Hidden Gems in Hong Kong to Explore beyond Disneyland

Summer Triple Rewards from Hong Kong Tourism Board await all visitors

With over a million Filipino tourists having already visited Hong Kong early this year, the city continues to be a favorite destination. Surveys indicate Filipino travelers are increasingly seeking hidden gems and culturally immersive experiences. In response, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has curated a list of must-try activities perfect for every type of traveler:

1. Escape the city’s hustle and bustle by visiting Peng Chau

A quaint car-free island, Peng Chau offers a glimpse into Hong Kong’s slower-paced lifestyle. Once a 
bustling industrial hub with over 100 factories, one of its now-defunct factories has been transformed by a
local resident into an art junkyard, showcasing quirky displays and vibrant graffiti.

2. Bike around Cheung Chau island

Get the best of Hong Kong’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while exploring this island by bike. For an adrenaline boost, explore the Cheung Po Tsai cave, a former treasure hideout of a 19th-century pirate. After a long day, treat yourself to delectable seafood all while enjoying the fresh sea breeze.

3. Savor sunsets at the Braemar Hill

Also known as the Red Incense Burner Summit, this easy and short hiking trail offers a panoramic view of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Victoria Harbour, perfect for capturing those golden-hour selfies.

4. Experience birdwatching bliss at Mai Po Nature Reserve

A haven for bird watchers, this wetland reserve is home to rare migratory birds. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the reserve's ecological importance, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

5. Embark on a spiritual retreat at Tsz Shan Monastery

Nestled in the lush hills of Tai Po, this monastery houses a majestic 230-foot bronze-cast white Guan Yin statue. Below it lies Hong Kong’s first museum dedicated to Buddhist art and relics, enriching visitors with mindfulness activities like tea meditation, zen calligraphy, and water offerings.

6. Step Back in Time with a Water Tour Around Aberdeen

Delve into the life of local fishermen and history of floating houses all at once. Indulge in a bowl of boat noodles, traditionally prepared by fishermen, while enjoying the picturesque view of Aberdeen Harbour from a sampan, a traditional flat-bottomed boat.

7. Enroll in a Mahjong Workshop

Mahjong is a beloved tradition deeply rooted in Hong Kong culture. Learn the process and enjoy the creative process of designing a mahjong tile that’s uniquely yours with metallic colors and patterns.

8. Create your own neon sign

What’s Hong Kong without its bright neon sign boards? They’ve become synonymous to the city’s vibrant nightlife. Now, you could take home a piece of this iconic scene by crafting your own personalized neon sign in a fun, interactive workshop.

9. Learn a new skill from a local artists at the Mills

Once a textile factory, The Mills is now a revitalised centre for arts, culture, and innovation, featuring a mix of shops, galleries, and eateries. Discover the rich history of Hong Kong’s textile industry while exploring modern creative spaces that celebrate innovation and design.

10. Hunt for rare collectibles at the Upper Lascar Row

Known for its eclectic mix of antique shops and thrift stores, this vibrant street offers unique finds and vintage treasures. It is a paradise for shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind items, from antique trinkets to retro collectibles.

11. Taste tradition at Tai Ping

Known to be one of the oldest western restaurants opened by Chinese in China and Hong Kong, Tai Ping Koon is a historical restaurant known for its fusion of Western and Chinese cuisine, offering a nostalgic dining experience. Their roasted pigeon and Swiss style chicken wings are a must-try!

12. Enjoy a nostalgic evening at Kinsman
Inspired by Wong Kar-wai’s classic film In the Mood for Love, this bar pays homage to Hong Kong's rich heritage and traditions while showcasing the best of Cantonese and Chinese spirits. Be sure to try their Kowloon Dairy, which is the bar’s innovative interpretation of Hong Kong milk punch.

Explore Hong Kong to the fullest with the “Summer Triple Awards”

Discover these hidden gems and more with HKTB’s Summer Triple Awards which will be available starting July 11, 2024. Visitors can pick up their card from designated locations and enjoy over 500,000 sets of offers from restaurants, shops, transportation, and sightseeing tours. Eligible participants only need a non-local registered mobile phone number to register. The promotion and its offers are available in limited quantities on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more of Hong Kong’s hidden gems and exclusive deals, please visit:
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/seasia/what-s-new/highlights/hkhiddengems.html

Must-See Art Events in Hong Kong this March 2024

Whether you're up for brand new events or the comeback of top exhibitions, discover incredible art experiences on both sides of Victoria Harbour this March and beyond.

It’s that time of year again! Hong Kong is gearing up to host an array of creative experiences this spring. From a mesmerising new teamLab installation to much-anticipated annual events like Art Basel Hong Kong, travellers will be immersed in art on the banks of Victoria Harbour.

Dazzling New Experiences to Explore

1. Art@Harbour 2024: teamLab “Continuous” - March 25 to June 2

Kick-start your artsy adventure with teamLab’s groundbreaking “Continuous” installation on Central Harbourfront. Part of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD)’s Art@Harbour 2024, hundreds of glowing egg-shaped structures come alive with ever-changing colors and sounds, responding to visitors' interactions.

2. WestK FunFest: “Ephemeral” - March 16 to April 7

Next, admire digital art facades illuminating the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, then continue the evening at WestK FunFest, where an award-winning, large-scale immersive art installation features a world of giant, vibrant inflatable “bubble-tecture”.

3. ComplexCon Hong Kong - March 22 to 24

A must for pop culture lovers, ComplexCon Hong Kong will also be in town. The expertly curated festival features the world's most influential brands and artists, creating an unforgettable experience that blends fashion, sneakers, art, food, music, inspiration, and more. It will be making its international debut at AsiaWorld Expo, just minutes away from Hong Kong International Airport.

The Return of Landmark Art Events

1. Art Basel Hong Kong - March 28 to 30

A cornerstone of the art season, Art Basel Hong Kong needs no introduction. Taking place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the prestigious art fair will return with more than 240 world-class galleries and 16 large-scale installations.

2. Art Central - March 27 to 31

Returning to Central Harbourfront after four years, Art Central will once again showcase boundary-pushing contemporary art from the region’s most forward-thinking galleries, as well as a new sector, “Neo”, devoted to first-time exhibitors.

3. Hong Kong Palace Museum & M+ - March 16 to April 11

Love the classics? In West Kowloon Cultural District, one of the harbour’s coolest districts, see masterpieces from London’s National Gallery at the Hong Kong Palace Museum’s “Botticelli to Van Gogh” exhibition, then pop over to M+ for the impressive “Noir & Blanc” exhibition on black-and-white photography.

Meanwhile, the Arts in Hong Kong Harbour Tour, arranged by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, will offer front-row seats to the artistic wonders along the sea. More details to follow on discoverhongkong.com. 

Can’t visit this spring? Don’t worry. As Asia’s leading art destination, Hong Kong offers exciting creative experiences all year. Book your trip to Hong Kong, where diverse art experiences await!

Lei Ho! Lived it, love it!

im soooo back! - dawn zulueta (sa isang billboard sa edsa.)

enjoy ako sa HK trip ko last week. hindi ko pa nga nalubos kasi hindi ako nakapunta ng disneyland saka ocean park. well, hindi naman mawawala yun so pwede pa balikan.

well, mahirap ikwento lahat dito sa blog but i want you to take a look at the pictures.

http://orgulaschubb.multiply.com/photos/album/155

there are some things that i want to share with you from HK:

1. they are busy late in the morning. around 10am i think for work.
2. mahirap kapag walang trabaho sa HK. kahit sa mcdo, matatanda na ang crews nila. and the young people spend their times studying and they have been very busy.
3. sobrang linis. as in! makikita ko lang kalat sa kalsada ay withered leaves. they leave cigarette butts in specific boxes na makikita naman kahit saan. kung mejo malayo sila sa trash bin na yun, they make the efforts to go there and throw the waste inside.
4. try roast duck, white chicken and suckling pig na makikita sa Cafe de Coral. i say it's a must-try!
5. try to eat at regular restos parang carinderia dito sa atin pero aircon! they will serve you tea pero their fingers are dipped inside the glasses. wag ka, mga tao dun takam na takam! hehehe...
6. they serve food in BIG SERVINGS, and i mean BIG! dko nga naubos ung mga lunch ko e.
7. may San Miguel Beer dun pero mas sikat ata ang Corona Beer. may lemon pang nilalagay. hehehe..
   
8. Mong Kok is a shopping haven for ladies, Jordan for male shoppers. since HK is what i call, "Mother Divisoria" tumawad ka kaagad ng 50% off from the regular price. pero pag hindi cla pumayag sa tawad mo, iwan mo sila pero hahabulin ka pa rin nila to give you a bargain! hehehe...
   
9. take the Star Ferry to go to the other side of the harbor. it's one of the must-do things in the world ayon sa National Geographic.
10. some unusual birds glide from building to building. dko lam what type of bird un. but it is still unusual to see birds in the urban setting.
11. means of transpo: taxi, double-decker bus, tram (double-deckers pero may riles), MTR, ferry, and signature car models. dun lang ako nakakita ng ferrari, BMW, audi or any luxury car na parang wala lang. o diba sosyal?!
12. right-hand drive dun kaya ingat-ingat sa pagtawid.
    
13. i really want you to see the light show of Wan Chai from Tsim Sha Tsui harbor. nasa pics and videos ko ung reason kung bakit. :)
14. may sariling mall and airport nila for departure. san ka pa?! meron din namang disney items dun.
15. almost all people go to work walking and in a fast pace. i think yun cguro ang reason kaya bakit they stay slim kahit bandehado na sila kumain.
16. i think i have to learn cantonese na. not only mandarin. hehehe...
17. yung mga makikita mong imitation items, looks like original dito sa atin.

gusto ko lang sabihin para masingit lang, marami sana akong gustong magaya natin from HK. tutal magaling naman gumaya daw ang mga pinoy, bakit hindi pa gayahin ung maganda at positibo diba?

from HK to Pinas

for a while you wont see me online on multiply or any of my online accounts starting monday, oct.29 to nov. 3, well, i am not online on weekends too so i think this will be effective starting tomorrow. in case you all are wondering, i am bound for hong kong on monday for a work-related activity that i'm sure you will all miss me. (hahaha... asa!) i'm gonna make most out of my stay there for it is my first time to fly overseas good thing that the company shouldered for the expenses. as i keep on saying to those who are close to me, the only thing that i need is a luggage bag. i am so prepared! the clothes, everything. but still i have to double-check if i already got everything i need.

we'll be leaving manila by 8AM. first flight. so i have to get up as early as 3AM (pray for me!) so i can prepare myself and my luggage before i hail a taxi going to makati where all of my companions will assemble.

i dont know what to expect when we arrive in hong kong but i really have to make my stay worthwhile. we'll be staying at Imperial Hotel i suppose but i don't know where the real event is going to take place. i would still be bringing extra money for my own expense aside from the pocket money that they will be proving us. hehehe... WALANG MAGPAPABILI KUNG WALA KAYONG PATAGO! hehehe... just joking. i also don't know how will i buy all the stuff that i want. got to make the best decisions.

im gonna need some of your advise, from those who have been there.
hmmm... so that's all that i'll be saying for now.

My Mabuhay Miles

They've advised me to get a Mabuhay Miles number, e di ayan!

Congratulations on taking your first step to a more rewarding travel experience. Here's your Mabuhay Miles membership number: