaway. As one of the longest beaches in Hong Kong, comprised of Upper Cheung Sha Beach and Lower Cheung Sha Beach, it is well known for watersports, camping, and breathtaking scenery. Lower Cheung Sha Beach is one of the best beaches for camping with several private, ready-made campsites. In addition to the picturesque seaside views, the beachfront is lined with small cafés and restaurants that serve heaps of delicious food. With fully equipped tents and proper facilities—if you’re not looking to rough it out for the weekend—the experience definitely qualifies as glamping.
How to get there:
Catch the ferry to Mui Wo from Central Ferry Pier 6.
Once you arrive at Mui Wo, take bus 1 or 2 to Cheung Sha Ha Tsuen.
Be sure to check the bus timings and stop number before you get on!
From the Cheung Sha Ha Tsuen bus stop, simply walk down towards the beach.
Among the more popular beaches in Hong Kong, Pui O is a favoured beach camping site by locals. It is easily accessible by ferry or bus, making it all the more worth visiting. As a government-run beach campsite, Pui O Beach offers 52 spots, all operated on a first-come, first-served basis.
With barbecue pits, toilets, and changing rooms all present at the beach camping site, all you really have to do is bring a tent with some necessary essentials and good company! If you’re looking to try something new, the white sand shore of Pui O is also known for being one of the best beaches to surf at. Kayaks, surfboards, and other watersports gear can be directly rented at the beach. Breath-taking sunsets, glistening sands, and barbecued food—what more could you need for the perfect beach camping trip?
How to get there:
Catch the ferry to Mui Wo from Central Ferry Pier 6.
From the Mui Wo Ferry Pier, take bus 1 or 4 to Tong Fuk.
Get off at Bui O Public School.
Walk along Chi Ma Wan Road towards Pui O Beach Campsite.
Alternative route:
Take the Tung Chung line to Tung Chung Station.
Take the bus 3M or A35 from Tung Chung Town Centre.
Get off at Bui O Public School.
Walk along Chi Ma Wan Road towards Pui O Beach Campsite.
Although the hike to Long Ke Wan is strenuous, its white sand beach and crystal-clear waters make for a pollution-free camping spot. Tackling this challenging journey is totally worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of the High Island Reservoir accompanied by fresh sea breezes. If you’re running late or hiking really is not your thing, taking a boat to Long Ke Wan from Sai Kung Pier might be an easier and faster route.
Regardless of how you get there, the beach is the perfect camping location for anyone who is looking for a break in the arms of Hong Kong’s great outdoors. Just be sure to bring all your supplies from home, as the facilities present are basic at best, and there are no convenient stores in the vicinity! Click here for our hiking guide to Long Ke Wan.
How to get there:
Hap Mun Bay and its beautiful beach sit effortlessly on the south side of Sharp Island, just a short boat ride away from Sai Kung. Also known as Half Moon Bay, the gorgeous white sand shore is popular amongst nature lovers for hiking, adventuring, and camping. Hap Mun Bay’s beach campsite has basic amenities, such as toilets, changing rooms, showers, kiosks, and barbecue pits, but be sure to bring or rent your own tent beforehand.
Additionally, Hap Mun Bay is known for consistently topping water quality ratings in comparison to other Hong Kong beaches. If you’re looking to embark on a short but fulfilling adventure, the two-kilometre hike from Kiu Tsui Beach to Hap Mun Bay Beach is home to mesmerising scenery. As you hike, you’ll be able to see a panorama of the coastline with emerald blue water and captivating rock formations all around you!
How to get there:
Take the Tseung Kwan O line to Hang Hau Station (Exit B1).
Take minibus 101M to Sai Kung and get off at the last stop.
Take a hired boat to Kiu Tsui Port.
Take a short hike and follow the signs to Hap Mun Bay.
You can also take a hired boat from Sai Kung to Hap Mun Bay Beach so you don’t have to hike!
Just on the outskirts of the Tuen Mun neighbourhood, Butterfly Beach offers you a balanced encounter with Hong Kong’s countryside and city life. Camping on Butterfly Beach is convenient and accessible—most facilities are in good condition and maintained by the government for guests to use during their stay. Don’t let the convenience fool you— even though Butterfly Beach is pretty close to the city centre in comparison to the other beaches, it’s still not as crowded as you’d expect it to be. Camping here is the perfect weekend activity that’s close to—but also far enough from—home. Plus, due to its proximity to Tuen Mun, you’ll not be left stranded without supplies.
How to get there:
Take the Tuen Ma line to Tuen Mun Station.
Take the Light Rail line 507, 614, or 614P to Siu Hei Station.
Take minibus 44 from Wu Chui Road.
Alight at Melody Garden (around five minutes).
Take a 14-minute walk along Lung Mun Road towards Butterfly Beach Campsite, located at the beachfront.
Separated by rocky outcroppings, Tai Long Wan (大浪灣; Big Way Bay) itself encompasses four mesmerising beaches—Sai Wan Beach, Ham Tin Beach, Tai Wan Beach, and Tung Wan Beach. Although Sai Wan and Ham Tin are more popularly known, Tai Wan and Tung Wan are exceptional shores that you should visit as well. What’s even better is that you can camp on all of these beaches!
Sai Wan and Ham Tin have amenity kiosks where you can inexpensively rent sleeping bags, mats, and tents. If you’re looking for a more secluded vibe, head on over to Tai Wan or Tung Wan and set up camp there—but be careful, as there are no shark nets or lifeguards along these stretches. Tai Long Wan is nothing short of a heavenly paradise that everyone must visit at least once. Click here for our full guide to all of Tai Long Wan’s beaches.
How to get there:
Take the Kwun Tong line to Choi Hung Station and take minibus 1A to Sai Kung.
At Sai Kung Pier, take a direct boat to Sai Wan.
If you wish to visit or stay at the other beaches, follow the signs on the path to hike there.
It takes 40 minutes from Sai Wan to Ham Tin; 15 minutes from Ham Tin to Tai Wan; and 40 minutes from Tai Wan to Tung Wan.
Kriti was born in Mumbai but raised in Hong Kong and shares a strong bond with both places. As a current journalism student, she is keen on writing, sharing stories, and has a growing interest in photography. When she is not reading (Harry Potter, or anything really), you’ll find her exploring the city, attempting to skateboard, and finding new dumpling places.
Top
