Hey there, fellow adventurers – if you’re exploring Hong Kong, you’re in for an exciting journey!
Join me as I take you on a journey through the vibrant streets and captivating sights of Hong Kong.
This city has undergone tremendous changes since my last trip nearly 30 years ago, and I’m thrilled to explore its new offerings with you.
To kickstart our adventure, we booked our flight with Cathay Pacific.
This allowed us to check in two luggage bags weighing 23kg each, which ensured we had enough space to bring back souvenirs and mementos from our trip.
Before flying, we took care of essential arrangements by booking our hotel accommodations, obtaining an Octopus card for seamless transportation, and securing travel insurance online.
These preparations streamlined our journey and allowed us to focus on soaking in the sights and experiences that Hong Kong offers.
So, buckle up, Buttercup, and prepare for an unforgettable journey as we rediscover the wonders of Hong Kong together!
Day 1 – Friday
After settling into The Kowloon Hotel Hong Kong, we wasted no time delving into the city’s culinary delights.
The hotel’s prime location in Tsim Sha Tsui was the perfect launchpad for our gastronomic adventures.
Boasting modern amenities and warm hospitality made us feel at ease and ready to explore.
We hopped on the MRT to Jordan for dinner that evening, eager to sample the local flavors.
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Shing Kee Congee Noodle
Our destination was Shing Kee Congee Noodle, a cozy eatery renowned for its comforting bowls of congee and flavorful noodles.
Each spoonful was a tribute to Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage, leaving us craving more.
Australia Dairy Company (澳洲牛奶公司)
We headed to Australia Dairy Company, a traditional Hong Kong cha chaan teng.
Australia Dairy Company also specializes in steamed milk pudding and custard dishes.
Whatever you choose, make sure you order fast, eat fast and leave fast
Energized by our delicious dessert, we were ready to continue our exploration; we made our way to the iconic Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade.
“1881 Heritage”
Positioned centrally on Canton Road, “1881 Heritage” lies at the heart of the Tsim Sha Tsui cultural and shopping district.
Surrounded by landmarks like the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong Space Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art, and Kowloon Park.
It’s easily accessible via various public transport modes such as the MTR, ferry, and bus.
Its proximity to our hotel, just a half block away, made it incredibly convenient for us to explore.
The promenade unfolded before us, offering panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline.
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Each corner revealed a new spectacle, from the glittering skyscrapers to the historic Star Ferry Pier, creating a visual feast for the eyes that left an indelible impression on our minds.
Day 2 – Saturday
After a restful sleep, with tummies growling, we headed out for Saturday morning brought a delightful breakfast adventure.
Jordan, Hong Kong named after a road of the same name in the district.
Parkes Street has become quite a ‘foodie street.’
We found a feast of fish balls at 香港仔魚蛋王 Aberdeen Fish Ball King at Bowring Street.
This local favorite is renowned for its flavorful fish balls and seafood delicacies, making it a must-visit for any food enthusiast.
We embarked on the longest MTR ride of our Hong Kong trip to meet our other friends!
From Jordan, we took the Tsuen Wan Line (red line) to Hong Kong Station, then continued our journey on the Tung Chung Line (brown line).
The view from the Tung Chung Line was breathtaking as the train ran alongside the sea.
From there, we embarked on a spiritual journey to Ngong Ping via the Ngong Ping cable car.
The 25-minute ride passed by Tung Chung Bay, Lantau Island, and the Ngong Ping Plateau.
Ngong Ping Cable Car Ngong Ping Station
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride is renowned as one of the world’s most amazing experiences.
It connects downtown Tung Chung and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, adopting a safe and reliable bi-cable ropeway, making it the first of its kind in Hong Kong.
The journey starts from Tung Chung, crossing Tung Chung Bay to reach the angle station on Airport Island before turning 60 degrees towards North Lantau.
As the gondola glided above lush mountains and serene waters, we were awed and felt a sense of peace and tranquility.
The breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes were genuinely awe-inspiring.
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB)
Looking down, we felt excited, knowing we would take the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) in a few days.
HZMB connects major cities in the Pearl River Delta within a three-hour commute from Hong Kong.
It takes only 40 minutes to travel the approximately 42km from Hong Kong Port to Zhuhai Port and Macao Port.
Tian Tan Buddha
Upon reaching Ngong Ping Village on Lantau Island in Hong Kong, we made our pilgrimage to the majestic Big Buddha – a symbol of peace and enlightenment.
The iconic statue stands 34 meters and offers a glimpse into Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage.
Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is a massive bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, which was completed in 1993
The Big Buddha statue is near Po Lin Monastery, symbolizing the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and faith.
It is a significant center of Buddhism in Hong Kong and a popular tourist attraction.
The experience of visiting Tian Tan Buddha is highly weather-dependent.
As it was the Qingming Festival, we observed a memorial for famed Canto-pop queen Anita Mui adorned with flowers, allowing the public to pay respects.
Jasmine (Tung Chung)
After our spiritual adventure, we returned to Tung Chung and soon satisfied our hunger with a mouthwatering meal at Jasmine restaurant.
This charming eatery specializes in Cantonese cuisine.
It serves a delicious array of traditional, fragrant stir-fries dishes, and every bite is a delight to the senses.
Citygate Outlets, Tung Chung North, Hong Kong.
With full stomachs, we were ready to indulge in retail therapy.
This shopping destination offers something for everyone, from luxury brands to outlet stores.
After browsing the latest trends and must-have items, we didn’t shop much as the outlets were small and packed.
Instead, we returned to the hotel for a short rest before heading out again.
聚興家 Ju Xing Home
Ju Xing Home is a popular late-night dining spot in Hong Kong, known for its authentic Cantonese cuisine and lively atmosphere.
Frequented by top chefs and celebrities like Raymond Lam, Alan Tam, and Bosco Wong.
It has earned a reputation as a must-visit supper destination.
Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on our side that night, as we didn’t spot any celebrities during our dinner.
Nonetheless, we concluded the day with a delightful Michelin Bib Gourmand dinner at Ju Xing Home.
Day 3 – Sunday
On our final day in Hong Kong, we headed out separately to explore Hong Kong.
I caught up with a good friend and his young daughter.
We had a leisurely breakfast, then caught up with my other friends who ascended to The Peak via the iconic Peak Tram.
The journey for them was a thrill, with the tram climbing steep slopes and navigating sharp bends.
They recounted their experience of reaching the summit, greeted by the cool weather and panoramic views of the city skyline, breathtaking scenery, and surrounding landscapes.
Kam’s Roast Goose
Kam’s Roast Goose is a Guangdong-style restaurant renowned for its Chinese BBQ meats, with their signature dish being roasted goose.
We gathered at Kam’s Roast Goose for lunch, eager to indulge in their renowned cuisine.
This acclaimed One Michelin-starred restaurant is celebrated for its succulent roast goose and delectable Cantonese delicacies.
Despite joining a lengthy queue of 30 people, the wait proved worthwhile.
Every dish showcased a masterful blend of flavors and textures, leaving us craving more.
After lunch, we retreated to the luxurious Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers for a relaxing afternoon tea.
The view of the harbor provided the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Sam Hui Concert 2024 – Hong Kong Coliseum
We rested, then at sunset, headed to the PLAY HARD, SING HARD LIVE 2024 concert by Cantopop legend Sam Hui at Hong Kong Coliseum.
Sam Hui, born September 6, 1948, is a Hong Kong musician, singer, songwriter, and actor credited with popularizing Cantopop.
He blends Western-style music with Cantonese lyrics that tackle contemporary issues.
Known as the “God of Song,” he became Cantopop’s first major superstar.
Additionally, Hui gained fame as an actor, notably portraying the main character “King Kong” in five installments of the Aces Go Places film series.
Fans united in song, filling the air with energy and excitement, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration.
What an incredible weekend it has been!
Hong Kong has left an indelible mark on our hearts, from savoring local delicacies to soaking in the vibrant culture.
Until next time, happy travels!
Look out for Part 2 (Macau) and Part 3 (Guangzhou)
Travel Tips: The Peak is weather-dependent (the same goes with the Ngong Ping Cable Car)
Blog Disclosure: This blog is independently written, with no compensation received in the form of free meals, monetary payment, or services from any featured establishments. The content reflects the Editor’s and her friends’ personal experiences exploring Hong Kong for their holiday.
