ABOUT HONG KONG
Hong Kong is a densely populated, yet compact city surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests. Since over seventy-five percent of Hong Kong is green space, outdoor activities are as accessible as the multitude of shopping malls! Whether you want to spend your days hiking up a mountain, shopping at designer stores, visiting temples, or hanging out on a beach - Hong Kong has something for you!
HONG KONG POSTS
June 26, 2024
A dynamic and vibrant place unlike any other in the world, Hong Kong, and its many contrasts, are fascinating to explore. Despite its small size, you can experience both the chaotic energy of a densely-populated city, but can also get away from all of that in its country parks to enjoy incredible natural beauty. Living in Hong Kong for 6.5 years, I’ve played tour guide to lots of friends and family. Now, I’m sharing this 5-day Hong Kong itinerary and complete guide to help you fall in love with this amazing city.
December 11, 2023
Known as the “Las Vegas of the East” with its glitzy casinos, Macau is a famous gambling destination. If casinos are your thing, then you’ll enjoy exploring that side of Macau. As for me, I prefer exploring its historic streets. Wandering through the small cobblestoned streets, admiring the architecture, and sampling delicious food is my favorite way to see Macau on a day trip from Hong Kong. In this article, I’ll share my one-day itinerary for discovering historic Macau.
March 24, 2022
Hiking to Lantau Peak via the Middle Dog Teeth Range is a fantastic adventure for experienced hikers in Hong Kong. This short, yet steep hike offers incredible views as you scramble up the rocky and exposed trail to Hong Kong’s second highest peak. As one of the most difficult hikes in Hong Kong, it’s not for everyone. But if you love a challenge, this hike on Lantau Island might be perfect for you!
December 14, 2021
On a cool, clear Saturday morning, we set out on another hiking adventure. This time, we’d tackle the Kai Kung Leng hike near Yuen Long. A steep and exposed trail, it offers epic 360-degree views for almost the entire hike. And so far, it’s the best view of the Shenzhen skyline that I’ve found in Hong Kong! In this article, I’ll show you how to hike this incredibly scenic trail in Lam Tsuen Country Park.
December 3, 2021
In Hong Kong’s northeastern New Territories, Pat Sin Leng Country Park is home to a fantastic hike on a gorgeous mountain range. Undulating peaks offer a tough workout for the legs. But stunning 360-degree views reward hikers for their efforts. In this post, I’ll show you how to hike the Eight Immortals and Wong Leng in Pat Sin Leng Country Park.
November 26, 2021
Because most Hong Kong hikes tend to head straight up a mountain with steep stairs, it’s a rare occurrence to find a flat, easy trail. But that’s what the Fung Hang Family Walk in northern New Territories is. Not only that, but this dog-friendly hike has beautiful views of Starling Inlet and the Yantian District of Shenzhen. It’s a perfect way for the whole family to enjoy some time in nature.
October 19, 2021
As other countries return to a semblance of normal, Hong Kong’s quarantine policies continue making it onerous to travel to the city. Recently returned to Hong Kong from the U.S., I’m in my third week of a 21-day hotel quarantine. So, it’s the perfect time to share a detailed look into my travel and quarantine experience with helpful tips and lessons learned along the way.
June 24, 2021
Nestled in the cozy Hebe Haven, or Pak Sha Wan, neighborhood of Hong Kong with a stunning waterfront location, The Pier Hotel is an excellent place to relax for a couple days. Nearby to hiking trails, beaches, plus delicious restaurants in Sai Kung Town, you can have a quiet getaway without sacrificing comfort. In this article, I’ll review our recent stay at The Pier Hotel so you can see what it’s like to stay there.
June 17, 2021
The Tai Tan Country Trail in Sai Kung’s West Country Park is a gorgeous, easy hike that’s perfect for summer. With stunning views of turquoise waters and the verdant green hills of Sai Kung, this hike highlights Hong Kong’s incredible natural beauty. Although best enjoyed on a sunny day, we hiked it during our recent rainy staycation in Sai Kung. In spite of the rain, it was a beautiful hike that I’ll share with you, plus provide tips for hiking it in wet conditions.
June 10, 2021
With its fishing villages, lush green parks full of hiking trails, and pristine beaches, Sai Kung is a world away from Central Hong Kong. As a result, it’s a perfect spot for Hong Kong residents and visitors alike to get outside the urban core and discover some of Hong Kong’s hidden gems. In this 3-day itinerary, I’ll show you what to do and where to eat in Sai Kung to have a fun-filled trip!
May 18, 2021
On the western end of Hong Kong Island, Kennedy Town is a vibrant, seaside neighborhood with great coffee shops, parks, and delicious food. Convenient to central Hong Kong, it’s a great place to live or just explore for a day. In this neighborhood guide, I’ll show you what you should do to make the most of one day in Kennedy Town. Plus, share my favorite places to eat and drink in K-Town!
April 18, 2021
Despite living in Hong Kong for three years, I’d never really explored the Tseung Kwan O area until last month. Tseung Kwan O (abbreviated TKO) is one of nine new towns built on reclaimed land in the northern part of Junk Bay in southeastern New Territories. Upon first glance, it’s just a bunch of tall skyscrapers built upon a spiderweb of shopping malls. But after living in Tseung Kwan O for a month, I found a wealth of fun things to do which I believe make this Hong Kong neighborhood worth a visit!
February 27, 2021
The Sunset Peak hike from Tung Chung Station to Pak Kung Au is a challenging trail which takes you up into Lantau Island’s rolling hills and past several beautiful peaks. As you climb, you’ll have incredible 360-degree views, including Hong Kong International Airport, nearby islands, and the sea. Use this hiking guide for tips on how to climb Hong Kong’s third-highest peak!
January 28, 2021
Climbing Ma On Shan peak is a fantastic challenge for hikers in Hong Kong. An adventurous, steep, rocky trail with stunning 360-degree views from several peaks, this trail will get your heart racing! In this guide, I’ll show you how to hike from Ma On Shan to Sai Kung by way of two notable Hong Kong peaks – the Hunch Backs and Ma On Shan.
January 7, 2021
As the days grew colder in Hong Kong, I knew it was time to hike one of those tall peaks in New Territories. So a couple days before the new year, we set out to tackle Tai Mo Shan – the tallest peak in Hong Kong! A steep climb, incredible views, and LOTS of wind – climbing Tai Mo Shan is certainly an adventure. In this guide, I’ll share our route and other tips for hiking this epic Hong Kong trail.
December 29, 2020
The Lion Rock hike is famous in Hong Kong for the incredible views you’ll find atop the steep rocky cliffs which from afar resemble a lion. On a clear day, you’ll be amazed at the panoramic views of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island from this picturesque trail. In this hiking guide, I’ll show you how to hike up Lion Rock then continue along the trail to Beacon Hill.
December 1, 2020
Hiking on the High Junk Peak Country Trail in Clear Water Bay, you’ll experience a picturesque trail offering incredible 360-degree views of the sea as well as Hong Kong’s eastern neighborhoods. Due to a steep climb up High Junk Peak, it can be a challenging hike. However, give it a try and I think you’ll agree that it’s well worth the effort! Follow this guide for my tips on hiking to High Junk Peak as well as how to get to the trailhead in Clear Water Bay Country Park.
November 24, 2020
Since the end of 2020 is drawing near and international travel still seems like a distant dream, another staycation treat in Hong Kong was in order. For our second staycation, my friend and I chose The Peninsula Hong Kong. This historic hotel on the Kowloon Peninsula is known for its colonial elegance and luxury. Combine that with an incredible staycation + dining package deal and we couldn’t resist! In this post, I’ll share my staycation experience and overall review of The Peninsula Hong Kong.
October 21, 2020
A challenging trail with stunning views, the hike from Discovery Bay to Mui Wo on the Lo Fu Tau Country Trail is a Lantau Island gem. Connecting two of Lantau’s eastern towns, this trail takes you up into the mountains and provides 360-degree views of the South China Sea and Hong Kong. In this guide, I’ll show you the route we took for this amazing Hong Kong hike.
October 13, 2020
Despite living in Hong Kong for almost three years, until recently, I still hadn’t been to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Sha Tin. A few weeks ago, Jeremy and I decided to fix that and take a day trip up to Sha Tin to explore. In this post, I’ll share our day trip itinerary, as well as what to expect when visiting the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery.
September 1, 2020
As 2020 crawls along, the coronavirus continues to make international travel difficult. If you’re used to traveling frequently, you probably agree with me that it’s been strange to be stuck at home for so long. A couple weeks ago, a friend and I decided to break out of our routines with a staycation at the Mandarin Oriental in Central Hong Kong! I’ll share our experience so you can decide whether this is a treat you’d like to try for yourself!
July 21, 2020
One of the great things about Hong Kong is the abundance of natural beauty and greenery surrounding the city. It makes getting a workout in nature easy! But with all the hiking trails you could explore, it’s difficult to choose which one to do. Here’s a list of 10 gorgeous hikes that I recommend in Hong Kong for a great workout!
June 23, 2020
Hiking from High Island Reservoir East Dam to Sai Wan Beach is an awesome workout in nature so pristine that you’ll wonder how you can still be in Hong Kong. With sweeping views of the High Island Reservoir, the South China Sea, and the hills of Sai Kung’s East Country Park, you’ll have plenty to admire as you make your way over the sun-drenched trail. Follow my hiking guide for tips on how to have the best day on this beautiful Hong Kong hike!
June 9, 2020
What better way to end the week than with a local craft beer? This past Friday, I decided to visit Moonzen Brewery in Kwun Tong, a neighborhood on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. For craft beer lovers, this is the perfect spot to spend the evening catching up with friends while sampling a variety of Moonzen’s delicious brews! In this post, I’ll show you how to get there and give you a few tips on visiting the brewery.
May 11, 2020
The Chi Ma Wan Peninsula on the southeastern side of Lantau Island has roughly 18 km of hiking trails on it and provides a nice escape from Hong Kong Island. Though some could probably hike that in one day, we chose to hike a shorter loop trail instead. In this hiking guide, I’ll be sharing our ~6.5 km (4 mi) loop hike on the Chi Ma Wan Peninsula.
April 16, 2020
The Ling Kok Shan loop hike from Sok Kwu Wan is a perfect afternoon hike on Lamma Island. With beautiful views and interesting rock formations along the way, it’s a lovely way to work off that big seafood lunch! Or, just to work up a sweat before relaxing on a secluded beach. Come with me and I’ll show you how to get to Ling Kok Shan and what to expect on this gorgeous hike!
March 28, 2020
Sitting here on this overcast Saturday in my apartment in Hong Kong, I can’t help but reflect on this past month – surely one of the craziest of my life. Currently I’m on day 3 of my compulsory COVID-19 home quarantine. I’m wearing a wristband to track my location and I’m not allowed to leave my apartment. It’s a weird feeling.
March 13, 2020
Unspoiled and remote Ham Tin Beach in Sai Kung is a great escape from the crowds in Hong Kong. Hike through green hills with views of bright turquoise waters, then end on a pristine beach to relax. This guide will show you how to hike to Ham Tin Beach and includes tips for how to get out to Sai Kung East Country Park.
September 19, 2019
Hong Kong is a city that has it all! Bustling urban markets, beautiful temples, lush wilderness, easily-accessible beaches, and great food. When planning a visit to Hong Kong, I recommend incorporating a little of everything into your itinerary. Not only will this keep you from getting overwhelmed by the densely-populated urban areas, but a diverse itinerary will show you all that Hong Kong has to offer and what makes it such an incredible city.
July 11, 2019
On any visit to Hong Kong, you’ll most likely want to use public transportation at some point. Unlike many of the sprawling metropolises found throughout Asia, Hong Kong is fairly compact. Its size combined with the extensive and reliable public transportation system make it surprisingly easy to get around. This guide complete with a few tips will show you how to use Hong Kong public transportation like a pro!
May 23, 2019
Looking for a different type of junk boat adventure in Hong Kong this year? Why not check out the Soko Islands? These remote islands are located just inside Hong Kong’s southeastern waters. Although once home to a Hakka farming village as well as a community of Vietnamese refugees in the 1990s, the Soko Islands are now deserted. What better way to escape the crowds of Hong Kong than to go to a desert island?
May 2, 2019
As you may know from some of my other posts, Jeremy and I are huge fans of craft beer. We seek it out wherever we go. Moving to Hong Kong, we were sorry to leave the bountiful U.S. craft beer scene behind. However, we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the craft beer scene we’ve found in Hong Kong!
March 28, 2019
If it’s your first trip to Hong Kong, you’re no doubt excited to get into the city and begin sightseeing. But in order to hit the ground running, I’ll share a few key steps you should take at Hong Kong International Airport. These simple things will save you time, plus start you out on your trip feeling ready to take on Hong Kong like a pro!
February 26, 2019
Hong Kong is a major international hub with hundreds of flights passing through it daily, many passengers on their way to another destination. The next time you’re passing through Hong Kong, why not add a long layover to your trip? You might wonder, how much can you really see in 12 hours in Hong Kong?
February 1, 2019
One of the best activities on a beautiful weekend in Hong Kong is to get out of the bustling concrete jungle and take a day trip to the beautiful, laid-back Lamma Island. Only about a 25-minute ferry ride from Central, Hong Kong and you will be transported to a very different world with plenty of hiking paths and beaches to explore.