From gorgeous beaches to a ghost island, here's a guide to things to do in Sai Kung.
One of the best parts of living in Hong Kong is that there always something new to explore. We’ve spent many a weekend enjoying Hong Kong day trips, hiking up mountains, and shopping at local markets. If you haven’t been out to Sai Kung yet, you should put it on your agenda for your next adventure. Getting there is a bit of a trek but, trust us, the trip is well worth it for Sai Kung’s tranquil beaches, unique dining spots, and other hidden gems. Pack a backpack as we’ve found a list of fun things to do in Sai Kung.
Fun things to do in Sai Kung
1. Tai Long Wan
One of the worst kept secrets in Hong Kong, Tai Long Wan has four beaches: Sai Wan, Ham Tin, Tai Wan and Tung Wan. They’re considered some of the finest in the territory with their powdery white sand and crystal-clear water. Sai Wan and Ham Tin are popular with those who prefer to be close to restaurants and other facilities. If you want a break from the crowd, hike further down to Tai Wan and Tung Wan. Secluded and remote, they’re perfect for a solo surf day or an overnight camping trip with friends.
Learn more about the best beaches in Hong Kong.
Tai Long Wan, Sai Kung, Hong Kong
2. Tikitiki Bowling Bar
For those of us who would rather stay indoors, head to the fabulous Tikitiki Bowling Bar. This wonderland boasts 10 bowling lanes, three bars and a live band. The décor is fun and beachy, with woven Polynesian-inspired furniture and lit with flashy fluorescent lights. What can be more delightful than drinking a Mai Tai with your pals while knocking over some pins? This quirky joint also offers a whole range of food – from flaming lobsters to tender chicken skewers to spicy veggie samosas – yum!
For more bowling alleys, head this way!
Tikitiki Bowling Bar, 4/F, Centro, 1A Chui Tong Road, Sai Kung, Hong Kong, p. 2657 8488
3. Four Pools
Continuing with the theme of four, be sure to check out the four consecutive pools and falls in Sai Kung along the Sheung Luk stream. Getting there requires a hike, but once there, you can go for a dip in one of the natural pools or have a scenic picnic. A word of warning: the eight-metre drop at the end may seem like the perfect Instagram challenge for the daredevils, but diving there is extremely dangerous and has resulted in fatalities. Stay safe in groups and take extra caution when you visit.
Check out Hong Kong’s best waterfalls.
4. Splash Hong Kong
Have you ever dreamed of exotic underwater vacations, but don’t want to spend your holidays learning to dive? At Splash, you can learn to dive on weekends! The dive shop is PADI-certified and offers a wide range of classes to suit your needs. They also offer weekend dive excursions around Hong Kong as well as longer trips to the Philippines, Malaysia, and other exciting destinations. It’s definitely one of the funnest things to do in Sai Kung.
Splash Hong Kong, 1/F, 10C Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, Hong Kong, p. 2792 4495
5. Yim Tin Tsai Village
A 15-minute boat ride away from the Sai Kung Pier is Yim Tin Tsai, an abandoned village on a small offshore island. In its heyday, the island had over a thousand inhabitants, but since the decline of the salt industry, people moved away. Now, it’s a fascinating place for the nerd inside everyone, as you can roam around the 0.24sq-km ghost island steeped in history. While you’re exploring, be sure to snap a pic of the spooky homes.
Yim Tin Tsai Village, Sai Kung, Hong Kong
6. Go island hopping
There are plenty of islands you can get to from Sai Kung Ferry Pier – just hire a sampan! Whether you want to venture to Sharp Island, Hap Mun Bay, or Tai Long Wan, you’re in for a scenic treat with pristine beaches you’re not likely to find anywhere else in Hong Kong. For starters, you can literally cross the sea from one island to another at Sharp Island by walking on a rock path on low tide. Just load up on sunscreen (very important).
7. High Island Reservoir
Part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, the High Island Reservoir makes you forget that you’re in Hong Kong. With no buildings in sight, just the sun, sea, and mountains, it’s a surreal feeling of freedom (okay, we got too into it maybe!). There are two roads leading to the reservoir that connect the East Dam and the West Dam – you can either hop on a bus and then walk, or go straight there by hailing a cab. The East Dam is more picturesque with vertical volcanic rock formations that are just close enough to touch! Tsk tsk, it’s a 140 million year old volcanic history – you definitely don’t want to miss this one.
8. The Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course
A public golf course is a rare commodity, naturally one has to take advantage of it when at Sai Kung! Having said that, expect crowds as the slots will be fully booked. There are three sections, the North Course being the largest, but all three golf courses have 18 holes and lush views of the Sai Kung Peninsula. Accessible by a ferry ride from Sai Kung Ferry Pier, the entrance fee is more affordable compared to the pricy private golf courses and makes a perfect day out.
9. Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant
This family-run, Michelin-recommended restaurant is not to be missed when you’re in Sai Kung. Overlooking the Sai Kung Harbour, Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant is serious about serving you the freshest seafood you can find in town. In fact, you can nab a fresh catch from the junks in the water, then bring it over to Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant and tell them how you want it cooked. Alternatively, you can take your pick from the massive tanks at the restaurant that house everything from crabs to shrimps. Be sure to get a taste of the dim sum here as well – no-frills classics that are just as popular with diners as the seafood.
Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant, 53 Sai Kung Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung, Hong Kong, p. 2791 1195
10. Little Cove Espresso
One of the most popular cafes in Hong Kong, Little Cove Espresso is known for its delicious and healthy brunch food. This Insta-worthy hotspot may require a bit of a wait at peak hours, but a sit-down meal is definitely worth it. The sun-drenched cafe is the great stop to refuel after a long day exploring Sai Kung. On a clear day, park at an outdoor table and order a Red Dragon Smoothie Bowl and Smashed Avocado Toast – and you have yourself the perfect afternoon.
Little Cove Espresso (Sai Kung), Shop 1 and 2, G/F, Block A, Siu Yat Building, Sai Kung Hoi Pong Square, Sai Kung, Hong Kong, p. 6397 0875
[This article was originally published in March 2020 and updated in 2023 by Min Ji Park.]
