Shek O is a quaint beach town just far away enough from Central to separate yourself from city stress, while still close enough to feel part of the action. Laden with umbrella-covered beaches, alfresco seafood restaurants, and a wealth of outdoor activities, Shek O is the quintessential coastal community, attracting a hodgepodge of inhabitants. While some residents were born and raised in the village, others are recently arrived expats in search of a quiet place to settle down. Peaceful with personality, Shek O is the ideal scenic sanctuary for those who want to get away from city life, either as a permanent escape from the urban jungle, or a vacation home overlooking Hong Kong Island’s best beaches. By Adriana Dermenjian.

The vibe
On any given Sunday, surfers sprint to the water while onlookers lay on the scorching sand, desperate for a golden tan and happy to be in one of the few Hong Kong hubs that can offer it. A group of 20-somethings hover over a nearby fire pit, waiting for their beef and chicken skewers to grill while guzzling their icy beers along the way. Stumbling into the village that envelops the beach, you'll find expats sipping on exotic drinks outside cosy cafes, and a resident family gathering around the coffee table for a day-long game of mah-jong. The small convenience store owner waves hello to the local estate agent passing by, while residents stroll around with their mango popsicles and no real destination in mind. The air is crisper, the people are calmer, and the walks are slower. This isn't Hong Kong - this is a beach paradise.

Property
From petite shacks in the centre of town to enormous private homes nestled on the headland, to say that Shek O offers a variety in housing is somewhat of an understatement. The main village is as traditional as it gets, boasting hundreds of small, closely built bungalows that have been around for just as long as the elderly villagers who inhabit them. Though most of these homes are decades old, some are revamped with an ultra-modern look. Surrounded by restaurants and mom-and-pop shops, the village is the right place to be if you’re looking for affordable prices, neighbours at close quarters, and the beach about a minute’s walk away. For those yearning for a bit more privacy and a lot more space, the Shek O Headlands may be more up your alley – or mountain, rather. These sprawling homes atop a hill often come with at least five bedrooms, a private garden or pool, and breathtaking views of the South China Sea – perfect for either a big family or someone who’s always dreamed of having the ultimate beach party house. Of course, you’ll pay for the privilege.

Dine
Like any laidback beach town, Shek O is known for its fresh seafood and alfresco dining. Happy Garden (786 Shek O Village, 2809 4165), a Thai restaurant directly across from Shek O Beach, offers a stock of seafood dishes with phenomenal flavours, ranging from grilled salmon in mango and lemon sauce to a long list of delicious seafood curries. You can also enjoy the savoury mouthfuls with a decent view of the ocean, as the restaurant offers rooftop balcony seating. But if more Western-style fare is what you’re craving, look no further than Black Sheep (350 Shek O Village, 2809 2021), a trendy-tacky restaurant nestled in the heart of the village. Serving pizzas, sandwiches and strawberry lemonade, this casual but trendy joint is equipped with floating disco balls and zebra-print chairs —the dining experience is anything but stiff.

Drink
Though Shek O is not really known for its booming nightlife (apart from the occasional summer rave), residents still have the option of a few beachfront bars to get their fermented fix – with stunning sunsets to boot. You won’t have to peal yourself too far away from the sand to enjoy a cold one at Paradiso (Shek O Main Beach, 2809 2080; www.paradiso.com.hk), a café that offers both beach friendly cocktails (margaritas and pina coladas) and tasty finger food (spring rolls and fried calamari) at affordable prices (there’s also a unpublicised happy hour for residents). Just steps away from the sand, and with lounge chairs overlooking the water, this hip hub is perfect for some R&R – it even has a pool table. If you want something quieter, walk through the village and you’ll stumble upon Shek O Sailing (273 Shek O Village, 2809 2268), another beachside bar, overlooking a rather more secluded stretch of coastline: Rocky Bay Beach. A hidden treasure offering affordable spirits, this place is a popular haven among locals.

Entertain
Shek O is a place where people do things. Whether it’s jumping off the mountain, hitting the links, or catching a wave, it’s a town made for lovers of the outdoors. If you’re lucky (or rich) enough to be accepted as a member of the Shek O Golf & Country Club (5 Shek O Rd, 2809 4458) just outside the village, you get access to an 18-hole golf course and a superlative clubhouse. But if golfing and country-clubbing isn’t your thing, try paragliding over the ocean instead. You’ll need a license but once you’ve got one, the Hong Kong Paragliding Association (www.hkpa.net) will be happy to send you on your merry way. The most popular hiking trail is the Dragon’s Back, appropriately named for the part of the path that follows the elongated mountain ridge and resembles the spine of the mythological creature. Though sometimes challenging, the trail boasts spectacular views.

Shop
Disappointingly for fashionistas, you’re not going to find boutiques or designer clothes in Shek O. The only shops you’ll find here sell squirt guns, floaties, and racks of bathing suits. Catering for day trippers in search of sun, sand and solace, the village stores are beach-friendly – but that’s about it.

Transport
Though blissful once you arrive, Shek O is not simple to reach. Besides private car, the most cost effective way of travelling is to take the Island line from Central to Shau Kei Wan ($6.6 adult fare, 20 minutes), and then from there, take the New World First Bus number 9 to Shek O ($6.9 at 10-30 minute intervals). On Sundays and public holidays, a much more convenient service is offered from Exchange Square on NWFB number 309. A taxi will cost around $160 from Central.

Resident report
Though Shek O was once a traditional Chinese village with predominately Chinese residents, over the past decade a surge of expatriate arrivals has seen the settlement take on more of a culturally mixed vibe. But the preference for a slower, more relaxed lifestyle unites everyone here, regardless of race. For Shek O residents, small town life trumps uptown life any day. And in a town where the local grocer can help you find the local estate agent, camaraderie is a good trait to have. So Man-tat, resident and lifeguard at Shek O Beach, says “The environment here is perfect for living. At night-time, it gets pretty quiet, and sometimes, you can see the stars.” When’s the last time you saw the heavens?

Read our property guide for:
Tai Po
Sai Kung
Shek O
Mui Wo

See also:
Paying the rent