Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Gems
Andrea Lo
You might think you’ve hit all the best “secret” spots in town – but honestly, the speakeasy that’s been open for a few years doesn’t really count anymore. In the city of Hong Kong, there are surprisingly more than a few sites off the beaten path that perhaps even locals don’t know about.
Explore Hong Kong’s hidden gems, discovering the best of the island’s quiet and coolest places, from an Instagram-friendly swimming shed, a hidden dim sum joint in the mountains, some local street art, to a little-known tide pool off the coast of Aberdeen. All of which you can tick off throughout the day before retiring back to your room at Ovolo Central or Ovolo Southside.
Shek Kwu Chau
Courtesy of goldenage.hk
You’ve probably stepped foot on Lamma or Cheung Chau – but did you know there’s an outlying hidden gem island off the coast of Lantau called Shek Kwu Chau? The isle houses a rehab clinic, but that is not what makes this spot one of the coolest places to uncover in the Hong Kong islands.
Home to extensive classical-inspired structures and even a Roman-style bath, built by patients at the clinic over decades, Shek Kwu Chau is truly a hidden gem. Although being entirely off limits to the public every other day of the year, there is one day in November when the public can flock to what is a true contender for one of the most quietest places in Hong Kong. An ideal opportunity to take a day to slow down and explore Hong Kong from a new point of view.
Directions: From Central Pier 5, travel the local boating way by taking a ferry to Cheung Chau before taking a 20-minute ferry to reach Shek Kwu Chau.
Wong Nai Chung Reservoir
Courtesy of ilovehongkong.org
Pedal boating? Check. Plenty of fish and ducks to feed? Check. The Wong Nai Chung Reservoir has everything you need to make for an unusually relaxing day out at this Hong Kong hidden gem. This quiet place in the city is located next to the Parkview estate in Tai Tam, the reservoir is in fact an artificial lake. Set against the hills of the Southside, it feels very much like an oasis in the middle of Hong Kong Island. Remember to BYOP (bring your own picnic) and bread to feed the fish with, and water for the day. There’s a tiny kiosk here, but items are often sold at an inflated price.
Directions: Take the no.6 or 66 bus from Central; or no.5 or 76 from Causeway Bay. Get off at the Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park stop. Walk 10 minutes.
Tai Tong Organic Ecopark
Courtesy of ilovehongkong.org
Most people aren’t aware there are farms in Hong Kong, but Tai Tong Organic Ecopark is one such location. Nestled in Yuen Long, the 30-acre farm offers strawberry and lychee picking, horse-riding, fishing and a BBQ lunch, as well as agricultural workshops. A very humble experience and quiet place, far from the busy Hong Kong city.
11 Tai Tong Shan Road, Yuen Long, (852) 2470 2201
Directions: Get out at Long Ping MTR station, get the no. K66 bus to Tai Tong, get off at Tai Tong Shan Road, and follow the signs to the Ecopark.
Sai Wan Swimming Shed
Courtesy of HK Magazine
Any Instagram addicts, or swimming aficionados in the house? Try Sai Wan Swimming Shed. Just off Victoria Road in Hong Kong’s Kennedy Town, the swimming shed is the only one of its kind that remains in the city. The picturesque spot has become popular with amateur photographers making it one of the coolest places in the Hong Kong islands. Oh, and it’s not a bad place for a dip either.
Directions: Located on Victoria Road, Kennedy Town, off Mount Davis.
Victoria Peak Garden
Courtesy of Mutane/Wikicommons
The Peak is obviously no secret to anyone within the Hong Kong islands. The Victoria Peak Garden, however, is located on a lesser-travelled section, offering a quiet place to rewind. A true hidden gem of the Hong Kong islands. Complete with trickling streams and plenty of shade, the gardens are one of the coolest places on offer – an idyllic place for a picnic. Whether with friends or a solo respite perfect for a day off the grid with nothing but a book and your mind to wander. There are gorgeous pergolas and pavilions dotted around the place too (cue the #nofilter hashtag!). The garden once used to be part of the Governor of Hong Kong’s residence but is now open to all, including our furry friends – a rarity in Hong Kong.
Directions: On the Peak, go up Victoria Gap Road until you reach the top.
The Bethanie
Courtesy of Emmanuel.org
A gorgeous structure that stands on the hills of Pok Fu Lam, the Bethanie is a grade II-listed neo-gothic church and academic complex. With plenty to uncover of the building’s history, originally built in 1875 by the Paris Foreign Missions Society, this hidden gem sits across the road from the housing estates which once housed a Dairy Farm. In 2003 the Bethanie and the cowshed structures that still exist today were allocated to the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. There are guided tours available, and the Bethanie also has awesome views of the East Lamma Channel. Along with being a history buff’s dream, this is a rare quiet place for Hong Kong locals to rewind.
139 Pok Fu Lam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
Directions: Take the no.37 bus or no.22 minibus from Exchange Square, Central. Get off at Pokfulam Village.
Duen Kee Tea House
Courtesy of aria927.wordpress.com
Did you know that the tallest mountain in Hong Kong, Tai Mo Shan, has a secret dim sum place? That’s right – Duen Kee Tea House is a family-run, self-serve restaurant based out of a spot right in the middle of the mountains. Here you’ll find all the usual suspects like har gow, siu mai, spring rolls and cheung fun.
57-58 Chuen Lung Estate, Route Twisk, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong
Directions: There isn’t really an easy way – grab a cab from Tsuen Wan.
Jade Market Hong Kong
Jade Market is a small indoor marketplace in Kowloon and just the place to find the perfect Hong Kong keepsake. In local culture, Jade is often associated with good luck, good health and is known to ward off evil spirits, making it one of the most popular precious stones. At the Jade Market, you will find Jade in all its forms, from pendants and amulets to bracelets and rings. If green isn’t your colour, the market also sells pearls and a variety of precious stones.
251 Shanghai St, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong
Directions: The market is located 450 metres southwest of the MTR Yau Ma Tei Station.
West Kowloon Promenade
West Kowloon Promenade is one of the best sunset spots in the city, with stunning views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. Located along the western shore of Kowloon, the expansive promenade is perfect for cycling, running, or taking a leisurely stroll, all while taking in the scenic Hong Kong views. The promenade features plenty of manicured green spaces, so pack yourself a picnic or take your pick of waterfront cafes, bars and restaurants.
Directions: From Ovolo Central, hop on the bus on Pedder Street.
Tai Kwun
Courtesy of asiatatler.com
What once was the former Central Police Station Compound, complete with a prison, now stands to house Hong Kong’s Centre for Heritage Arts. A cultural destination for inspiration, stimulation and a damn good time. Not only sharing top tier contemporary and performing arts, Tai Kwun offers visitors the opportunity to discover the rich heritage of the site through thematic exhibitions and immersive public programmes and the opportunity to explore Hong Kong’s history and culture year-round. A quiet place amongst Hong Kong’s buzzing centre where time stands still, if only a short while a major drawcard for this hidden gem.
Centre for Heritage and Arts, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
Directions: If staying at Ovolo Central, a cultural arts hub in its own right, Tai Kwun is just a mere three-minute stroll via Arbuthnot Road.
Ap Lei Pai Tide Pool
Courtesy of Journey Era
A true hidden gem amongst the Hong Kong islands, it is hard to believe that this quiet place exists just a 20-minute drive from the bustling business district of Central. Getting to the Ap Lei Pai Tide Pool is a short yet challenging hike on Hong Kong Island just south of Aberdeen, offering a whole new way to explore Hong Kong. The hike alone from Ap Lei Chau to Ap Lei Pai via Mount Johnson itself takes on the feeling of island hopping.
Most stop after crossing the sand bar to reach the Mount Johnson Lighthouse, but for those of you in the know, about 100-metres to the right of the lighthouse is where you’ll find the hidden gem of the Lei Pai tide pool. Explore a deeper side of Hong Kong by executing your best cliff jump into the depths of the pool. Experience boating in the Hong Kong islands by taking a sampan to Aberdeen Pier or simply head back the way you came. Continue your coastal day in Hong Kong by booking a stay at Ovolo Southside.
Mount Johnson Lighthouse, Ap Lei Pai, Hong Kong.
Directions: There are plenty of ways to get to the Ap Lei Pai hike starting point of Lei Tung in Ap Lei Chu, however the easiest is by metro the Lei Tung Station on the South Island Line. From here, take Exit B towards the bus stop and exit on the McDonald’s side. Alternatively, take buses 96, 97 or 98 to arrive at this McDonald’s.
Tai Tam Mound Falls
Courtesy of hongkongliving.com
Hidden in the south end of Hong Kong amongst the lush greenery of Tai Tam is an idyllic cascading waterfall, one of Hong Kong’s coolest places. Literally. Getting to the hidden gem of Tai Tam Mound Falls, you have two choices to explore Hong Kong from above. Route 1 is a longer and flatter hike, taking a total of 4 hours, offering a full day’s respite from city life as one of Hong Kong’s best natural quiet places. Route 2 may be a little more treacherous, but it’s all over in around 30 minutes. Whichever route you take you’ll be well rewarded at the falls where you can capture some Instagram worthy content and cool off. For some respite after your day of exploration and relaxation, book a staycation at Ovolo Southside set back from Aberdeen Harbour, an easy 30 minute drive from the falls.
Tai Tam Mound Fall, Tai Tam, Hong Kong.
Directions: From Central, the hidden gem of Tai Tam Mond Falls are an accessible 30-minute drive or an hour via public transport.
Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach
Courtesy of worldbeachguide.com
You’d be hard pressed to find a quiet place in Hong Kong. However, this is one of the Hong Kong hidden gems with minimal crowding and noise. Tung Wan Beach on Ma Wan Island is such a place amongst the bustle of Hong Kong. This long, white sand swimming beach is separated into two sections separated by the Park Island ferry pier (boating in Hong Kong is a popular mode of transport), surrounded by interesting views and great beach restaurants. On the more popular south side, a 400m stretch, you’ll find Noah’s Ark Theme Park. What you’re looking for is the northern stretch of Tung Wan Beach. A 100m long pristine beach, the perfect place to clear your mind, a rarity in this island city. Find more hidden beaches in Hong Kong here
Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach, Hong Kong.
Directions: Tung Wan Beach on Ma Wan island is a 20-minute drive from Central Hong Kong. Alternatively, public transport options from the ferry, bus and train will take up to 60 minutes.
Where to stay in Hong Kong
The Sheung Wan: A boutique hotel inspired by the eclectic character of Hong Kong’s most vibrant neighbourhood, Sheung Wan
Ovolo Central: The city’s most conveniently-located designer hotel, Ovolo Central offers a luxurious escape in the heart of Hong Kong.
Ovolo Southside: Where industrial design and contemporary art meet, Ovolo Southside is a warehouse-turned-luxury hotel located in Hong Kong’s trendy Wong Chuk Hang district.
Andrea Lo is a freelance journalist and translator based in Hong Kong. After cutting her teeth in the industry as a staff writer at a lifestyle magazine, she embraced the freelance life in 2015 and hasn’t looked back. She spends her time exploring the best of Hong Kong’s dining and nightlife scene, trialling new fitness trends, and travelling to exotic locales – all in the name of “research”.