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Stanley Review

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Stanley

Category: Beaches
Location: Southside

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 3.8/5

Fodor's Review:

Notorious during World War II as the home of Japan's largest POW camps in Hong Kong, Stanley is now known primarily for its market, a great place for deals on knickknacks, ceramics, paintings, casual clothing, and sporting goods—including, ironically enough, snow-skiing gear. The old police station, built in 1859, now houses a restaurant. Past the market, on Stanley Main Street, a strip of restaurants and pubs faces the bay. On the other side of the bay a temple honoring Tin Hau, goddess of the sea, is wedged between giant modern housing estates.

Stanley's wide main beach is the site of the dragon boat races, usually held in June, in which teams paddle out into the sea, turn around, and, at the sound of the gun, race ferociously back to shore. The beach is popular with the windsurfing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding crowd. Patrick's Waterskiing (Tai Tam, Stanley. 2813-2372) is run by the friendly, laid-back man himself. Patrick will take you to the best area waters and give you pointers on your technique. The fee—HK$700 per hour—includes a range of equipment.

From Exchange Square Bus Terminus in Central, take Bus 6, 6A, 6X, 66, 64, or 260.

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by ozpk from Sydney, Australia on 11/22/06
Even though it seems every tourist comes to Stanley for the markets, they still seem to have a much wider range of items (and better prices) than say Temple St. Once you finish your spending, don't hop on the bus - walk along the seafront, have lunch or a drink in one of the many bars, and poke your nose into the Tin Hau Temple and the HK Maritime Museum in Murray House.

Member Rating: 3.8
Ratings details: Experience: 4.0 Ease: 4.0 Value: 3.0 Don't Miss: 4.0

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