Your neighbourhood guide to Shek O
There is more to the vibrant southeastern coast than its well-liked beachesApart from its eponymous beach, Shek O is also famed for its scenic seascape and easy access. The quaint village attracts outdoor buffs and barbecue lovers for a weekend out in the sun. Home to two world-famous hiking trails, Dragon’s Back and Cape D’Aguilar, you’ll find unique geographical features and breathtaking views of the vast ocean in the area. Here are some of the best activities and eateries for your next weekend day trip at Shek O.
Read more: Your neighbourhood guide to Stanley
Things to do
Shek O Beach and Shek O Back Beach
With its wide expanse of golden soft sand and unbeatable views of the hillside, Shek O is a local favourite. Attracting families and beach bums, Shek O Beach can be crowded on weekends. For a less-packed alternative, head to the other side of the headland to Shek O Back Beach, also known as the Rocky Bay Beach, which looks out to Tung Lung Chau. Grab a beer at Ben’s Back Beach Bar and chill out with your family and pets.
Read more: Best beaches in Hong Kong
Barbecue
Another reason why Shek O is a family favourite – it has one of the biggest public barbecue sites with 40 pits. And if that isn’t enough to impress you, the beach also boasts stores and privately-run barbecue areas where you can get unlimited time grilling by the sea.
Read more: Your ultimate Hong Kong barbecue guide
Rainbow Village
Shek O Village is a visual feast. Follow the alley that leads into the village and find two-storey houses painted in contrasting colours. With vibrant blooms and herbs lined up in the front yards, the bright and flashy neighbourhood makes for a popular Instagram spot.
Cape D’Aguilar
Tucked away in the south peninsula of Shek O, Cape D’Aguilar looks out to the South China Sea. This well-paved track is filled with all sorts of interesting things to see. You’ll find the Thunder Cave, the arch-shaped Crab Cave and even a skeleton of a whale at The University of Hong Kong Swire Institute of Marine Science.
Dragon’s Back
Dragon’s Back, meanwhile, needs no introduction. This popular track was crowned by CNN as one of the world’s 23 best trails. As part of the Hong Kong Trail, the hike spans across the ridge in Shek O Country Park, from Big Wave Bay to Tai Tam Bay. It takes you to the summit of Shek O Peak and overlooks the whole Shek O neighbourhood.
Read more: 5 easy Hong Kong hiking trails for beginners
Big Wave Bay
A good surf spot is not easy to find in Hong Kong. Just as its name suggests, the lapping waves at Big Wave Bay attracts surfers and beach lovers for a dip during the summer months. Sheltered between two headlands, the swell is modest and suitable for surfing amateurs. Don’t have your own board? Surfboard and wetsuit rentals are available at the beach.
Shek O Country Club
If you’ve got what it takes, try golfing by the sea at Shek O Country Club. Overlooking the ocean, this golf course on the southeastern coast is a dream to practise at, offering an exclusive golfing experience in the tranquil valley. Do note, though, that the club is members-only.
Tin Hau Temple
Once a fishermen’s village, Hong Kong has over a hundred temples dedicated to the guardian of the sea Tin Hau. The temple in Shek O happens to be a Grade III historic building, believed to be built before 1891. Contrasting with the colourful and modern houses along Shek O Village Road, the temple is easily recognised by the lanterns hanging at the entrance.
Restaurants
Cococabana
If you’re in need of a vacation, Cococabana takes you to the Mediterranean coast minus the hassle of travelling. Known for its fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavours, the beachside eatery is also loved for the spacious terrace that overlooks the turquoise waters. Chef and owner Jean-Paul Gauci stresses on sustainability and freshness with much of the meat and fish sourced organically and sustainably. This, in combination with the picturesque seaside, makes Cococabana a great spot for your Sunday family lunch.
Cococabana, G/F, Shek O Beach Building, Shek O Beach, 2812 2226
Read more: Best beach restaurants and bars in Hong Kong
Ben’s Back Beach Bar
Tucked behind the headland, the rocky back beach sets itself apart from the eateries at Shek O Beach with its less-cramped and relaxing atmosphere. Ben’s Back Beach Bar, known as ‘BBB’ to the locals, offers basic and cheap booze starting from $20. On a warm summer day, it’s the perfect hangout spot to get some chilled IPA.
Ben’s Back Beach Bar, Shek O Beach, 2809 2268
Sai Jai Thai Store
For a quick bite after a beach day, grab some skewers right off the grill at Sai Jai Thai Store. The Thai barbecue stall is generous with its portions, even though most items on the menu are $15 only. Served with Thai chilli and a nutty satay sauce, the skewers are charred to perfection and are as authentic as it can get.
Sai Jai Thai Store, 784B Shek O Village Road, Shek O
Ming’s Café
While the neighbourhood is filled with food stores serving Hong Kong-style snacks, a humble café at the street corner offers brunch plates and fragrant coffees. This semi-outdoor restaurant is hidden beneath ‘Hung Kee Store’ in a bright orange tent. From light saalds to filling plates of pasta, Ming’s is easily a favourite for beach-goers.
Ming’s Café, 401, Shek O Village, Shek O
Lam Au BBQ Store
Barbecuing by the sea is a must during summer. If bringing your own gear and packing your own pork chops is too much work, reserve a spot at Lam Au BBQ Store and have everything prepped for you. While the beach holds a large area of public barbecue pits, it can get be difficult to mark your spot during the weekends. Lam Au offers a stress-free barbecue experience, from starting the grill for you to providing an array of grill staples and utensils.
Lam Au BBQ Store, 856 Shek O Village Road, Shek O, 2809 4793
Feature image courtesy of Flickr
