Alison

~ Day Tripping to Stanley, Hong Kong ~

During our recent stay in Hong Kong we paid a visit to Stanley for old time’s sake. I used to love going there on the odd occasion with friends for shopping and lunch. I can’t believe I used to drive, I was much braver in those days! Merging fearlessly onto the four lane highway and going up and over flyovers. This time we took the bus, which is also a great way to see the surrounding countryside, especially if you’re lucky enough to get front row top deck seats.

Once off the freeway the roads become very narrow and the trees and branches knock and scratch at the windows.

Red Hill Plaza overlooking Tai Tam Beach
Tai Tam Beach

Hong Kong, surprisingly for many, has some beautiful beaches. Some are only accessible by boat.

Unlucky for us the front row was
already taken
Tai Tam Reservoir
Crossing over the reservoir
Mount Parker
Tai Tam Reservoir

Stanley is named after Lord Stanley (subsequently Earl of Derby), British Colonial Secretary at the time of the cession of Hong Kong to the United Kingdom, and subsequently Prime Minister. Stanley Fort is situated here, the former British Army barracks, and is now occupied by the People’s Liberation Army.

It is mostly famous for the market and bars and restaurants along the promenade and is situated on the peninsula of Hong Kong Island.

Murray House in the background
French Oysters for Lunch

The market is not the same as it was and mostly full of tourist stalls and art galleries. I remember my first visit to Stanley and was in awe of all the beautiful silk clothes for sale. I bought myself a raw silk suit and silk blouse for work. Realising too late that silk is not the ideal material to wear in 90% humidity!

Detailed paintings from a gallery in the market

A typical side alley in Stanley, also trying to work our way back to the bus stop through the labyrinth of alleys.

I enjoyed our time in Stanley, walking down memory lane, an hour or two is enough to explore and have a nice lunch. Then it was time to get back on the bus back to Central.

Deepwater Bay
Repulse Bay

27 comments

  3. Lovely, we always hop on the bus across to Stanley whenever we’re in Hong Kong. I can remember the market being really good when we used to go years ago and coming away with lots of things but in recent visits we haven’t been tempted to buy anything. It”s still a lovely place for a stroll and lunch by the water. Glad you both enjoyed your trip down memory lane.

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  4. You’re making Hong Kong sound more alluring with each post. I see in the comments that you’re heading to Albania – we did a tour a few years ago so can offer advice if you need any (you might do, it’s very interesting and varied, and unlike much of the rest of Europe).

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    • Thanks Phil, will be about ten days
      Will maybe hire a car
      So far I have Tirana, Kruje Berat Himare and something gjk..and ending up in Sarande to take ferry to Corfu for a few days

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      • Ah well then. Our tour was pre-COVID so in the days when we were genuinely backpacking
        as in, turning up and finding a bed. Like lots of capital cities, Tirana is nothing like the rest
        of the country. Rural Albania is so poor and so behind the times, Tirana is lively and boisterous.
        Make sure you have at least one night out in the Blokku district of Tirana. Our route was
        Pristina (capital of Kosovo), Valbona (possibly the most beautiful mountain destination we’ve
        visited so far), Himare (nice coastal area but VERY rustic), Berat (beautiful city in a wonderful
        setting with amazing Ottoman architecture), then Tirana. The country is absolutely beautiful.
        very behind the times and (outside of Tirana) sensationally cheap! All I would add is, just
        take a look at Valbona and the Accursed Mountains before you finalise your schedule. It may
        be a bit too rustic for you but oh my God is it beautiful!!

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      • Thanks Phil, I did look at at Valbona, I don’t think I can fit it all in! I’ve read many articles on not spending too much time in Tirana so just a couple of nights there

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  7. Looks like a great day out, although I’ll pass on the oysters (they tend to have an unpleasant effect on me!) I see mention of a visit to Tirana in your comment above – let me know if you want any tips 🙂

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