Nov 27, 2018
Best Places to Catch the Sunset in the West
Is it autumn already? Because I’m starting to feel sentimental.
I’m sure you’ve noticed the swift changes in the weather lately — from the blazing heat and suffocating humidity to cool breeze with a tinge of earthiness. Even Starbucks has changed their speciality drink to pumpkin spiced latte. We all know what that means…fall is here!
If you live in the West, you should take advantage of your geographical location and appreciate the breathtaking and calming sunset during this chilly weather. Watching the sunset can be a therapeutic me-time, a romantic getaway with your lover or even a casual hangout session with your friends and family. Here’s a list of places to watch the sunset this fall.
The Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak is the iconic place in Hong Kong to watch the sunset. From the peak, there are warm and crimson hues blanketing the cityscape before your eyes. The best part is that you can watch lights unfold as the dusk falls upon Hong Kong.
How to get there:
By Peak Tram: The fastest way up is to catch the Peak Tram from the Lower Terminus. This would cost you around 37 HKD for a single trip and 52 HKD for a return trip. You can use your Octopus Card to save some time from queuing at the ticket line! Another tip is to ride the Peak Tram down since the waiting line at the Upper Terminus is usually shorter.
By Taxi: Grabbing a taxi from Central to The Peak takes around 20 minutes costing around 100 HKD or you could hop on to an Uber which could lower the cost to approximately 60 HKD.
By Bus: The Bus 15 from Central Bus Terminus (near Exit A of Central Station) could also get you to the destination at 9.80 HKD.
Alternatively, you can try hiking up the Peak along the Pok Fu Lam Country Park Trail, which will take around an hour at a moderate pace. What a great way to end your workout while watching the sunset! You can watch the sunset from the Sky Terrace 428 (with an admission fee of 52 HKD) or you can walk further up Lugard Road to enjoy the panoramic view of Western Hong Kong.
Sai Wan Swimming Shed (香港西环泳棚)
However, if you’re not a fan of travelling or prefer to just watch the sunset from somewhere nearby, we have Sai Wan Swimming Shed just down Kennedy Town.
There’s something calming about watching the sunset while waves crash against the shore melodiously. This (not-so) hidden gem of Kennedy Town is always crowded with avid photographers and tourists hoping to capture the glorious sunset. Even couples stagger their way down the steep staircase in their wedding suits and gown. To avoid the crowd, it’s best to go during the weekdays. I highly recommend you visit the swimming shed during this breezy season since there will be fewer mosquitoes bugging you (but do spray insect repellent though!).
How to get there:
By Minibus: From Exit A of Kennedy Town MTR Station, hop onto green minibus 58. Just tell the driver that you want to get off at ‘sai waan wing paang’ and you’ll get there in under 30 minutes.
By walking: You could also walk from the MTR station along Victoria Road until you see the red and white sign below. Head down the flight of stairs and you’ll probably hear the buzz of the crowd even before you see the swimming shed.
It’s better to walk to the swimming shed (since you can also enjoy the serenity of the neighborhood) and travel back with a minibus or bus as it will get pretty dark when the night falls.
Kennedy Town Waterfront
If you’re too lazy and don’t feel like catching a bus, you can simply walk down Smithfield road to the promenade.
Although there are some benches around, I personally would sit on the metal railing while eating egg waffles or shumai (with waves lightly splashing on me).
Speaking of the pier — basically anywhere along the Victoria harbour provide a picturesque scene of the transient moment before twilight. You can take a walk to the Instagram Pier and even to the newly opened Central and Western District Promenade!
[BONUS!] HKU Centennial Garden
Yes… you read it correctly. The Centennial Garden is right beside the most hardcore and intense study hub in HKU (i.e. Chi Wah). I discovered this spot by chance while taking a break from working on my assignments at Chi Wah.
This underrated corner of the campus is the perfect place to unwind your day after hours of chur lectures or mugging in Chi Wah.
What are you waiting for? Grab your friends and perhaps your cup of pumpkin spiced latte to indulge in the fleeting yet beautiful sunsets in the West this fall!
P.S. Remember to check the sunset timings by simply searching “sunset Hong Kong” on Google! It’s best to be there around 10–15 minutes earlier so that you won’t miss it!
As the Chinese saying goes — “夕阳无限好，只是近黄昏” — which can be translated as “however beautiful something is, it can only last for a short while.”
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The story was lightly edited for clarity
Written by Lim Hui Yuan
Edited by Brahmnoor Singh Chawla
