Discovery Bay Area Guide

The HK HUB's guide to living in and exploring Discovery Bay (DB), Hong Kong. Includes information on apartments, schools, restaurants, sport and things to do.

13 Jun 2013 — By Sue Meldrum / Neighbourhoods

This post is split into multiple pages: 1 / 2

Living in and Exploring Discovery Bay

If you are moving to Hong Kong, or considering a move within Hong Kong, then there are always lots of decisions to make before settling on the right area to live. The great thing about Hong Kong is that there is something for everyone; city life or village, urban or island dweller. Consider the commute time to the office, do you have children who need to get to school, what about the weekends – think about your lifestyle and narrow down your options from there.

The HK HUB has teamed up with At Home in DB to compile this guide, to give an unparalleled insight into life in Discovery Bay.

Area key Notes

Discovery Bay (DB) is located on the scenic, northeast coast of Lantau Island – Hong Kong’s biggest and arguably most magnificent island.
Situated in the mouth of the Pearl River estuary, Lantau Island is home to Hong Kong’s second and third tallest mountain peaks – Lantau Peak (934 metres) and Sunset Peak (869 metres.)
Boasting beautiful views of the South China Sea, Discovery Bay is a self-contained resort-style residential development community covering a total area of 649 hectares. 20,000 residents from more than 30 countries call Discovery Bay home.
Four premium Club houses, a private beach, a 27 hole golf course, a marina, an extensive range of scenic hiking trails, the largest ocean front alfresco dining hotspot in Hong Kong and an array of quality early childhood, primary and secondary education options make Discovery Bay a great choice for families.

Transport

Discovery Bay is well serviced by regular buses which operate to Sunny Bay MTR station, Tung Chung and HK International airport in 10, 15 and 20 minutes respectively. 24 hour high-speed ferries connect residents to Central in 25 minutes.

Within DB, a local hire car (taxi service) and internal bus service effectively transport residents around DB and to/from the ferry. A limousine service also exists for airport/city transfers.

Housing

DB offers low-density housing with a wide selection of high-rise, low-rise and free-standing/detached houses. Over 80% of apartments in DB enjoy spectacular sea views. European style designs, duplexes and gardens make DB a sought-after choice.

DB also offers a unique lifestyle experience of living in a Marina on a live-aboard boat. Commanding a magnificent sea view, the DB Marina Club has 220 finger piers and offers its members extensive recreation and dining facilities.

Shopping

DB has a thriving local community and offers a wide selection of shops in two plazas, which adequately meet the day-to-day needs of its residents.

Two supermarkets – Fusion and Wellcome are located in DB, together with well-known brand shops/food outlets including Wing On department store, Watson’s Wine, 7-11, McDonalds, Pacific Coffee, Subway, Mannings, Rush and Watsons. There are, however, no prestige or high-street brand shops such as Zara, M&S or GAP.

Discovery Bay regularly hosts markets including a Farmers Market, Backyard Bazaar, Summer Flea Market and Plant Market.

Discovery Bay plaza Hong Kong

Coffee Shops

Several options exist for a good cup of coffee, including local favourite Uncle Russ, a Hong Kong based mini-chain opened in 1992. Big names Pacific Coffee and McCafe also have outlets in DB.

Eating and Drinking

Restaurants in DB can be found primarily in two areas. D Deck is located in the main plaza close to the DB ferry pier and offers a wide selection of restaurants overlooking Tai Pak Bay across to the Disneyland resort. An additional grouping of restaurants is located in DB North Plaza.

Cuisines on offer include Chinese, Mexican, Thai, Spanish, Vegetarian, French, Japanese, Italian, Indian, Mexican, Steak, Seafood and International. With so many restaurants to choose from, here is our Top 10 selection of what’s on offer:

Koh Tomyums – A DB favourite serving traditional Thai dishes and curries in a relaxing indoor and outdoor setting with panoramic views of the beach and bay.

Peony – Located in the Discovery Bay Recreation Club, members and non-members alike can enjoy the authentic Chinese cuisine including Dim Sum and Cantonese delicacies.

Zaks – The largest restaurant in DB featuring a 5,000 square foot spacious outdoor terrace and a smart alfresco atmosphere, diners enjoy a wide range of cuisine from Asian flavours to fresh seafood and a drink list featuring tropical cocktails. A superb spot for people-watching, Zaks is the ultimate seaside-dining destination.

Life Café – A modern vegetarian restaurant providing delicious healthy food, known for their signature salads, soups, global dishes and organic baking made daily.

McSorley’s Irish Pub (and Indian Curry) – A full pub menu serving a variety of pies, burgers, authentic curry dishes and the traditional Fish n’ Chips. The drink list includes an extensive range of premium products, from draught Guinness to a wide selection of ‘Real Ales’, including the imported McSorley’s Ale.

Kiraku Tei – A distinctive menu designed by a Japanese Executive Chef who imports premium ingredients from Japan for sushi, sashimi, kushiyaki and tempura. The lunch sets are a popular favourite.

Berliner German Bar & Restaurant – Berliner offers a taste of Germany in a stylish setting with a large open kitchen and a classic micro-brewery with an impressive range of German beers. The champion Currywurst or Pork sausage topped with curry sauce and the Apple Strudel dessert are not to be missed.

Il Bel Paese – (Italian Deli & Cafe) – The Deli is packed with Italian gourmet specialties and ingredients to be used for home cooking as well as a dine-in café including an ‘alfresco’ section in the DB Plaza.

22 Degrees North – Brasserie 22 degrees North is an international Brasserie specialising in fresh daily produce including seafood, poultry and steaks from Australia, France and the US, along with stunning views from its alfresco terrace.