Getting to Discovery Bay is simple due to the excellent public transportation in and out of the Lantau Island getaway. With minimal effort, any Hongkonger can take a step back from the urban life and feel as if they’ve entered another world.
WHAT TO DO AROUND DISCOVERY BAY:
Tai Pak Beach: Laying in the Breeze
Tai Pak Beach. Photo: via Hong Kong Extras
With sand that is as white and soft as flour (by Hong Kong standards, at least), this artificial beach might even beat the most welcoming natural beaches in Hong Kong. The 400-metre-long beach stretches along a large portion of the bay, allowing for volleyball and rugby events to be held year-round – or for a relaxing sun-bath.
What: Tai Pak Beach (more info)
How to Get There: 5 minute walk from DB Plaza and no more than 15 minutes walk from any point in Discovery Bay
Cost: Free!
Tiger Head Mountain: Traversing the trails
Section of the Lo Fu Tau Trail. Photo: Colin Tsoi via Flickr
The Tiger Head Mountain (Lo Fu Tau) range hugs around Discovery Bay, and from its lookout point you can see both Yi Pak Bay and Tai Pak Bay. It takes only 30 minutes on a clear trail to get to the lookout point from the pier, with the beautiful view reminding us that mountains are only an arm’s reach away from civilisation.
Extra adventurous Coconauts can hike to surrounding neighbourhoods such as Mui Wo (2.5 hours via Nim Shue Wan or 3.5 hours via Lo Fu Tau) or Tung Chung (3.5 hours). Though it may take a few hours, these easily accessible trails make the journey a relaxing experience.
What: Tiger Head Mountain (more info)
How to Get There: Take the ferry from Ferry Pier #3 in Central to get to Discovery Bay, or take the bus from Sunny Bay and Tung Chung (Google Maps)
Cost: Free!
DB Plaza: Weekend chillin’
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Discovery Bay Plaza. Photo: via Wikimedia Commons
Acting as the main hub of Discovery Bay, residents and visitors depart from the ferry in DB Plaza. An array of shopping options, from the local stationery shop (Pen ‘N Paper) and electronics store (P-SOLUTION), to mainstream stores such as Wing On or Gigasports allows for convenient shopping without the noise and chaos of the city. If you get peckish, there are international seafood restaurants located on the D’Deck.
What: DB Plaza (more info)
How to Get There: Take the ferry from Ferry Pier #3 in Central to get to Discovery Bay, or take the bus from Sunny Bay and Tung Chung (Google Maps)
DB North Plaza: Shopping by the sea
North Plaza. Photo: kin lee via Google Maps
Located at the northern end of Discovery Bay, North Plaza is a quiet getaway by the ocean. The secluded piazza was sculpted in the style of Venetian architecture and even comes with a sized-down replica of the San Marco Campanile Tower in Venice. In addition to a selection of restaurants, Discovery Bay’s only hotel, Auberge, is located just outside, allowing hotel guests to hop over for a quick bite or to stock up on snacks from the supermarket.
What: Discovery Bay North Plaza (more info)
How to Get There: Take Buses C9, C4, or the free shuttle (every 30 minutes) from DB Plaza (Google Maps)
Central Park: An afternoon stroll
Central Park Siena. Photo: Via Panoramio
Central Park, Discovery Bay’s largest park, features lakes and trees surrounded by Siena Village’s array of low-rise apartments, where you can enjoy the flowers’ vibrant colours and the water fountains’ soothing sounds and even feed the lakes’ abundant koi and turtle populations.
What: Central Park
How to Get There: Take Buses C9 or C4 from DB Plaza
WHERE TO EAT AROUND DISCOVERY BAY:
The Discovery Bay oceanfront promenade, known as D’Deck, offers a selection of decent restaurants and cafés overlooking the beach, with the Disneyland fireworks visible on the horizon. It’s a lively, family-friendly place for locals to walk their dogs during the day, with the promenade becoming a romantic walkway at night.
Koh Tomyums
Photo: JJcaptain via OpenRice
Often fully booked on weekends, Koh Tomyums is a place worth reserving a table at several days in advance. The restaurant offers run-of-the-mill Thai dishes as well as contemporary fusion cuisine. We recommend the creamy Roasted Duck Curry and their deliciously sweet-and-sour Pineapple Fried Rice.
Opening hours: 12pm-11pm, Monday to Sunday
Where: Shop 105B, 1/F, D’Deck, Discovery Bay (Google Maps)
Solera
Photo: via Openrice
A great place to enjoy a vibrant Spanish atmosphere, Solera brings together old and new dishes that offer a lively culinary experience. The à la carte menu offers a variety of mouth-watering tapas, such as the truffle fries with truffle oil and parmesan, and of course, a list of paellas to choose from. The filling dishes can be washed down with your choice of Spanish beers, wine, or Sangria. Head to Solera on Friday and Saturday evenings, when musicians set the mood with live acoustic performances.
Opening hours: 12pm-11pm, bar open until late
Where: Shop 101, 1/F, D’Deck, Discovery Bay (Google Maps)
Island Café
Photo: via Openrice
An upscale café offering basic Hong Kong and Western dishes, Island Café is a welcoming place for locals and visitors to sit away from the scorching summer heat. In the tradition of cha chaan teng culture, breakfast, lunch, tea, and dinner are all served within their allocated time slots. From beef chow fun noodles to yeung chow fried rice, the menu is sure to be familiar to Coconauts who enjoy local cuisine.
Opening hours: 7:30am – 10:30pm, every day
Where: Shop 104A, 1/F, D’Deck, Discovery Bay (Google Maps)
Getting To Discovery Bay:
By Ferry:
Ferries from Hong Kong Island to Discovery Bay are available from Central Pier 3
By Train:
MTR Tung Chung Line to Sunny Bay, buses from Sunny Bay to Discovery Bay are available outside the station
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