BEST FOR… City sand, surf, hiking
WHY GO? This is Hong Kong? Really? Tai Long Wan (‘Big Wave Bay’) has unspoilt sand, emerald water, good surf, views out to rugged peaks and islands, and – during the week at least – few other people.
WHAT TO DO: Walk there via the MacLehose Trail – Section 2 (Long Ke to Pak Tam Au, 13.5km) of the 100km-long hike passes the beach. Swimming isn’t officially sanctioned (there are no lifeguards) but surfers certainly brave those big waves.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Ascend 958m Tai Mo Shan for views of Kowloon and Victoria Harbour. Go bird-spotting at Mai Po Nature Reserve.
GET THERE: Tai Long Wan is on the Sai Kung Peninsula, New Territories. Take a bus from Sai Kung to Pak Tam Au; the beach is a 2hr walk.
