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Big Wave Bay

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village
—°4
Big Wave Bay (Hong Kong SAR China)
ℹ️

Practical info — Big Wave Bay

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The beach gets extremely busy on summer weekends; arrive before 10 AM to secure a spot.
  • It's the official end of the popular Dragon's Back hiking trail, making it a great place to rest after the hike.
  • You can rent surfboards and umbrellas directly at the village stalls, no need to bring your own.
  • Minibus queues back to the city can be long in the late afternoon; consider leaving earlier or later.

🍽 Food

🍽
Beachside Pizza

Enjoy a slice at the relaxed, open-air cafes right next to the beach.

🍽
Cha Chaan Teng Fare

Grab a classic Hong Kong-style milk tea and a pineapple bun at a local village eatery.

🍽
Cold Beer and Skewers

Excellent after a hike or a swim, available at the casual beach bars.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Surf Gear

Small shops in the village offer surfing apparel, wax, and beach essentials.

🛍
Souvenirs

Pick up a few quirky beach-themed items from the village stores.

🧘
Prehistoric Rock Carving

A short walk from the beach leads to a declared monument featuring ancient geometric patterns.

🧘
Tai Long Wan Picnic Area

A quiet, shaded spot just off the main path for a peaceful break.

Big Wave Bay (Tai Long Wan) is a characterful coastal village situated at the eastern tip of Hong Kong Island, renowned as the island's premier surfing destination. It provides a stark contrast to the city's urban density, featuring a laid-back atmosphere with narrow lanes and a crescent-shaped sandy beach. A significant cultural highlight is the prehistoric rock carving located near the shore, a designated monument believed to date back to the Bronze Age. The village is also the celebrated endpoint of the Dragon's Back hiking trail, making it a favorite spot for hikers to unwind at local open-air cafes. Despite its popularity, Big Wave Bay retains a rustic, village-like feel with its cluster of small houses and surf shops. The combination of ancient history, reliable swell for surfers, and its role as a natural getaway makes it one of the most unique and cherished corners of Hong Kong Island.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C171820232628292928262319
Rain mm403185112247294216253195693226

Geography

Population
20,683 (2023)
Coordinates
22.24580, 114.24820

Facts

  • Beach length: 200 meters
  • Number of surf schools: 4
  • Population: approx. 300
  • First surf festival: 2005
  • Distance from Shek O: 3 km
  • Maximum wave height record: 4.5 m

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Big Wave Bay (4)

Cape Collinson Lighthouse📍 landmark

Cape Collinson Lighthouse was built in 1876 and guides ships into Victoria Harbour.

Big Wave Bay Beach🎡 recreation

Located in Big Wave Bay, this popular stretch of beach entices with its wide expanse of sand. It is a fantastic spot to feel the sea breeze and leave the daily grind behind. The often energetic waves give the bay its unique character. Anyone who loves the sea will definitely find their bliss here.

Dragon's Back📍 landmark

Dragon's Back is a famous hiking trail with panoramic views in Big Wave Bay.

Cape Collinson Battery Searchlight (North)🏺 historical

These are the ruins of the former Cape Collinson battery searchlight in Big Wave Bay.

Frequently asked questions

Is Big Wave Bay good for surfing?
Yes, it is Hong Kong's most popular spot for surfing due to its consistent swell.
Are there any prehistoric sites there?
Yes, there is an ancient rock carving on the shore that is a declared national monument.
Can you rent surfing gear there?
Several small shops in the village rent out surfboards and wetsuits by the hour or day.
How to get there after hiking?
The Dragon's Back trail leads directly down to the bay, making it a first-rate post-hike stop.
Are there cafes on the beach?
There are basic beachside cafes serving snacks, pizza, and cold drinks to visitors.
Big Wave Bay: where is it located?
Big Wave Bay is located in Hong Kong SAR China.
Big Wave Bay: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cape Collinson Lighthouse, Big Wave Bay Beach, Dragon's Back.
Big Wave Bay: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.
Big Wave Bay: why is it worth visiting?
Big Wave Bay (Tai Long Wan) is a characterful coastal village situated at the eastern tip of Hong Kong Island, renowned as the island's premier surfing destination.
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