Stanley is one of the most popular spots for tourists in Hong Kong. It’s located in the southern part of Hong Kong Island. There are lots of Western style cafes and bars. You can enjoy the sea breeze and drinks after shopping at the Stanley market.
It’s not a place only for tourists. When I lived in Hong Kong, I used to go there on my holidays. I lived in Tsim Sha Tsui, the area on the peninsula–China mainland side, and I loved travelling from my place to Stanley by bus.
The bus towards Stanley from Tsim Sha Tsui is the #973 which we took in this trip. The whole journey takes about 80 minutes. It’s quite long, but you will love the scenery from the windows on the way.
It departs Tsim Sha Tsui East and travels to Hong Kong Island via the underwater tunnel. Then, you will see the old town stretched out on the steep slopes.
It goes down south, on the east side of the island. After climbing up the narrow road where the tropical tree branches scratch the roof of the bus, you suddenly have a turquoise blue ocean view on your right hand.
I recommend you have seats on the right side on the upper deck of the bus, by the way.
When the bus starts going down, you might be slightly disappointed, but your journey hasn’t finished yet.
It goes through Aberdeen which is one of the fishing ports in Hong Kong. You will see a cute pier where some wooden boats are moored.
After the small town with industrial buildings, it goes up on the hills again. The bus continues going up and down a few slopes and then it reaches the beaches. There are a few sand beaches on the south coast of Hong Kong Island and you can see the luxurious apartments facing the ocean along the beach as well.
Finally, you arrive at Stanley Plaza where there is a shopping mall, restaurants and bars. After you walk through those fancy cafes, there will be an arcaded path sided by gift shops.
It’s fun to have drinks in a seaside restaurant or shopping in the market, but the 80-minute bus journey is also enjoyable and it costs only HK$14.5.
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