Located on the Southern coast of Hong Kong, Repulse Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Hong Kong for its cleanliness and modern features like white sandy beach, free public showers and bathrooms, lifeguards, beach facing outlets, free playgrounds. Visitors in the beach can have a seaside walk on the clean sandy beach, bask under the sun easily in a moderate temperature and can swim on the cool water. It is a wonderful place for sightseeing.
History of Repulse Bay, Hong Kong:
Close to the Central district, crescent-shaped Repulse Bay is an artificial beach and considered as one of the most popular and pollution free public beaches with a bunch of modern facilities in Hong Kong. Pirates and smugglers used the Bay as their hub before the British colonization. A good number of myths are found about the naming of the bay.
Once pirates’ heaven, in 1841 it was repulsed by British fleet and thus achieved the name but the naming source is still unknown in current days. But now, during the summer, it is a popular destination for the urban facilities like free public showers and bathrooms, clean white sandy beach, clean and cool water, refreshment kiosks, free playground etc. Construction of residential buildings began after the 60s. Large ships and boats cannot dock at the Bay for the narrow inlet and water level is not so deep. The beach has played an important role in Hong Kong and consequently the land price is higher adjacent to the beach than any other place in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong government undertook an initiative to groom the area back in 2009 to attract visitors and guests in the beach. Moreover, lifeguard service is also available in the beach during March to November. Shark prevention nets are installed in the beach for swimmers’ and surfers’ safety.
Top Highlights/Key Facts of Repulse Bay, Hong Kong:
For your visit, we recommend seeing these highlights and doing these things.
- In the summer and early fall, enjoy the beach and a swim.
- Enjoy the restaurants and cafes.
- Shop if you want.
- Walk from Deep Water Beach to Repulse Bay.
- Enjoy the evening at Repulse Bay.
In the suggested summer and winter Half-Day Tour Plans sections below, we detail some tips and suggestions for having an optimal half-day tour in the summer and winter seasons. Most people want to avoid the crowds of summer, so our plan below helps you do that.
Repulse Bay: What to do
High Tea:
If you’re looking to enjoy the mixed culture of Hong Kong head to The Verandah where you can enjoy high tea in the buildings stunning architecture. A firm favourite for many, The Verandah also has a delicious Sunday Brunch menu but be warned, there is a dress code of smart casual which means no sleeveless shirts for men. Do note though that The Verandah is closed on Mondays and Tuesday so be sure to plan your visit From Wednesday to Sunday.
Shopping:
If you’re looking to get your retail fix you can also swing by The Pulse which is a huge six storey building filled with everything you could possibly need, from art galleries to hair salons and pet grooming facilities. All of that right on the beach and in one handy building.
However, you may fancy something a little more lowkey in which case the Stanley Market just down the road may be right up your street. The market not only stocks curios but also arts and crafts with paintings and sculptures high on customers lists. Situated in Stanley, this is the place where British and Canadian forces made their valiant last stand before surrendering to imperial Japanese troops during the Second World War.
Culture:
As you wander down the length of the bay and approach the Southern end of Repulse, you’ll come across the beach’s Tin Hau Temple. Dedicated to the protection of fishermen and coastal populations, Tin Hau Temples can be found across the territory, thanks to Hong Kong’s fishing history, this particular temple however is well worth a visit due to its location and beautiful artwork. Admire the huge and impressive mosaic statues of gods, goddesses and mythical creatures and be sure to cross the Longevity Bridge while you’re there – it’s believed that your life will be prolonged by three more days each time you cross over the bridge.
Travel Guide information of Repulse Bay, Hong Kong:
Located on the Repulse Bay Road on the Southern coast of Hong Kong Island, it is accessible by bus and ferry. For buses, take 6 or 6A or 66 and go to the Central Exchange Square. You may also chose Star Ferry or take the minibus 40 to reach Repulse Bay beach. In bus it takes about 35 minutes from Central Exchange Square. There is no MTR station in Repulse Bay.
Some Tips when you visit on Repulse Bay, Hong Kong:
Keep some change during pay for your bus ticket as the drivers do not have change with them. Follow the mountain trails for hiking. Lifeguards are unavailable from December to February and work under some specific schedule. The access at the Repulse Bay is absolutely free.
Culture & Customs of Repulse Bay, Hong Kong:
It is a beautiful visiting place with modern amenities. Splendid scenic views make the day perfect. The statues resembling different Chinese God and saints have made the place sacred, and thus the entire environment looks serene. Only a few of the visitors swim in the beach and majority of them enjoys the beach view.
Transport/ Getting Around in Repulse Bay, Hong Kong:
Location: Repulse Bay Road on the southern coast of Hong Kong Island. Ocean Park and Aberdeen are about 3 kilometers to the west.
Mass Transit Railway (MTR): For Repulse Bay, you can take bus 6, 6A, or 6X (express). They all originate from the Central (Exchange Square) Bus Terminus. In Central, you can take 6, 6A, 6X, or 260 from near MTR Hong Kong Station, Exit D to Repulse Bay Beach stop. But for faster transport, if you can, take 6, 6A or 6X from Admiralty MTR Station, Exit C1.
Taxi: From Central, taxis go to Repulse Bay in about 20 minutes, and the price is about 20 USD.
Nearby Attractions:
Victoria Peak is the highest peak on Hong Kong Island. It is the best spot to have a bird’s-eye view of Victoria Harbor.
Ocean Park is Hong Kong’s most popular theme park and amusement park. It is only about three kilometers or two miles to the west.
Aberdeen is a world-famous travel spot. It has floating seafood restaurants and is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) west of Repulse Bay.
