Shek-O Village: A Relaxing Day Out
Shek-O Village, with its cloistered alleys, lies on Hong Kong Island’s southeastern edge at the end of the appropriately named Shek-O Road. This two lane road, the only road into this small hamlet, creases the southern side of the mountainous Hong Kong Island with breathtaking twists and dips. A day in Shek-O, which aptly means rocky bay, can be spent.
(1) Hiking Tai Tau Chau Island – This rocky island is connected to the Shek-O headland via a bright light blue stone bridge. On Tai Tau Chau, follow a gently rising figure eight path through the stubby green plants and rocky hillside to a small open pagoda.
(2) Going to Shek-O’s main beach – Rental chairs, drink/food vendors and a white sandy beach guarded by green hillsides, make for a relaxing break.
(3) Wandering through Shek-O Village – The village’s serpentine, colorful alleys make it feel like you are navigating a Salvador Dali painting with a Cracker Jack compass. Street names, if existing, are not publicized which enables you to twist past fuchsia stairs, sky blue fences (covered by drying fish), and endless purple and orange doors.
(4) Eating and drinking at western and Asian restaurants – Chinese, Thai and Pizza restaurants exist near Shek-O’s main, and only, intersection. For a bit of adventure, it is possible to rent a grill on Shek-O beach pile it with fish, meat and vegetables purchased from markets in the village.
