Stanley has changed so much in the last 10 years, that people are surprised when they find out there is more to do than just visit Stanley Market. Here’s a list of my top 4 recommendations on how to spend a day in Stanley, Hong Kong.
Stanley was once the largest settlement on the island of Hong Kong. It was also one of the first places where the British landed when Hong Kong was just a scarce number of fishing villages. Today Stanley is an attractive, Mediterranean-like, seaside town inhabited by expats. I decided to spend a morning in Stanley, not only because of it’s popular Stanley Market and prime location, but because it’s where I was born and raised for the first 3 years of my life.
HOW TO GET TO STANLEY?
If you’re based in Central and not sure how to get to Stanley, read my article How to get from Central to Stanley, Hong Kong.
FIRST STOP: STANLEY MARKET
The coastal towns main highlight is Stanley Market. The market is half indoors, half outdoors, and is the best example of a traditional Hong Kong open-aired market. You feel like you are walking through a maze of alleys! The market is packed with variety of shops and stalls selling everything from casual clothes, artwork, footwear, toys, antiques, jewelry etc. Bargaining at this market isn’t always the norm, so check to see if there is a fixed price on an item before trying to bargain. What makes this market different than all the others, is that it is the perfect mix of high low products, unlike other markets that might only sell low and knock offs. The market is open 7 days a week from 10AM to 6:30PM.
SECOND STOP: ISLE HANDICRAFT FASHION
I perused Stanley Market, but nothing in particular stood out to me, so we headed towards the Stanley seaside promenade instead. There I came across a boutique store called Isles Handicraft Fashion. It had a mix of a more Indie and authentic Asian vibe so I was drawn to the store. The outside was adorned with dream catchers and rompers and dresses hung outside the store. Inside were some beautifully hand-knitted winter pieces including some Asian-style turtlenecks. I left the store with a nice blue romper, a brown Asian-style turtleneck, and a dream catcher. There was no room for negotiation, but I was beyond happy with my purchases. The products were high-quality and definitely unique!
THIRD STOP: STANLEY PROMENADE
Following my first purchase in Asia (and one of many at these amazing prices!), we took a stroll down Stanley’s waterfront promenade. A boardwalk contours the entire fishing village separating the European-style alfresco bars and cafés on the Main Street from the bay and the beach. Trees and benches are placed throughout for peoples enjoyment.
At the end of the bay is Murray House and Blake Pier. Blake Pier is an old ferry pier and today a park pavilion. It is a mix of both original components from 1909 and modern components. In front of Blake Pier is Murray House, a new 2 story building which houses markets on the bottom and restaurants overlooking the bay on the top. An I <3 STANLEY sign is outside Murray House for people to take pictures. Right before Murray House is a newly built high-end shopping center, Stanley Plaza, with an amphitheater where free concerts are performed on weekends. During the weekday it is packed with locals grabbing lunch and kids running around in the nearby play area. Fun fact, Stanley Plaza is considered Hong Kong’s first pet-friendly mall.
FOURTH STOP: STANLEY MA HANG PARK
Stanley Ma Hang Park is a new and very well-developed nature addition to Stanley. It opened in 2011 and has since attracted people far and wide. The park is suited for people of all ages, whether you are looking to take a quick stroll through the park post-brunch, explore with kids, or hike to the top. The park offers a variety of well-developed activities including the Butterfly Garden, Heritage Corner, Sea View Terrace, Sea Breeze Patio, a Fitness Deck, Hill Top Plaza and more. While I didn’t have time to do the whole park, we did explore it for a while. You do need to come prepared if you decide to hike to neighboring bays and beaches, there are signs everywhere that say to watch out for wild pigs and snakes.
The first area we stopped by was Sea View Terrace. From here you can see Blake Pier in the distance and a neighboring beach and cove in the opposite direction. A bit further down is Pak Tai Temple. This small temple is built into the seaside cliff and is dedicated to the Protector of Fisherman. It wraps around the bay offering views of the neighboring islands. A small area on the balcony is dedicated to offerings to the Protector of Fisherman. It feels like a mystical experience, especially when the incense is burning and the fire is going on for locals to cook their meats. Across from Pak Tai Temple is a picnic table under a few trees, the perfect setting for a lunch break. Steep stairs lead to the bottom of Pak Tai Temple where you will find a rocks along the water next to an ancient well, said to have mystical powers. Be careful going down there as it can get slippery.
The entrance to Pak Tai Temple 
The offering area at Pak Tai Temple The view of Blake Pier from Sea View Terrace
If you weren’t considering a quick visit to Stanley, Hong Kong, I hope you’ve now put this beautiful and small gem on your radar. If you’re looking for a seaside escape from the city of Hong Kong or looking for a taste of expat culture, then Stanley is for you!
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