Rich in architectural and cultural history, this place caters for any young free spirit searching to discover and experience alternative ways of life. Kalk Bay is a small harbor between Fishoek and Muizenberg. Originally founded and created by the Dutch East India Company in 1742. Over time the bay became a small fishing village inhabited by Philippine people seeking refuge from the anti Spanish riots of the time. Later the coloured people of Cape Town working on boats became very much part of the bay before and during apartheid.
This beautiful coastal region surrounded by mountain is now a popular place for tourists to visit as it holds much of its cultural heritage to this day. There is still a small fishing community operating here and a number of entertainment venues and restaurants have arisen over the years. If one takes a stroll along the coastal main road there are a variety of antique furniture shops, museums and textured old houses to look at. There is a beautiful view of the sea and a number of beaches one may stop at along the way.
Kalk Bay Harbor
The harbor is definitely one of the most interesting places as fishermen and boats inhabit it during the day. Fresh fish is sold at the roadside and prepared on the harbor as it is brought off the boats. There is a local fish and chip shop that goes by the name of Kalkies right on the harbor. This is a place where one can experience some of Cape Town’s true culture. You can sit on the wooden benches lodged on the harbor deck and watch the boats coming in with the days catch. Locals cast their hand lines over the edge of the jetty and socialize around the lighthouse at the end of the harbor.
Kalkies is by no means an established or 5 star restaurant. Guests come to Kalkies to experience the stench of fish being scaled on the deck and the foul language of fisherman consorting with each other. At Kalkies you can order your favorite Cape Town meal, a huge piece of deep fried hake or yellowtail served along with a massive portion of deep fried potato chips smothered in cheap tomato sauce. It’s great! While enjoying your food under the shade of the Kalkies awning you will be able to watch local musicians with guitars and banjos playing traditional Cape coloured songs while seagulls squawk and circle over head. After enjoying the atmosphere under a blue sky and devouring your last chip roll, you can take a walk along the jetty and admire the rustic, irregularity of this poor yet diverse and interesting place.
Tourist Attractions
There is so much to enjoy around kalk bay and the atmosphere is most definitely never dull. After eating a healthy, greasy lunch, you may pop around to Polana bar on the harbor for a pleasant drink while watching the ocean wave’s crash against the rocks at the shore. This truly is a beautiful and traditional Cape Town experience. Polana is a popular tourist attraction and the view from the inside of the bar is stunning, perfect for a romantic date or social event with friends. There are other fantastic bars and restaurants in the area such as The Brass Bell and Cape to Cuba, all with the alternative flavor of a beachside resort and a strong hippie element of relaxation. If in Cape Town, a visit to Kalk Bay is a must.
Nick Pedersen - I am a young writer with what I would call passionate and powerful writing skills. I thoroughly enjoy any form of creativity and have wide ...
