History

The source of Repulse Bay’s unusual English name remains a mystery; some say that it was a pirate enclave that was repulsed by the British Navy, while others claim that it was named after British military ship, the HMS Repulse. What we do know for sure is that the name’s earliest use can be traced back to 1845, when it appeared on a map of Hong Kong created by Lt TB Collinson.

The Bay’s reputation as a chichi day out was cemented with the opening of the Repulse Bay Hotel in the 1920s. Built by the Kadoorie family, the hotel has attracted A-listers such as Ernest Hemmingway, George Bernard Shaw and Marlon Brando over the years, and continues to draw visitors to its chic, shady verandas and lush lawns to this day.

Repulse Bay’s development as a high-end residential area began in earnest in the 1960s, and today it is known as one of the world’s priciest places to own a home districts, with notable local residents including Li Ka-shing, Nicholas Tse and Henry Cheng.

Repulse Bay Beach

Repulse Bay beach was first made accessible to swimmers in 1910, when day-trippers could board a bus from Central to spend a day beside the sea. At 292 metres long, it is one of Hong Kong’s longest beaches, although, due to its popularity, it was artificially extended some years ago – look out for the coarser-textured sand closest to the shore, when compared to the finer grains further up the beach.

These days, beach-goers are spoiled for choice when it comes to enjoying a day out on Repulse Bay’s sandy shores. Arrive by bus, taxi or car – there’s ample parking at The Repulse Bay and Pulse complexes, or along Beach Road. Once you’re on the beach, you’ll find clean changing rooms with toilets and showers, along with playground equipment. If you’re early enough, you may be able to nab a shady spot under the trees – otherwise you may wish to bring a sunshade as there is no umbrella rental at the beach.

As with most of Hong Kong’s gazetted beaches, Repulse Bay is a safe spot for swimmers, with a lifeguard station that is manned throughout the April-October high season, and shark nets encasing the bay. Water quality can vary by season, so if you’re planning a paddle, do check the Environmental Protection Department’s water quality update before you visit.

Lifeguard’s Pavillion

Aside from dipping your toes in the South China Sea, Repulse Bay’s other must-visit attraction is the vibrant Lifeguards temple complex, which lies at the far southeast of the beach and pays tribute to Kwun Yam, the Goddess of Mercy. This Taoist and Buddhist shrine is notable for its riot of gorgeously primary-coloured statues of gods, mythical creatures and other deities, as well as its picturesque pagoda that juts into the sea – a favourite venue for many a happy couple’s pre-wedding photography. Don’t forget to cross the Longevity Bridge at the temple’s edge – it’s reputed that each crossing adds three days to your life!

As you explore, look out for the temple’s smallest – but arguably most important – statue. The God of Wealth is said to bring good fortune to those who rub his figurine. Another fortune-focused model is that of the leaping Fish of Prosperity – visitors throw money into his open mouth to guarantee auspicious times ahead.

Repulse Bay Dining

Although Repulse Bay doesn’t offer the public barbecue pits that many of its neighbouring Southside beaches enjoy, there are no shortage of great places to refuel after a long day playing in the water.

The Pulse is Repulse Bay’s newest dining and shopping hub – the beachfront development was opened in 2014 and has quickly become one of the Bay’s major landmarks. You’ll find family-friendly beachfront dining at Classified, Amalfitana Pizzeria, Fratelli Pasta, Coffee Academics, Limewood, Meen and Rice, Sip Song and Shoku Japanese Grill, along with sweet treats from Häagen-Dazs. Also in The Pulse is a Marketplace supermarket that is perfect for picnickers, along with a selection of sports, family and lifestyle stores. The Pulse is also home to family members’ club Maggie and Rose – the club’s first Hong Kong outpost opened here in 2015 and continues to draw families from around the area with its selection of clubs, classes and kids’ activities.

More upscale dining options can be found just across the road at The Repulse Bay – now converted from a hotel into residential apartments. For afternoon tea with a view, it’s hard to beat The Verandah Restaurant, while Spices restaurant is renowned for its authentic Indian and East Asian dishes – those who enjoy a little heat with their meal should try the delicious Tom Yam soup!

Repulse Bay is an excellent option for a full family day out within easy striking distance of the city. From golden gods to sailing boats, sandy toes to millionaires’ mansions; those in the know head southside to Hong Kong’s very own beachside paradise.

Visit Hong Kong

Hong Kong Greeters offer private walking tours, groups tours, virtual tours and self-guided Hong Kong Quests. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to see how we can help you enjoy our city.

The post The Hong Kong Greeters Guide To Repulse Bay appeared first on Hong Kong Greeters.

Our latest group tour was to Repulse Bay.  Although Hong Kong Greeters offers customised private tours in and around Hong Kong, we can also accommodate larger groups.  In fact there is no greater pleasure than nurturing the growing minds.  Our recent outing did just that as we hosted a group of students from ISTA.

ISTA

Hong Kong Greeters were asked to help with a visiting school group of students from the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA).  ISTA has member schools in over 100 countries and counts over 4000 members worldwide.  It was our very great pleasure to introduce them to Hong Kong’s Repulse Bay.

As is quoted on their website:  “Life isn’t measured in the breaths we take, but in moments that take our breath away.”  Hopefully, we took their breath away with our private tour in Repulse Bay.  We explored the stories we tell through the landscapes we create.  Also what stories the landscapes tell us.

Lifeguards’ Temple

The festival focused on the students’ dramatic responses to different landscapes.  We think there is nothing more dramatic than the Lifeguard’s Temple at Repulse Bay.

We shared stories of pirates, Tin Hau the Goddess of the Sea, Yuet Lau the God of Matchmakers (modern day Tinder).  They heard the legend of Longevity Bridge and the good things that come to those who walk across it.  Everybody also tried to toss coins into the mouth of the lucky Goldfish of Prosperity statue.

More of the students stories and responses can be found here on their YouTube channel.

Repulse Bay

Repulse Bay is located on the Southside of Hong Kong Island.  It is one of the most popular beaches in Hong Kong. The Lifeguards Temple is always worth a visit.  You can also enjoy al fresco dining at The Pulse or swimming at one of the cleanest beaches on the island.  If you want to go old-school, visit The Verandah, part of the former Repulse Bay Hotel and belonging to the Peninsula Hotel.

Here at Hong Kong Greeters we want you to have a fabulous time in Hong Kong.  Find out more about Junk Trips here, New Year’s Eve Firework Cruises here or Cantonese Opera here.  

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Our hugest, heartfelt congratulations to Durand and Madeline who were engaged at the God of Marriages, Yue Lao, on our tour today in Repulse Bay.

Who is the Matchmaking God?

Yue Lao is the matchmaking god also known as the Old Man under the Moon.  The legend tells that the love of your life is decided from birth and that you are attached to one another by an invisible red string. Traditionally, couples following the Taoist belief, visit Yue Lao to bless their union, or their current relationship. He is holding the ‘Book of Marriages’ which identifies those that have been universally linked together. Some people leave red strings at his statue to represent these ties.

Durand left the ring box on the step – so this is a new Western tradition to continually bless the marriage!

#HongKongGreeter #iloveHk #RepulseBay #YueLao

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