We know how Hong Kong’s dense skyscrapers might be suffocating over time. For a quick escapade, head over to the laid-back Repulse Bay for a temporary change of environment.

The resort-like destination is especially hectic over the weekend, so dropping by on a weekday seems more sensible.

From shopping at The Pulse, suntanning at Repulse Bay Beach, dining at Limewood to enjoying an afternoon tea at The Verandah, here is a brief guide on what to do, eat and see during a day trip to Repulse Bay in Hong Kong.

WHAT TO DO IN REPULSE BAY

The Pulse

Newly opened The Pulse is a one-stop destination for retail therapy, entertainment options, gourmet dining and the list goes on. Shop for pet’s supplies, marvel at exhibited artworks at the galleries or dine at the various bayside restaurants.

28 Beach Rd, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2815 8888
Daily: 10am – 7pm

Repulse Bay Beach

It’s no brainer that the scenic Repulse Bay Beach is the main attraction at Repulse Bay. Take your furry animals for a leisure stroll, partake in one of the many events held here, dip into the inviting waters or simply do nothing on the golden sands!

Zhenhai Tower Park

Located adjacent to the shore is Zhenhai Tower Park, a traditional Chinese picturesque garden fronted by majestic statues of the Goddess of the Sea and the Goddess of Mercy (Kwan-yin). The shrine overlooks the sea and is believed to be guardians of the fishermen out at sea.

WHERE TO EAT IN REPULSE BAY

Limewood

Limewood is yet another successful food and beverage venture by the Maximal Concepts Group. The restaurant boasts a selection of Caribbean, Hawaiian, South American and Southeast Asian barbecued meats and seafood. Their cocktails are equally impressive too.

Limewood Shop 103/104 The Pulse, 28 Beach Rd, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2866 8668
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm

The Coffee Academics

Chic and chill, The Coffee Academics’ pooch-friendly outlet at Repulse Bay is where coffee lovers and dog lovers alike gather to hang out and unwind over coffee. For those not in the know, the coffee chain has been voted as one of the best coffee shops by reputable international publications such as CNNGo and Vogue.

Shop No. 108, Level 1, The Pulse, No.26-30 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Southern
Tel: +852 2511 1902
Daily: 9am – 9pm

The Verandah

Celebrated restaurant The Verandah is effortlessly elegant and a popular destination for high teas and Sunday brunches. A smart-casual dress code is required; no sleeveless shirts (for gentlemen), flip-flops and sandals are allowed.

109 Repulse Bay Rd, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2292 2822
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Wed to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 3pm – 5.30pm, 7pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11am – 2.30pm, 3.30pm – 5.30pm, 7pm – 10.30pm

HOW TO GET TO REPULSE BAY

From Hong Kong MTR Station: Head to Exit D, board bus 6, 6A, 6X, 66 or 260 from the Exchange Square bus terminus and drop off at Repulse Bay Beach.

From Central MTR Station: Head to Exit A, board bus 6, 6A, 6X or 260 from the Exchange Square and alight at Repulse Bay Beach.

A one-way ticket on these buses typically cost about HK$7.90. Make sure you have smalls on you as no change would be given.

Going on a hiking expedition is always an exciting adventure to look forward to. You get to temporarily disconnect from the overwhelmingly hectic lifestyle, explore the best of nature, and of course, burn all the undesirable calories you have gained from the holidays!

Few things in life are more liberating than reconnecting with Mother Nature.

From Hong Kong’s best urban hiking trail Dragon’s Back to Taiwan’s highest point Yushan National Park, here is our Guide to the 8 Best Hikes in Asia for Every Adventurous Traveller Out There.

#1 DRAGON’S BACK, HONG KONG

Are you looking for an easy hike with spectacular views?

Located in the outskirts of metropolis Hong Kong, Dragon’s Back boasts breathtaking panoramic backdrops of tall skyscrapers, coastal shores and its surrounding mountainous region. The best part is you can conquer Dragon’s Back within an hour if you embark on the shortcut that we have taken.

Source: Destination Chiangmai

#2 DOI INTHANON, THAILAND

Situated in the Chom Tong District of Chiang Mai Province, Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s tallest mountain and is also otherwise known as Doi Ang Ka or Doi Luang. The highest peak is at 2,565 metres and the majestic hilltop is home to several hundred species of flora and fauna.

Doi Inthanon is also exceptionally popular amongst avid birdwatchers and enthusiastic hikers.

Source: Jess Hay

#3 MOUNT BATUR, BALI, INDONESIA

Mount Batur – an active Balinese volcano – last erupted in year 2000 but has fallen back into a deep slumber for the past decade and a half. Rising 1,717 metres above sea level, a hike up the scenic Indonesian mountain can be completed within two hours one-way by fit climbers.

Source: Remote Islands

#4 MOUNT BROMO, EAST JAVA, INDONESIA

It takes approximately four hours to drive from Surabaya – the capital of East Java – to active Indonesian volcano Mount Bromo, but the long journey has not deterred many from hiking up the prominent volcanic mountain. Needless to say, the scenery is incredibly beautiful.

Source: Chuck Jonkey

#5 MOUNT KINABALU, MALAYSIA

Nestled by the lush greenery of UNESCO World Heritage Site Kinabalu Park, Mount Kinabalu is a natural attraction located just under a short 2-hour drive away from the capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu.

Standing at 4,095 metres, the towering mountain is simply unmissable.

#6 TAROKO NATIONAL PARK, TAIWAN

The 920 km² wide Taroko National Park is renowned for its iconic landmark – The Taroko Gorge.

Spanning across Hualien County, Nantou County and Taichung Municipality, it will take more than a day to fully explore Taroko National Park. The spectacular marble geological features were formed since 200 million years ago and are still morphing at a gradual rate.

#7 YUSHAN NATIONAL PARK, TAIWAN

Yushan National Park – the tallest point in Taiwan – is also the highest peak in Northeast Asia. With an altitude of 3,952 meters, the jaw-dropping scenery will have everyone pinching themselves. We were literally walking in the clouds and were ecstatic about how surreal it felt!

Source: Lori and John Skip Town

#8 100 WATERFALLS, LAOS

Laos’ 100 Waterfalls is a gem that one should visit with a guided tour. This is due to the fact that a couple of unexploded bombs from the Vietnam War remain at large in unchartered territories. Besides this imminent danger, the gorgeous site itself is worth a special trip.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

If you are sick of the glitzy skyscrapers in Hong Kong, head to Sai Kung for a refreshing change of environment. Located in the New Territories, Sai Kung is a great neighbourhood to experience the local Hong Kongers’ way of life. From indulging in fresh seafood, exploring the pristine beaches of Sai Kung East Country Park to cliff jumping at Sheung Luk Streams, there are many fun activities you can keep yourself occupied with.

Here is our guide on what to do at Sai Kung in a day. Instructions on how to get to Sai Kung Waterfront, Sai Wan Beach and Sheung Luk Streams are included in this guide too.

FLOATING SEAFOOD MARKET

Must-dos include watching the floating fish market in action – fishermen showcase their loots in their boats whilst locals haggle from the promenade. Upon agreement, the seafood will be delivered to the customers via a basket.

Many seafood restaurants line up the pier, offering the freshest seafood possible. Famous restaurants around the corner include Chuen Kee and Loaf On Chinese restaurants. The former was previously listed in the Michelin Guide while the latter has been bestowed an honorable Michelin star.

Should you be unfortunately allergic to seafood, there are many casual eateries of other cuisines such as a Burger Deli and Thai Nong Khai.

HOW TO GET TO SAI KUNG WATERFRONT

Take the MTR to Choi Hung Station and head for exit C2. You will usually see a long line formed outside the bus stop but fret not – the queue moves pretty fast.

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You can take either the green mini bus A1 or KMB 92. Bus A1 takes about 25 minutes and the frequency of it is approximately every 5 minutes. Bus 92 on the otherhand takes a little longer to arrive Sai Kung.

SAI WAN BEACH

If you are feeling adventurous, do embark on a hiking trail towards Sai Wan Beach. A return hike take from Sai Wan Ting to Sai Wan Beach takes about an hour and is relatively easy as it is fully paved.

However, there are steep sections that may require more stamina. During the hike you will pass by a breathtaking view of High Island Reservoir and grass-grazing cattle at the countryside village. Remember to book surfboards in advance if you intend to spend an afternoon surfing at Sai Wan Beach.

HOW TO GET TO SAI WAN BEACH

Take mini bus number 29R from Sai Kung Bus Terminus (HK 20 per person for a single trip). If traveling in a group, you may want to grab a taxi instead (HKD 100). The journey up to Sai Wan Ting takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

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Make your way back to Sai Wan Ting before the last bus departs in the late afternoon (timing varies daily) or you can call a taxi from Sai Kung Taxi Calling Centre. There are three numbers you can dial, 2383 0899, 2729 1199 and 2729 6600. It is recommended that you make the call on your hike back as reception fluctuates and the last thing you would want to do is to be stranded at the peak.

SHEUNG LUK STREAMS

If you can, explore beyond Sai Wan Beach and visit Sheung Luk Streams. Sheung Luk is a popular cliff-jumping destination and is best visited during summer. This activity will probably take an additional hour or two, so do plan your day trip ahead!

HOW TO GET TO SHEUNG LUK STREAMS

Getting to Sheung Luk Streams is the tricky part as there are no clear-cut directions on how to get there. If you already facing Sai Wan Beach from the village, turn away and head left towards the campsite. Follow the sand trail and you know you are near when passing by a secluded hydroponic farm. Advance further in and you would be warned by signboard about the difficulties ahead. Proceed at your own risk!

With just S$290 per person, you can sample the best food Hong Kong has to offer and visit iconic sites in 3 days 2 nights. Here is our guide on how to travel to Hong Kong for a 3D2N Trip with S$290 (all-inclusive).