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

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Meet the Tornado Wranglers in Action in the New Featurette

A group of fearless storm chasers risk their lives to face one of nature’s most terrifying forces in “Twisters.” The epic disaster film arrives in Philippine cinemas on July 17, but movie-goers can get their tickets now ahead of everyone else by logging in at www.twisters.com.ph.

To join the audience in the thrill ride of the year, let’s meet the tornado wranglers:

Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), is the charismatic leader of the pack. A former rodeo star, Tyler found fame on social media as a viral “extreme meteorologist,” seeking thrills chasing intense storms across the country.

Once passionate about trying to predict, chase, and tame tornadoes, Kate Carter (Daisy Edgar-Jones) settles for a life behind the desk to escape the failure of her pursuit. When opportunity presents itself with an anomalous extreme storm, a shot at redemption, and a second chance for adventure, is revealed to her.

Javi (Anthony Ramos) is similarly haunted by the tragedy that befell Kate’s crew. He re-enters Kate’s life as an entrepreneur, developing technology that aims to study tornadoes in an attempt to tame them. 

Joining the crew is Boone (Brandon Perea), who is part of Tyler’s squad as the videographer, capturing their escapades for social media. Lily (Sasha Lane), is also part of the crew as their drone-toting scouter.

Watch them chase the most extreme storms nature has to offer as “Twisters” crashes into Philippine cinemas on July 17.

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DITO Celebrates “Galing” ng Pilipino at the Palarong Pambansa 2024

Pilipino, ipakita mo ang Galing DITO! DITO champions homegrown athletes in the biggest sports event of the year in Cebu City.

DITO Telecommunity renews its commitment to weaving stronger telecommunities and championing Filipino talents across the country as a proud co-presenter of Palarong Pambansa 2024, the largest sporting event in the country. In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the local government of Cebu City, DITO supports and celebrates the galing of young athletes as they go all out and compete in various sporting events.

The Palarong Pambansa has gathered young Filipino athletes across the Philippines since 1948. This year’s competition will involve the participation of 12,000 athletes, coaches, and officials in 22 regular sports, one demonstration sport, and four Para Games. Several “firsts” will also mark the historic event, including the addition of dance sports as a regular sport and the inaugural participation of athletes from the National Academy of Sports and the Philippine Schools Overseas. The games, slated to run from July 11 to 15, 2024, will be held in Cebu City.

A celebration of galing, determination, and diversity
The Palarong Pambansa has long been a proving ground for the skills, determination, and sportsmanship of young athletes. This year’s theme “Beyond Sports” boosts the holistic development of the athletes in sport and education, while helping strengthen the bond among athletes, their families, and peers – an endeavor that DITO fully supports.

“We at DITO are always committed to help build a stronger, progressive nation,” said Evelyn Jimenez, Chief Revenue Officer for Consumer Business. “Aligned with the principles behind our GalingDITO campaign, we want to recognize undiscovered talents, champion diversity, and empower more Filipinos to showcase their “Galing.” The Philippines is home to rich natural resources, cultural heritage, and homegrown talents; hence, we aim to put the spotlight on Filipino talent and excellence, especially in this gathering of tremendously talented and spirited young athletes from every corner of the Philippines.” Jimenez added.

More than the gold awaiting victors at the podium, DITO sees the coming together of hearts and talents as the bigger goal of events of this magnitude. “The talent and perseverance of every young Filipino athlete contribute to their personal achievements, but collectively, they will help shape an empowering narrative of unity that will positively influence our nation,” added Ms. Jimenez.

As a co-presenter of Palarong Pambansa 2024, DITO will join DepEd, the Cebu City community and its officials, the athletes, their families, coaches, and trainers in the Opening Ceremony on July 9, 2024 at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Exciting activities and exclusive freebies also await event attendees at the GalingDITO Booths. As a ramp-up to the Palarong Pambansa 2024, highly sought-after Pinoy pop boy group ALAMAT, who are GalingDITO Ambassadors, will also have a fan meet on July 7, 2024 at SM City Cebu.

“We’re so happy and honored to be here and take part in this year’s Palarong Pambansa. These activities aim to get DITOzens and Cebuanos into the spirit of the games and spread the celebration of Filipino talent and excellence that our GalingDITO platform fully supports,” Jimenez concluded.

For more information and updates, check out @DITOphofficial on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://dito.ph/.

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