Don’t you also love a good day out away from the hustle and bustle of the city? That’s why I think Stanley makes for an ideal getaway.
Think you know all there is to know about Hong Kong? Then you’re in for a surprise with this part of town. While neighborhoods like Tai Po, Kowloon Tong, and Tseung Kwan O have their charm, Stanley remains one of my top picks for a quick getaway. As a Hong Kong local who frequents Stanley, I can tell you that its attraction lies not only in its scenic beauty, but also in its unique blend of rich history and modern conveniences. So, grab your explorer’s hat – it’s time for us to venture out to Hong Kong’s captivating southern reach!
Your neighbourhood guide to Stanley
An overview of Stanley: A crash course in history
Stanley was home to a village known as Chek Chue (赤柱), which remains its name in Cantonese today. This name has two possible origins, each with its own intriguing tale. Some believe that the village once served as a hideout for the notorious pirate, Cheung Po Tsai, who terrorised the South China Sea in the early 19th century. According to this theory, Chek Chue meant “bandit’s post,” a nod to the village’s supposed connection to the infamous pirate.
Another interpretation relates to the translation of the name, “red pillar,” which possibly refers to a large cotton tree that once stood in the village. These towering trees, with their stunning red flowers, are native to Hong Kong and have long been a part of the local landscape.
At the start of British rule, Chek Chue was named after Colonial Secretary Lord Stanley in English and made into a temporary administrative centre for the colony until the establishment of Victoria City. Today, Stanley has transformed into a popular tourist destination and retreat for locals seeking a break from Hong Kong’s hustle and bustle. For me, Stanley is a place where I can unwind by the gorgeous waterfront and lose myself in its magnificent historic sites. It’s a side of Hong Kong that feels both refreshingly different and deeply familiar.
Stanley restaurants: Where to eat
1. Bubbles & Wines
Tucked away on a peaceful street just behind Stanley Market, this gem of a spot is a real find for wine and food lovers.Even as someone who’s far from a wine expert, Bubbles & Wines won me over with its impressive selection of over 90 wines. My wine-savvy friend filled me in on the details – apparently, Bubbles & Wines’ handpicked bottles come from small boutique wineries, making it the perfect spot to explore hidden gems and lesser-known terroirs. And needless to say, all the wines paired exceptionally well with the restaurant’s tapas-style nibbles. Coupled with a living room-style vibe that made me feel as if I was visiting a pal’s, Bubbles & Wine was the cherry on top of my weekend getaway to Stanley.
Must-try items: Cecina (Spanish smoked Wagyu beef ham with olive oil and Manchego); Broken Eggs, Potatoes Bravas
Price range: $200-400
Bubbles & Wines, Shop B1, G/F, 26 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, Hong Kong, p. 5721 6161
2. Bakehouse
Needless to say, I was thrilled when I spotted Bakehouse’s eye-catching blue exterior along Stanley Main Street. If you’re like me and are tired lining up for your pastry fix at Kai Chiu Road, then you’d be pleased to know what the queues have yet to hit Bakhouse Stanley! Conveniently located in the centre of town, this is the ideal place to go for a quick refuel before getting on with your day in the neighbourhood.
Must-try items: Sourdough Egg Tarts, Ham & Cheese Croissant, Chorizo Quiche
Price range: $20-100
Bakehouse, 116 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, Hong Kong
3. Beesy Bay
Formerly the old Boathouse Cafe, Beesy Bay is a petite restaurant that sits within a Grade III Historical Building. You can’t miss it with its brilliant yellow exterior that adds a splash of sunshine to the street! On the menu is a variety of delectable European fare crafted with love and seasonal ingredients. When the days are cooler, I always choose a table on its terrace, which gives a stunning view of the sea. It’s the best spot for chilling out with a shisha, too.
Must-try items: Margherita Pizza, Beef Cheese Burger, Salt and Pepper Calamari
Price range: $100-200
Beesy Bay, G/F, 86-88 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, Hong Kong, p. 6053 0809
4. Si Yik
Hong Kong-style French toast will always hold a special spot in my heart. And Si Yik (泗益) is a dai pai dong that serves the fluffiest, softest take on this local favourite. Each trip here is a chance for foreign travellers to practise their Canto, since the menu is entirely in Cantonese. Once you’ve ordered and got your toast, sip on the Hong Kong-style milk tea and gush over this divine pairing.
Si Yik, 2 Stanley Market Street, Stanley, Hong Kong, p. 2813 0507
5. Pane e Latte
I always drop by this dreamy Italian den when I visit Stanley, partly for its Instagrammable pastel pink interiors and partly for its addictive bombolinis (that go oh-so-well with a latte). The smell of fresh baking will hit you the second you’re through the door, and you’ll find it hard to resist the spread of traditional, handmade treats. Not to mention its seasonal specials that keep each visit fresh with new tastes! With both sweet and savoury options for breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch, aperitivo, and dinner, Pane e Latte will keep you satisfied from morning till night.
Must-try items: Focaccia Pugliese, Bombolinis, Matcha Croissant (available until 31 March only)
Price range: $100-200
Pane e Latte, G/F, U-C Court, 25 Stanley Market Road, Stanley, Hong Kong, p. 2337 7221
Things to do in Stanley
6. Stanley Main Beach
Not just one of the most popular spots in Stanley, but all of Hong Kong, Stanley Main Beach is a great gathering place for beach lovers of all ages. Just walk a couple of minutes from Stanley Market to drop by this gazetted beach after a day of exploring. You might spot me idling away on the soft sands while gazing at the sunset… And if you’re into watersports, come by earlier in the day – Stanley Main Beach is the place to be for windsurfing, surfing, and more!
Stanley Main Beach, Stanley, Hong Kong
7. St Stephen’s Beach
If you’re like me and find the buzz at Stanley Main Beach a little overwhelming, make your way to St Stephen’s Beach. This hidden stretch of coast sees a thinner crowd than the neighbourhood’s main attraction, so I love lounging here with a novel in hand on sunny days. In addition, the water here is cleaner, the waves calmer, and – arguably – the view better! That being said, you can still try your hand at watersports on this beach, with plenty of stalls renting out equipment should you feel like hitting the waves.
St Stephen’s Beach, Stanley, Hong Kong
8. Stanley Plaza
Want to do a bit of shopping while in Stanley? Make your way to Stanley Plaza, your one-stop shop for all your daily essentials. This shopping mall has everything you need, from groceries to healthcare to pet care, and enough toys and kid-friendly stores to keep your little ones busy!
Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley, Hong Kong, p. 2813 4623
9. Stanley Market
If you’re a fan of the street markets in Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei, then you’ll love Stanley Market, too. Sprawled out along Stanley Market Road are lines of stalls selling a variety of goods at affordable prices. While I love hunting for bags and art at bargain prices, the majority of stalls here sell cute souvenirs and Hong Kong-themed apparel. So, if you want to bring home a piece of the 852 with you, this is the place to look!
Stanley Market, 6 Stanley Market Road, Stanley, Hong Kong
10. Hike the Twin Peaks
Don’t say I didn’t warn you: it takes a seriously challenging 2,000 steps to get up here! While it’s one of the toughest hikes in Hong Kong, the Twin Peaks trail is still loved and sought after by many hikers. Starting from Stanley, your hike will culminate with sweeping views of the neighbourhood and the nearby Repulse Bay at the summit. It then ends at the Wong Nai Chung Reservoir, which is another wonderful sight in and of itself.
My advice? There’s no shame if you take more than a few breaks, because I certainly did! Just remember to put on ample sunscreen, stay hydrated, and let the surrounding views power you through the trail.
Twin Peaks (Wilson Trail Section 1), Stanley, Hong Kong
11. Blake Pier
Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a wedding shoot at Blake Pier, as it’s photogenic to say the least! Although named after the 12th Governor of Hong Kong Henry Arthur Blake, the pier first came into use along the coast of Central instead. In 1993, it was demolished to make way for land reclamation projects, and in 2007, it was relocated to Stanley. This historical pier is still in operation today. After posing for a picture against the backdrop of the expansive seas, do hop on a ferry en route to Aberdeen or Po Toi Island to see Hong Kong from another side.
Blake Pier, Stanley, Hong Kong
12. Stanley Ma Hang Park
If hiking isn’t your forte, maybe a brisk walk among lush vistas of the Stanley peninsula sounds more appealing? The Stanley Ma Hang Park trail starts right next to Stanley Plaza and takes you around to Kwun Yum Temple and Pak Tai Temple near the coast. I recommend brushing up on your knowledge of temples in Hong Kong before setting foot into these heritage sites. Another tip from me: whip out your cameras to capture the stunning flora, fauna, and views of Stanley Bay!
Stanley Ma Hang Park, 57 Stanley Main Street, Ma Hang, Hong Kong
The haunting of Murray House: Ghosts and urban legends in Stanley
Us at Honeycombers have previously explored the many darker sides of Hong Kong, from urban legends and haunted places to nether-themed festivals. But when it comes to truly spine-chilling locations, I think Murray House might just take the cake.
Originally located in Central, Murray House was the officers’ quarters to the Murray Barracks in Central up until World War II. Captured by the Japanese during the 1941 occupation of Hong Kong, Murray House temporarily became the headquarters of the Japanese military police. Some 4,000 Hong Kongers were reportedly tortured, killed, and executed in jail cells and parade grounds. After World War II, the British reclaimed Murray House as a military base. However, officers continued to complain about paranormal sightings across the compound, such as seeing headless ghosts floating around, feeling invisible tugs on their clothes, and hearing cries at night.
In fact, the haunting of Murray House got so bad that the colonial government consulted several Daoist priests from the New Territories about the matter. Two exorcisms were then carried out on the property, but still the spirits remained. Finally, Murray House was shut down and demolished to make way for the Bank of China Tower in 1982. In 2002, the relocated building in Stanley was opened to the public. So far, it doesn’t seem the ghosts of Central’s Murray House have been brought over to Stanley. Still, I advise you to explore Murray House at your own risk after the sun sets!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stanley, Hong Kong worth visiting?
The short answer is: yes! Located along the southern coast of Hong Kong, Stanley is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. Here, you’ll find plenty of things to do and places to eat, as well as ample cultural and historical gems awaiting your discovery.
Who is Stanley, Hong Kong named after?
Stanley is named after the British Colonial Secretary in 1842, Lord Stanley, shortly after the cessation of Hong Kong Island to the Crown. Stanley has remained the neighbourhood’s English name today, while its Cantonese name “Chek Chue” (赤柱) has been used by locals to refer to the area since before the arrival of the British.
Can you swim at Stanley Beach?
While you can swim at Stanley Beach, keep in mind that the waves along this coast are larger and the winds stronger. For a calmer swimming experience, check out St Stephan’s Beach instead, which is just minutes’ walk away from Stanley Main Beach.
