Hong Kong isn’t just a city of towers — the coastline is full of beaches and bays.

Closer in are Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay, busy but easy to reach from the city.

Further out, in Sai Kung, are my favourites: Ham Tin and Tai Long Wan. Getting there usually means hiking the Tai Long Wan trail — starting from Sai Wan Pavilion, crossing views of High Island Reservoir, dropping down to Sai Wan, and then another 45 minutes on to Ham Tin.

The walk gives you ridgelines on one side and four bays on the other, all clear water and open sand. On the right day it feels closer to an Indonesian or Thai island than Hong Kong.

The sea here is beautiful but rough — strong currents, big waves, no lifeguards or nets. I usually take a boat back to Sai Kung town and finish with seafood along the harbour.

What makes Hong Kong special is contrast: world-class beaches and tropical water, set inside one of the most densely built cities on earth.