Feeling cooped up at home during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) scare? Deciding what your itinerary should look like if you visit Hong Kong right now? This guide has your Hong Kong travel to-do list covered.
Coronavirus worries have thrown a wrench into many travel plans. While we believe in social distancing as the government promotes, we also like to stay positive and focus on things you can still do if you’re in town.
Note: Before deciding on a trip to Hong Kong or planning your activities, remember to take a look at latest updates on the coronavirus situation.
Go hiking
Often overshadowed by its urban landscape, Hong Kong’s nature offers a scenic and relaxing escape from the crowded streets.
Thanks to Hong Kong’s hilly landscape, it means that you’re often only a short ride or walk from the nearest trail.
Some of our favourite easy trails include:
- the Aberdeen Tree Walk (only a 10-minute walk from downtown Aberdeen)
- the Victoria Peak hike
- Hong Kong Trail from Tai Tam Road to To Tei Wan (also check out the nearby Dragon’s Back route)
If you’re up for a challenge, however, the first two sections of MacLehose Trail will take you along the beautiful coastline of Hong Kong. The first section is a three-hour hike from Pak Tam Chung to Long Ke, one of the most beautiful beaches (non-swimming) in Hong Kong. The second section is a challenging five-hour trek that goes from Long Ke to another beautiful beach Sai Wan.
Hong Kong’s government-run website on hiking trails is very useful resource for finding information about each of those routes.
Enjoy crazy dining deals
$1 breakfast
Novotel Century Hong Kong is offering a HK$1.00 breakfast buffet to guests staying at the hotel.
Dim sum deals
Until February 29, 2020, the award-winning Chinese restaurant YUÈ is offering a 15% discount for lunch and a 20% discount for dinner (off the a la carte menus).
YUÈ isn’t the only dim sum restaurant upping its delivery game. Ding Dim 1968 is offering 15% off its dim sum menu and is also giving out a free dessert for each order.
Hong Kong Restaurant Week
Hong Kong Restaurant Week is back from February 27 to March 8, 2020. The recurring 11-day feasting fest allows diners to snatch up special meal discounts around Hong Kong. Participating restaurants will offer a time-based set menu starting from HK$148.00/person, giving visitors a chance to try pricier menus at an affordable price.
Island hopping
For a relaxed day in nature, venture out to one of the smaller islets around Hong Kong.
You can easily get to Mui Wo (on Lantau Island) and Peng Chau from Central Pier. Both small seaside towns offer homely bistros, idle beaches and centuries-old temples to visit.
You can also hop on a motorboat from Sai Kung to small uninhabited islands off the eastern coast of Hong Kong.
Sharp Island is a scenic islet inside Hong Kong UNESCO-listed Geopark. Boats depart regularly from Sai Kung Pier. You can get a ticket from one of the few booths set up along the pier, usually staffed by a hat-wearing auntie. Hap Mun Beach, or Half Moon Beach, is right next to the pier.
Tap Mun Island is another great island getaway in Hong Kong. The hillside lawn around the Hilltop Pavilion is a great sea-viewing picnic location. Just watch out for local cattles who may want to join your party.
Temple visits
While some public facilities and attractions are closed, many temples stay open.
Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple is a unique home for three religions: Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. It’s one of the most popular temples in Hong Kong.
Man Mo Temple, a heritage-listed temple, in Sheung Wan and Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Shatin are two other colourful temples you should visit.
If you want to avoid the crowd, you can opt for Tsz Shan Temple. The relatively new Buddhist temple isn’t a tourist attraction, it’s a tranquil spot to learn more about Buddhism and practicing meditations. The temple has a daily visitor quota, and you can register for free online. There are also classes on meditations and Buddhism wisdoms (mostly in Cantonese) regularly.
Alfresco drinking
In addition to some nice, fresh air, it’s always more fun to drink on a rooftop or a terrace.
Check out some of our favourite rooftop and patio bars on Hong Kong Island side.
Alfresco bars like Ben’s Back Bar at Shek O beach, the Island Bar on Lamma Island, and Momentai in Sai Kung serve reasonably priced drinks with an “island escape” vibe.
You can also be a real cheapo and bring your own drinks to beaches and public rooftops around Hong Kong, too.
Join a walking tour
Streets that may have inspired Blade Runner along with skyscrapers that are stars in their own right in many blockbusters are still “open”.
Take advantage of the less-crowded streets now and wander around to admire the unique cityscape of Hong Kong.
Follow our architect’s guide to the vanishing modern architecture of Hong Kong.
