Repulse Bay

Repulse Bay is one of Hong Kong's longest and best-known beaches, a sheltered crescent of sand in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island, about 30 minutes by bus from Central. Managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), it has free entry, lifeguards for most of the year and a shark prevention net, so it suits families, swimmers and anyone wanting a beach day close to the city.

A 292 m beach widened with imported sand

The bay lies between Deep Water Bay to the west and Middle Bay and South Bay to the east, with steep green hills behind it. The beach is about 292 m long and has been widened with imported sand, so the strip near the water is coarser than the upper beach. The slope into the water is gentle and the bay sheltered.

Its English name appears on an 1845 map by Lieutenant T. B. Collinson of the Royal Engineers, and its origin is unknown; one story links it to a British warship, another to the repulse of pirates, but neither rests on firm evidence.

Showers, a raft and the shark net

The LCSD lists changing rooms with showers and toilets, an accessible toilet, a light refreshment kiosk and a restaurant, a self-service storage cage, a playground and a beach volleyball court. A raft is anchored offshore, and a shark prevention net protects the swimming area. A braille directory map helps visually impaired visitors. The Pulse, a low beachfront mall, holds cafés and restaurants with sea views.

The Repulse Bay Hotel and wartime fighting

The beach was developed for bathing in the early 20th century. In 1920 the Kadoorie family opened the Repulse Bay Hotel above it, which became the weekend retreat of colonial society, with a bus route laid on from Central. During the Battle of Hong Kong fighting reached the bay, and the Japanese army later used the hotel as a military hospital. It was demolished in stages in the 1970s and 1980s, and its site now holds The Repulse Bay, a wavy apartment block known for the large square opening through its middle.

Kwun Yam Shrine and the Longevity Bridge

At the eastern end, the Kwun Yam Shrine sits in a garden of colourful statues of Tin Hau and Kwun Yam, crossed by a Longevity Bridge said to add years to anyone who walks over it. A seafront path runs west toward Deep Water Bay, about 2 km away.