Hong Kong is one of the most well know cities in Asia. Hell, it’s one of the most well known cities in the world. It’s a place that has something for everyone. So far so good, yes it’s a big well know city that has something for everyone. But would you guess that among the “everyone” people there are also surfers? Yes, it is also possible to surf in Hong Kong. But lets start at the beginning which is how to get there. Just like Singapore, Hong Kong is the gateway from Asia to the rest of the world. Singapore and Hong Kong are one of the worlds busiest airports with numerous airlines flying in and out that can bring you all across Asia and the rest of world. So finding a flight to one of these two hubs should not be a problem. Maybe one piece of advice, in case you need to fly from one into another (from Singapore to Hong Kong or vice versa), you can check out your options here: https://www.cathaypacific.com/destinations/en_SG/flights-from-singapore-to-hong-kong.
Just Some Fun Facts About Hong Kong Before We Get Into Surfing
- Hong Kong has 7.4 million people living on 1,104-square-kilometre (426 sq mi) territory making it one of the most densely populated places in the world.
- It is the world’s tenth-largest exporter and ninth-largest importer
- Hong Kong dollar is the world’s 9th-most traded currency
- Hong Kong hosts the largest concentration of ultra high-net-worth individuals of any city in the world.
- The city has the largest number of skyscrapers of any city in the world
- Hong Kong residents have some of the longest life expectancies in the world.
Beyond the bustling city and shopping district, did you know that Hong Kong has beaches where you can surf? While it might seem that Hong Kong is an unlikely surfing destination, if surfing in the Mediterranean has taught me one thing it is this – if there is a sea, there will be waves. In the right season Hong Kong surf can be amazingly consistent and just the sound of it “surfing in Hong Kong” makes it something to add to your bucket list.
Surfing In Hong Kong
First thing you need to know is that you won’t be surfing in the city. Surf is at least an hours drive away and set in a much more peaceful rural setting. You will mostly be surfing beachbreaks (although there are some reefs). First surfer there was an American soldier Derek Bailey. He surfed Big Wave Bay in the 1960s. By the 1970s. Best seasons are Autumn and Winter, Spring and Summer are mostly flat. The best time to come here is from November to February, during the winter season. In the summer you have to be lucky and catch one of the summer typhoons. That’s when the waves hit their highest at six feet tall. Water temperatures range from 19C in January/February to 28C in July/August.
That said, here are some of the best surfing locations in and near Hong Kong:
Tai Wan
In the stretch of Sai Kung, known as Tai Long Wan, are four beaches. One of these is Tai Wan, which is also considered one of the best surfing spots. It’s said to have one of the best-shaped waves in the whole of Hong Kong. Since the beach isn’t very accessible, it isn’t very crowded either.
To get to Tai Wan, take the MTR to the Hang Hau station, and leave at Exit B. Ride a green minibus, number 101, which will take you to Sai Kung Town. At the pier, ride a water taxi to Tai Wan.
Sai Wan
Sai Wan is home to Surf Hong Kong and is one of the four beaches in the Tai Long Wan area. But what sets Sai Wan apart from Tai Wan is that the former’s waves are smaller. Hence, its referred to as the beginner surfer’s paradise in Hong Kong. Sai Wan also has relatively safer and much gentler waves than its three other counterparts. This beach is also more accessible and has nearer and more public amenities than Tai Wan.
To get to Sai Wan, you only need to follow the same directions mentioned above to go to Tai Wan. Then, say that you’re going to Sai Wan Beach.
Big Wave Bay
Big Wave Bay is also referred to as the focal point of Hong Kong’s surf life and culture. It’s one of the city’s most famous surfing spots because of its accessibility. If you don’t have your surf equipment, you don’t have to worry as many shops allow you to rent a surfboard. This advantage comes in handy if you want to avoid paying for excessive airline surfboard baggage fees.
To get to Big Wave Bay, take the MTR to Sau Kei Wan station, then exit at A3. At the bus terminal, take bus number 9.
Pui O
Pui O beach is less rocky than all the other surfing spots in Hong Kong. With its sandy beaches and seafloor, the waves are also softer and more lined up. Pui O is also a very safe surfing spot because its geographical formation and location give you protection from the winds and strong typhoons. Hence, if the winds are strong, this is the place to check.
To get to Pui O, take the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo. Then, take bus number 1 to Pui O beach.
Cheung Sha
Cheung Sha is one of the most pleasant beaches in Lantau Island. If you’ve heard about this island a lot, that’s because this is also where Disneyland is, and the Hong Kong International Airport. For beaches, Cheung Sha has a wide stretch of beach. This means that you’ll never have to fight for your spot should it get crowded. Around the Cheung Sha beach area are many restaurants as well, for after surf snack.
The best season to visit Cheung Sha is in the warm summer months. At its peak, the waves rise their highest at only four feet. This also makes it ideal for beginners.
To get to Cheung Sha, take the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo. Then you can choose anywhere from bus 1, 2, 3, or 4 to bring you to Cheung Sha.
Hong Kong has a long-standing surf scene, even before it has become one of the best shopping districts in the world. In this city, you can also enjoy the feel of sand on your toes, just like any other beach in the world. This can be your secret retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With these surfing spots, you have even more reasons to fly to the wonderful place that is Hong Kong.