Brunch on a Boat! Grand Banks, NYC

Brunch on a Boat! Grand Banks, NYC

WanderingSnow is a storytelling-based lifestyle blog based in New York City run by Ellie Z. The name is derived from a combination of her interest in wandering discoveries through travel and food with her Chinese name Xue, which means snow.

Resident of New York City, Southern girl at heart, and Chinese roots in origin, this is a glimpse of her journey through the turns and corner of her late 20s onward! 

Chung Hom Kok Hike HONG KONG

Chung Hom Kok Hike HONG KONG

I am so glad that the third wave of COVID-19 in Hong Kong is subsiding (finally!!! hurray!); although we’ve been getting about 15-25 cases everyday the past week or so, I have still be practicing social distancing. This was an afternoon trip we took earlier in the summer before the third wave hit. It was rather empty so good option for those who are looking for a bit of break from staying inside everyday but still practice social distancing and staying safe!

Located in Stanley at the south of Hong Kong Island, the Chung Hom Kok area has gorgeous ocean views with a park that’s excellent for barbecue or just hanging out. It also features a beach that is not as well known as some of the other beaches around the neighborhood, which is great since in the times of COVID-19, that just means prime location! The neighborhood is peaceful enough and surrounded by nature, trees, and mansions that it’s also very walkable from one area to the next. 

Getting There

There are many ways to get there; we took a cab because we were lazy but the #40 minibus from Causeway Bay stops directly in front of the park and it’s only about at 25 minute ride! But if you actually want to hike and explore the surrounding areas, my suggestion is get off at the Chung Hom Kok Beach and walk to the park. If you are taking #40 minibus, that would be the Cape Drive stop.  

What to Do

Hike towards Chung Hom Kok Park from Chung Hom Kok Beach 

Views from Chung Hom Kok Hike along Chung Hom Kok Road

Get off at Chung Hom Kok Beach either by taxi or #40 minibus, and walk south towards Chung Hom Kok Park, which is about 1.8km one way. Chung Hom Kok Road leads straight there; although it is a vehicle roadway, there weren’t too many cars using it when we went and we bumped into only 2 other couples on the hike. The hike is relatively flat and manageable if you are looking to get it movin’ but not struggle or have a heat stroke in this hot humid summer weather! 

Photography and Instaflex

There are a few spots along the hike on Chung Hom Kok Road that gives view to the breath-taking waters of Chung Hom Wan and the hills west in the direction of Ocean Park. Because its from an elevated vantage point, it gives a unique perspective of the bays with the lush greenery and mountains as backdrop. 

The Chung Hom Kok Park itself is very small but it has two features that compliments any style of photography. Situated on a hill, the park has a set of stairs that leads to a downhill look out point. Both are nice spots to get your IG game on!

Lookout Point at Chung Hom Kok Park

Beach view barbecue area at Chung Hom Kok Park

Take a Dip in the Water at Chung Hom Kok Beach after the Hike

After exploring the Park, head back towards Chung Hom Kok Beach to enjoy a dip in the water. Cleaner and less crowded than most beaches we’ve been to thus far, the beach is a great place to relax and cool off after exploring the park. 

Explore the Neighborhood and Stop by Stanley Plaza

Only about 1.1km walk from the beach, Stanley Plaza is of course, always a great place to stop by to take a break, grab a beer, and get some munchies. Although, I do have to say - the drinks are very overly priced but then again, not too many options in the surrounding neighborhood. It is a great place to hang out, people watch, and enjoy the sunset! Right next to the bus stop and a taxi line, it’s also convenient to go back home. 

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Thank you so much to everyone who have been reading and supporting my website! I had a reader who took the time and effort to dm-ed me on instagram telling me that my guides were super helpful!!! I really really appreciated that and comments like these definitely gives me encouragement to continue to write and update the content on here!

While I do write these guides as a hobby and as reference for myself, they are also info, tips, and stories that I would also like to share with you all here. And hopefully they are helpful and interesting for you all too! Please feel free to drop me a dm or comment here or any of my other platforms too. Thanks so much for reading and stay safe and healthy!

XOXO

-Ellie 

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