Go on, get the bus to Stanley
TRAVELLING to the neighbourhood of Stanley by bus is a rite of passage for many firsttimers to Hong Kong.
Ignore hotel concierges who may advise more sedate forms of transport, and board the local bus (number 6) at Central for a wending hour-long ride through the hills of Hong Kong – with great views of the South China Sea along the way – and on to the expat seaside enclave of Stanley.
The region has gentrified considerably over the past decade, and is now an upmarket promenade with a Starbucks and chain stores.
However, the eponymous Stanley Markets remain and the gorgeous old Murray House, a restored 19th-century colonial-era barracks, has prime position next to Blake Pier.
On hot days, it’s the perfect spot to catch a breeze, and there are a handful of interesting temples nearby, including the tucked away Tai Wong Temple.
Many tourists stop off at Repulse Bay on the way, which is home to a popular beach that throngs with locals on warm days (avoid it on the weekends if you can).
There are some great, albeit expensive, restaurants here as well.
Tip: Grab a seat at the top of the double-decker bus to Stanley for a bird’s eye view of the coastline and mountainous scenery.
Make sure you board the right bus, too, and not the express service to Stanley, which takes you on a less-scenic route.