Hong Kong tips from a HK Girl!
Living in Hong Kong never grows old. However, for the native girl like me, there are times when you want to break from routine and experience something new. There are also times when it is just good fun to play tourist in your home town. The following five ideas are great ways for native HK girls to relax and play a bit!
1) Shopping in Hong Kong
Sure it’s an old standby, but how long has it been since you’ve been to Mong Kok? Fa Yuen Street is one of the best places in HK to buy sportswear and electronic equipment. If you’re a photographer, you will love the camera supplies that are available at reduced prices. Continue on to the Langham Place Mall just a short distance from Mong Kok’s MTR. Causeway Bay, Harbour City – Tsim Sha Tsui, and Elements Mall – West Kowloon are other great shopping areas for HK natives. Remember not to forget your credit cards for Hong Kong citizens so that you can take full advantage of AMEX discounts and rewards on your purchases!
Shopping in Hong Kong
2) Temple Street Night Market
Take your friends and enjoy an evening under the lights at the Temple Street Night Market. A flea market par excellence, Temple Streets is one of the most exciting places to find real bargains in HK. There’s so much to see and eat! Have your fortune told or purchase a cool new gadget, then stop off for a meal on Arthur Street.
3) Ride the Cable Car and Visit Ngong Ping 360
Be a tourist for a day in HK. Enjoy an almost half-hour cable car trip up to one of HKs most popular visitors’ attractions. Located on Lantau Island, you can visit the Po Lin Monastery and the Giant Buddha. What’s more, you can relax and have something to eat at one of the diners or you can go to the Monkey’s Tale Theatre. Just take the Ngong Ping cable car from the Tung Chung Station and get ready for a day filled with adventure.
4) Hit One of Hong Kong’s Beaches!
Summer is one of a Hong Kong girl’s best friends. It’s possible to visit any one of a hundred beaches. (It may be worth renting an apartment near the beach in Cheng Chau.) Or, ride on over to Big Wave Bay, or Tai Long Wan for a little surfing. You might want to visit the Cheung Chau Windsurfing Centre or rent a kayak for the day!
5) Rent a Boat for the Day
If kayaking isn’t quite your style, Aberdeen Boat Club provides sailboat rentals and lessons. Or rent a ‘junk.’ Find a hidden cove and escape for the day, or lease a larger party ‘junk’ for yourself and a couple hundred friends! If you’re into power-boating, check out the ‘Black Mamba’ for the thrill of the season!
If these five suggestions haven’t quite got your attention, maybe a day spa, beach volleyball, a helicopter ride or paragliding are more your style. Whatever you choose, get out there and have some serious fun!
I’m in Guatemala backpacking at the moment by the way and hope to have more stories to come soon!
