Hong Kong Travel Guide

This was my third time visiting Hong Kong, but before this trip, I still felt like I’ve never really done anything during my previous visits than check out Disneyland Hong Kong and eat noodles. So this time, I made sure that I took time to make an itinerary for my third and probably last visit in a long time. Cause you know, my list of places to go keeps getting longer.

I completely overlooked the weather forecast when I booked our flights. My friends Jules and Ray have just gotten back from Hong Kong and I was told it was scorching hot. It was not as hot as I expected it to be when we landed but it was raining! Which I think was worse. -_-

We landed at 7PM at Hong Kong International Airport. And from what I remember, Hong Kong has one of the most reliable train system in the world, if not the best! So we took the train and made our way to our hotel. No trip is complete without us getting lost, so of course, we went out of the wrong station and just decided to walk to the hotel, which seemed close looking at Google maps but apparently not so much. We were sweating and my hands started hurting from carrying my suitcase and bags. I honestly need to get better at packing light.

How relieved and happy we were when we finally saw our hotel sign – Shangri-la. It was a beacon of hope at the moment. Kowloon Shangri-la is a luxury 5-star hotel that is located in the heart of the lively Tsim Sha Tsui district. After a speedy check in, we were escorted to our room where we were greeted by a beautiful view of the harbor with all the city lights as well as fresh fruit basket and a goodie bag. We forgot how tired we were after these rewards.

Another beautiful hotel to check out in Hong Kong is EAST Hong Kong. It is located in Taikoo Shing and literally just next to the MTR station. The hotel is very stylish and the room views are to die for as well. You can tell we’re all about that views!

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What we loved about both hotels are that they are really close to the MTR stations. When you are tired exploring the whole day, it’s nice to know that after you get off the train on your station, you can just walk straight to the hotel rather than walking a mile again. Both hotels offer a variety of breakfast options, and because we’re in Hong Kong, we made sure not to miss out on dim sum. And the best thing about them? You guessed it, the views! Johnrick and I would literally just explore and go back to the hotel and stare out the window to relax before we get ready to go out again.

 

When we say Hong Kong, we immediately think of foodie heaven but did you know that aside from all the good eats, it is also a photographer’s favorite? The impressive architecture, beautiful wall arts and amazing night lights also capture the hearts of a lot of photographers and instagrammers alike.

 

Here are my TOP 5 MUST VISIT HONG KONG SPOTS:

1. MONSTER BUILDING – I had confusion as to what the real name of this building is. I have always known it as Montane Mansion but when I got to the hotel and talked to some Hong Kong residents, they referred to it as Yick Cheong Building or Yick Fat Building. I made some research and thanks to google, I found enlightenment. Located in Eastern Hong Kong, this complex is composed of five connecting structures: Oceanic Mansion, Fook Cheong Building, Montane Mansion, Yick Cheong Building, and Yick Fat Building. You can easily see why this is popular to photographers and instagrammers. The clustered building make for a cool backdrop. Fun fact: this place is 10 minutes walk from EAST Hong Kong, how convenient, right? So after taking a nap, we walked here during sunset and we were lucky enough that there were probably just 4 other people trying to take photos and because it just rained, the complex was deserted.
   

2. BRAEMAR HILL HIKE – This is one of the most unforgettable moments we had in Hong Kong. We found a detailed direction online on how to get to the start of the hike. Unfortunately, once we got there, we didn’t know which way to go to get to the trail. After asking few locals, we were able to find our way to the actual hike. We found the viewing point and started taking some photos when it started raining hard. Good thing it has been rainy in Hong Kong so we got ready and brought an umbrella. But between the two of us and the backpacks that we were carrying, we decided to save the bags and the cameras and gears inside. The result, we were soaking wet. But still, I think the photos that we were able to take show just how beautiful the view is. It was foggy, but I bet it was even more beautiful when the sky is clear and you can see all the buildings.

*I later on found a very helpful guide in case you plan on going in the future.

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3. CHOI HUNG ESTATES – located in Wong Tai Sin district in Kowloon, this place is popular due to its striking backdrop. “Choi Hung” in Chinese means rainbow so it only makes sense to name this place as such. Don’t be fooled by our photos, this place is packed. We went twice and both times, there were a lot of people trying to take a shot with the colorful building as the backdrop. I personally liked the colorful floor more.

 

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4. INSTAGRAM PIER – located at the Western District of Hong Kong Island, its official name is Western District Public Cargo but it has been popular on instagram that they gave it a nickname. To get here, take the Island Line to Kennedy Town and get off HKU Station. Exit B2 and walk about 10 mins to the actual pier. The pier is the perfect spot for watching sunset while looking at Hong Kong’s skyline.

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5. SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE – located in Sham Shui Po, it is the first public housing in Hong Kong. The colors and structure of the buildings are the perfect backdrop for that urban shot.

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FOR GOOD EATS:

Try to go to Yum Cha Cafe even just to try their buns. They are super cute but pretty pricey. It’s almost 7 USD for 3 pieces of buns. Check out my Hong Kong Highlights in my instagram stories to see these cuties.

Temple Street Night Market has a lot of local restaurants too aside from being a shopping spot. We sat in one of the restaurants and ordered local food like chicken feet, while people watching.

We met up with Cici of Black Coral for a dinner in a Vietnamese and Thai fusion restaurant in Causeway Bay called Minh & Kok. JR and I thought their food was really good.

Oddies Foodies is a very good dessert place offering egg waffle desserts on a different level.

 

 

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