Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a passport to get to Discovery Bay. With easy ferry, bus, and MTR connections, this hub of family fun is an easy destination for those looking to pack up and move to the land of golf carts, hiking, and more space or make a family day tripper from the city's urban core! Situated on the northeastern coastline of Lantau Island, DB is flanked by the majestic 465-metre high Tiger Head Mountain, lush greenery and natural beaches- Tai Pak and Yi Pak Bays. You’ll enjoy strolls along its tree- lined beach promenade and kids will revel in playtime at the thrilling (and newly refurbished) beach playground. Little Steps has put together an insider guide for all your DB needs, wants, and desires. DB…here we come!
Golf carts are the Ferraris of DB and only a select few have them. Most residents get to and fro by bus, hire car or on foot. Got scooters? Bring them! Scooting is a popular mode of transportation for the local kiddos. Discovery Bay is also very stroller friendly, so pack your walking shoes mom and dad and start exploring all DB has to offer.
NORTH PLAZA VERSUS THE MAIN PLAZA
The Main Plaza is where the ferry arrives. There are loads of shops and restaurants and lots of room to roam and scoot with kids. The North Plaza is a newer development and offers fantastic shops, restaurants, schooling options, and after-school fun as well. There is a free shuttle running on the half hour from the Main Plaza or hop on the CT4 or CT9 bus which will take you there as well (HK$4.540). Traveling with a load? You can easily catch a hire car from the Main Plaza (HK$1520 per person). DB’s bus terminus is in the midst of a major facelift. Use the footbridge on the upper deck to reach the temporary terminus from the ferry pier.
GROCERY SHOPPING: In the North Plaza, Wellcome has a wide range of western foods and the large aisle and spacious floor plan are rare in Hong Kong. Kiddie cars make picking up a few items breezy with the kids in tow. In the Main Plaza, you will find the revamped Fusion (watch the crowds) and Il Bel Paese for Italian favorites.
LIFESTYLE HOMES - Live on a boat, enjoy a luxury high-rise, or stay in a house. These are the people to call to get sorted when you are looking to move to DB!
NORTH PLAZA:
PRINCE AND PRINCESS - Located in the North Plaza, clothing, shoes and accessories for your little royalty.
LITTLE WHALE - Toy shop specializes in parties and gifts as well as products for traveling and the home.
SPORTSWORLD - For the sporty ones, this shop caters to kids on up!
MAIN PLAZA:
NOMADIC - Located in the upstairs in the Main Plaza, this bohemian shop carries trinkets and goodies from around the globe. Clothes, candles and jewelry are some of the more popular items. +852 2987 8460.
JUST GREEN - Located in the Main Plaza, near Fusion, this little shop has a lot to offer including gluten-free goodies, vitamins and hard to find organic items for the family.
START-RITE - Experts in children’s fitted footware, this is their flagship store for Hong Kong.
NINA CAKES - If you are planning a party, she is the go-to for cakes, cookies, and more! Order in advance.
DYMOCKS - Bookstore with a kids corner.
NORTH PLAZA:
MOW - Located in the North Plaza, this newly opened gem has a slew of services for men, women, and teens. For men, be sure to book one of their oh-so-amazing personalized shaves. Women in DB are raving about the cutting edge facials using ingredients such as snake venom to freeze those wrinkles! The teen menu is perfectly priced with options for deep cleaning facials to detox cleansing facials.
SPA BOTANICA - This famous spa in Singapore has a sister in Hong Kong...finally! The menu is vast including scrubs, facials, massages, and more. Bumps can book a mums-to-be massage or pamper session. The spa also caters to kids (10-12) with foot massage options and polish fun and teens with sports massages and facials. spa@aubergediscoverybay.com.
SPINWORKS - Newly opened spinning studio!
MAIN PLAZA:
EMBODY - DB's go-to place for Pilates, yoga, fit-ball, and more! Caters to teens, moms, and dads.
MAXIMUM CARE - 140B 1F Block C, DB Plaza, Discovery Bay Hong Kong, +852 2987 206.
SPA NAILED IT - This salon is a hidden gem upstairs in the Main Plaza. They take their time and pay close attention to detail. Leave dad with the kids in the Plaza and head upstairs to relax! Book in advance. Room 426, 4/F, Block D, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay Hong Kong, +852 2987 2266.
SENSE OF TOUCH - They have exclusive DB promotion. Check out their site!
NORTH PLAZA:
PAISANOS - A mama hangout post activities...this is New York style pizza with huge slices.
%ARABICA - Located in the North Plaza, this is a must-see. Fresh roasted on-demand coffee beans keep parents moving and grooving! Plus they have kids workshops on select weekends. Closed on Mondays.
MAIN PLAZA:
LIFE ORGANIC RESTAURANT AND BAR - Newly opened in the Main Plaza, this is great for take away salads and sandwiches.
ZAKS - The menu offers something for everyone and includes a play area for kids outside. The children’s menu is varied and there is ice cream for dessert. Great views as well!
FRESH FRUIT JUICE PARADISE - As the name suggests you’ll find an array of fresh fruits and juices at this little shop. Mr.Sam blends yummy smoothies and chops delicious fruit to take away. Shop G26, G/F, DB Plaza, Discovery Bay Hong Kong, +852 2987 4768.
ILBELPAESE - Eat, drink, and be merry as you watch the kids play in the Plaza from their umbrella-shaded tables.
HEMINGWAYS - Caribbean BBQ for the whole fam plus a bit of live music if you are lucky.
PEONY - Great value for money!
HANGING OUT AT THE MAIN PLAZA - Let the kids scoot around while adults enjoy the piazza. Head to Watson’s for a nice selection of chilled beverages and they will even set you up with disposable glasses. Take away from any of the restaurants around and picnic in style. Or, try a local favorite - Peony, a member’s only Chinese restaurant, but they offer everyone the opportunity to get a taste via their take away window upstairs in the Main Plaza.
PLAYGROUNDS GALORE - Discovery Bay is full of playgrounds, check out our top picks here.
DB FAIRS - DB has fairs on all the times. Check here for schedules of the next flea market, Handmade Hong Kong Fair, Farmers Market and Family Kingdom Days (bouncy castles included).
PICNIC IN THE PARK - Mark your calendar for this musical celebration!
FAMILY KINGDOM @ DB NORTH - Weekend festivities (bouncy castles included).
WATERFRONT HORSE CARRIAGE RIDES - Kids love this one!
DISCOVERY BAY GOLF COURSE - Open to non-members on certain weekdays.
FILM WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS - Junior Snappers offers a series of half-day filmmaking workshops for children that focus on different aspects of filmmaking. With industry standard cameras, they will be acting, directing, and using sound equipment and lighting to make their very own film.
DANCE SCHOOLS IN DB - DMR School of Ballet, Island Dance, Irish Dancing In DB.
COLOUR STORM ART STUDIO - Kids get crafty in North Plaza.
MANDARIN FOR MUNCHKINS - Seaside learning in North Plaza
GET CRAFTY - Don’t leave the crafting to the kids- there is an adults crafting class in DB in the evenings. Enjoy making cool crafts with friends over wine and conversation.
AQUA GYM - Swim lessons for littlies on up.
COBRA JUDO CLUB - Classes for kids too!
OPEN SPACE - Sea view location with indoor and outdoor space, available to rent as needed for parties, one-off events or ongoing classes.
DISCOVERY MIND INTERNATIONAL: Playgroups through Primary in various locations!
SUNSHINE HOUSE: 6 months - 6 years
DISCOVERY MONTESSORI SCHOOL: Up to 7 years old.
LA PETITE ENFANCE - French Scool
DISCOVERY BAY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: Kindergarten+
DISCOVERY COLLEGE: Primary+
KOH TOMYUMS - Located upstairs in the main plaza facing the water, serving delicious Thai food. +852 2987 0767.
22 NORTH - Date night hot spot!
DINE AND RIDE - Enjoy a free ferry back to Central upon spending of HK$100 at any of the 14 designated D'Deck restaurants.
Some of Lantau’s best trails and high elevation climbs start in Discovery Bay. You can easily get to Peng Chau or Mui Wo from DB’s inner island ferry. Disneyland is also an easy day tripper for DB residents.
AUBERGE DISCOVERY BAY HONG KONG - The Auberge Hotel offers, sea front dinning, treatments galore and even some for kids at their Spa Botanica, a staffed playroom with children’s activities, plus, rooms and suites that offer breathtaking views of Hong Kong.
Got more tips to share? Send us an email to editor@littlestepsasia.com. The DB Guide will continue to be updated!
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