11 Unusual Things to see and do in Hong Kong

The mention of Hong Kong brings to mind a bustling metropolis perfect for shopping and fine dining, yet Hong Kong is so much more. Go beyond the city boasting the most sky scrapers in the world and you’ll find jaw dropping scenery, sparkling clear blue waters and hidden beaches just waiting to be explored. A combination of world cultures makes for a dynamic and tourist friendly city. But don’t get caught up in the usual tourist hot spots, think like a local and get off the beaten track with these unique memories just waiting to be made…

Po Lin Monastery – To become one with yourself

A drawcard for foreigners as much as it is for the locals, this sacred site began as a small temple built in 1924. Growing in size over the years and with the addition of the world’s largest Big Buddha, albeit atop 268 steps so wear comfy shoes, this site now attracts those looking to send prayers and stay in touch with their traditions.  Easy to access via a cable car ride lasting around 25 minutes from nearby Tung Chung town centre. The onsite vegetarian restaurant is highly recommended with affordable delicacies and aromatic teas. With hiking available to the nearby Ngong Ping Trail it can be turned into a full day activity, ending with a sunset over Mount Muk Yue. The recently added Hall of 10,000 Buddha’s is another must-see with a sacred bell rung 108 times per day said to heal all manner of vexations, so if a travel argument breaks out this is the place to go!

Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, http://www.plm.org.hk/eng/visitors.php

Noah’s Ark – Perfect for families with kids.

Easily accessed from a range of public transport options, with Ferry being the easiest, from the International airport or Hong Kong Island accommodation directly, this life size replica of Noah’s Ark is 450 feet long and 75 feet wide and forms the epicentre of this incredible theme park. Give yourself at least half a day as the ark is part of the wider Ma Wan Park complex, and full of life sized animal replicas to amaze the young and old. With a sea food buffet onsite, setting you back around $50 Australian, and surrounded by the views from Tung Wan Beach this is certainly a unique family outing.

Tip – Despite the Western influences there are noticeable Asian trends here. In this case, not all Hong Kong restaurants provide napkins so it helps to carry round a small packet of your own when visiting the buffet here.

Noah’s Ark, 33 Pak Yan Rd, Ma Wan, Hong Kong http://www.noahsark.com.hk/eng/index.jsp

Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree – To Bring some Luck into your Life

A fairly plain looking tree amidst the 26 villages of Lam Tsuen, nothing special right? Apart from the fact it is believed to grant wishes. Local legend states that the tree grants wishes every time red bundles of paper are caught in its branches, which draws travellers looking to add a bundle of their own, or “josses”, and make a wish. Local street vendors also sell ‘tong chung beng’ which is made of pulled sugar covered in coconut and sesame and wrapped in a crepe and is well worth the trip there.

Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, New Territories

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/au/see-do/culture-heritage/chinese-temples/lam-tsuen-wishing-tree.jsp

Lung Yeuk Heritage Trail – To get the Blood Pumping

This 4.5 kilometre hiking trek is perfect for those looking to explore the beauty of Hong Kong. The path leads you through the villages of the ancient Tang clan, in varying states of preservation, which only adds to the historical value. One of 3 main historical walks designed by the Government there are eight ancient walled villages and four other major monuments along the way. Mix the hike with some of the local street vendor steamed buns for even better value.

Lung Yeuk Tau, Tai Po District, New Territories East, Hong Kong

http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/see-do/culture-heritage/historical-sites/chinese/lung-yeuk-tau-heritage-trail.jsp

GuGuSoy Bean Curd Factory – To try Tofu Pudding

Recently designated one of Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritages, Tofu Pudding tastes far better than it sounds (just trust us on that one). Traditional methods craft your dessert here based on knowledge of a product first discovered in 202BCE so says legend. You can choose from sweet or savoury additives with sweet ginger and clear syrup popular, although it pairs well with red bean soup and coconut milk too. Healthy, delicious and organic, a trip to Hong Kong isn’t complete without a Tofu Pudding taste test.

Lot 1049, DD 95, E-2A Ho Sheung Heung.

Jumbo Kingdom Boat – Dine in Style on the Waves

Water front restaurants are nothing new, but restaurants on the water? Hong Kong does it in style. Since 1976 this huge eatery, in the shape of a monumental floating boat, has been moored in Aberdeen Harbour. You can access the boat via a free shuttle from Aberdeen pier, just don’t expect to move around the harbour as the Imperial Chinese façade is designed to stay put. The main attraction on board are its seafood dishes, with over 100 to choose from.  Spectacular by night, modern and a true cultural attraction of the city.

Tip – If time is on your side check out the famed cooking academy onboard the Jumbo Kingdom Boat to take the tastes of Hong Kong back home with you.

Shum Wan Pier Drive, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong

http://www.jumbokingdom.com/eng/main.php

Mongkok Computer Centre – For the Tech Geek

The go to destination for all things technological in Hong Kong, in the form of a dominating 3 story building. Get lost in the high-tech gear on show, whether you’re looking for a bargain or just window shopping the day away, with prices competitive. It can get a little crowded after work hours, but that just means the locals know it’s a good deal too, so you can feel confident you’re onto a winner.

Tip – If you’re travelling with a girlfriend or wife the famous ladies market is a well-known open air market right next door.

8-8A Nelson St, Hong Kong

Lamma Island – Paradise Found

Located just 3km from the Hong Kong Main Island, this paradise is all but unspoiled with only a few modern technologies built. Granite peaks and tropical scenes frame rural villages where the influences of the Western world meet the East. Relaxing, quiet and on a completely different wavelength to Hong Kong city centre, this is your escape from the crowds and your entrance into paradise.

Lamma is served by ferries from Central Pier 4 on Hong Kong Island and from Aberdeen on the south side of Hong Kong Island. There are separate services to both of the main villages on the island, Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan

http://www.lamma.com.hk/

Wan Chai Ghost Tours – Explore the Darkness Beyond the Lights

By day the Wan Chai district is a maelstrom of movement, by night its spooky history comes alive. These 2 hour ghost tours cost around $35 Australian and explore the history of the area, from makeshift mortuaries under Japanese occupation to collateral damage inflicted during World War Two, this is a great way to get the blood pumping as you walk the city. Operating after dark, from 7pm onwards, it’s a good idea to book first due to their popularity.

Wan Chai MTR Station, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

http://www.liuda.com.hk/wanchai-haunted-tour/

Tim Ho Wan Dumpling House – The World’s Cheapest Michelin Star Meal

A Hong Kong highlight not to be missed, the simple façade of this otherwise ordinary dumpling house is actually the world’s cheapest Michelin star restaurant. The queues might remind you of waiting in a theme park ride line but that’s just a sign of the quality on offer. The fact that head chef Mak Pui Gor has left prices low despite the quality adds amazing value.

Tip – Try the Char Siu Bau, or Pork Buns. Selling upwards of 750 per day you’ll pay less than $18 AUD for a meal known worldwide.

Shop 8, 2-20 Kwong Wa Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong

http://www.timhowan.com/

Tai Cheong Bakery – For History Approved Egg Tarts

The last ever British governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten, was a huge fan of this bakery and with the locals continuing the love fest you’ll be onto a winner. Great value for money means you’ll only be paying around $10-$30 Hong Kong Dollars, which works out to around $2-$5 Australian. Smooth, creamy and with a crumbly crust they are widely known as the ‘King of Egg Tarts’. It’s not always easy to find a local eatery that will impress your friends when you get home, this one will.

35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong

http://www.taoheung.com.hk/en/brands/tai_cheong_bakery/index_p_2.html

Whether you’re looking to shop all night, expand your palate or blend in with the locals, Hong Kong has it all. Reminders of its British colonial past mix with modern Chinese culture to create a true World City. Public transport is available and easy to understand while English is used widely, with street signs often bilingual. The perfect destination for families, couples or singles. As the gateway to the rest of Asia, with Cathay Pacific servicing routes in and out of Hong Kong, you’ve got the perfect launching pad to continue your adventures if and when the travel bug bites.

About the author: Back in 2012, Ben Sparter gave up his daily corporate job to experience wanderlust. He has visited more than 30 countries and always tries to see things off the beaten path. When Ben isn’t hiking in remote parts of South America or island hoping in South East Asia, he is working to help other travellers and aspiring nomads to travel on a dime. Though he is rarely there for long, he still calls Sydney, Australia home.