Sai Wan’s Secrets: Sai Wan Swimming Shed and Instagram Pier
Following my mini-series of celebrating the beautiful and Instagram-worthy spots in HK, I go back to the time I went to Sai Wan. The Sai Wan Swimming Shed and the Instagram Pier are just two of the most noteworthy spots on this side of HK. These are not normally in the tourists’ itinerary because of the location. Sai Wan is in the westernmost part of HK island covering the last few stops of the MTR. The Swimming Shed and the Instagram Pier provide a picturesque view of the sunset as both open up to Victoria Harbor. The sun’s rays, coupled with the ripples of water, provide a perfect effect for photo-worthy content. With this said, it’s best to time the visit here in the afternoon before sunset.
Sai Wan Swimming Shed:
The wooden bridge is the most popular attraction in the area. You’ll probably see it in all your searches regarding the shed. There are platforms on both sides where you can take your pictures from offering different perspectives of the bridge. I personally like the right platform as it has a bit of a height and trees for a more dramatic effect.
You can also go to the bridge itself to take those beautiful center shots. Note that the place is popular with the locals as well so depending on the time you go, you may have to queue in line.
If you want to take a picture on the sides, you have to time it perfectly. People taking photos on the bridge come and go so patience is key in getting those shots. 🙂
Instagram Pier:
About a 30-minute walk from the Sai Wan Swimming Shed is the West District Public Cargo Depot, known better as the Instagram Pier. The pier was used mainly for public cargoes and you will still see heavy traces of it in the dock. As its use dwindled, people started to frequent the area for those beautiful sunset and mirror shots.
Popular shots you will see from the pier are the shipping containers lined up on the side. Cargo pallets are also stacked providing a perfect backdrop for your photos. People are also drawn to the lamp posts and mirror sky shots where angles are shot from the wet puddles on the ground.
Graffiti are also visible in some stray shipping containers giving more character to the pier.
Since I went here some time ago, there may already be some changes in the area. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for that beautiful sunset, be sure to put this on your list. I was here a little past lunchtime, so I didn’t get to see the sunset.
How to get there:
Both spots are accessible via the MTR – Kennedy Town Station. The station is in the middle though and both require ~20-min walk each side. The two spots are also within walking distance from each other, a good 30-minute walk following the harbor. If walking does not sound enticing, you may take Bus 54 from the Caritas Jockey Club Hotel Mount Davis to the Whitty Street Tram Depot. This is if you are coming from the swimming shed. If you are coming from the Instagram Pier, you may take bus 1 or simply hail a cab.
Sai Wan Swimming Shed – The shed is located on the right side of the station on Exit C. There’s a bit of a walk required if you are coming from the station following the harbor and uphill to Mt. Davis. If you don’t want to walk, you can call a cab to get you there. Below is the google maps location of the swimming shed.
By bus, you can take Bus 1 from Central (The Landmark) to Serene Court. There’s still a walk required, but not as long as the MTR option.
Upon reaching the shed entrance, you’ll be welcomed by the winding stairs. It’s a bit steep so be careful. You’ll also need energy going back up. 🙂
Instagram Pier – As the swimming shed, the pier takes about a 20-minute walk from the MTR Kennedy Town station. Another option would be via “ding-ding” or the tramways. Trams run the length of the HK Island and are the cheapest transportation if you want to go to the Pier. From Central, you can take the tram going to Whitty Street Depot Entrance. You can also take bus number 1 or 113 from Central ( The Landmark) and alight at the Water Street stop.
Hope this post is helpful. Please feel free to click this link to view more of my travels >>> Travel Blogs.