Stanley
4
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Stanley is very different to other parts of Hong Kong, or completely different from what you think about Hong Kong. Stanley, located at the southern of Hong Kong island, is much more relaxed with beaches, hills and coves. You will find the western atmosphere in this small Chinese town.
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mosto
Hong Kong, China4,196 contributions
Mar 2021 • Solo
Stanley is a great getaway from the city for half or even one day. It’s easily accessible by public transport from various points in HK (see a picture I attached regarding public transportation). This time I took the bus 14 from Sai Wan Ho as it gives me a really scenic drive passing Tai Tai Reservoir, Turtle Cove and all the beautiful houses along Stanley Village Road. Stanley has a nice relaxed vibe. Those who want to do local shopping can be satisfied with the street markets there or some specialty or grocery shopping at the Plaza. Those who just want to explore can walk the seafront promenade, visit the pier, Murray House and the beautiful temples. Those who want to do some water sport activities can head to the seaside. Those who want to walk around nature can head to Ma Hang Park which is a gem (please see my review under Ma Hang park). There are alSo hiking trails which starts from various points in Stanley. And finally there’s some restaurants and bars to just sit, dine and chill.
Written March 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China175,759 contributions
Sep 2022
For those looking to do a bit of hiking around Stanley there are a couple of trails nearby including a short route up to see the weathered land formations known locally as Rhino Rock on the Stanley Peninsula south of the village as well as Devil's Paw and the Snoopy Rock in the area known as Chung Hom Kok just to the west of Stanley.
We recently hiked up to see Devil's Paw and Snoopy Rock combined with brief visits to the old battery and public park at the southern tip of Chung Hom Kok along with the local beach just to the north. To reach these two land formations from Stanley, one only needs to walk the trail through Ma Hang Park starting behind the Murray House. Make your way west to the end of the park. You will find yourself at a roadside roundabout. From here, follow Chung Hom Kok Road west to Cheshire House. Walk until you start to see the large boulders on the left (south) side of the road.
You will notice a dirt trailhead through rather dense forest. There are red ribbons tied to branches to help you stay on course, which is actually a bit challenging. You'll need to scale and scramble a bit and duck under some lower branches for a short 3-4 minute hike where you reach an opening. From here you can see the Devil's Paw for the first time. From here, you can wind your way along the trail until you find yourself just in front of very interesting and large rock formation. From up close the weather erosion patterns are quite neat to see. Views from here of the coastline and sea are pretty good while sky conditions are favourable.
From Devil's Paw you can continue to ascend trails further south for another 8-10 minutes until you will reach an exposed outcrop of boulders. This is where you find the Snoopy Rock. It is not clear and obvious but from certain angles, one of the boulders sort of looks like Snoopy. The massive and interesting boulders are really nice and panoramic views here are really nice as well.
The trail continues further south for a while past a couple more boulder batches before descending downward to Chung Hom Kok Road. From here, if you still have time and energy, you continue south along the main road to see the old coastal defence battery at the southern tip of the peninsula. Or you can begin to make your way back towards Stanley Village. Note, there is a pretty good public beach at Chung Hom Kok that you can make way to as well if you fancy a swim in the sea after your hike as well.
We recently hiked up to see Devil's Paw and Snoopy Rock combined with brief visits to the old battery and public park at the southern tip of Chung Hom Kok along with the local beach just to the north. To reach these two land formations from Stanley, one only needs to walk the trail through Ma Hang Park starting behind the Murray House. Make your way west to the end of the park. You will find yourself at a roadside roundabout. From here, follow Chung Hom Kok Road west to Cheshire House. Walk until you start to see the large boulders on the left (south) side of the road.
You will notice a dirt trailhead through rather dense forest. There are red ribbons tied to branches to help you stay on course, which is actually a bit challenging. You'll need to scale and scramble a bit and duck under some lower branches for a short 3-4 minute hike where you reach an opening. From here you can see the Devil's Paw for the first time. From here, you can wind your way along the trail until you find yourself just in front of very interesting and large rock formation. From up close the weather erosion patterns are quite neat to see. Views from here of the coastline and sea are pretty good while sky conditions are favourable.
From Devil's Paw you can continue to ascend trails further south for another 8-10 minutes until you will reach an exposed outcrop of boulders. This is where you find the Snoopy Rock. It is not clear and obvious but from certain angles, one of the boulders sort of looks like Snoopy. The massive and interesting boulders are really nice and panoramic views here are really nice as well.
The trail continues further south for a while past a couple more boulder batches before descending downward to Chung Hom Kok Road. From here, if you still have time and energy, you continue south along the main road to see the old coastal defence battery at the southern tip of the peninsula. Or you can begin to make your way back towards Stanley Village. Note, there is a pretty good public beach at Chung Hom Kok that you can make way to as well if you fancy a swim in the sea after your hike as well.
Written September 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lilu5575
Hong Kong, China60 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Have not been for many years.
Took a taxi from central costing $80. Much quicker option for more than one person.
Road entering Stanley was narrow and lots of traffic, if went ok public transport would have taken much much longer.
Shops were great, recommend for tourists definitely. Lots of options of food overlooking the sea from local (cheaper) to middle to seafood.
In general was a nice day, nice walks shopping and food was average but pricey.
As a tourist I would go if I had a spare 1/2 day. As a local I may return two years after.
Except for the shopping , is similar to Sai Kung or Cheung Chau island has fresher and cheaper dining
Took a taxi from central costing $80. Much quicker option for more than one person.
Road entering Stanley was narrow and lots of traffic, if went ok public transport would have taken much much longer.
Shops were great, recommend for tourists definitely. Lots of options of food overlooking the sea from local (cheaper) to middle to seafood.
In general was a nice day, nice walks shopping and food was average but pricey.
As a tourist I would go if I had a spare 1/2 day. As a local I may return two years after.
Except for the shopping , is similar to Sai Kung or Cheung Chau island has fresher and cheaper dining
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ilove2xplore
The Bund, China3,663 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Looking for place to chill - Stanley is best place to be ..a coastal town and a popular tourist attraction in Hong Kong. It is located on a on Hong Kong Island. It is east of Repulse Bay and west of Shek O, adjacent to Tai Tam.
Has a very relaxed vibe, but at the same time offers plenty to do and explore. You can chill at the beach, dine at one of the many cafes and restaurants on the promenade, or shop for antiques at the Stanley Market.This is a busy spot with lots of things to do. The beach itself is beautiful, long stretch of white sand which is good for swimming. It has a promenade where you can go for a walk, and the sunset/sunrise views are absolutely amazing 🤩
Has a very relaxed vibe, but at the same time offers plenty to do and explore. You can chill at the beach, dine at one of the many cafes and restaurants on the promenade, or shop for antiques at the Stanley Market.This is a busy spot with lots of things to do. The beach itself is beautiful, long stretch of white sand which is good for swimming. It has a promenade where you can go for a walk, and the sunset/sunrise views are absolutely amazing 🤩
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krazz
Melbourne, Australia213 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
It was an easy and scenic bus ride from the city, we took bus 6. We visited on a weekday so the crowds were much less. It is quite different being away from the city and see the beach. The promenade is a nice walk with shops lining the street. Stanley market was ok but some shops were not open. Stanley Plaza had some shops and a supermarket. We also walked on the other side past Murray house and part of Ma Hang Park. Overall a nice day out.
Written September 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yumyum29
Manchester, UK223 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
The market is still great, smaller than most of the famous H.K markets but the vibe is nice. Since we visited last a while new shopping arcade has been built which I suppose was going to happen but there are still the little cafes on the beach front which seem to be still thriving.
Stanley Murray house houses some upmarket stalls selling home made jewellery, crafts and ornaments.
The little pier gives a beautiful view out across the beach.
Stanley Murray house houses some upmarket stalls selling home made jewellery, crafts and ornaments.
The little pier gives a beautiful view out across the beach.
Written January 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jenkle89
Hendaye, France417 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Such a lovely place to take a day trip to get away from the busy city. We had fun exploring the market, temples and the beautiful bay. There is a little walk further on from the pier that offers beautiful views, there is even a little cove.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matz🇭🇰🇱🇰🇻🇳🇲🇴🇦🇺🇸🇽🇺🇸🇪🇸🇲🇲
Hong Kong, China1,497 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
We took 14 bus from Sao Wan Ho and got down at Stanley fort militarily base
The hike is short but climb is hard. O e we got on to top had to go down towards the beach for 1/2 km passing many rocks to get to the Rhino 🦏 rock
Beautiful landscape of nature
The hike is short but climb is hard. O e we got on to top had to go down towards the beach for 1/2 km passing many rocks to get to the Rhino 🦏 rock
Beautiful landscape of nature
Written April 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom11,254 contributions
Mar 2021
Many tourists only get as far as the famous Stanley Markets but if you explore just a little further, Stanley also has a couple of good beaches, a lively waterfront promenade with a stretch of bars and restaurants, Ma Hang Park and historic buildings like Blake Pier, the colonial police station and Murray House as well as several temples.
In particular Ma Hang Park gets largely overlooked but it has easy, short hiking trails and boardwalks that lead you past coastal views and the Pak Tai and Kwun Yum temples. Entry is free.
Stanley is an excellent half day trip. Several Citybus buses run directly there from the Central bus terminus at Exchange Square (6, 6A, 6X and 260). They run regularly and take between 30 – 50 minutes. Taxis are reasonably inexpensive (about $80HKD) but if you have the time, it is well worth taking the bus. Sit upstairs on the double-decker to get the most out of the scenic trip as the bus hurtles around the narrow winding coastline road, past Repulse Bay and Deepwater Bay. Kids will enjoy this and at times, it’s not unlike an amusement park ride, especially if you have the front seats at the top. If you have a full day to explore, then you might like to get off at Repulse Bay, have a quick look around and continue onto Stanley.
In particular Ma Hang Park gets largely overlooked but it has easy, short hiking trails and boardwalks that lead you past coastal views and the Pak Tai and Kwun Yum temples. Entry is free.
Stanley is an excellent half day trip. Several Citybus buses run directly there from the Central bus terminus at Exchange Square (6, 6A, 6X and 260). They run regularly and take between 30 – 50 minutes. Taxis are reasonably inexpensive (about $80HKD) but if you have the time, it is well worth taking the bus. Sit upstairs on the double-decker to get the most out of the scenic trip as the bus hurtles around the narrow winding coastline road, past Repulse Bay and Deepwater Bay. Kids will enjoy this and at times, it’s not unlike an amusement park ride, especially if you have the front seats at the top. If you have a full day to explore, then you might like to get off at Repulse Bay, have a quick look around and continue onto Stanley.
Written March 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China175,759 contributions
Apr 2011
Stanley is a real anomaly for Hong Kong. It has the relaxed seaside environment of Sai Kung, the street markets of Mongkok, mixed with a combination of Central and TST area restaurants and bars. Sprinkle in a nice seaside and a decent beach and you have a great destination (attraction area) to visit while in Hong Kong.
We really enjoy Stanley and try to visit several times a year to spend half a day or so and regularly send our friends and family there when they visit Hong Kong. We consider Stanley to be a top 10-15 attraction in Hong Kong, something that visitors should try to make time for.
It is very close to Ocean Park and Aberdeen thus it can make a decent stop after visiting our famous theme park or you can just head out for a morning or afternoon trip. There is not enough to do/see to spend the entire day here. Just make it a couple of hours to 1/2 day trip.
We really enjoy Stanley and try to visit several times a year to spend half a day or so and regularly send our friends and family there when they visit Hong Kong. We consider Stanley to be a top 10-15 attraction in Hong Kong, something that visitors should try to make time for.
It is very close to Ocean Park and Aberdeen thus it can make a decent stop after visiting our famous theme park or you can just head out for a morning or afternoon trip. There is not enough to do/see to spend the entire day here. Just make it a couple of hours to 1/2 day trip.
Written June 15, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What time are the markets open and do they do a Christmas market?
Written September 7, 2019
The market opens around 9-10 each day as does the eatery’s around the water front, as for a Christmas market I don’t think there’s any change apart from product but in saying that it’s still worth a visit if you want to have a quite relaxing day during the week as it does get a bit busier on weekends. Also as a plus a short walk from the market area is the Stanley prison museum well worth a visit but check online as it’s closed i think on Wednesday’s and public holidays.
Written September 15, 2019
There are a variety of items for exports mainly from China. I don’t think they are high end.
Written August 6, 2018
I am going to Hongkong shortly and staying in Stanley. Can anyone recommend a really good tailor in Stanley who makes bespoke womens jackets/suits?
Written November 6, 2017
I think you should head to Tsim Sha sui for a tailor as you will have options to choose from and will be spoiled for choice.
Written November 27, 2017
There is a mexican restaurant and I am sure you will find vegetarian on the menu.. There are also Chinese places which have noodle dishes..
Written September 13, 2017
how can i reserve a junk boat from central to stanley? thanks.
Written June 29, 2015
I haven't tried the junk boat over there. I know there was one around Tsim Sha Tsui but I am not sure it stopped servicing or not.
I regard taking the boat in Tai O is much more fun in my mind.
Written June 30, 2015
Hi, I am looking to visit Hong Kong Island. My intention is to first get the peak tram in the morning to see the view then go to Stanley Market and have lunch there. Is there a local bus that goes from Victoria Peak to Stanley. Also does the bus go through Aberdeen as if there is time I would like to see the floating village. Am I better just to join a tour that will do all 3. thanks
Written March 23, 2015
Hi yes you can take a bus to the peak and from the peak to Stanley and to Aberdeen. Do you mean the floating village on Lamma island? You can catch the ferry or hire a junk from Aberdeen . And there is a ferry from central to lamma island. Or do u mean the floating village on Lantau island,to which you can catch a bus from hung tong train/bus terminal
Written March 26, 2015
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