Top 5 Things to Do During the Summer in HONG KONG
Summer time in Hong Kong can get mighty hot and insanely humid! Hence, most of my top 5 summer activities in Hong Kong either involve the water or air conditioning!
1.Hit the Beach
Don’t mistake this cosmopolitan city for having accessibility to urban activities only! I was also surprised to find that Hong Kong has so many beaches throughout its 3 major areas: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and New Territories. While a few of the popular beaches get quite busy on weekends, it’s never to the point where you cannot find a large amount of area to claim for yourself. Below are a few of my favorite public beaches in Hong Kong!
*Tip: for a more local and unique experience, check out Sai Wan Swimming Shed in Kennedy Town. A remnant of Hong Kong’s past, this swimming shed is one of the very few remaining ones in Hong Kong. A bit difficult to find, the swimming shed is built next to the rocky shores on the western side of Hong Kong island. Yes! You will be swimming in the ocean! No lifeguards are around so please swim with caution.
Stairs for Swimming Access (or instagram photos!) at Sai Wan Swimming Shed
2.Wake Surf or Wakeboard
An activity I got really into after living in Hong Kong is wake surfing and wakeboarding! Instructors and operators are easily bookable and at affordable prices here. Most popular locations to take out a boat for a few runs are Sai Kung and Taipo. Here’s my guide to all you need to know about wake surf and wakeboard in Hong Kong!
3.Junk Parties
I have never heard of this particular term prior to moving to Hong Kong as I think it’s something quite particular to the coastal and southeast Asian region. But upon moving, almost every.single.expat. I meet or already know here speaks extremely fondly of these all day junk parties.
What are they?
Junk parties are basically boat parties that can range anywhere between 20 people to a little over 80 people on older saipan boats, or otherwise known as “junks” or if you are bougie and fancier, some of the yacht parties are also coined the same term of “junk parties” due to the popularity and familiarity of the term.
The parties are usually all day (8 hours) where they will pick you up and drive to a nearby outer beach to dock. They usually offer water activities such as slides, extended pools, wakeboarding, banana boating (separate speed boats will come and pick up small groups of people). You can also either order direct catering and drinks or bring your own.
4.Check out the Pools
Pools are dime a dozen in a tropical city like Hong Kong. Most residential buildings are equipped with their own and many hotels of course also come with outdoor pools. There are also a number of public pools throughout various neighborhoods.
I’ve only tried the public pool in Kennedy Town, which is honestly such a wonderful space! I was pleasantly surprised. The facility comes with a full size olympic outdoor rooftop pool with sea views as well as an indoor 3 - 4 lane olympic size pool and kids pool. Entry is only $19 HKD per session that lasts up to 3 hours.
5.Rooftop Bars
What a great way to enjoy the views of Hong Kong while cooling off sipping on some nice cocktails or a glass of rose! Because Hong Kong has such a great combination of skyline, ocean, and a lot of both of these elements in its views, rooftop bars are a great way to relax during the beautiful sunny summer months. Below are a few of my favorites:
FAYE in California Tower LKF - great space with views of Sheungwan and Central
Wooloomooloo Rooftop Bar in Wanchai - fantastic views of Central to Causeway Bay. However, drinks are not so great.
OZONE Ritz Carlton - On the 118th floor of ICC, the tallest building in the city, the views of this bar are out of this world! Specialty cocktails are quite delicious. Seating with a view is first come first serve basis so be sure to get there early or go on off-peak hours to get a spot.
