With the blazing sun beating down and insufferable humidity, Hong Kong summers can leave you feeling sticky and uncomfortable. To beat the heat, there’s nothing better than a refreshing dip in one of the city’s many pools. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind or train hard, these pools are sure to satisfy your aquatic cravings.
The most popular swimming pool in Hong Kong is Tai Po, with a massive complex and the longest water slides in town. This is a favourite for locals and visitors alike, so expect it to be packed during the weekdays and weekends. In addition to its thrilling waterslides, Tai Po has a great selection of teaching, diving and leisure pools as well as an outdoor cafe that’s perfect for refuelling between laps.
Another great option is the Bride’s Pool series, a collection of crystal clear pools and waterfalls that are located near Tai Mei Tuk in the New Territories. These pools are reached by hiking the Bride’s Pool Nature Trail, which is a scenic and kid-friendly hike. The trail offers stunning views of mountaintops and sea in the distance, and is a perfect way to spend a hot day with the family.
Despite the fact that the pools are open, many of them remain closed due to the staff shortage caused by the strike. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has responded by boosting the salary of lifeguards and offering them two-year contracts. However, the union has said these measures are not enough and called for a revamp of the salaries and career path of lifeguards to attract more talent.
While most public swimming pools are closed, the InterContinental Grand Stanford has an outdoor pool overlooking Victoria Harbour that’s open to guests and the public. The hotel’s infinity pool has breathtaking views and a relaxing whirlpool. You can even book a cabana or private lounger for the ultimate luxurious experience.
Aside from the swanky resort pool, there are plenty of other cool swimming spots in Hong Kong. The Kerry Hotel’s dreamy infinity pool is accessible to the public for a fee, and a day pass includes a delicious breakfast and set lunch. Alternatively, Hotel ICON in Kowloon has a rooftop pool with an incredible view of the city’s harbor and skyline.
Another option is to take a swim in the ocean at Tsing Yi Island. This beach has an incredibly beautiful and calm lagoon with soft white sand and blue waters. It’s a great spot for families, with a number of restaurants and bars nearby to keep the hungry ones satisfied. You can also try out the kayaks and stand-up paddleboards on offer here. Tsing Yi is a short ferry ride from Central, making it an easy day trip for everyone.