Despite the lack of sunny weather, the Hong Kong people are still determined to get their water-fix. This is why public swimming pools are a staple here, with many of the city’s residents spending an average of five to seven hours at the pool each week, according to the City Council’s latest statistics.
One of the city’s most interesting pools is in the cosmopolitan Ma On Shan District. The Ma On Shan Swimming Complex is a massive spaceship-like structure that overlooks the sea, and was designed by architect Terry Farrell and Partners. The pool has a large main pool and spectator stands for 1,200 people, along with four waterslides ranging from 9 to 18 metres, including the longest in the country. There’s also a smaller training and teaching pool, and a children’s pool full of whimsical water installations like mushroom and tree-shaped fountains.
The pool is free to use and open year-round, though it does close during the winter months. It is only a short walk from Ma On Shan MTR station, and parking is available at the nearby Nan Lian Gardens and Plaza Hollywood near Diamond Hill MTR. There are also a number of bus routes that stop at the pool’s entrance.
The Ma On Shan Swimming Complex is the most popular public pool in the city, and it can become quite crowded during weekends and holidays. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can try visiting during the off-season or before or after school hours.
Another great pool is found at Hotel Indigo, whose rooftop swimming pool is actually glass-bottomed and looks right down onto the city streets below. This is a great spot to visit for some Instagrammable shots, and it’s even more impressive when you’re swimming with the skyscrapers in the background.
If you’re looking for a more tranquil experience, check out the Asaya Pool at Rosewood Hong Kong, which is a 25-meter-long infinity pool that gives swimmers a spectacular view of Victoria Harbour’s calming waters. This modern pool is perfect for doing morning laps or simply relaxing on the deck while enjoying a drink and some bar chow. It’s best to visit this pool during sunset, when the colors on the skyline are at their most vibrant.
While the city’s pools are a great way to get some exercise, they can be a bit on the pricey side, especially if you’re planning to spend a day here. It might be worth your while to find a group of friends or family who want to go to the same pool on the same day, as this will help you save money and share the costs. Otherwise, you can try checking out some of the other hk pools listed in this article to see which ones are right for you. Just don’t forget your sunscreen! Happy swimming!