A Guide To Discovery Bay Ferry, Restaurants And Things To Do

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“Discover” what to do in Discovery Bay! There are so many things to do in DB! Jump on the ferry and treat your family to a staycation at Auberge Discovery Bay, check out the new Discovery Bay ice rink or simply enjoy lunch at one of the many Discovery Bay restaurants in Discovery Bay Plaza.

There’s a reason so many families flock to Discovery Bay! Whether you call DB home or are checking the Discovery Bay ferry schedule to plan your next day trip, there’s a lot to love about Discovery Bay. The backdrop of the sea, beach, and mountains offers picture-perfect views, no matter where you choose to lay your hat. From sailing and kayaking to handmade markets and beachside adventures, hiking, dining and kids activities galore there are endless things to do in Discovery Bay for every member of the family.

Jump To:
Getting To Discovery Bay
Discovery Bay Restaurants
Things To Do In Discovery Bay
Discovery Bay Hotels
Living In Discovery Bay

Getting To Discovery Bay

Discovery Bay is one of the few places in Hong Kong where there are no cars. Transport within the neighbourhood is via bus or private golf buggies! It does complicate the transport logistics a little. The obvious way to get to Discovery Bay is to take the ferry from Central or take the ferry from Mui Wo. But you can also take the MTR to Sunny Bay and both DB Plazas are well connected by regular buses.

Discovery Bay Ferry Schedule — Ferries from Central

Ferries run from Central Pier 3 to Discovery Bay every 20 to 30 minutes from 6am to midnight.

Ferry Fare: $46/ $23 (adults/ child)
DB Resident’s Card: $33.50/ $16.80 (adults/ child)

Transport cards with tokens for multiple Discovery Bay ferry trips are also available.

Discovery Bay Ferry Schedule — Ferry from Discovery Bay to Peng Chau/ Trappist Monastery

Kaito Ferry Services run regularly between Discovery Bay, Peng Chau and Trappist Monastery. Check the ferry schedule for up-to-date sailings.

Ferry Fare: $7.50/ $6 (adults/ child)

Discovery Bay Ferry Schedule — Ferry from Discovery Bay to Mui Wo

Kaito Ferry services also run between Discovery Bay and Mui Wo on weekends and public holidays as well as special sailings via Peng Chau Monday to Friday on school days only. Check the ferry schedule for up-to-date sailings.

Ferry Fare: $12/ $6 (adults/ child)

Discovery Bay Bus Service

The Discovery Bay bus service connects DB Plaza (next to the ferry pier) and DB North Plaza with Sunny Bay and Tung Chung MTR stations, as well as the airport. There are also internal shuttle bus routes. Visit the Discovery Bay webpage for the full bus timetable and fares (be sure to click the bus tab!).

Taxi And Driving To Discovery Bay

Red and blue taxis can only go as far as DB North Plaza, including Auberge Discovery Bay. Private cars are not allowed and so you have to park at either Sunny Bay or Tung Chung MTR station and transfer to the bus.

Discovery Bay Restaurants

There might not be quite the local flavours of other Hong Kong neighbourhoods, but there’s still plenty of choice when it comes to the Discovery Bay restaurants. You’ll find the Discovery Bay outposts of family favourites like Pizza Express, Cali-Mex, Ebeneezer’s and Paisano’s Pizzeria as well as local DB institutions. The restaurants are broadly split between D’Deck, by the ferry pier, Discovery Bay Plaza and North Plaza. We’ve picked out some Sassy Mama favourites, but be sure to check out this handy list of Discovery Bay restaurants.

Figos — Castelo Concepts Discovery Bay restaurant

A popular dining spot amongst DB locals and visitors alike. Expect Western favourites like pizza, pasta and burgers, as well as affordable set lunches and weekday dining deals at this Discovery Bay restaurant.

Figos, Shop G07, Block A, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 2987 2995, [email protected], www.casteloconcepts.com/our-venues/figos

Zaks — Harbourside alfresco restaurant at Discovery Bay Plaza

Hugely popular because of its vast space and waterside location, Zaks is the largest restaurant on the Discovery Bay waterfront. There’s also private catering and areas available for private dining for those hosting a party.

Zak’s, Shop G04, Block A, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 2987 6232, [email protected], www.casteloconcepts.com/our-venues/zaks

22° North — French restaurant in Discovery Bay

Though it’s on the pricey side, this place offers top-quality dishes. The daily fresh produce at this Discovery Bay restaurant is prepared with absolute dedication, offering a fine flavour of French classics.

22° Degrees North, Shop G08B, G/F, Block A, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 2987 2298, [email protected], www.22north.com.hk

McSorley’s Pub — Popular and busy sports bar in Discovery Bay

Always popular for screened sporting events, this place is busiest on the weekends and often visited by DB’s locals. Well-known for its kids’ menu, spacious alfresco dining terrace and the tasty Indian dishes on the menu along with classic pub grub. DB locals can also order takeaway online.

McSorley’s Pub, G11A-1, D’Deck, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 2987 8280, [email protected], www.mcsorleys.com.hk

Uncle Russ Coffee — Discovery Bay’s local coffee shop

Uncle Russ is Discovery Bay’s favourite coffee shop has location in DB North as well as at Central Ferry Pier 3 for all those regular ferry commutors. Established in 1992, it aims to provide its customers with the best quality coffee and today it is also a very popular hangout for new and old DB-ers. Uncle Russ is also an avid charity supporter and sponsors many events in the area and beyond.

Uncle Russ Coffee, LG19, LG/F, 92 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay North, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, [email protected], www.unclerusscoffee.com.hk

What To Do In Discovery Bay — Things To Do With Kids

There’s a reason families flock to Discovery Bay, either to live or for a fun weekend day trip. With the rolling hills of Lantau Island as a backdrop, there are hiking opportunities galore and a beautiful golden sand beach, but there are also some excellent spots to take the kids.

Tai Pak Beach

A day on the beach at Discovery Bay is reason enough to make the ferry journey. Pack the swimsuits and sunglasses, slop on that sunscreen and kick back. Between building sandcastles, splashing in the waves and climbing all over the playground there are plenty of things to do at this Discovery Bay beach.

Read More: The Best Beaches In Hong Kong

Discovery Bay Playgrounds

If you’re wondering what to do in Discovery Bay, the good news is there are plenty of parks for outdoor fun. The two main playgrounds are located at the main beach and Siena area. The Tai Pak beach playground provides hours of crazy fun for babies and bigger kids while Central Park is surrounded by greenery, with cool secret paths and hungry fish in ponds waiting to be fed.

Epicland Discovery Bay

Hong Kong’s tallest vertical indoor adventure playground, Epicland has something for all ages! There are two sessions daily and you’ll need to book in advance for this popular Discovery Bay kids’ activity, but it’s certainly something worth planning ahead for. The venue also hosts a number of kids’ extracurricular activities for DB locals.

Epicland, Shop 31, G/F Family Recreation Centre, 96 Sienna Avenue, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 2441 0098, [email protected], www.epiclandhk.com

DB Ice Rink

What better way to beat the heat than to hit the ice? One of Discovery Bay’s most anticipated openings last year was, of course, the DB Ice Rink! This international-standard ice rink features state-of-the-art amenities and has a world-class professional coaching team that designs training courses for all levels. It is also the venue of choice for professional performances and international competitions. Ice hockey training will be starting soon as well.

DB Ice Rink, G/F, DB Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 2234 0187, [email protected], www.dbicerink.com

Discovery Bay Hikes — Hiking From Mui Wo To Discovery Bay

There are some great hiking trails amongst the mountains of Lantau Island. Choose to start or end your hiking adventures at Discovery Bay. You can make your way from Mui Wo to Discovery Bay starting at Silvermine Waterfall, following the Lo Fu Tau Country Trail to Discovery Bay lookout and then downhill into DB (be warned, this is a difficult one best tackled with older kids/ teens). Alternatively, hike from Mui Wo to Discovery Bay via Nim Shue Wan. There are stairs to start, but then the trail follows the coastline.

Discovery Bay Hotel

It might only be a 25-minute ferry ride to Discovery Bay, but with so much to do, there’s definitely something to be said for treating the family to a staycation.

Auberge Discovery Bay — Popular family-friendly Discovery Bay hotel

At the Auberge you’ll be transported to an island oasis, surrounded by ocean views and complete with first-class facilities. Food-wise, you’ll be sorted at the open-plan Café bord de Mer & Lounge; complete with an outdoor terrace, this is the perfect spot for a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner with the family, or perhaps a cocktail or two. Don’t miss the toy-filled Kids’ Club and swing by the Activity Centre to hire bicycles or meet the local horses. Be sure to check out the current hotel offers as there are often some great family-friendly deals!

Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong, 88 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 2295 8288, www.aubergediscoverybay.com

Living In Discovery Bay

Planning on moving? Discovery Bay is a resort town developed by HKR International in the 70s. It’s made up of lots of little “villages”, offering a range of properties – from simple studios at the plaza to grand villas on the beach and on the headland. Some have pools, almost all have their own playgrounds, and all are served by dedicated buses. Your budget will be the largest factor on where you can live – but there are two beds available for under $20,000 and luxury houses in excess of $100,000. Whilst the regular buses mean it’s easy to get around, if you need to get the ferry to Hong Kong island regularly it’s best to live closer to the terminal.

Discovery Bay Recreation Clubs

Club Siena and the Discovery Bay Recreational Club are hives of activity. The former boasts of many swimming pools (outdoor, indoor, kids’ and toddler) and a water play park. Discovery Bay Recreational Club is just a few minutes walk from the ferry, has plenty of tennis courts and a couple of outdoor pools to suit lane swimmers and young learners. The venues offer every type of class imaginable (for an additional charge), with options to suit most schedules. Both are only for residents living in Discovery Bay.

Shopping In Discovery Bay

It’s hard not to be impressed with the scale of the Fusion and Wellcome supermarkets (located in the South and North Plaza, respectively), but if you’re feeling like some things are overpriced and over-packaged, opt for the smaller stores or delivery services for your groceries.

Discovery Bay Schools

The two main international schools in the area are Discovery Bay International School, which accepts children from kindergarten and up, and Discovery College, which takes them from Year 1. There are a few schools for the under 5s (plus plenty of playgroups, see below) including Bayview House of Children, Discovery Bay Montessori School and Discovery Mind Kindergarten.

Discovery Bay Kids’ Activities

With Discovery Bay being such a children’s paradise, many popular class providers in Hong Kong also conduct regular children’s activities here. Some of our favourite things to do in Discovery Bay include:

Tinytots — Sports programme children between 18 months and 4 years old. www.tinytots.com.hk
RugbyTots — Fun rugby games on the beach. www.rugbytots.hk
Harry Wright Swimming — www.harrywright.com.hk
ESF Sports & Language — Range of extracurricular kids activities. www.esf.org.hk
Hong Kong School Of Capoeria — Fun and unique kids’ activity. www.capoeirahk.com
DMR School Of Ballet — Discovery Bay ballet dance classes for kids. www.dmr-hk.com
iGym Hong Kong — Gymnastics classes in Discovery Bay. www.igymhk.com
Girl Guides Discovery Bay — The DB branch of Girl Guides. www.db-guides.com
DB Pirates — Football, rugby and netball for Discovery Bay kids. www.dbpirates.com
Discovery Bay Dragons — Fantastic football programme for all ages and abilities. www.dragons.hk

Editor’s note: “Discovery Bay Hong Kong: Restaurants, Kids Activities And Things To Do In DB” was originally published by LTThomas in July 2017, updated by Crystal Lee in April 2020 and most recently updated by Jess Mizzi in 2022.

Main image courtesy of Visit Discovery Bay, image 1 courtesy of Getty Images, image 2 courtesy of Figos via Facebook, image 3 courtesy of Zaks, image 4, 5 & 6 courtesy of HKRI, image 7 courtesy of DB Ice Rink via Facebook, image 8 courtesy of Auberge Discovery Bay, image 9 courtesy of HKRI.

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Discovery Bay Hong Kong: Ferry, Restaurants, Kids Activities And Things To Do In DB