Hong Kong is famous for dazzling visitors with its neon skyline and urban canyons. But don't let that glittering, cosmopolitan facade fool you.
The territory is home to more than 260 far-flung islands, over 100 beaches and endless miles of unspoiled coastline.
Sun lovers may already know the popular sandy spots like Repulse Bay, Stanley and Shek O. But it pays to seek out the more remote stretches for cleaner sand and clearer water.
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Here are some of Hong Kong's most hidden beaches, and you might even get them all to yourself on your trip:
Long Ke Wan
The sandy stretches of Sai Kung East Country Park could be straight out of the Philippines, and the soft white sands of Long Ke Wan are especially stunning.
Framed by wooded hillsides and looking out over clear water, this beach isn't easy to reach, but it's well worth the journey.
After climbing the first hill from the neighboring High Island Reservoir, travelers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the South China Sea and a picturesque crescent of sand ringed by mountains.
Its remote setting in Hong Kong's northeastern corner keeps the beach from being overrun. Long Ke Wan is just the start of a string of beautiful beaches along Tai Long Wan bay.
How to get there: From Diamond Hill MTR station, a 30-minute taxi ride reaches High Island Reservoir. From there, it's another 30 minutes on foot.
Tung Ping Chau
Tucked into the northeastern corner of Mirs Bay (closer to Shenzhen, China, than to Hong Kong), Tung Ping Chau is the city's most remote island.
This sunny dot in the sea stands out for its intriguing rock formations along the shoreline, excellent snorkeling, clear water and soft sandy beaches.
To make the most of the day, follow the island's three-hour walking trail through Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark to explore the many natural formations and rock pools.
Along the way, you can stop in Tai Tong village for refreshments, though we recommend coming prepared with your own supplies.
How to get there: Ferries to Tung Ping Chau depart from Ma Liu Shui Pier in northeastern Hong Kong and take about 1.5 hours each way. Since ferry service is limited, it's wise to check the schedule before you go.
Ham Tin Wan
Any conversation about Hong Kong's most beautiful beaches inevitably comes around to Tai Long Wan.
This remote bay is home to four beaches (Sai Wan, Ham Tin Wan, Tai Wan and Tung Wan), each separated by hills.
You'll need to set aside a whole day to walk from beach to beach. But if you'd rather focus on just one of the four, we'd recommend Ham Tin Wan.
The beach not only offers clear water and rugged mountain scenery, but it also has more amenities, with a snack shack, restrooms and water sports rentals.
On the hike from Sai Wan beach to Ham Tin, you'll come across Shui Long Wo stream, which branches off into the forest. Follow it for about 15 minutes until you reach a series of tiered waterfalls and rock pools.
It's a perfect spot for a quick swim, a picnic or some cliff jumping (at your own risk) before continuing on to Ham Tin.
How to get there: Setting out from Central, head to Sai Kung town. From there, you can either take a kaito ferry or minibus No. 29R to the trailhead at Sai Wan Pavilion. If you go on foot, the walk takes about 40 minutes to reach Sai Wan.
Lo So Shing
On the west coast of Lamma Island, this quiet beach is often overlooked in favor of the more popular Power Station or Hung Shing Ye beaches.
But after a short hike, you'll be rewarded with exceptionally clear water and, quite possibly, a cove all to yourself.
The facilities here are fairly basic (there's a kiosk with refreshments, a few water sports vendors and restrooms), but the powdery sand is hard to beat.
After a visit to the beach, you can stroll over to Yung Shue Wan village for a leisurely lunch or sunset drinks.
How to get there: From Central, take the ferry to the fishing village of Sok Kwu Wan and follow the Family Walk for about 20 minutes. When you reach the pavilion at the top of the hill, turn left and head down the slope until you reach Lo So Shing.
Turtle Cove
It's nearly impossible to find a quiet patch of sand on Hong Kong Island, but Turtle Cove may be a rare exception.
This often-deserted beach sits on the island's south side, just south of Tai Tam Reservoir.
You can't spot it from above, since it's hidden below roughly 200 steps.
As you descend a tree-lined corridor, the beach finally comes into view, nothing but golden sand and mountain scenery.
The site has a few public facilities, including lifeguards in season, barbecue pits, restrooms and a kiosk with refreshments.
How to get there: From Sai Wan Ho MTR station, take bus No. 15 to Tai Tam Reservoir.
Hoi Ha Wan
On the northern shore of Sai Kung East Country Park, Hoi Ha Wan tends to draw kayakers, snorkelers and nature lovers.
Part of a protected marine park, this boulder-fringed beach is home to a wealth of colorful marine life, including more than 120 species of fish, 60 types of hard coral and mazelike mangrove forests.
On land, there's a charming village that's home to traditional temples and a few viewpoints.
In the village, you can stock up on snacks, drinks and snorkeling gear before diving in.
How to get there: From Sai Kung town, take minibus No. 7 to Hoi Ha Tsuen village and head to the beach.
Tong Fuk Beach
A small strip of sand on the southern coast of Lantau Island, Tong Fuk Beach offers the best of both worlds.
It's within walking distance of the more popular Cheung Sha beaches, where you'll find well-known beach bars like Bathers, yet far enough away that it's almost always deserted.
Tong Fuk Beach doesn't offer much more than a changing room and restrooms; however, what it lacks in amenities it makes up for with firm gray sand, clear water and spectacular sunsets.
How to get there: Take the ferry from Central to Mui Wo, then catch bus No. 1 to South Lantau and get off near the beach.
Hap Mun Wan
Meaning "Half Moon Bay," Hap Mun Wan is one of the most remote beaches in the territory. It's no secret to Hong Kong locals, but few travelers make the trip.
Set on Sharp Island off the coast of Sai Kung, in northeastern Hong Kong, the beach can only be reached by kaito (a local ferry), which you can catch from the pier in Sai Kung town.
Once you arrive, you'll find a gleaming stretch of golden sand, Grade 1 water (the cleanest in Hong Kong) and leafy hills on either side.
This public beach comes with all the essentials, including snack kiosks, restrooms and barbecue pits. But be sure to pack your own lunch, plus plenty of sunscreen.
Also on the island, enterprising travelers may want to tackle the hour-long hike northwest through Kiu Tsui Country Park.
Part of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, the west coast is home to volcanic rock formations (nicknamed the "pineapple bun rocks" for their resemblance to the Hong Kong pastry of the same name) and a tombolo (a natural sand causeway) that connects to the smaller Kiu Tau island.
How to get there: In Sai Kung town, hop on the next kaito at the pier. If you're short on time, you can also hire a private boat.
