Top 10 Things to Do In Hong Kong

‘Come to Hong Kong in another five years and you will not be able to recognize most of it.’ That’s how rapidly Asia’s World City is being transformed according to my tour guide.

As a first-time visitor, I was taken in, almost instantly, by Hong Kong’s magnificent skyline inching forward on the foundation of a rich traditional past. Of course, the darn ‘Shopping’ word was forever at the back of my mind courtesy all the talk I had heard from friends and colleagues. So I did just the opposite. Consciously staying away from the stores and malls made me discover something - There is more to Hong Kong than meets the eye.

Here are some of my findings...

1. Victoria Peak and Madame Tussauds

 

If getting a bird’s eye view of a city is your thing, then you must make way to Victoria Peak - the high point of Hong Kong. Literally! Armed with a combo pass (to save money, silly) that includes a ride on the funicular tram and entry to Madame Tussaud’s museum, you are good to go. For me personally, the tram ride was unexpectedly exciting because little did I know that it will run– 1) Fast and 2) At a steep 45 degree angle. Boy was I refreshed soaking in the gorgeous views of the harbor and the sky-high buildings!

Once you reach the top, preferably by late evening, you will be welcomed by the Symphony of Lights – the largest permanent light and sound show in the world. Madame Tussauds museum is every much the hype we all have heard about. But honestly, go there only if you haven’t been to any other Madame Tussauds before.

Mak’s Noodle in Peak Galleria is a Michelin-star restaurant you may want to try out. The food is delicious, surprisingly cheap and has vegetarian options too.

2. Lan Kwai Fong

Picture this: A range of cool pubs neatly lined together, filling up glasses as the revellers choose to stand outdoors making merry on the gently elevating roads. As a result, one ends up partying with the whole town. That’s Lan Kwai Fong for you. It’s not like anything you would have witnessed on the party scene before. I enjoyed the friendly vibe here plus it's a short walk from Victoria Peak. Try to stay away from the Indian restaurants for once and try out the local specialties, beer included.

3. Repulse Bay

Don’t go by its name for you will actually be smitten by the beauty of this urban beach. Christened after the event of pirates being repelled by the British in 1841, Repulse Bay wins you over with its picturesque setting. You will notice that the sand closer to the shore is coarser than that further away because the beach was artificially extended. Go there for some peace and quiet equipped with a good read. Of course, crossing Jackie Chan’s house to reach it is another fringe benefit. Must try the chilly garlic noodles at the 7/11 outlet.

4. Avenue of Stars*

Okay, so this Avenue of Stars* may not mean as much to you if you are not into Chinese films. Honestly, one wouldn't recognize more than half the celebs featured there but yes, there is Jackie Chan and the big Bruce Lee statue that everyone likes to get clicked with. Grab a cold coffee from the Starbucks located here and enjoy a leisurely walk hand-in-hand with your loved one.

*Please note that Avenue of stars is closed for renovation till the end of 2018.

5. Aberdeen Fishing Village

It’s amazing to find yourself facing a quaint fishing village in the middle of an international city like Hong Kong. Aberdeen brings you all that complete with its 600 junks aka fishing boats and a charming Jumbo restaurant to satiate your seafood cravings with panache. Wondering who all have dined here before you? 30 million others including Queen Elizabeth II and Tom Cruise! Definitely makes for a nice boat tour as you float around to understand how once all Hongkongers lived aboard junks like that. Don't forget to spot Jackie Chan's (yes, again because they love him here!) purple yacht that stands proud closer to the deck.

6. Tsim Sha Tsui

Staying at the Shamrock hotel had its plus points, location in Tsim Sha Tsui is one of them. Celebrated as a massive tourist drag, this area in Kowloon is known for a wonderful mix of budget to high-end hotels. Go window shopping past snazzy designer stores like Coach, Hermes etc and feel free to pop in if you can afford it. I couldn’t, so preferred eating an ice-cream cone from a van and taking a stroll instead. The delicious dinner of rice and noodles at a local restaurant marked the perfect end to my day.

7. Ladies Street Market

Here is the perfect opportunity to experience local culture which is loud, colorful and sometimes brash; and pick up some souvenirs. I was a wee bit disappointed at the rates, products and how hard it was to convince the shopkeepers to bring the price down. Then we regrouped and attacked. Thankfully, it worked this time. So, the tip is to offer reasonable rates. Don't go the Sarojini Nagar route. That wouldn't work. The designer rip-off handbags are nice but not the LV hologram ones. I bought two for 350 HKD as gifts to bring back home and the ladies loved them. You can buy footwear though no great shakes and some fake soccer club tees. This place is running amok with funky USBs.

8. Disneyland and Ocean Park

These two places are highly-recommended, especially when travelling with kids. Packed with a lot of fun activities like rides (common to both), parades (in Disneyland), rollercoasters and interaction with animals (in Ocean Park) and a general ‘I feel good’ vibe (common to both); every second here will be well spent. I chose to skip them since I have been to Tokyo Disney and several aquariums in Japan already.

9. Lantau Island and The Big Buddha

In our thirst to explore the old world charm of Hong Kong, the husband and I decided to get to Lantau Island and took the 30 minute long Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride. You can choose between regular and crystal floor. No prizes for guessing which one we took! For the first time in my life, I found the floor to be too clean and clear for my liking. It was a rather thrilling ride but one full of fun and beautiful natural sights around. On reaching the peak, visiting the Tian Tan Buddha aka Big Buddha was the first thing we did. I missed seeing the typical ‘history’ sections that you find in places like these but it was beautiful nonetheless.

Next came a short walk to the Po Lin Monastery. They do a vegetarian meal, if you are interested. From there, take the bus to Tai O Fishing village and enjoy a boat ride. If you are lucky, you will spot pink dolphins. Let me not forget to mention that the walk to the boat station is not a tasteful one as you can see fish being dried all around, even sharks. But if you are a dried-fish lover, go berserk! The shrimp paste here is extremely popular. We found a cozy international restaurant called Melt to have lunch at. The Apple Cider here is a must-try and the lady who runs it with her son is extremely gracious. Later in the day, we went to this rather lonesome beach called Pui O that was a short bus ride plus a 10 minute trek away. Watching the waves gush against the setting sun while sipping on some chilled beer (sold by an elderly gentleman who lives there) was absolutely divine.

10. Temple Street Night Market

Luckily, this was right behind Shamrock hotel, our home away from home. Temple Street Night Market was very similar in goods to Ladies Market, though the shopkeepers were nicer. But since we were in no mood to shop, we focused our energies on the gastronomical scene that magically opened up in front of our eyes. Suddenly, the food shacks expanded on to the pavement and even the road, as travelers huddled to relish delicious local food along with the famous Tsing Tao Beer.

And that’s how my three day tryst with Hong Kong came to an end. But I was excited because next day we were off to Macau – the Las Vegas of the East. More on that in my next blog.