Postcards from Hong Kong
When I arrive into Hong Kong from London, it usually includes freshening up after the long haul flight and heading straight out to a bar for a few drinks to bring the ‘travelling halfway across the world’ journey to a satisfying conclusion. When we arrived in Hong Kong we took off to The Upper House’s Cafe Gray Bar to enjoy the views of Hong Kong’s impressive skyline. I’ve been to Hong Kong twice in the last two years and only on my most recent visit did I fully appreciate how much there is to see and do. Naturally, there is a buzz in the city, with ageing buildings, narrow streets, and the obvious challenges regarding space - as I’m sure you’ve heard, space is a precious commodity on the Island. But aside from the city, Hong Kong lends well to a comprehensive vacation with its abundant number of hiking trails, surrounding islands and markets.
Lantau Island, is a popular island to visit while in Hong Kong. Home to The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, it is a good opportunity to escape Hong Kong Island to delve into the cultural element of Hong Kong. We took the ferry from Central Pier 6 on Hong Kong Island to Mui Wo, and then New Lantao Bus 2 to Ngong Ping Village, which takes approximately 40 minutes. Give yourself plenty of time for the day trip to enjoy your time on the island and soak up The Big Buddha and views while you are up there. With a short bus ride or taxi away you’ll find Tai O Fishing Village - which is a must do in my opinion. This quaint and picturesque fishing village is framed amongst the mountains, and you can see how it has adapted to visitors over the years with small shops, its seafood markets and restaurants scattered throughout its narrow lanes. There is a nice buzz of activity around the harbour and as we arrived ahead of sunset, the restaurants had begun to awaken for the evening service. Tai O is simply a photographers dream, especially as the sun begins to set on the harbour.
From a traditional Chinese fishing village to a laid-back multicultural community, Lamma Island serves up the perfect opportunity to escape Hong Kong’s busy lifestyle and retreat for a slower pace of life. Lamma Island is only 3km from Hong Kong Island but seems like a world apart as there are no cars, high buildings and a small population of residents. As you take the ferry from Hong Kong Island and begin to near Lamma, there is quite the contrasting view - a sandy beach framed by the presence of Lamma Island Power Station. Once on the island, its worth going on the Family Trail Walk - at approximately 5km it’s perfect for a walk on the weekend at a leisurely pace. Top tip: eat at Rainbow Seafood Restaurant for some of the best seafood dishes in the world and they also offer an exclusive and free ferry shuttle service navigating between Central Pier 9 or Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) Sok Kwn Wan on Lamma Island.
In Hong Kong on a Wednesday and not sure what to do? Head over to Happy Valley Racecourse for an evening of fun with friends! It is quite the surreal setting of having a racecourse bang smack in the middle of the busy and cramped Hong Kong Island. However that is all forgotten as you step inside. You can place a bet or two on the horses if you’re feeling lucky, enjoy a host of different food options and have a few drinks with friends, naturally. I will advise for you to check whether the races are on, ahead of making the trip across to Happy Valley.
In the spirit of catching a few Instagram worthy pictures, there are two places in Hong Kong which come to mind. Head over to the Choi Hung Estate’s basketball court for the infamous pastel coloured rainbow that graces the estate’s exterior and providing an ‘instragrammable’ backdrop. Yik Cheong Building is a system of five interconnected buildings in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong. Also widely known as Monster Building, it has been used as an inspiration for several filming locations and a photography hotspot. With both of these locations, please be mindful and respectful of the residents while visiting.
This is not an exhaustive list of things to do in Hong Kong, and that is exactly what will excite any traveller. You’ll return home with beautiful memories and a host of stories to share with friends and family. And before you know it, plans will begin to gather pace for the next trip, for there is always a next trip to Hong Kong.
