Long favoured as a rest stop on the journey to Europe or North America, the city of Hong Kong is now being rediscovered by Australian travellers as a rich and vibrant holiday destination in its own right With its storied history and melting pot of nationalities and cultures, “Asia’s world city” offers all the excitement of a bustling metropolis with unbeatable shopping, lively nightlife and incredible food.
If the great outdoors are more your pace, there’s no shortage of tree-lined bays with beautiful swimming beaches, forest hikes and more. In Hong Kong, there’s never a dull moment!
Out and about
A visit to Hong Kong isn’t complete without a ride on the famous Star Ferry. Linking Kowloon and Hong Kong Island both day and night, it’s well worth a trip after dark to catch the impressive light show! With a 552m elevation, Victoria Peak rises spectacularly up over the city. The Peak – as it’s locally referred to – offers jaw-dropping vistas of the dense city below with its dazzling skyscrapers fringed by waterways and forests.
On the Sky Terrace observation deck, soak in 360-degree views before grabbing a refreshment at The Peak Lookout restaurant, a historic cottage that promises cool mountain breezes on its rear patio.
Still feeling energetic? Try one of the paved nature walks that loop the mountain, affording you postcard-like glimpses across the glittering sea to the leafy neighbouring islands.
Shop til you drop
When it comes to retail therapy, bargain hunting or window shopping, Hong Kong has you covered! From the gleaming and air-conditioned IFC mall in Central, where every major brand and label is present in eye-popping style, to the sprawling Horizon Plaza outlet mall, a 28-storey fashion and homewares mecca offering all your favourites at bargain prices, this city is the stuff of fashion fairy tales.
For a more local experience, haggle with vendors at Hong Kong’s thriving outdoor options, such as the Ladies Market in Mong Kok (where everyone’s welcome!), or go on a treasure hunt for vintage souvenirs and unique finds at the Cat Street flea markets in the Sheung Wan antique district.
Wine and dine
Around every corner a world of delicious cuisines and cocktails awaits! Climb to the third floor of the Tai Kwun heritage compound and be rewarded with a taste of colonial grandeur combined with contemporary Chinese flair at Madame Fù. Grab a seat beneath the gentle waft of fans on the Red and Blue Verandahs overlooking Tai Kwun’s Parade Ground and sample the delicious Cantonese menu!
For some of the best casual bites, try buzzy Peel Street in SoHo where you’ll find the likes of Francis West, a cosy spot offering North African flavours designed for sharing. Whether kicking your night off or wrapping things up – drop by one of Hong Kong’s newest hot spots, Bar Leone, the home of classic cocktails and delectable nibbles in an authentic Italian local bar setting.
Art and culture
Surrounded by lush gardens, perched right on the water in the city’s new West Kowloon Cultural District, the M+ museum and gallery is home to world-class travelling exhibitions as well as four permanent collections showcasing design, modern art, fashion and architecture – it even has a cinema and a casual waterside restaurant.
As you soak in all the creativity, you’ll be rewarded with frequent glimpses across the harbour to the impressive Hong Kong skyline and Victoria Peak. One of the largest visual culture collections in the world, the museum is an architectural wonder in itself, especially when lit up at night, featuring a 100m facade with terracotta cladding and LED panels.
The great outdoors
Hong Kong is better known for its soaring towers and busy streets, but one of its greatest secrets is its incredible natural beauty! This metropolis is scattered across 263 islands with countless hidden bays and lush green forests. If you’re feeling adventurous, you’re spoilt for choice with swimming, hiking and boating adventures possible throughout the year.
Only moments from Hong Kong Island’s gleaming commercial centre lies Repulse Bay with its golden sands, calm seas and an abundance of trendy eateries, cool coffee shops and colourful shopping opportunities. A haven for those wanting a quick reprieve from the hubbub of high-rise life, this swimming spot is a favourite of locals and visitors alike. Soak up the colonial grandeur and delicious drinks at Madame Fù.
A little luxury
Celebrating its 60th birthday in 2023, the original Mandarin Oriental (MOHK) is one of the most historic hotels on Hong Kong Island, combining Oriental heritage with contemporary luxury. Famed for its nine restaurants and bars, legendary service and lavish suites, MOHK is a must for your bucket list as a guest or a visitor.
Perched at the top of the 25-floor hotel is the iridescent blue Michelin-starred restaurant, Man Wah. This Cantonese offering specialises in delicious dim sum, a Hong Kong classic, served against a backdrop of uninterrupted harbour views. Equally as beautiful but offering a stylish change of pace is The Aubrey. This swish cocktail bar and eatery is recognised as one of ‘Asia’s 50 Best Bars’ and serves a Japanese- inspired menu set amongst eclectic décor and great music.
After taking in all the excitement of Hong Kong, there is no better place to pamper yourself than the award-winning MO Spa. Recognised by both locals and hotel guests as one of the best, this haven of tranquillity spans three floors of the hotel. For the weary traveller recently off a long-haul flight or just in from sightseeing, the MOHK signature facial is guaranteed to refresh, rejuvenate and reignite your sense of adventure!
To book, visit The Mandarin Oriental for more information.
