Located on Lantau Island, 2km away from Disney Land, Discovery Bay is not a tourist destination, though to many it feels like it.
19 March 2014
| Last updated on 28 June 2017![A guide to Discovery Bay, where is it and what's there? A guide to Discovery Bay, where is it and what's there?](https://cdn.expatwoman.com/s3fs-public/bd856c2d-5722-42ba-ae18-c16f89fb360c.jpg)
Located on Lantau Island, a mere 2km away from Disney Land, Discovery Bay is not a tourist destination, though to many it feels like one. Originally planned to be a holiday resort in the 1970s, Discovery Bay was built as a residential area after the original developer filed for bankruptcy. Now it is a green residential area that is quiet, clean and inhabited mostly by expats.
See also: Residential areas in Hong Kong
Discovery Bay is quite an expensive area to live in; firstly the ferry to get there is incredibly swanky and costs a whopping 31HKD per trip. However, it is very clean and has free Wi-Fi. Residents are not permitted to drive their own personal cars on the Island, so many of them get around on golf carts. Golf carts are expensive to own as they are limited to a certain number and a license to own a cart can cost more than a nice car. The people who do not have the luxury of a golf cart usually get around on foot or bicycle and many use the bus services on the island.
All this means is that there is no traffic and very little noise or air pollution on the island, making it pleasant for walking and hiking. There is also a man-made beach, the residents can take a dip at any time, and pollution levels are regularly monitored, so it’s generally clean and safe for swimming.
Discovery Bay, also known as Disco Bay to the residents of Hong Kong can still provide an enjoyable evening out to those visiting at D Deck, an al fresco dining area. D Deck houses 21 restaurants ranging from various cuisines to simple coffee shops and fast food outlets. If you plan to go for dinner be sure to book a table on the terrace where you can enjoy the nightly fireworks provided by Disney Land, just across the bay. If you spend 100HKD or more, your receipt will get you a free ferry ride into the city.
D Deck is not the only place to unwind in Discovery Bay, check out the fully decked out 18 hole golf course, or one of the two 9 hole golf courses. The course welcomes both members and non-members (on certain weekends only).
While Hong Kong is crowded, loud and vibrant with many shops and restaurants, Discovery Bay is calm and clean and resembles typical suburbia that many expats are accustomed to as being home.