Armed with only a map we took the train to Causeway Bay and then a mini bus going to Stanley Bay. Going there is an interesting journey as you’ll pass by gorgeous scenery and homes perched on the highlands. Make sure to sit down on the right side of the bus for the best views of the hill and the sea.
Stanley Bay is located on the southern side of Hong Kong, said to be a largest settlement on the island long time ago. In 1841 when the British took possession there was already a fishing community numbering over 2,000 living here. The English name originates from Lord Stanley, a British Colonial Secretary in the 19th century. Since then waterfront, bars, restaurants and walkways has been developed over the years attracting mostly wealthy locals and foreign tourists. 
Stanley is just so different to other parts of Hong Kong, or completely different from what you think about Hong Kong. It has a laid back charm of its own, you’ll be more relaxed with the beaches, great beachfront bars and of course the famous Stanley Market. Upon entering the market there’s a wide variety of shops selling souvenir shirts, accessories, traditional arts and crafts. The market is not that big and most of the stalls are not willing to bargain their prices. We didn’t spend much of our time here as we explore areas near the market.
It was sunny when we walked along the promenade and enjoyed the beautiful scenery .For the foodies there are array of pubs and restaurants by the waterfront. Some of the interesting restaurant in the waterfront is in Murray House, a 160-year-old restored three-storey colonial building that was dismantled in 1982 from its original site in Central and then rebuilt in Stanley. Restored in 1998 and now houses the Hong Kong Maritime Museum as well as restaurants.
Not to be missed is the Blake Pier beside the Murray House. The pier was named after Sir Henry Arthur Blake (12th Hong Kong governor). Originally located in Central, Blake Pier was first dismantled in 1965 and later transferred to Morse Park to form the roof of the Morse Park pavilion. Now it has returned to its role as a public pier in Stanley, complementing the colonial Victorian-era architectural style of Murray House.
Our final stop, the Tin Hau Temple (Temple of the Queen of Heaven) is one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong built in 1767 is located to the west of Stanley Main Street. It is unusually designed, with a large number of deities arranged on a bench around the walls, with Tin Hau in the center. Since we were hungry that time we didn’t bother to go inside anymore.
Indeed Stanley Bay is one of the more relaxing places to be in HK if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Hong Kong.
