Can't believe it is already my fourth column on secret wonders in Hong Kong! Summer is in full swing, so I want to introduce two beaches where locals like to hangout and enjoy the sun! Other than popular beaches like Stanley Beach and Repulse Bay, there are close to 50 other beaches in Hong Kong for you to explore. More specifically, I will introduce places that are connected to accessible hiking routes, so there's something out there for hiking lovers too!

These two beaches are located at the Eastern end of the Hong Kong Island. To get there, you can take MTR to Shau Kei Wan Station, and catch bus or mini-buses straight to the two beaches. However, if you are up for getting some extra exercise, I recommend hiking through the Dragon's Back Trail (officially named as Hong Kong Trail Section 8) to get to the two beaches. The name "Dragon's Back" (龍脊) came from the curviness of the mountain ridges, as if it were a dragon resting on the ocean.

Instead of getting off the bus or mini-bus at the beaches, you can get off earlier at To Di Wan Stop (which is on Shek O Road). The starting point is marked with a clear map and signs (image above). Take note that there are not many trees to provide shades for the first half of the route, so be sure to bring enough water and sunscreen, as you'll be exposed to the sun for a long period of time. After trekking up 200 meters of uphill section that are mostly stairs (image below), you will be greeted by a breath-taking view of the Shek O Peninsula. Follow the route on the right, it will lead you to an open area at the side of the mountain. I usually take my time to sit at the cliff (it is absolutely safe), so that I can soak in the scenery and perhaps ponder about life.

To continue the hike, take left at the original fork of the road. The path will continue along the ridge top of Dragon's Back, passing through Shek O Peak at 284 meters. On a windy day, you might even find people paragliding from the mountain! Soon, you will get to forest paths at the mid-slops of Wan Cham Shan (mountain). This part is shaded with wide variety of plants, fungus, rocks and streams along the way. It is certainly a good break from the sun and heat from the earlier part of the hike.

After around 1 hour, you'll get to another fork of the road that either leads to Tai Tam Gap or Big Wave Bay. Continue on to the Big Wave Bay direction on the wide concrete road. Soon arriving at the pavilion at Pottinger Peak, where you can glimpse the full view of Chai Wan to Tseung Kwan O. It is also a place to take a short break before finishing off the rest of the trip. Follow the sign and turn right into the last part of the forest trail. After around 30 minutes, you will arrive at Big Wave Bay!

Big Wave Bay, named after its heavy waves in fall and winter, is Hong Kong's surfing paradise. But this place is still buzzing throughout summer! There are small restaurants at the Big Wave Bay area so you can rest up and grab some food and drinks. If you want to spice up your time there, you can borrow beach umbrellas, beach chairs, floaties and even camping equipment from the multiple shops. For surfers, the shops will also lend out surf boards! There is even a designated section of the ocean for surfers! Definitely a must-go for surfers from different levels. Just a side note, the beach can get quite crowded on weekends, but it'll certainly be a nice getaway from the city.

Just a 10 minutes bus ride away, Shek O Beach is another popular option. The place is also well-facilitated, and certainly a popular spot for locals. There are even 40 public BBQ pits and some private BBQ area if you want to enjoy some food with friends! Check it out if you are craving for a delicious meal.

Interestingly, there is yet another beach named as "Big Wave" (in Cantonese) in Sai Kung! It is also a great getaway that can be reached by foot. In fact, there are 4 beaches that are connected to each other on the same route (image below), so I'm sure there will be one that catches your eye.

To get there, you'll first have to head to Sai Kung town center – usually through combination of MTR + bus or MTR + minibus, depending on where you are making the connection. Then, take Bus 96R from Sai Kung Bus Terminal and alight at Pak Tam Au stop.

From there, you'll be taking the MacLehose Trail eastwards to Ham Tin Beach. It will take about two hours – depending on the speed you go, as the trail involves some steep uphill and downhill. On the way, you shall pass through Chek Keng, which has a pier and a peaceful look out of the area. After some winding roads and hilly slopes, you will arrive at the Ham Tin village. Head towards On Kee store and tip-toe through the famous wooden "bridge", you will be welcomed by a serene beach with heavy waves.

This place is definitely lovely and usually less crowded when compared to other public beaches. I love sunbathing here with a good book and an cold drink or frolick with friends on the beach. There are two stores/restaurants here that will provide food and bathroom facility. Some even hoist camps on the beach as the place is perfect for watching sunrise. However, it might not be the best idea to do so in the hot summers as mosquitoes are prevelent.

If you still have energy to explore further, follow the MacLehose Trail for about an hour and you will end up at Tai Long Sai Wan. From the mountain trail, you can overlook the green-blue ocean that is glittering under the summer sun. Silvery sands and clear blue water can never go wrong! But please note that both Ham Tin Beach and Tai Long Sai Wan is not supervised by lifeguards so be careful of safety if you decide to swim here.

After a full day of ocean and sun, it is time to head back to the city. Follow the MacLehose Trail towards the direction of Sai Wan Pavilion. Once you get there, either take a taxi or 29R private bus back to Sai Kung town.

Note : The route I suggested above is actually the path less taken – most people will start out from Sai Wan Pavilion and end at Pak Tam Au. Both ways work! I personally prefer to start out with the longer hike and that is why I choose to start at Pak Tam Au.

Hopefully this column will give a sneak peak into the many amazing hiking trails and beaches in Hong Kong! There are simply a lot of ways to escape the fast-paced city and get your dose of "Vitamin Sea"~ On that note, please leave me a comment on what other things you want to try or do in Hong Kong and I shall try to share something new in my next column!