Shek O (石 澳) is a small beachside village located on the southern side of Hong Kong island. It used to be inhabited by fishermen some 200 years ago. These days, Shek O is popular as a convenient beach getaway for the city folks as it is only about an hour from Central.
It takes a 30 minute bus ride on a narrow twisting road on Bus #9 from Shau Kei Wan to Shek O. En route, you will get to see the picturesque views of Tai Tam Bay and Island Bay.
The narrow twisting road to Shek O
View from the bus
A glimpse of Shek O beach from the bus
The moment we disembarked from the bus, a group of ladies approached to enquire if we need to rent a parasol and sundeck lounge chair. And they chase after every bus that arrives. It definitely takes a lot of stamina to keep it up the whole day under the hot scorching sun!
Shek O Bus Terminus
These ladies canvassing business for their parasols and sundeck chairs
Parasols and sundeck lounge chairs for rent
With its white sandy beach and proximity to Central, it’s no wonder that Shek O beach is popular with beach goers. As we were there on a weekday, the beach was not very busy but I can imagine what it is like on a weekend or public holiday.
White sandy Shek O beach
Though the beach is small, it is clean and there are lifeguards on duty. It also has showers, toilets and changing room facilities.
Clear blue sea and fine white sandy beach
The sun worshippers with the lifeguard stations in the background
Shops catering to the needs of the beach goers lined the main street towards the beach. After working up an appetite at the beach, there are numerous restaurants, quirky cafes, cha chan tengs and beachside fine dining to whet one’s appetite.
A row of shops on the main strip to the beach
Happy Garden, a Thai food restaurant seems to be quite popular
Apart from the beach, the small but charming Shek O Village (石 澳村) is also worth a visit. The village has a very rustic ambience with its colourful houses, narrow roads, well kept backlanes and places of worship.
A row of colourful houses
A painting on the wall of a house in Shek O Village
A well kept backlane
Thien Hau Temple (天后庙) in the village
Shek O is also home to the popular hiking trail, Dragon Back which provides a dramatic view of Hong Kong’s beaches, bays and the South China Sea. However as it was a hot sunny day and we were not prepared for a hike, we skipped the trail. Well that’s an excuse for another visit, I guess……………………
