Friday 11th September 2009 | Posted by Emile

Descending the hill, you can swear that you are in Thailand. Down below the dense forest and rolling hills, you are certain you will find Virginie Ledoyen and Leonardo indulging in wild and drug-addled orgy.

But when you finally reach the secluded beach they are nowhere to be seen, because this is a cove located on the north-east corner of Hong Kong (mainland). It feels another world away from the smog-ridden mayhem of Kowloon that you are only an hour's bus ride from.

Most tourists visit Repulse Bay & Stanley, the daring go to Shek O. But for a deserted haven you must head to Tai Long Bay. There are complications of course - the two hour hike that we made in the searing heat was at times up steep, hundred-metre scrambles that left you breathless and parched and under only partial shade. But in many respects it is this access difficulty which makes the beach such a delightful "local's secret". On a weekday in mid-August we shared the huge expanse of golden sand with just six other adventurers.
 
The incredible fact that there is a beach-side "café" means that your comfort diet of ice-cold Carlsberg and egg-fried rice is delivered by waiter service. And as for the trip back, we called a local boat to pick us up and drop us at the bus terminus. Not even the half-hour grilling we received from the water-police could spoil such a satisfying day.

The facts:
- Catch the MTR to Diamond Hill (Green Line). Catch Bus 92 to Sai Kung Town Centre, then Bus 94 or 96R to Wong Shek Ferry Pier.
- Get off at Pak Tam Au, and take the Maclehose Trail on your right. Follow the trail to Ham Tin Beach. It takes approx. 2 hours. (Bring water and sunscreen).
- Arrange your private speedboat home at the store. From Ham Tin Beach to Wong Shek Ferry Pier (Bus 94/96R Terminus) cost 500 HKD for up to 5 people, or 800 HKD for up to 10 passengers.

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