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Travelling may seem like an outlandish idea during a pandemic. It’s been a year since most Filipinos had the chance to hop on a plane to fly to a destination.
Your travel bucket list might have already doubled by this time, with places that you have yet to discover and those that you would just like to visit again. If you’re still working on it, now is a good time to include Hong Kong in your list.
The city is the ideal international stop for Filipinos for a number of reasons: it’s only two hours away from Manila, filled with affordable and luxury shopping options, abound with cool neighborhoods that are Instagram-worthy, and boasts a plethora of foodie destinations.
Leisure travel has yet to open again, but while waiting, why not go on a virtual trip to Hong Kong for now? Spend a day in the city by following this itinerary packed with 360-degree videos showing the best places to visit and activities to do.
Enjoy the great outdoors
No, we’re not talking about the urban jungle that Hong Kong is most known for.
It only takes a 45-minute minibus ride from Central Hong Kong to see the other side of the paved and busy streets of the city. In its eastern part lies the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, home to the hexagonal rock columns in the Sai Kung peninsula and the sedimentary rock formations in the northeast New Territories region.
The Geopark has lots to offer, from the stunning rare acidic polygonal volcanic rock columns of High Island to the scenic Double Haven. Get your fill of wonder here and learn all about the diverse geological heritage and ecological habitats and wildlife of Hong Kong, and what the local communities are doing to preserve them.
Land and boat tours are available for visitors to explore the geosites.
Have a hearty lunch in Kowloon City
Head back to the city to get a taste of the diverse cuisine that Hong Kong offers. What better place to go to than Kowloon City for a proper food trip?
Hong Kong makes a good foodie destination not only because of its rich local food, but also of the diverse cuisines available in the city. Kowloon City is a testament to that, as the district is touted as a mecca for culinary explorers due to its wide variety of food options.
Looking for a legit Hong Kong dining experience? Hot pot is the way to go. Fong Wing Kee Hot Pot Restaurant is worth visiting because of its spicy broth and quality beef. End this communal dining experience with a trip to Hoover Cake Shop for old school pastries, which include the Hong Kong favorite egg tart.
If you’re craving other cuisines, Kowloon City has restaurants that sell Thai food, Japanese cuisine, halal-certified options, and more. You’re definitely spoilt for choice in this foodie heaven.
Take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour
When in Hong Kong, it’s a must to see Victoria Harbour with your own eyes. Make the moment extra special by getting on the Star Ferry and crossing Victoria Harbour to reach Hong Kong Island.
Victoria Harbour is home to most of the ports of Hong Kong, making it a busy place, day and night. Star Ferries, cruise liners, cargo ships, and wooden fishing vessels all gather here, so there is never a dull minute in the area.
Explore the urban jungle that is Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island is the epitome of a concrete jungle.
There’s no shortage of Instagram-worthy skyscrapers in this part of the city, whether you’re in the residential eastern district, historical western district or the busy central area. Wherever you are in Hong Kong Island, you’ll find yourself looking up and admiring the urban jungle around you.
While you’re in the area, you can take a photo walk through Quarry Bay, see the old and new Hong Kong in Kennedy Town or make the most out of the big shopping areas in Central.
There are a lot of other cool neighborhoods to explore, even beyond Hong Kong Island. Others that are worth visiting include Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po, Lamma Island, Tsuen Wan, and more.
Get the best of both worlds at Victoria Peak
You’ve seen both of Hong Kong’s natural and man-made wonders — now it’s time to see them dovetail.
Nothing beats the views at Victoria Peak, which gives spectators stunning glimpses of the city skyline embraced by the mountains. You can catch the best views any time of the day from the Peak, but note that witnessing the golden hour from that vantage point is simply magical.
Take a Ding Ding Tram ride
The party begins when the sun sets in Hong Kong.
Start the night with booking a ride on the iconic double decker Hong Kong Tramways, which locals call Ding Ding. It earned its moniker because of the double bell ring that notifies pedestrians of its arrival.
It’s an affordable and fun way to see Hong Kong and its nightlife up close.
Watch the city lights
You’ll never run out of things to do in Hong Kong, even at nighttime. You can get a nightcap in one of the many bars in Lan Kwai Fong or shop at the K11 MUSEA where the mall looks like a giant art installation, waiting to be admired.
But if you’re looking for a fun time without breaking the bank, you can always sit by the Victoria Harbour and admire the iconic Hong Kong city light pulsating across the skyline.
Travelling may not yet be available for most Filipinos now, but you can head to this page to feed your wanderlust — or longing for Hong Kong — while you’re safely at home.
See more 360-degree videos of Hong Kong’s gems at Discover Hong Kong. — Rappler.com
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